Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chalmers Publication Library Hepatic transcriptome profiling indicates differential mRNA expression of apoptosis and immune related genes in eelpout

The physiology and reproductive performance of eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) have been monitored along the Swedish coast for more than three decades. In this study, transcriptomic profiling was applied for the first time as an exploratory tool to search for new potential candidate biomarkers and to investigate possible stress responses in fish collected from a chronically polluted area. An oligonucleotide microarray with more than 15,000 sequences was used to assess differentially expressed hepatic mRNA levels in female eelpout collected from the contaminated area at Göteborg harbor compared to fish from a national reference site, Fjällbacka. Genes involved in apoptosis and DNA damage (e.g., SMAC/diablo homolog and DDIT4/DNA-damage-inducible protein transcript 4) had higher mRNA expression levels in eelpout from the harbor compared to the reference site, whereas mRNA expression of genes involved in the innate immune system (e.g., complement components and hepcidin) and protein transport/folding (e.g., signal recognition particle and protein disulfide-isomerase) were expressed at lower levels. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that genes involved biological processes associated with protein folding, immune responses and complement activation were differentially expressed in the harbor eelpout compared to the reference site. The differential mRNA expression of selected genes involved in apoptosis/DNA damage and in the innate immune system was verified by quantitative PCR, using the same fish in addition to eelpout captured four years later. Thus, our approach has identified new potential biomarkers of pollutant exposure and has generated hypotheses on disturbed physiological processes in eelpout. Despite a higher mRNA expression of genes related to apoptosis (e.g., diablo homolog) in eelpout captured in the harbor there were no significant differences in the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells between sites. The mRNA level of genes involved in apoptosis/DNA damage and the status of the innate immune system in fish species captured in polluted environments should be studied in more detail to lay the groundwork for future biomonitoring studies.
Differential RNA expression of the pS2 gene in the human benign and malignant prostatic tissue.

AbstractPurpose: The pS2 trefoil protein has been detected in close association with neuro-endocrine differentiation in prostate cancer and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. These preliminary results have suggested that pS2 is a candidate as a specific marker for prostate cancer tissue. To ascertain the specificity of pS2 in prostate cancer tissue, we have used an RT-PCR method from prostate biopsies provided from human malignant and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue.Materials and Methods: Prostate biopsies were obtained from transrectal biopsies from 153 patients with an abnormal DRE or a PSA more than 4 ng. /ml. or symptoms of BPH and a PSA more than 4 ng. /ml. Total RNA was extracted from fresh frozen specimens of tissue samples. Detection of pS2 transcript compared with GADPH transcripts was done using RT-PCR.Results: Biopsy results showed that 108 patients had prostate cancer (average Gleason score 6.39 +/− 0.74) and 45 patients had BPH. PS2 RT-PCR results showed that PS2 RNA expression was .
PUBLISHED IN TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS EXCELLENCE ( TQM & BE

Although the operative benefits of Six Sigma methodology in the business world are well accepted, the long-term benefits of the initiative are currently under discussion. This paper aims to analyze how Six Sigma methodology is related to the knowledge transfer process, a source of competitive advantage. For this purpose, we observe how team management in Six Sigma firms differs statistically from team management proposed by other quality management initiatives, and how Six Sigma team management is related to the knowledge integration and knowledge transfer processes. An ANOVA analysis and Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach were used to analyze data from 53 European Six Sigma firms, confirming the hypotheses developed. The results confirm that Six Sigma methodology offers new possibilities to companies and that implementation of Six Sigma has a positive effect on variables that influence long-term organizational performance, such as knowledge management. Relevant academic contributions and implications for practitioners are included.
Uniform boilerplate and list processing

Generic traversals over recursive data structures are often referred to as boilerplate code. The definitions of functions involving such traversals may repeat very similar patterns, but with variations for different data types and different functionality. Libraries of operations abstracting away boilerplate code typically rely on elaborate types to make operations generic. The motivating observation for this paper is that most traversals have value-specific behaviour for just one type. We present the design of a new library exploiting this assumption. Our library allows concise expression of traversals with competitive performance.
Axiomatizing GSOS with Predicates

In this paper, we introduce an extension of the GSOS rule format with predicates such as termination, convergence and divergence. For this format we generalize the technique proposed by Aceto, Bloom and Vaandrager for the automatic generation of ground-complete axiomatizations of bisimilarity over GSOS systems. Our procedure is implemented in a tool that receives SOS specifications as input and derives the corresponding axiomatizations automatically. This paves the way to checking strong bisimilarity over process terms by means of theorem-proving techniques.
MDSWriter: Annotation Tool for Creating High-Quality Multi-Document Summarization Corpora

In this paper, we present MDSWriter, a novel open-source annotation tool for creating multi-document summarization corpora. A major innovation of our tool is that we divide the complex summarization task into multiple steps which enables us to efficiently guide the annotators, to store all their intermediate results, and to record user-system interaction data. This allows for evaluating the individual components of a complex summarization system and learning from the human writing process. MDSWriter is highly flexible and can be adapted to various other tasks.
Identity Dynamics, Action and Context

The aim of this article is to present an investigation of the action-representation relationship, via the processes which arise from the effects of one’s action and the effects of one’s capacity (normative and subjective). These effects are, in our view, of major importance, for they link social legitimation and the personal skill necessary for the preparation and carrying out of action. We look at this complex relationship, and propose a model, the capacity model, which situates action as an executory regulator of representation, which allows us to take some steps towards an explanation of the processes which link action and representation within the identity dynamic.
Structure of abilities in math-precocious young children: Gender similarities and differences.

For this study of the organization of cognitive abilities and gender differences in young children advanced in mathematical reasoning, parents identified 778 preschoolers and kindergartners. After screening with 2 arithmetic subtests of standard intelligence tests, 310 high scorers (55% boys) were given 15 additional measures. Mean performance of these high scorers on all standardized measures was 1 to 2 standard deviations above the mean of the norming samples. Boys scored higher on 8 of 11 quantitative measures, 0 of 3 verbal measures, and 1 of 3 spatial measures, including quantitative and spatial working memory span. Three factors (quantitative, verbal, and spatial) were modeled using confirmatory factor analysis; patterns of relationships were similar for older and younger groups and for girls and boys. Spatial and quantitative factors were highly correlated; the verbal factor correlated weakly with the others but showed a stronger relationship with the spatial factor for boys than girls.
On Distributivity and Modularity in de Morgan Triplets

We study some properties of De Morgan triplets. Firstly, we introduce submodular De Morgan triplets and we study its relationships with subdistributive ones. Moreover, we characterize them both in the strict and non strict archimedean cases. Secondly, we introduce the concepts of modularity, distributivity and (S, T)-distributivity degrees and we give some general results. Afterwards we apply these concepts to two particular cases, Lukasiewicz triplets and a kind of strict De Morgan triplets (Product triplets). For the Lukasiewicz ones we prove that all three degrees range over (0, 1/2]. For Product triplets, a recipe to calculate these degrees is given. In particular we present examples with distributivity degree r for all r ∈ (0, 1) and examples with (S, T)-distributivity and modularity degrees taking all values in (0, 3/4].
On Message Integrity in Symmetric Encryption

Distinct notions of message integrity (authenticity) for block-oriented symmetric encryption are defned by i n tegrity goals to be achieved in the face of diferent t ypes of attacks. These notions are partially ordered by a �dominance" relation. When chosen-plaintext attacks are considered, most integrity goals form a lattice. The lattice is extended when known-plaintext and ciphertext-only attacks are also included. The practical use of the dominance relation and lattice in defning the relative strength of diferent integrity notions is illustrated with common modes of encryption, such as the �infnite garble extension" modes, and simple, non-cryptographic, manipulation detection code functions, such as bitwise exclusive-or and constant functions.
Segmentation of a Human Brain Cortical Surface Mesh Using Watersheds

A 3D cortical surface mesh is a convoluted structure. The purpose of segmenting such a mesh is to impose a higher level structure which represents something about the underlying structure of the mesh itself. This segmentation should reduce the mesh into “meaningful,” connected pieces. In this paper, segmentation using the watershed algorithm is implemented on brain cortical surface meshes. The height function used is a curvature measure inherent in the geometry of the mesh. Four different curvature measures are compared: mean, gaussian, absolute, and root mean square.
Developing Practice on a Ward for Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders

The therapeutic principles and practice on a psychiatric inpatient unit for adolescents are described. The practice has grown out of applications of ‘multisystemic treatment’ principles. The major challenges have been to ensure the formulation of concrete goals for treatment from the perspective of the adolescents and their parents, and ensuring that gains made on the ward can be generalized to local networks. The use of inpatient family therapy integrated with weekends at home, while the adolescent is an inpatient on the ward, is described.
Reckoning with Homelessness

ple involved in producing riots are vested in the persistence of the riot system and have no interest in displacing riots by another political instrument. Important in his book is the notion of the “institutionalised riot system. ” A crucial role in those systems is given to “conversion specialists” who can turn an insignificant incident into large-scale communal violence. In that conversion, it is essential to translate incidents into the discourse of communal antagonism. One would have expected that Brass would pay more attention to the growing importance of that translation by print media and television during recent decades, but despite devoting a chapter to it, his treatment is quite summary and not very illuminating. The way the Hindu right has been able to use the cultural separation between Hindi and English language media to its advantage is not sufficiently taken into account. Brass’ emphasis on the systemic nature of riots makes his analysis too static in the sense that he does not follow the major trends in the transformation of Indian society in the period under study. The rise of television and the growing importance of India’s urban middle class are hardly taken into account. Brass chooses a systemic and functional approach that is typically limited in it understanding of change. This work compares favorably with a recent book that also deals with Aligarh written by Ashutosh Varshney, Ethnic Conflict and Civic Life: Hindus and Muslims in India (2002). Varshney juxtaposes pairs of peaceful and violent cities: Aligarh and Calicut, Hyderabad and Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Surat, and compares them. What he finds is that peaceful cities have a good civic life with civic associations bridging the communal gap between Hindus and Muslims, while violent cities lack this associational life. According to Varshney, it is not the state (i.e., police or politicians) that is behind communal riots, but it is the existence or nonexistence of strong civic links between Hindus and Muslims that makes a city peaceful or riotprone. Brass demonstrates with a wealth of evidence that the opposite is true. Despite the fact that he rejects monocausality, his analysis shows that it is politics, and primarily electoral politics, that is behind the production of riots and the destruction of civic life. In the end, the moral impetus behind Brass’ important contribution to detached social analysis is that the political actors who use riots to their advantage be held accountable for their actions.
Integrating Random Shocks Into Multi-State Physics Models of Degradation Processes for Component Reliability Assessment

We extend a multi-state physics model (MSPM) framework for component reliability assessment by including semi-Markov and random shock processes. Two mutually exclusive types of random shocks are considered: extreme, and cumulative. Extreme shocks lead the component to immediate failure, whereas cumulative shocks simply affect the component degradation rates. General dependences between the degradation and the two types of random shocks are considered. A Monte Carlo simulation algorithm is implemented to compute component state probabilities. An illustrative example is presented, and a sensitivity analysis is conducted on the model parameters. The results show that our extended model is able to characterize the influences of different types of random shocks onto the component state probabilities and the reliability estimates.
A Multiinstitutional Experience With Robotic-Assisted Hysterectomy With Staging for Endometrial Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To report perioperative outcomes and learning curve characteristics from a multiinstitutional experience with robotic-assisted surgical staging for endometrial cancer. METHODS: A multiinstitutional robotic surgical consortium was created to evaluate the usefulness of robotics for gynecologic oncology surgery. An analysis of a multiinstitutional database of all patients who underwent robotic surgery for endometrial carcinoma between April 2003 and January 2009 was performed. Records were reviewed for demographic data and perioperative outcomes. Individual surgeon outcomes were analyzed as well in an attempt to evaluate characteristics of learning with incorporation of robotic technology. RESULTS: Four hundred five patients were identified who underwent robotic surgery for endometrial cancer. Mean age was 62.2 years and mean body mass index was 32.4. Fifty-five percent of patients reported a prior abdominal surgery. Final pathologic analysis demonstrated that 89.6% of all patients had stage I and II disease. Mean operative time was 170.5 minutes. Mean estimated blood loss was 87.5 mL. Mean lymph node count was 15.5. Mean hospital stay was 1.8 days. Intraoperative complications occurred in 3.5% of the patients and conversion to laparotomy occurred in 6.7%. Postoperative complications were reported in 14.6% of the patients. For the group, fewer than 10 cases were required to achieve proficiency with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Robotic technology may level the playing field between the novice and expert laparoscopist for endometrial cancer staging. Prospective trials should be undertaken to compare robotic and laparoscopic approaches to treat endometrial cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
Natural Bioadhesive Biodegradable Nanoparticle-Based Topical Ophthalmic Formulations for Management of Glaucoma.

PURPOSE We prepared and characterized topical ophthalmic formulations containing brimonidine-loaded bioadhesive cationic chitosan or anionic alginate nanoparticles (NPs) for sustained release of brimonidine as once daily regimen for management of glaucoma. METHODS Nanoparticles were prepared using a spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method. Different concentrations of polymers, emulsifiers, and NPs stabilizers were used for formulation optimization. Nanoparticles were characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, morphology, and drug content. Brimonidine-loaded NPs were incorporated into eye drops, a temperature-triggered in situ gelling system, and a preformed gel. They then were characterized regarding their pH, viscosity, uniformity of drug content, in vitro release characteristics, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vivo intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects. RESULTS Characteristics of optimized brimonidine-loaded chitosan and alginate NPs, respectively, are: particle size, 115.67 ± 3.58 and 157.67 ± 5.53 nm; zeta potential, +35.27 ± 3.39 and -37.8 ± 3.77 mV; encapsulation efficiency, 74.34% ± 2.05% and 70.40% ± 2.77%; drug loading, 11.81% ± 0.67% and 13.14% ± 0.90%; and yield, 87.91% ± 5.92% and 76.53% ± 3.32%. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analyses revealed that NPs have spherical shapes with a dense core and distinct coat. Formulations possessed uniform drug content. Furthermore, pH and viscosity were compatible with the eye. Formulations showed a sustained release without any burst effect with a Higuchi non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that all formulations are biocompatible. Importantly, all formulations possessed a sustained IOP lowering effect compared to the marketed brimonidine tartrate eye drops. CONCLUSIONS These formulations provide a great improvement in topical ocular brimonidine delivery. The application of a single drop is sufficient to provide extended IOP reduction, which should improve patient compliance. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE We have developed a novel biocompatible topical delivery system for brimonidine, a first line glaucoma medication. Once daily application should have positive effects on patient compliance and, therefore, preservation of vision.
Children's sleep patterns from 0 to 9 years: Australian population longitudinal study

Objective To provide accurate population normative data documenting cross-sectional, age-specific sleep patterns in Australian children aged 0–9 years. Design and setting The first three waves of the nationally representative Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, comprising two cohorts recruited in 2004 at ages 0–1 years (n=5107) and 4–5 years (n=4983), and assessed biennially. Participants Children with analysable sleep data for at least one wave. Measures At every wave, parents prospectively completed 24-h time-use diaries for a randomly selected week or weekend day. ‘Sleeping, napping’ was one of the 26 precoded activities recorded in 15-min time intervals. Results From 0 to 9 years of age, 24-h sleep duration fell from a mean peak of 14 (SD 2.2) h at 4–6 months to 10 (SD 1.9) h at 9 years, mainly due to progressively later mean sleep onset time from 20:00 (SD 75 min) to 21:00 (SD 60 min) and declining length of day sleep from 3.0 (SD 1.7) h to 0.03 (SD 0.2) h. Number and duration of night wakings also fell. By primary school, wake and sleep onset times were markedly later on weekend days. The most striking feature of the centile charts is the huge variation at all ages in sleep duration, sleep onset time and, especially, wake time in this normal population. Conclusions Parents and professionals can use these new centile charts to judge normalcy of children's sleep. In future research, these population parameters will now be used to empirically determine optimal child sleep patterns for child and parent outcomes like mental and physical health.
Molecular and Genetic Studies of Fusarium Trichothecene Biosynthesis: Pathways, Genes, and Evolution

Trichothecenes are a large family of sesquiterpenoid secondary metabolites of Fusarium species (e.g., F. graminearum) and other molds. They are major mycotoxins that can cause serious problems when consumed via contaminated cereal grains. In the past 20 years, an outline of the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway has been established based on the results of precursor feeding experiments and blocked mutant analyses. Following the isolation of the pathway gene Tri5 encoding the first committed enzyme trichodiene synthase, 10 biosynthesis genes (Tri genes; two regulatory genes, seven pathway genes, and one transporter gene) were functionally identified in the Tri5 gene cluster. At least three pathway genes, Tri101 (separated alone), and Tri1 and Tri16 (located in the Tri1-Tri16 two-gene cluster), were found outside of the Tri5 gene cluster. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the pathways of biosynthesis, the functions of cloned Tri genes, and the evolution of Tri genes, focusing on Fusarium species.
A microstrip-fed W-band waveguide filter using H-shaped coupling slots

A novel microstrip-fed waveguide filter is proposed in this letter. The H-shaped slots on the back side of the substrate are utilized to connect waveguide cavities and the microstrip circuit. Simultaneously, they are used to realize external coupling of the filter. This design can effectively reduce the size of the circuit and avoid extra transition loss, which is good for system integration. A fifth-order filter atW-band based on H-shaped coupling slots have been fabricated and measured. Good agreements between the simulated and measured results are observed.
ATTENTION AND THE VON RESTORFF EFFECT

The hypothesis that the von Restorff effect is caused by the isolated (I) item attracting attention, which results in increased recall, was tested on the basis of the assumption that the attention activities are time-consuming. The variables tested were: presentation time, presentation mode, isolated or non-isolated sequence, position of the I item, material of the I item and delay between presentation and recall. The results only partly supported the above attention hypothesis, neither could interference theory, based upon acoustic similarity, give a complete account of the findings.