Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving recruitment to health research in primary care.

BACKGROUND Recruitment to health research is known to be problematic. However, evidence concerning ways of improving recruitment is sparse. OBJECTIVE To outline the process of recruitment, factors impacting on recruitment success and key areas for further research and development. METHODS Narrative literature review. RESULTS This paper argues that three ways of improving recruitment should form the focus of future work: developing a repository of evidence-based techniques and methods which can be introduced by research teams; developing the infrastructure to support recruitment, especially new technologies around the electronic patient record; and increasing public engagement with research, to improve participation by both clinicians and patients. CONCLUSION Recruitment to health research in primary care remains a major hurdle, and key research and development priorities must be addressed.
NTU-1 at SemEval-2017 Task 12: Detection and classification of temporal events in clinical data with domain adaptation

This study proposes a system to participate in the Clinical TempEval 2017 shared task, a part of the SemEval 2017 Tasks. Domain adaptation was the main challenge this year. We took part in the supervised domain adaption where data of 591 records of colon cancer patients and 30 records of brain cancer patients from Mayo clinic were given and we are asked to analyze the records from brain cancer patients. Based on the THYME corpus released by the organizer of Clinical TempEval, we propose a framework that automatically analyzes clinical temporal events in a fine-grained level. Support vector machine (SVM) and conditional random field (CRF) were implemented in our system for different subtasks, including detecting clinical relevant events and time expression, determining their attributes, and identifying their relations with each other within the document. The results showed the capability of domain adaptation of our system.
Redox modulation of curcumin stability: Redox active antioxidants increase chemical stability of curcumin.

SCOPE Substantial studies have shown that curcumin, a dietary compound from turmeric, has beneficial effects on many diseases. However, curcumin rapidly degrades at physiological pH, making it difficult to interpret whether the observed actions of curcumin are from curcumin itself or its degradation products. Therefore, it is important to better understand the mechanisms involved in curcumin degradation and the roles of degradation in its biological actions. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we show that a series of redox active antioxidants with diverse chemical structures, including gallic acid, ascorbate (vitamin C), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and Trolox (a water-soluble analog of vitamin E), dramatically increased curcumin stability in phosphate buffer at physiological pH. When treated in basal cell culture medium in MC38 colon cancer cells, curcumin rapidly degraded with a half-life of several minutes and showed a weak antiproliferative effect; co-addition of antioxidants enhanced stability and antiproliferative effect of curcumin. Finally, co-administration of antioxidant significantly increased plasma level of curcumin in animal models. CONCLUSION Together, these studies strongly suggest that a redox-dependent mechanism plays a critical role in mediating curcumin degradation. In addition, curcumin itself, instead of its degradation products, is largely responsible for the observed biological actions of curcumin.
Therapeutic effects of fengabine, a new GABAergic agent, in depressed outpatients: a double‐blind study versus clomipramine

The results of a double‐blind clinical trial of fengabine vs clomipramine in depressed outpatients are reported. Fengabine, a new GABAergic agent, seems to be as effective as the reference drug, with a faster onset of action and a more marked effect on cognitive disturbances and retardation. The new drug is free of any significant anticholinergic or cardiovascular effect, and it is not sedative.
Peroxisomal Import of Human Alanine:glyoxylate Aminotransferase Requires Ancillary Targeting Information Remote from Its C Terminus*

Although human alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) is imported into peroxisomes by a Pex5p-dependent pathway, the properties of its C-terminal tripeptide (KKL) are unlike those of any other type 1 peroxisomal targeting sequence (PTS1). We have previously suggested that AGT might possess ancillary targeting information that enables its unusual PTS1 to work. In this study, we have attempted to locate this information and to determine whether or not it is a characteristic of all vertebrate AGTs. Using the two-hybrid system, we show that human AGT interacts with human Pex5p in mammalian cells, but not yeast cells. Using (immuno)fluorescence microscopic analysis of the distribution of various constructs expressed in COS cells, we show the following. 1) The putative ancillary peroxisomal targeting information (PTS1A) in human AGT is located entirely within the smaller C-terminal structural domain of 110 amino acids, with the sequence between Val-324 and Ile-345 being the most likely candidate region. 2) The PTS1A is present in all mammalian AGTs studied (human, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and cat), but not amphibian AGT (Xenopus). 3) The PTS1A is necessary for peroxisomal import of human, rabbit, and cat AGTs, but not rat and guinea pig AGTs. We speculate that the internal PTS1A of human AGT works in concert with the C-terminal PTS1 by interacting with Pex5p indirectly with the aid of a yet-to-be-identified mammal-specific adaptor molecule. This interaction might reshape the tetratricopeptide repeat domain allosterically, enabling it to accept KKL as a functional PTS1.
Novel Method for using Hand Recognition as Computer Remote Control with Computer Vision Techniques

Today, interaction between man-computer (HCI) is one of the most prominent goals. One of the important goals is to develop an independent control of external devices or static controls over a computer for simplified system and userfriendly interface. Detection and recognition of gestural parts of a person's hand plays a crucial role because it is used to perform almost all of the daily activities. This work is aimed at facilitating the way of exercising control over the PC using C++ programming language via machine vision libraries like OpenCV. The segmentation of the hand was performed in two stages: the first stage used a range of color with the HSV model, accompanied by morphological operations to minimize noise. The second stage, which was conducted after binarization, continued to seek the contour of the hand focusing on the most important features of its geometry. A convex hull and convexity defects were set to determine the type of gesture and assign a particular function to run on the computer. The center of the mass of the contour of the hand was located to obtain its coordinates (x, y). It was subsequently assigned to the mouse position connected to the PC to emulate the 2D scrolling on the screen, consistent to the movement of the hand. In comparison to the traditional input devices, this approach facilitated a convenient manipulation of computer tools, providing a greater control and user comfort.
Medaka Oct4 is expressed during early embryo development, and in primordial germ cells and adult gonads

Oct4 is a crucial transcription factor for controlling pluripotency in embryonic stem cells and the epiblast of mouse embryos. We have characterized the expression pattern of medaka (Oryzias latipes) Ol‐Oct4 during embryonic development and in the adult gonads. Genomic analysis showed that Ol‐Oct4 is the ortholog of zebrafish spg/pou2. However, their expression patterns are not the same, suggesting that Oct4 may play different roles in zebrafish and medaka. Using specific antibodies for the Ol‐Oct4 protein, we showed that Ol‐Oct4 is also expressed in primordial germ cells, in the spermatogonia (male germ stem cells), and during different stages of oocyte development. These results suggest that Ol‐Oct4 plays a post‐embryonic role in the maturing gonads and gametes. The Ol‐Oct4 mRNA and protein expression patterns are similar to those of mammalian Oct4 and introduce medaka fish as a valid model for the functional and evolutionary study of pluripotency genes in vivo. Developmental Dynamics 239:672–679, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strain at Native ${\rm SiO}_{2}/{\rm Si}(111)$  Interface Characterized by Strain-Scanning Second-Harmonic Generation

A strain-scanning second-harmonic generation technique is proposed for high-sensitivity measurement of weak strain in film surfaces or interfaces. The basic idea is the sequential application of tensile and compressive strains to a strained film sample. From the strain-dependent second-harmonic generation (SHG) intensity, the type of the strain can be easily judged from whether the SHG is enhanced or weakened, and its magnitude can be precisely calibrated by an externally applied strain that is known. Thus, the built-in strain of a SiO2/Si interface could be determined as tensile with a magnitude of 3.07×10-4.
CHINA STOCK MARKET IN A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

The current structure of China’s market is one of its key obstacles to further development. There are very few stocks that would fit the definition of “blue-chip” trading on China’s mainland exchanges. Whereas most developed markets are dominated by a limited number of large-cap stocks, China’s market is cramped by a multitude of small-cap stocks. This feature allows for increased speculation and higher turnover for both investors and indexes, among other problems.
Nuclear proteins that bind the human gamma-globin gene promoter: alterations in binding produced by point mutations associated with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin

The molecular mechanisms responsible for the human fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch have not yet been elucidated. Point mutations identified in the promoter regions of gamma-globin genes from individuals with nondeletion hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) may mark cis-acting sequences important for this switch, and the trans-acting factors which interact with these sequences may be integral parts in the puzzle of gamma-globin gene regulation. We have used gel retardation and footprinting strategies to define nuclear proteins which bind to the normal gamma-globin promoter and to determine the effect of HPFH mutations on the binding of a subset of these proteins. We have identified five proteins in human erythroleukemia cells (K562 and HEL) which bind to the proximal promoter region of the normal gamma-globin gene. One factor, gamma CAAT, binds the duplicated CCAAT box sequences; the -117 HPFH mutation increases the affinity of interaction between gamma CAAT and its cognate site. Two proteins, gamma CAC1 and gamma CAC2, bind the CACCC sequence. These proteins require divalent cations for binding. The -175 HPFH mutation interferes with the binding of a fourth protein, gamma OBP, which binds an octamer sequence (ATGCAAAT) in the normal gamma-globin promoter. The HPFH phenotype of the -175 mutation indicates that the octamer-binding protein may play a negative regulatory role in this setting. A fifth protein, EF gamma a, binds to sequences which overlap the octamer-binding site. The erythroid-specific distribution of EF gamma a and its close approximation to an apparent repressor-binding site suggest that it may be important in gamma-globin regulation.
Transcriptional Induction of ADAMTS5 Protein by Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Family Member RelA/p65 in Chondrocytes during Osteoarthritis Development*

Background: ADAMTS5 is a crucial proteinase for osteoarthritis development. Results: NF-κB family member RelA/p65 was identified as a potent transactivator of ADAMTS5 and regulated the expression and aggrecanolysis. Conclusion: RelA/p65 is a potent transcriptional activator of ADAMTS5 in chondrocytes during osteoarthritis development. Significance: The molecular network related to the RelA/p65-ADAMTS5 axis may represent a therapeutic target for osteoarthritis. Here we sought to identify transcription factors that induce ADAMTS5, a crucial proteinase for osteoarthritis development. Exhaustive comparison of the genomic sequences of human, macaque, and mouse ADAMTS5 genes revealed that the proximal 1.4 kb of the 5′-end-flanking regions containing several consensus motifs was highly conserved. Among putative transcription factors for these motifs, NF-κB family member RelA/p65 most strongly stimulated the promoter activity. In the ADAMTS5 gene, there were three NF-κB binding motifs, in which deletion, mutagenesis, and tandem repeat analyses of the luciferase assay identified the core responsive elements of RelA/p65 to be −896/−887 and −424/−415 bp with specific bindings. The endogenous Adamts5 expression in ATDC5 cells was increased by RelA/p65 overexpression and decreased by knockdown through its siRNA. The expression was also inhibited by the Rela deletion through Cre transfection in primary articular chondrocytes from Relafl/fl mice. In the ex vivo culture of femoral head cartilage from mesenchymal cell-specific Rela knock-out (Prx1-Cre;Relafl/fl) mice, aggrecanolysis was significantly lower than that in the Relafl/fl cartilage. Finally, in the experimental mouse osteoarthritis model, ADAMTS5 and RelA were co-localized in chondrocytes of degraded articular cartilage. We conclude that RelA/p65 is a potent transcriptional activator of ADAMTS5 in chondrocytes during osteoarthritis development.
Outbreak of group A streptococci in a burn center: use of pheno- and genotypic procedures for strain tracking

In a burn center, an outbreak of group A streptococci (GAS) colonizations involving 13 patients and two staff members occurred. Adverse events due to GAS, loss of skin graft after initial take (secondary loss) and partial take, occurred in patients who underwent surgery before the colonization was detected. GAS isolates from nine patients and one staff member were stored and subsequently pheno- and genotyped by T serotyping, gas chromatography, M genotyping, and random amplified polymorphic DNA typing. The outbreak was caused by two types of GAS, identified as T4/28-M48 and T13-M77 by T serotyping and M genotyping. Random amplified polymorphic DNA typing and gas chromatography distinguished both clusters accurately. One subcluster indicated by gas chromatography could be linked to the acquisition of GAS from a roommate. The T13-M77 cluster was characterized by rapid spread through the center compared with the T4/28-M48 cluster. One patient contracted the T13-M77 strain while in protective isolation, indicating a role for staff members in the transmission. Our standard GAS control policy, consisting of twice weekly screening of all burned patients and immediate isolation and treatment, proved efficacious in preventing further spread of GAS. Reporting by staff members of signs and symptoms compatible with GAS infection was reenforced.
Towards a generic framework for the abstract interpretation of Java

The application field for static analysis of Java programs is getting broader, ranging from compiler optimizations (like dynamic dispatch elimination) to security issues. Many of those analyses include type analyses. We propose a `generic' framework, which improves on previous type analyses by introducing structural information. Moreover, structural information allows us to easily extend the framework to perform many different kinds of analyses. The framework is based on the abstract interpretation methodology. It is composed of a standard semantics, a family of abstract domains, an abstract semantics based on these domains and a post-fixpoint algorithm to compute the abstract semantics. The analysis is limited to a representative subset of Java, without concurrency. A complete prototype of the framework allows us to illustrate the accuracy and the efficiency of the approach (for moderately sized programs).
Effects of components on and predictive modeling of microemulsion phase behavior in nonionic systems

Prapaporn Boonme, Chalida Boonthongchuay, Thanaporn Amnuaikit and Wibul Wongpoowarak Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Nanotec-PSU Center of Excellence on Drug Delivery System, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand. Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
Discovery of a secular trend in Cayo Santiago macaque reproduction

Reproductive synchrony and the consequent clustering of births are hypothesized to be regulated by seasonal changes in rainfall and food availability. Such climate‐related seasonality is, however, questionable in tropical populations occupying temporally invariant habitats year round. Using the long‐term data of the Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques from 1973 to 2013, this study distinguishes synchrony (a greater than chance clustering of births) from seasonality (a cluster of births during a period of the year when abiotic conditions are favorable) and shows that females are highly synchronized (>72% of births in a 3‐month period) but the effects of environmental zeitgebers on reproduction are overridden by biological factors. Specifically, biotic and abiotic factors including (i) loss of immature offspring; (ii) population density; (iii) age at delivery; (iv) rainfall; and (v) changes in colony management were modeled in relation to the annual onset of births and the median birth date. Females experiencing loss of immature offspring had an interbirth interval of <365 days in average and the proportion of these females increased up to 48% due to changes in colony management overtime, although reproductive synchrony increased with increasing population density. A secular trend in both the onset of births and the median date of birth is documented and the model predicts that the median birth date will advance across all calendar‐based seasons by 2050. The secular trend in reproduction appears to be triggered by changes in the age at delivery of females, the absence of physiological constraints from maternal investment due to offspring loss, shorter interbirth interval, and a higher degree of coordination due to increasing population density. This study challenges the reproductive phenology previously described for rhesus macaques highlighting the importance of long‐term studies in addressing the ultimate causes of reproductive synchrony. Am. J. Primatol. 78:227–237, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative studies on the structure of reproductive organs of four botryllid ascidians

Reproductive organs of four botryllid ascidians, Botryllus primigenus, Botryllus schlosseri, Botrylloides violaceus and Botrylloides leachi, were studied histologically. In every species, the egg follicle consisting of an egg and its inner and outer follicles, is attached to the follicle stalk, the vesicle being composed of a flat epithelium, which in its turn is connected to the atrial epithelium or to the brood pouch specialized from it. In B. schlosseri, the egg is ovulated into the atrial cavity and remains there held by the brood cup, of which the inner epithelium is derived from the follicle stalk and the outer one from the atrial epithelium. In B. primigenus, the brood pouch develops as a diverticulum of the atrial cavity, around the entrance of which a fold differentiates from the atrial epithelium and closes the pouch during embryogenesis. In both species of Botrylloides, the brood pouch is formed by the outgrowth of the thickened atrial epithelium into the blood space, the entrance of which is closed during embryogenesis. The discarded outer follicle completely disintegrates soon after ovulation in B. schlosseri, but part of it remains throughout embryogenesis in the blood space in B. primigenus or projecting into the interior of the brood pouch in Botrylloides. In B. primigenus, the testis, when it accompanies the egg follicle, is placed at the bottom of the brood pouch and the sperm is shed through the pouch prior to ovulation. In B. schlosseri and the Botrylloides species, the testis is located independently from the egg follicle and the sperm matures after ovulation.
Occlusal caries detection: a comparison of DIAGNOdent and two conventional diagnostic methods.

OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the DIAGNOdent readings for the detection of caries on three different macroscopically sound and intact occlusal surfaces for the baseline measurement; and 2) to compare this laser device with visual and radiographic inspection. METHODOLOGY Forty-five extracted premolars and molar human teeth were cleaned with a pumice slurry. Then 74 sites were defined and radiographs were taken from each one. Three examiners performed the examinations and took the DIAGNOdent measurements. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each diagnostic system, as well as intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility using Kappa tests. The cut-off point for visual and radiographic inspection was 1-2, and for the DIAGNOdent the manufacturer's instructions were followed. RESULTS No statistical difference was found for the three predefined sound sites used for baseline measurements with DIAGNOdent. The visual inspection showed high sensitivity; radiographic inspection and DIAGNOdent measurements showed low sensitivity and high specificity. The highest intra- and inter-reproducibility was found with the DIAGNOdent. CONCLUSION The thickness of the enamel did not have any effect on the readings with DIAGNOdent. It was concluded that in a low prevalence sample, the visual inspection provided the highest proportion of true disease identified correctly, and DIAGNOdent provided the highest proportion of non-disease identified correctly.
The Influence of Psychological Factors on Health-Related Quality of Life after Stroke: A Systematic Review

Background and purpose Many stroke patients experience problems with health-related quality of life, but much of the variance of health-related quality of life after stroke remains unexplained. Health-related quality of life may be influenced by psychological factors, as these factors reflect the way people approach situations and react to stressful situations. The aim of this study was to systematically examine the relationship between psychological factors and health-related quality of life after stroke. Summary of review A systematic literature search was conducted in online databases PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL in November 2011. A total of nine studies were included. Personality (i.e. problems of temperament and personality functions and neuroticism) was moderately negatively associated with health-related quality of life (r = 0·26–0·49). Coping (i.e. situational and personal adaptation), internal locus of control, self-worth (i.e. self-esteem and self-efficacy), and hope and optimism were moderately positively associated with health-related quality of life (r = 0·026–0·81). No evidence was found for an association between extraversion and health-related quality of life. Conclusions There is still a paucity of studies on psychological determinants of poststroke health-related quality of life. The reviewed studies supported the importance of psychological factors, but further research is needed to supplement the available evidence and to examine how psychological factors can be modified to improve health-related quality of life, and at what moment after the stroke these interventions should be given.