Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cyclin D1/bcl‐1 cooperates with myc genes in the generation of B‐cell lymphoma in transgenic mice.

The chromosomal translocation t(11:14) is associated with human lymphoid neoplasia affecting centrocytic B‐cells of intermediate differentiation. As a consequence the cyclin D1 (bcl‐1) gene is juxtaposed to the immunoglobulin heavy chain enhancer E mu. To show that transcriptional activation of cyclin D1 is causally involved in the generation of B‐cell neoplasia we have generated transgenic mice that carry a cyclin D1 gene under the transcriptional control of the E mu element. E mu cyclin D1 transgenic mice show only very subtle alterations in the cycling behaviour of B‐cell populations in the bone marrow compared with normal mice and do not develop lymphoid tumours. However, E mu‐directed coexpression of cyclin D1 and N‐MYC or L‐MYC in double transgenic mice reveals a strong cooperative effect between MYC and cyclin D1 provoking the rapid development of clonal pre‐B and B‐cell lymphomas. Interestingly, crossing of cyclin D1 transgenic mice with E mu L‐myc transgenics that express their transgene in both B‐ and T‐cells but predominantly develop T‐cell tumours leads in double transgenics exclusively to B‐cell neoplasia. The data presented here demonstrate that transcriptional activation of cyclin D1 can oncogenically transform B‐cells in concert with a myc gene. They establish cyclin D1 as a proto‐oncogene whose activity appears to depend on a specific cell type as well as on a specific cooperating partner and link disturbances in the regulation of cell cycle progression to the development of human malignancies.
Software Structure Metrics Based on Information Flow

Structured design methodologies provide a disciplined and organized guide to the construction of software systems. However, while the methodology structures and documents the points at which design decisions are made, it does not provide a specific, quantitative basis for making these decisions. Typically, the designers' only guidelines are qualitative, perhaps even vague, principles such as "functionality," "data transparency," or "clarity. " This paper, like several recent publications, defines and validates a set of software metrics which are appropriate for evaluating the structure of large-scale systems. These metrics are based on the measurement of information flow between system components. Specific metrics are defined for procedure complexity, module complexity, and module coupling. The validation, using the source code for the UNIX operating system, shows that the complexity measures are strongly correlated with the occurrence of changes. Further, the metrics for procedures and modules can be interpreted to reveal various types of structural flaws in the design and implementation.
Investigating the association between cigarette smoking and schizophrenia in a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE Many case-control and cross-sectional studies have observed an association with cigarette smoking after the onset of schizophrenia, and there is evidence to suggest that smoking may improve symptoms in people with this disorder. Here, the authors investigated whether cigarette smoking alters the risk of subsequently developing schizophrenia. No longitudinal studies have previously examined this relationship. METHOD A cohort of 50,087 Swedish conscripts (98% were ages 18-20) was followed up by record linkage to the National Register of Inpatient Care from 1970 to 1996 to determine hospital admission for schizophrenia. Cox regression was used to obtain hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for schizophrenia, according to smoking status. RESULTS Smoking cigarettes at ages 18-20 was associated with a lower rate of developing schizophrenia after adjustment for confounders. There was a linear relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked and a lower risk of schizophrenia (adjusted hazard ratio for linear trend across smoking categories, 0.8 [95% CI=0.7-0.9]), with an adjusted hazard ratio for heavy smokers of 0.5 (95% CI=0.3-0.9) compared to that of nonsmokers. This association persisted when analysis was restricted to subjects diagnosed after the first 5 years following conscription to reduce possible prodromal effects of schizophrenia on smoking. CONCLUSIONS Cigarette smoking may be an independent protective factor for developing schizophrenia. These results are consistent with animal models showing both neuroprotective effects of nicotine and differential release of prefrontal dopamine in response to nicotine. The harmful effects of cigarette smoking vastly outweigh any possible benefits, but nevertheless, further investigation may lead to important insights regarding the etiology of schizophrenia at a molecular level.
Healthcare planning and its potential role increasing operational efficiency in the health sector: A viewpoint

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider a number of issues around the poor adoption of healthcare simulation models and reflect whether there has been a broad failure of academic healthcare simulation modellers to build models that reflect real healthcare problems as acknowledged by healthcare stakeholders. This paper will also review the role of healthcare planners within the health sector and propose that they are well suited to act as change agents to improve the adoption of simulation within the sector.Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviewed academic evidence around poor adoption of simulation modelling in healthcare, including differences to other sectors, its size and complexity, stakeholder issues and current and future challenges to improve operational efficiency. This paper also reviewed the role of healthcare planning and its valuable links with health stakeholders, suggesting that these links could be exploited to increase simulation modelling within the healthcare sector t.
Homologous recombination research is heating up and ready for therapy

A report in PNAS suggests that mild hyperthermia can inhibit the process of homologous recombination (HR) and degrade the BRCA2 protein (1). Cellular hyperthermia, up to temperatures of 41 °C to 43 °C, has long been known to be a potent radiosensitizer of proliferating cells, providing the opportunity to enhance the tumoricidal effects of therapeutical radiation, because most nonmalignant cells in an irradiated field are nonproliferating or slowly proliferating (2). The precise mechanism of action has remained obscure, but hyperthermia appears to be toxic, particularly in the S phase of the cell cycle (3, 4). In the 1980s, radiation oncology departments around the world all constructed hyperthermia units, but they were never fully developed for the treatment of deep-seated tumors, because maintaining hyperthermia was a major technical challenge secondary to tumor blood flow being an effective cooling mechanism (5–7). If the technological issues could be overcome, this therapeutical approach would still have substantial merit. An alternative approach is to understand the mechanism of sensitization by heat in detail and then to develop “thermomimetic” drugs to produce the same selective toxicity (8).
Relationships Among Factors Relevant to Abdominal Fat and Age-Related Hearing Loss

Objectives Metabolic syndrome is related with abdominal fat and with age-related hearing loss (ARHL). In this study, we evaluated the association between a variety of factors relevant to abdominal fat (FRAs) and hearing thresholds. Methods We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 2,602 subjects aged over 40 years with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss who underwent abdominal fat computed tomography (CT) scans. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to demonstrate the association between each FRA and hearing thresholds at low and high frequencies. Results Four of 5 FRAs were associated with hearing thresholds at high frequencies in males. All FRAs examined showed a relationship with hearing thresholds at low frequencies in females. Diabetes mellitus (DM) among clinical factors and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) among the 5 FRAs were the most reflective of hearing thresholds in both males and females. Conclusion We found that FRAs were associated with hearing loss with frequency specific characteristics according to sex and reinforced that DM and VAT is particularly an important role for hearing.
Precision grasp planning based on Fast Marching Square

This paper presents a novel methodology for planning the movements of a robotic hand when a precision grasp wants to be performed. This approach is based on the standard Fast Marching Square (FM2) path planning method recently introduced for robot formations. A three-finger kinematic chain is consider as a robot formation to perform simulations. In order to achieve a precision grasp, the task is divided into two phases. In the first one, the hand has to move towards the object to be grasped and stops at a position from which the grasping points can be reached by the fingers of the hand. In the second one, given the contact points for a precision grasp, the movements of the fingers must be planned so that those points are reached by the corresponding fingertips. In both cases, the path planning method used is FM2, so smooth and fast paths are ensured due to the characteristics of FM2. In each phase, different control strategies for robot formations are used. The changes in the geometry of the formations are based on the velocities map calculated in FM2, ensuring collision avoidance and speeding up the grasping phase. Simulation results show the usefulness of this novel application of the method thanks to a good performance of the chosen planning strategy.
Does autochthonous primary production drive variability in bacterial metabolism and growth efficiency in lakes dominated by terrestrial C inputs

During the past 20 yr, aquatic microbiologists have reported 2 strong patterns which initially appear contradictory. In pelagic systems, bacterial growth and biomass is well correlated with the growth and biomass of primary producers. However, bacterial respiration often exceeds net primary production, which suggests that bacteria are subsidized by external inputs of organic matter. We hypothesize that bacterial growth efficiency (BGE) varies systematically between autochthonous and allochthonous carbon (C) sources and that this variation resolves the above conundrum. To test these ideas, we examined the ecological regulation of bacterial secondary production (BP), bacterial respiration (BR) and BGE in a series of lakes dominated by terrestrial (allochthonous) C inputs. BP was correlated with autochthonous C sources (chlorophyll a) even though the lakes were net heterotrophic (i.e. heterotrophic respiration consistently exceeded primary production). The results were simulated by a simple steady-state model of bacterial utilization of autochthonous and allochthonous dissolved organic C. A higher preference and greater growth efficiency of bacteria on autochthonous C may explain why BP is coupled to autochthonous production also in net heterotrophic ecosystems where the use of allochthonous C by bacteria is high. These results suggest that little of the allochthonous C assimilated by bacteria is likely to reach higher consumers.
Filtering of analogue sticks on joypads for improved control precision

Analog joysticks especially on game pads present a major challenge to the game play programmer. The usable range of those joysticks that generates valid output data is normally very small. The difficulty is here to implement a system that makes the game easily controllable for the player. In this article we discuss a couple of filtering techniques that have been applied in several shipped games to overcome this problem. These techniques are derived from observations on how those analogue joysticks are used, from where the precision and latency problem stems and how to design an infinite impulse response filter to overcome this problem.
Changes in antioxidant status of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after quercetin and T-2 toxin treatment

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells after quercetin and T-2 toxin exposure in vitro. Porcine ovarian granulosa cells were incubated with quercetin and T-2 toxin separately or in mutual combination at the doses of 1ng/mL, 10 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL, and the control group without any additions for 24 h. In this study T-2 toxin developed stress reaction in porcine ovarian granulosa cells and increased generation of ROS. Quercetin had no effect in elimination of ROS generation induced by T-2 toxin, but was effective in maintaining and increasing of TAS, activities of SOD and GPx in porcine granulosa cells in vitro. These results contribute towards the understanding of cellular stress and its response.
No sex-biased dispersal in a primate with an uncommon social system—cooperative polyandry

An influential hypothesis proposed by Greenwood (1980) suggests that different mating systems result in female and male-biased dispersal, respectively, in birds and mammals. However, other aspects of social structure and behavior can also shape sex-biased dispersal. Although sex-specific patterns of kin cooperation are expected to affect the benefits of philopatry and dispersal patterns, empirical evidence is scarce. Unlike many mammals, Saguinus geoffroyi (Geoffroy’s tamarin) has a breeding system in which typically multiple males mate with a single breeding female. Males typically form cooperative reproductive partnerships between relatives, whereas females generally compete for reproductive opportunities. This system of cooperative polyandry is predicted to result in female-biased dispersal, providing an opportunity to test the current hypotheses of sex-biased dispersal. Here we test for evidence of sex-biased dispersal in S. geoffroyi using demographic and genetic data from three populations. We find no sex bias in natal dispersal, contrary to the prediction based on the mating patterns. This pattern was consistent after controlling for the effects of historical population structure. Limited breeding opportunities within social groups likely drive both males and females to disperse, suggesting that dispersal is intimately related to the social context. The integration of genetic and field data revealed that tamarins are another exception to the presumed pattern of male-biased dispersal in mammals. A shift in focus from mating systems to social behavior, which plays a role in most all processes expected to influence sex-bias in dispersal, will be a fruitful target for research both within species and across taxa.
Genes involved in the determination of the rate of inversions at short inverted repeats

Not all of the enzymatic pathways involved in genetic rearrangements have been elucidated. While some rearrangements occur by recombination at areas of high homology, others are mediated by short, often interrupted homologies. We have previously constructed an Escherichia coli strain that allows us to examine inversions at microhomologies, and have shown that inversions can occur at short inverted repeats in a recB,C‐dependent fashion.
Softened endothracheal tube reduces the incidence and severity of epistaxis following nasotracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND Many complications were reported to be related with nasotracheal intubation. Various chemical or mechanical techniques have been proposed to decrease hemorrhage and trauma associated with nasotracheal intubation but the results remain controversial. We conducted a prospective, randomized, single-blind study to elucidate the effect of an endotracheal tube softened with warm water before use on the incidence and severity of epistaxis following nasotracheal intubation. METHODS Sixty-two healthy, (ASA class I or II) patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly assigned into two groups. Patients in the treatment group were intubated with a softened endotracheal tube made possible by heating it in warm water while those in the control group were intubated with unsoftened (intact) tube. Epistaxis was evaluated immediately after intubation and its severity was graded as none, mild, moderate and severe. The use of Magill forceps and postoperative nasal morbidity were also recorded. RESULTS The total incidence of epistaxis in the "unsoftened" group was significantly higher than that of "softened" group (76.7% vs. 43.8%, P = 0.0002). The severity of nasal hemorrhage was also significantly lightened in the "softened" group. No technical difficulty was encountered in intubation with a softened endotracheal tube by prewarming. The morbidity referable to nasal intubation, however, did not differ in both groups. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our study shows that using an endotracheal tube softened by warm water could reduce the incidence and severity of epistaxis during the act of nasotracheal intubation. It is an effective way and worth a try.
The impact of the environment on patient experiences of hospital admissions in palliative care

Objective To explore the impact of environment on experiences of hospitalisation from the perspective of patient's with palliative care needs. Methods A qualitative study design using longitudinal semistructured, face-to-face interviews were used to elicit the views of patients with palliative care needs admitted to hospital in 1 large urban acute hospital in New Zealand. The sample comprised of 14 patients admitted to hospital between July 2013 and March 2014 who met one of the Gold Standard Framework Prognostic Indicators for palliative care need. Results Almost all participants described a range of factors associated with the environment which impacted negatively on their experiences of hospitalisation. This included challenges with the physical surroundings, the impact on social relationships with other patients, families and health professionals and the influence of the cultural milieu of the hospital setting. Conclusions Emulating the ‘ideal’ environment for palliative care such as that provided in a hospice setting is an unrealistic goal for acute hospitals. Paying attention to the things that can be changed, such as enabling family to stay and improving the flexibility of the physical environment while improving the social interplay between patients and health professionals, may be a more realistic approach than replicating the hospice environment in order to reduce the burden of hospitalisations for patients with palliative care needs.
Prosodic correlates of acted vs. spontaneous discrimination of expressive speech: a pilot study

This paper presents the first results of the acoust ic analysis of 12 pairs of monosyllabic acted vs. spontaneous expressions of satisfaction, irritation and anxiety produced by 4 subjects, discriminated and rated for emotional intensity dif ferences in previous perceptual experiments. Acoustic features in each pair were extracted from the utterances, compared a n correlated with perceptual ratings, mainly showing significant correlations between general F0 level difference in the pair and perceived emotional intensity difference, but f ailing to explain all the observed variability of discriminat ion scores. The influence of F0 contours shape of selected stim uli on perceptual discrimination scores and perceived emot ional intensity is discussed.
Electrolytes and Arterial Muscle Contractility

Arterial contractility in response to various drugs was studied in media designed to alter ionic gradients of sodium and potassium across the cell membrane. Tissues were analyzed to determine the effects of these procedures on tissue electrolytes and to demonstrate any correlation between tissue electrolytes and response. It was found that the contractile responses progressively decreased in sodium-free media, disappearing in 2 to 2½ hours. A decrease in external potassium, initially caused a potentiation of response. Thereafter, a decreased response was manifested, yet contractility remained even after 7 to 8 hours in potassium free medium. Increased external potassium caused an increase in response. There was no correlation between the content of sodium and potassium and response in potassium-free solutions, but in sodium-free solutions a positive correlation between contractility and potassium content existed. Chloride appeared to exist in 2 fractions, a diffusible fraction, and a more tightly bound fraction. Calculation of the ECFV based on the bound chloride yielded values which otherwise would have been absurd. Sodium appeared to be distributed in 3 fractions; diffusible and extracellular, not diffusible over the duration of our experiments and slowly diffusible and presumably intracellular, the latter fraction being possibly capable of cation exchange. Evidence obtained does not suggest that the sodium gradient, per se, is responsible for contractility. The concentration of intracellular potassium does not influence contractility directly. However, the potassium gradient may in part determine vascular muscle contractility.
Characterization of Carotid Plaque Hemorrhage: A CT Angiography and MR Intraplaque Hemorrhage Study

Background and Purpose— The main objective of this study was to evaluate CT angiographic (CTA) features that are able to predict the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) as defined by MR-IPH. Methods— One hundred sixty-seven consecutive patients (mean age 69 years, SD 12.8; 58 females) underwent both MR-IPH and CTA within 3 weeks. MR-IPH, the gold standard, was performed at 1.5 T using a neurovascular phased-array coil as a coronal T1-weighted 3-dimensional fat-suppressed acquisition. CTA was performed using a 4-slice or a 64-slice CT machine and evaluated, blinded to MR-IPH findings, for carotid stenosis, plaque density, and plaque ulceration. Plaque density was defined as the mean attenuation of plaque at the site of maximum stenosis and 2 sections above and below. Plaque ulceration was defined as outpouching of contrast into the plaque at least 2 mm deep on any single plane. Results— Prevalence of IPH increased at higher degrees of carotid stenosis. Mean CT plaque density was higher for plaques with MRI-defined IPH (47 Hounsfield units) compared with without IPH (43 Hounsfield units; P=0.02). However, significant overlap between distributions of plaque densities limited the value of mean plaque density for prediction of IPH. CTA plaque ulceration had high sensitivity (80.0% to 91.4%), specificity (93.0% to 92.3%), positive predictive value (72.0% to 71.8%), and negative predictive value (95.0% to 97.9%) for prediction of IPH. Interobserver agreement for presence/absence of CTA plaque ulceration was excellent (&kgr;=0.80). Conclusions— CTA plaque ulceration, but not mean CTA plaque density, was useful for prediction of IPH as defined by the MR-IPH technique.
Māori Mental Health Consumers' Sensory Experience of Kapa Haka and Its Utility to Occupational Therapy Practice

Sensory modulation is an emerging occupational therapy intervention within adult mental health services. However, cultural variations in the use of sensory modulation have not been directly explored. In New Zealand, the traditional performing arts of kapa haka are used within Maori services as a cultural intervention. This qualitative study explored Maori mental health consumers' sensory experiences during kapa haka via in-depth interviews. Participants experienced feeling safe, being grounded in their bodies, and having an enhanced cultural identity. The findings support the use of culturally-responsive sensory modulation activities within occupational therapy practice and highlight the need for further research.