Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A micropipette which allows in situ perfusion of arterioles and capillaries.

In order to investigate capillary physiology, a glass micropipette system was developed that allowed in situ perfusion of microvessels as well as rapid changes of perfusion solutions. Theta tube (WPI, Inc.; 1.5-mm o.d. glass stock capillary tubing which is divided into two hemicylindrical sides by a central glass septum) was pulled to a smaller diameter of approx 300-600 microns and inserted into the shank of a sharpened cannulating micropipette tip constructed from large-bore glass stock (1.6 mm i.d.). The resulting dead volume between the end of the Theta supply tube and the tip of the outer cannulating tip was approximately 90 nl. The perfusate was driven in a circuit from a pressurized feed reservoir down one side of the Theta supply tube pipette and back through the second side into a reservoir maintained at a lower pressure. The pressure gradient between the two reservoirs established a high-volume flow rate and subsequently a short perfusate transit time from the feed to the collection reservoir. The average pressure in the two reservoirs determined the pressure which drove the perfusate from the cannulating tip. At normal pressures and flows, the time required to change perfusion fluid composition at the pipette tip was less than 1 min, and discharge hematocrit of a red blood cell suspension was indistinguishable from the hematocrit measured in the feed reservoir. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The importance of understanding: Model space moderates goal specificity effects

The three-space theory of problem solving predicts that the quality of a learner's model and the goal specificity of a task interact on knowledge acquisition. In Experiment 1 participants used a computer simulation of a lever system to learn about torques. They either had to test hypotheses (nonspecific goal), or to produce given values for variables (specific goal). In the good- but not in the poor-model condition they saw torque depicted as an area. Results revealed the predicted interaction. A nonspecific goal only resulted in better learning when a good model of torques was provided. In Experiment 2 participants learned to manipulate the inputs of a system to control its outputs. A nonspecific goal to explore the system helped performance when compared to a specific goal to reach certain values when participants were given a good model, but not when given a poor model that suggested the wrong hypothesis space. Our findings support the three-space theory. They emphasize the importance of understanding for problem solving and stress the need to study underlying processes.
Immunogenetics and clinical aspects of Takayasu's arteritis patients in a Mexican Mestizo population.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present work was to study the association between HLA alleles and Takayasu's arteritis in Mexican Mestizo patients. METHODS The study included 26 Mexican Mestizo patients with Takayasu's arteritis and 99 healthy unrelated individuals. HLA-A, -B and -DR alleles were determined by polymerase chain reaction PCR-SSP RESULTS: Increased gene frequencies were demonstrated for HLA-B15(p=0.009,pC=0.020,OR=3.24,EF=11.9%) and HLA-B52 (p=0.008, pC=0.027, OR=5.16, EF=7.7%), and a decreased frequency for the HLA-A24 allele in patients compared to normal controls (p=0.035, pC=NS, PF=11.1%). When HLA typing was correlated to clinicalfeatures in 24 cases, wefound an increasedfrequencies of HLA-DR14 in patients with systemic arterial hypertension (p=0.005, pC=0.004, OR=24.6, EF=38.3%) and HLA-A2 on patients with pulmonary involvement (p=0.034, pC=0.036, OR=3.67, EF=40.4%) when compared to patients without these clinical manifestations. CONCLUSION These data confirm HLA-B52 as a relevant susceptibility allele for Takayasu's arteritis and suggest that HLA-B15 could be important as a marker of the disease in Mexican patients. Other class I and/or class II alleles could also be relevant as markers for the clinical features present in these patients.
Whole genome amplification of buccal cell DNA: genotyping concordance before and after multiple displacement amplification

Abstract While buccal cells provide an easily accessible source of genomic DNA, the amount extracted may be insufficient for many studies. Whole genome amplification (WGA) using multiple displacement amplification (MDA) may optimize buccal cell genomic DNA yield. We compared the usefulness, in epidemiological surveys, of DNA derived from buccal cells collected by alcohol mouthwash and amplified by WGA protocol and standard protocols. Buccal cell collection kits were mailed to 300 randomly selected members of a large cohort study, and 189 subjects returned buccal cell samples. We determined: (i) which QIAamp ® DNA Blood Mini Kit extraction protocol (tissue or blood) produced more DNA; and (ii) whether it is feasible to use MDA to prepare DNA for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of markers such as the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) and vitamin D receptor ( VDR) genes. The two DNA extraction protocols were tested on 20 different patient samples each. The tissue protocol yielded more DNA than the blood protocol (15.4±8.6 vs. 7.6±7.1μg, p<0.0001). The 20 DNA samples extracted using the tissue protocol were then subjected to pre- and post-MDA genotyping using amplicons for the MTHFR SNP at C677T and the intron 8 VDR SNP. No genotyping discrepancies were detected in pair-wise comparisons of pre- and post-MDA. Genotyping DNA from MDA-based WGA is indistinguishable from routine polymerase chain reaction and offers a stable DNA source for genomic research and clinical diagnosis.
AT motif binding factor 1-A (ATBF1-A) negatively regulates transcription of the aminopeptidase N gene in the crypt-villus axis of small intestine.

This is the first study to demonstrate that the AT motif binding factor 1-A (ATBF1-A) is expressed in the crypts and the bases of villi of the small intestine and negatively regulates transcription of brush-border enzyme gene, aminopeptidase-N (APN). In situ hybridization visualized a limited ATBF1-A mRNA expression in the crypts and the bases of villi. Transient transfection and dual luciferase-reporter assay demonstrated that ATBF1-A suppressed the activity of APN promoter, but did not that of AT motif deleted promoter. These results imply that ATBF1-A inhibits the transcription of APN gene through its direct binding to the AT motif element. Furthermore, butyrate-induced differentiation of Caco-2 cells, retaining the enterocytic phenotypes such as a villus structure and the expression of brush-border enzymes, leads to a reduced expression of ATBF1-A mRNA. We proposed that ATBF1-A regulating APN gene expression in the crypt-villus axis of the small intestine is a landmark of enterocyte differentiation and maturation.
EGR-1 prevents growth arrest by induction of c-myc

PCT No. PCT/EP94/02911 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 21, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 21, 1996 PCT Filed Sep. 2, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO95/08281 PCT Pub. Date Mar. 30, 1995A cosmetic receptacle desired for the sale of a mixture of cosmetic components for personal use has a vessel to hold the cosmetic components and a lid. The individual cosmetic components can be thoroughly well mixed, the vessel takes the form of a flexible bag.
Spatial analysis to identify differentials in dental needs by area-based measures.

OBJECTIVES To examine the association between tooth decay and dental treatment needs in 5-12-year-old schoolchildren in São Paulo with area-level indicators of social development. METHODS The present study refers to a representative sample of children from the city of São Paulo, Brazil, comprising 2491 girls and boys attending public and private schools in different areas of the city. The assessment of caries and treatment needs followed the international methodological standards prescribed by the World Health Organization. We used spatial data analysis to describe epidemiological measures distributed by small areas, and to explore hypotheses of ecological association between caries indexes and indicators of social development. RESULTS Schoolchildren in central districts were less affected by tooth decay and presented fewer dental treatment needs when compared to those in peripheral deprived areas. At the spatial level, average family income, unemployment rate, household overcrowding, and an index of inequality of income distribution were significantly correlated with variables measuring children's caries experience. CONCLUSIONS The heterogeneous distribution of caries indexes by areas of the city indicates higher levels of dental decay in areas of social deprivation. The delimitation of areas with increased risk of caries and greater dental treatment needs should be helpful to public health services for the formulation of policies and the targeting of resources to address these problems.
Cross sectional study of contribution of clinical assessment and simple cardiac investigations to diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients admitted with acute dyspnoea

Abstract Objective: To assess the comparative contribution of clinical assessment, electrocardiography, and chest radiography to the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients admitted to a general medical ward with acute dyspnoea. Design: Prospective cross sectional study. Setting: Acute medical admissions ward of a teaching hospital. Subjects: 71 randomly selected patients admitted with acute dyspnoea. Main outcome measures: Sensitivity and specificity of each investigation and logistic regression analysis of each variable in identifying left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Results: Clinical assessment in this cohort of patients with severe dyspnoea was generally sensitive (sensitivity 81%). Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of clinical assessment. In the first group (37 patients) the diagnosis of systolic dysfunction was clear, in the second (22) it was in doubt, and in the third (12) it was unlikely. The sensitivity of clinical assessment in identifying left ventricular systolic dysfunction was 81% and the specificity was 47%. The specificity of diagnosis was improved by electrocardiography (69%) and chest radiography (92%). Logistic regression analysis showed that isolated pulmonary crepitations were a comparatively poor predictor of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (2=10.215, P=0.0014) but that a full clinical examination had reasonable predictive value (2=24.82, P<0.00001). The combination of clinical assessment and chest radiography improved the accuracy of diagnosis (2=28.08, P<0.00001), as did the combination of clinical assessment and electrocardiography (2=32.41, P<0.00001). Conclusion: Clinical assessment in patients admitted with acute dyspnoea is comparatively accurate. Patients with abnormal results on chest radiography, electrocardiography, and clinical examination have a high likelihood of having left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Echocardiography contributes little more to the diagnosis in these patients and may be more efficiently directed towards patients in whom the diagnosis is still in doubt after clinical assessment, chest radiography, and electrocardiography. Key messages The availability of echocardiography is limited for patients admitted to hospital with acute dyspnoea The presence of isolated lung crepitations is a poor predictor of left ventricular systolic dysfunction Full clinical assessment is sensitive in detecting left ventricular systolic dysfunction, with specificity being added by either chest radiography or electrocardiography Echocardiography should be reserved for cases with the most diagnostic doubt
SCTXPF: Scalable Context Delivery Platform

This paper describes a Scalable Context Delivery Platform (SCTXPF) which acts as a component of CUBIQ (Cross UBIQuitous platform Architecture). The SCTXPF accommodates a large number of event sources and services/applications and mediates among them by detecting the context of users and things from events and notifying the services/applications of them. The SCTXPF achieves high throughput and scalable event processing by separating the processing into state-full processing and stateless processing, distributing the processing to multiple CPUs. We implemented the SCTXPF and evaluated its scalability. The results show that the platform can scale to the event increase by extending the system configuration.
Exploring the Longitudinal Trajectories of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Injured Trauma Survivors

Objective: The goal of this study was to examine the longitudinal trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in a sample of acutely injured hospitalized civilian trauma survivors who participated in a randomized clinical trial. Prior longitudinal descriptive research has shown that there are distinct trajectories of PTSD symptoms over time in trauma survivors. Limited clinical trial research exists that describes the patterns of the trajectories as well as the risk factors that influence the trajectories for seriously injured trauma-exposed patients. Method: Semiparametric, group-based approach trajectory modeling was used to examine four group trajectories of a subset of data obtained from a previous longitudinal clinical trial. Trajectories examined included resilience, recovery, relapsing/remitting, and chronic symptom patterns. One hundred and ninety-four patients who participated in the randomized clinical trial were assessed at baseline in the days and weeks after injury and then randomized. The associations between previously identified PTSD risk factors and the four trajectories were examined. Results: The risk factors of ethnocultural minority status, psychiatric history, additional life stressors, and depressive symptoms, as well as intervention versus control group status, were found to significantly affect the probability of trajectory group membership for PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there is a need for early PTSD interventions that anticipate differences in injured patients' PTSD trajectory profiles. Stepped care intervention procedures may optimally address the diverse PTSD trajectory patterns observed in injured trauma survivors through the tailoring of intervention timing and dosing.
Using Enterprise Architecture (EA) as aBusiness-IT Strategy Alignment for HigherEducational Institutions (HEIs)

This is an introductory paper that discusses components of EA that have been recently adopted in HEIs as a business-IT alignment strategy. It is imperative for universities to meet changing and increasing demands effectively. HEIs acquire new technologies as student demands evolve, thereby causing business processes and other student activities to revolve around the technologies they acquire; for example, new e-Learning technologies, Citrix servers, and integrated-management systems. These institutions find the challenges and opportunities these technologies bring overwhelming which result in some level of misalignment with original business goals and strategy. These technological add-ons easily scotch the free flow of processes, staff, and resources needed to function. Having a master plan or a formal architecture at the start of business is very difficult but inevitable. This idea is compared to having a master model for a new building, a new urban dwelling or an aeroplane. These usually have architectures or blueprints before construction or design so that upgrades can be easily accomplished. HEIs tend to solve problems using ad hoc solutions without a holistic view of the organisation. Enterprise Architecture is reviewed in this study to understand how it can be used to align the business needs of HEIs and IT strategy. 1.0 Dawn of a New IT Innovation John Zachman initially described the complexities of Information Systems architecture under Business Systems Planning in his organisation stating the need for an enterprise-oriented approach to incorporate flexibility and coherency in managing business changes and resources (Zachman, 1987). He worked at International Business Machines (IBM), a multinational computer, technology and IT consulting
Systems development approach: transcending methodology

Abstract. This paper presents the findings of an empirical study investigating the nature of the process of information systems development. These findings are used to identify systems development approach, which extends understanding of the information systems development process beyond the levels of methodology and technical expertise. The term approach expresses the rich, varied, and complex ways in which professionals deal with development situations. The term transcends methodological components – which can be combined, tailored, or omitted altogether. Within approach, a framework for method choice, a key diagnostic scheme, and the use of a central repository reveal the significant background activity that goes into developing information systems. It is suggested that the information systems development process ultimately involves a professional using an approach to intervene in a problematic situation for developing the organization's information and, if needed, other systems. This understanding has implications for examining the field's ineffectiveness in relation to the approach adopted – rather than the methodology used.
MicroRNAome genome: A treasure for cancer diagnosis and therapy

The interplay between abnormalities in genes coding for proteins and noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) has been among the most exciting yet unexpected discoveries in oncology over the last decade. The complexity of this network has redefined cancer research as miRNAs, produced from what was once considered “genomic trash,” have shown to be crucial for cancer initiation, progression, and dissemination. Naturally occurring miRNAs are very short transcripts that never produce a protein or amino acid chain, but act by regulating protein expression during cellular processes such as growth, development, and differentiation at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and/or translational level. In this review article, miRNAs are presented as ubiquitous players involved in all cancer hallmarks. The authors also describe the most used methods to detect their expression, which have revealed the identity of hundreds of miRNAs dysregulated in cancer cells or tumor microenvironment cells. Furthermore, the role of miRNAs as hormones and as reliable cancer biomarkers and predictors of treatment response is discussed. Along with this, the authors explore current strategies in designing miRNA‐targeting therapeutics, as well as the associated challenges that research envisions to overcome. Finally, a new wave in molecular oncology translational research is introduced: the study of long noncoding RNAs. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:311–336. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Glutamine transport in C6 glioma cells: Substrate specificity and modulation in a glutamine deprived culture medium

A previous study has shown that glutamine (Gln) uptake in C6 cells grown in a standard medium containing 2 mM Gln, is predominantly mediated by a sodium‐dependent system that is inhibited by ASC system substrates alanine (Ala), serine (Ser), cysteine (Cys) and threonine (Thr), shows pH sensitivity and partial tolerance to substitution of Na+ by Li+, features compatible with system ASCT2 that is strongly expressed in cultured astrocytes. The uptake was not inhibited by the model system A substrate α‐(methylamino)isobutyric acid (MeAiB), and glycine (Gly) or proline (Pro), indicating that the substrate‐regulated system A as defined by routine criteria is relatively inactive in these cells (Dolińska et al., 2000 ). In this study we compared the uptake of radiolabeled Gln and a model ASC substrate ‐Thr in cells grown to the same density in Gln‐containing and Gln‐deprived media. Cells grown in the absence of Gln showed a reduced activity of system ASC‐mediated Gln uptake, and the system lost tolerance for Li+ and became somewhat more resistant to lowering pH of the medium. In contrast to cultured astrocytes deprived of Gln, the overall Gln uptake activity in C6 cells adapted to grow in a medium without Gln was lower than in cells grown in a Gln containing medium, and the uptake by system A remained inactive. C6 cells cultured both in the presence and absence of Gln expressed ASCT2 mRNA, indicating that system ASCT2‐mediated Gln uptake is modulated at a posttranscriptional level. In contrast to Gln uptake, Thr uptake was more active in cells cultured in the absence of Gln and showed neither pH dependence nor lithium tolerance in either medium, which is typical of an uptake mediated by the widespread ASCT1 isoform of system ASC. In C6 cells grown in the presence or absence of Gln alike, ≈20% of the sodium‐dependent Gln uptake was resistant to MeAiB+Thr, indicating contribution of system N. The N system‐mediated uptake in C6 cells grown in the absence, but not in the presence of Gln was not inhibited by glutamate (Glu) that conforms to the characteristics of the glial N system variant, SN1. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Novel Aspect of Photodynamic Action: Induction of Recurrent Spikes in Cytosolic Calcium Concentration

Effects of photodynamic action of gadolinium porphyrin‐like macrocycle B (PLMGdB) on cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]c, was investigated in isolated rat pancreatic acini. The PLMGdB alone or light alone (2 min) had no effect on [Ca2+]c. Cell‐bound PLMGdB upon brief (0.5–2.0 min) light activation triggered recurrent spikes in [Ca2+]c. At lower PLMGdB concentration (100 nM) the spikes continued during the whole period of monitoring [Ca2+]c. At a higher concentration of 500 nM, the spikes continued for the first 40 min, followed by a gradual increase in basal [Ca2+]c upon which smaller spikes were superimposed. At 1, the spikes continued for the first 20 min, after that spiking gradually degenerated into a plateau phase. In many aspects, photodynamically triggered spikes resembled spikes generated by physiological concentrations of cholecystokinin. The spikes triggered by photodynamic action were likely to be the result of the ignition of a physiological “chain reaction”, because functional inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptors were required for spiking to occur. Two‐aminoe‐thoxydiphenylborate, an inhibitory modulator of IP3‐triggered Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, effectively inhibited photodynamically generated spikes. Therefore photodynamic action appears to be able to permanently transfix a physiological process, leading to long‐lasting pharmacological or therapeutic effects.
A Comparative Study with Different Feature Selection For Arabic Text Categorization

Feature Selection benefits a learner by eliminating non-informative or noisy features and by reducing the overall feature space to a manageable size. The Term Feature Selection is used in Machine Learning for the process of selecting a subset of features used to represent the text. In this paper, we propose a new approach for Text Representation based on incorporating background Knowledge Arabic WordNet with using the Feature Selection Techniques. Five methods were evaluated; including term selection based on document frequency (DF), Information Gain (IG), Mutual Information (MI), Chi-Square (CHI) and CHIR. To evaluate its accuracy, the proposed system has been trained and tested with CCA Corpus. We found Chi-Square and CHIR Statistics most effective in our experiments. Keywords—Feature selection; Machine Learning; Text Representation.