Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surface and biological evaluation of hydroxyapatite-based coatings on titanium deposited by different techniques.

Hydroxyapatite coatings have been deposited on titanium cp by plasma spray, sol-gel, and sputtering techniques for dental implant applications. The latter two techniques are of current interest, as they allow coatings of micrometer dimensions to be deposited. Coating morphology, composition, and structure have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). All coatings were homogeneous and exhibited a rough morphology suitable for implant applications. The sputtered (after annealing), plasma spray, and sol-gel coatings all showed diffraction peaks corresponding to hydroxyapatite. The surface contaminants were observed to be different for the different coating types. The sputtered coatings were found to have a composition most similar to hydroxyapatite; the sol-gel deposits also showed a high concentration of hydroxyl ions. A discrepancy in the Ca/P ratio was observed for the plasma spray coatings, and a small concentration of carbonate ions was found in the sputter-deposited coatings. The in vitro cell-culture studies using MG63 osteoblast-like cells demonstrated the ability of cells to proliferate on the materials tested. The sol-gel coating promotes higher cell growth, greater alkaline phosphatase activity, and greater osteocalcin production compared to the sputtered and plasma-sprayed coatings.
Systems Biology—Biomedical Modeling

This course introduces students to computational principles and approaches used in systems biology. Because of the complexity inherent in biological systems, many researchers frequently rely on a combination of global analysis and computational approaches to gain insight into both (i) how interacting components can produce complex system behaviors, and (ii) how changes in conditions may alter these behaviors. Because the biological details of a particular system are generally not taught along with the quantitative approaches that enable hypothesis generation and analysis of the system, we developed a course at Mount Sinai School of Medicine that introduces first-year graduate students to these computational principles and approaches. We anticipate that such approaches will apply throughout the biomedical sciences and that courses such as the one described here will become a core requirement of many graduate programs in the biological and biomedical sciences.
Mutations in yeast HAP2/HAP3 define a hybrid CCAAT box binding domain.

We describe a detailed genetic analysis of the DNA‐binding regions in the HAP2/HAP3 CCAAT‐binding heteromeric complex. The DNA‐binding domain of HAP2 is shown to be a 21 residue region containing three critical histidines and three critical arginines. Mutation of an arginine at position 199 to leucine alters the DNA‐binding specificity of the complex to favor CCAAC over CCAAT. Residues in HAP3 that are critical for DNA‐binding comprise a short, seven amino acid region. Three different mutations in the HAP2 DNA‐binding domain are suppressed by a mutation in the HAP3 DNA‐binding domain. This HAP3 mutation also suppresses mutations in a different region of HAP2 which promotes subunit assembly of the complex. These findings suggest that short regions of HAP2 and HAP3 comprise a hybrid DNA‐binding domain and that this domain can help hold the two subunits together in the CCAAT‐binding complex.
Leaks: Quantum, Classical, Intermediate and More

We introduce the notion of a leak for general process theories and identify quantum theory as a theory with minimal leakage, while classical theory has maximal leakage. We provide a construction that adjoins leaks to theories, an instance of which describes the emergence of classical theory by adjoining decoherence leaks to quantum theory. Finally, we show that defining a notion of purity for processes in general process theories has to make reference to the leaks of that theory, a feature missing in standard definitions; hence, we propose a refined definition and study the resulting notion of purity for quantum, classical and intermediate theories.
pH- and ion-sensitive polymers for drug delivery

Introduction: Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are important for effective, safe, and convenient administration of drugs. pH- and ion-responsive polymers have been widely employed in DDS for site-specific drug release due to their abilities to exploit specific pH- or ion-gradients in the human body. Areas covered: Having pH-sensitivity, cationic polymers can mask the taste of drugs and release drugs in the stomach by responding to gastric low pH. Anionic polymers responsive to intestinal high pH are used for preventing gastric degradation of drug, colon drug delivery and achieving high bioavailability of weak basic drugs. Tumor-targeted DDSs have been developed based on polymers with imidazole groups or poly(β-amino ester) responsive to tumoral low pH. Polymers with pH-sensitive chemical linkages, such as hydrazone, acetal, ortho ester and vinyl ester, pH-sensitive cell-penetrating peptides and cationic polymers undergoing pH-dependent protonation have been studied to utilize the pH gradient along the endocytic pathway for intracellular drug delivery. As ion-sensitive polymers, ion-exchange resins are frequently used for taste-masking, counterion-responsive drug release and sustained drug release. Polymers responding to ions in the saliva and gastrointestinal fluids are also used for controlled drug release in oral drug formulations. Expert opinion: Stimuli-responsive DDSs are important for achieving site-specific and controlled drug release; however, intraindividual, interindividual and intercellular variations of pH should be considered when designing DDSs or drug products. Combination of polymers and other components, and deeper understanding of human physiology are important for development of pH- and ion-sensitive polymeric DDS products for patients.
Expression of SSX genes in human tumors

The HOM‐MEL‐40 antigen which is encoded by the SSX‐2 gene was originally detected as a tumor antigen recognized by autologous IgG antibodies in a melanoma patient. Expression analysis demonstrated that SSX‐2 is a member of the recently described cancer/testis antigen (CTA) class as it is expressed in a variety of different human neoplasms, but not in normal tissues with the exception of testis and a weak expression in the thyroid. Further studies demonstrated that SSX‐2 belongs to a gene family consisting of at least 5 homologous genes. We now report the analysis of the expression of all 5 SSX genes in 325 specimens of human neoplasms from various histological origins, using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). SSX‐1, ‐2, and ‐4 were found to be expressed in 8%, 15% and 15%, of the tumors, respectively, while the expression of the SSX‐5 gene was rare (7/325), and SSX‐3 expression was not detected. For defined tumor types, expression of at least one of the SSX family members was most frequently observed in head and neck cancer (75%), followed by ovarian cancer (50%), malignant melanoma (43%), lymphoma (36%), colorectal cancer (27%) and breast cancer (23%), while leukemias and the few cases of leiomyosarcomas, seminomas and thyroid cancers were found not to express any SSX gene. Int. J. Cancer 77:19–23, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An UMTS and GSM Low Phase Noise Inductively Tuned LC VCO

A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) design strategy for extended tuning range with low phase noise at critical GSM and UMTS frequencies is applied and verified by simulations, implementation and measurements on 130 nm CMOS. The oscillator tuning range is expanded from 49.4% to 60.2% by shorting transformer secondary winding with a switch. The VCO achieves a phase noise of -126.1 dBc/Hz (switch ¿off¿) and -123.4 dBc/Hz (switch ¿on¿) at a 1 MHz offset from a 4 GHz and 4.8 GHz carrier while consuming less than 7.5 mA from 1.8 V power supply.
Interactions between extraocular proprioceptive and visual signals in the superior colliculus of the cat.

1. The responses of units in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus to stretch of extrinsic ocular muscles (e.o.m.) and to visual stimuli, delivered singly and paired at various inter‐stimulus intervals, were studied in chloralose‐anaesthetized cats. 2. Most units responded to visual stimuli and about half also gave phasic excitatory responses to stretch of e.o. m. 3. Signals from the e.o. m. of each eye reach both superior colliculi; only those in the colliculus ipsilateral to the e.o. m. stretched were studied in detail. 4. A variety of control experiments provided evidence that the signal leading to the responses to e.o. m. stretch was extraretinal. The strong probability is that the receptors responsible were in the extrinsic ocular muscles or their tendons. 5. Of fifty‐six units, twenty‐four (43%) showed definite interactions between the effects of visual stimuli delivered to the left eye and those due to stretch of e.o. m. of the right eye whose retina had been destroyed. 6. Interactions were found with both stationary and moving visual stimuli. They involved either enhancement or reduction (sometimes abolition) of the response to either e.o. m. or visual stimulation, particularly the latter. 7. Units with interactions showed one of three types of behaviour. (1) Excitatory responses to visual and e.o. m. stimuli given singly, and interactions when the two types of stimulus were paired at some time intervals. Suppression and abolition of visual responses by preceding e.o. m. stretch was common. (2) Units with little or no excitatory response to e.o. m. stretch applied alone, but with showed reduction of their visual responses by preceding e.o. m. stretch. (3) Units with minimal responses to either type of stimulus presented alone but which gave markedly enhanced responses when visual and e.o. m. stimuli were paired. 8. These interactions between proprioceptive and retinal signals are thought to allow retinal image movements which result from saccades to be distinguished from those due to movement of objects in the external world.
Fibromyalgia: Patient Perspectives on Symptoms, Symptom Management, and Provider Utilization

&NA; Two surveys of individuals with fibromyalgia were conducted to assess the frequency and prevalence of symptoms (N = 99) as well as healthcare providers, medications, and self‐care activities used to manage one's fibromyalgia (N = 54). The pervasiveness of symptoms was striking, with 24 various symptoms ranging from cognitive to intestinal problems occurring in at least 75% of the respondents. Significant correlations were present between health status and both physical (P = .002) and psychological (P = .008) symptoms. There was also a significant correlation between the total number of symptoms and the degree of life disruption attributed to fibromyalgia (P = .015). A variety of healthcare professionals were seen, with internists, family physicians, and rheumatologist most frequently used. Although at least 80% of the respondents reported difficulty with anxiety, confusion, irritability, depression, and cognitive difficulties, less than 10% of the respondents reported seeing a psychiatrist. Most frequently used medications were: amitriptyline, (fluoxetine HCl) Prozac, ibuprofen (Motrin), sertraline HCI (Zoloft), and zolpidem (Ambein). Self‐care activities used with the most success were walking, stretching, and exercising. These studies indicate the need for more research and support for healthcare providers as well as patients with fibromyalgia.
Role of water in some biological processes

The state of intracellular water has been a matter of controversy for a long time for two reasons. First, experiments have often given conflicting results. Second, hitherto, there have been no plausible grounds for assuming that intracellular water should be significantly different from bulk water. A collective behavior of water molecules is suggested here as a thermodynamically inevitable mechanism for generation of appreciable zones of abnormal water. At a highly charged surface, water molecules move together, generating a zone of water perhaps 6 nm thick, which is weakly hydrogen bonded, fluid, and reactive and selectively accumulates small cations, multivalent anions, and hydrophobic solutes. At a hydrophobic surface, molecules move apart and local water becomes strongly bonded, inert, and viscous and accumulates large cations, univalent anions, and compatible solutes. Proteins and many other biopolymers have patchy surfaces which therefore induce, by the two mechanisms described, patchy interfacial water structures, which extended appreciable distances from the surface. The reason for many conflicting experimental results now becomes apparent. Average values of properties of water measured in gels, cells, or solutions of proteins are often not very different from the same properties of normal water, giving no indication that they are averages of extreme values. To detect the operation of this phenomenon, it is necessary to probe selectively a single abnormal population. Examples of such experiments are given. It is shown that this collective behavior of water molecules amounts to a considerable biological force, which can be equivalent to a pressure of 1,000 atm (1.013 x 10(5) kPa). It is suggested that cells selectively accumulate K+ ions and compatible solutes to avoid extremes of water structure in their aqueous compartments, but that cation pumps and other enzymes exploit the different solvent properties and reactivities of water to perform work of transport or synthesis.
Effect of Stress and Adrenalectomy on Urocortin II mRNA Expression in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus of the Rat

Urocortin II (Ucn II) is a novel corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-related peptide discovered as a selective agonist for type-2 CRH receptor. In the rat or mouse brain, Ucn II mRNA shows weak expression mainly in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the locus coeruleus (LC). Understanding the regulation of Ucn II mRNA expression under varying conditions provides new insights into central stress response. We examined expression of Ucn II mRNA in the PVN and LC following immobilization stress, water deprivation, and adrenalectomy. Rats subjected to immobilization stress exhibited a dramatic induction of Ucn II mRNA expression in the parvocellular part of the PVN at the end of 2 h of immobilization. In contrast, water deprivation for 3 days induced Ucn II mRNA expression mainly in the magnocellular part of the PVN. Although water-deprived rats showed a marked decrease in their food intake, pair-fed rats failed to alter PVN Ucn II mRNA expression, suggesting that osmotic stimuli per se, but not reduced food consumption during water deprivation, caused Ucn II mRNA induction in the magnocellular part of the PVN. Adrenalectomized rats failed to show an increase in Ucn II mRNA in the PVN when compared to sham-operated rats. Double-label in situ hybridization revealed colocalization of Ucn II mRNA in approximately 45% of the CRH mRNA-expressing cells in the parvocellular part of the PVN following immobilization, or colocalization in most of the vasopressin mRNA-expressing cells in the magnocellular part of the PVN following water deprivation. In the LC, no induction of Ucn II mRNA was observed in any of the three experimental conditions, indicating that the regulation of Ucn II mRNA expression was site-specific. The results show a stressor-specific regulation of Ucn II mRNA expression in the PVN and raise the possibility that Ucn II mRNA plays a modulatory role in stress-induced alteration of anterior and posterior pituitary function, depending on the type of stress.
Prescribing for the Elderly Part I: Sensitivity of the Elderly to Adverse Drug Reactions *

t has been stated that adverse drug reactions are the inevitable price we pay for the benefits of modem drug therapy. 'f2 Certainly, adverse drug reactions I are costly both in terms of the human illness caused and in economic term^. ^,^ Furthermore, iatrogenic disease can undermine the doctor patient relati~nship. ~ The problem of adverse reactions is particularly pertinent to elderly patients because they consume a disproportionate amount of drugs. While those over 65 years of age comprise only 11.7% of the population in the United States, 31% of all drugs are prescribed for this age group.6 Similarly, in the United Kingdom the elderly are dispensed twice as many prescriptions as the national average. ' Moreover, alterations in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics with advancing age may alter the response, both wanted and ~nwanted. ",~ We have reviewed the evidence for a relationship between chronological age and adverse drug reactions and have attempted to evaluate the contribution of related factors, such as multiple drug therapy and increased morbidity.
Self-Adaptive PD Control of Robot Manipulator

In the first place mathematic model of manipulator is established according to the dynamic theories. Then self-adaptive PD controller is designed in lined with its disturbance's supremum which is not ascertain. The self-adaptive PD controller could make the systems' PD feedback control take main effects, which could avoid too large initial torque while the initial errors is large at first, while the disturbances errors decrease the self-adaptive controller take predominance acts to make the systems have good dynamic performances.
Interactive shape design with convolution surfaces

This paper presents a complete design environment that explores the modeling capabilities of convolution surfaces and puts them into practice. The design system includes a number of implicit primitives and modeling techniques that allow objects to be created by sculpting their surfaces at all levels of detail. All the techniques are illustrated using models of marine life forms and other objects of organic origin. Implementation and efficiency issues are discussed.
Geometric modifications of QR code

QR code is a very popular type of 2D barcode. In practice, QR code is an image which consists of black and white patterns. QR code is capable of carrying alphanumerical message embedded using Reed-Solomon error correction algorithm. The coded content carries messages aimed for various purposes. When scanned with today omnipresent smart devices, with camera and software, the message is processed and various actions are performed. More than 20 actions are standardized. Many applications are available in various application stores that fulfill the actions. We have carried out a sequence of experiments with introduction of QR code into digital media, mainly TV. QR code is one possible solution for direct interface between TV picture and smart device. TV picture is representing the TV program as one electronic media, and smart device is a gate towards Internet and other numerous activities. QR code must be incorporated in TV picture in such a manner that it does not disturb the TV viewers who are not interested in processing the encoded information, and in the same time it must be visible and quickly and easily decodable. In this paper, we propose a set of geometric modifications of the QR code design, combined with color modifications and introduction of transparency. Four aspects of modifications were analyzed and examples are presented showing the final outcome: QR code which is easily integrated into the TV picture.
Les États-Unis : un site exemplaire

Pascale Legue-Dupont «Etats-Unis» -eine Mustersiedlung ; Viele Kommunen machen aus der Kultur ihr Markenzeichen. Die Bewohner der «Etats-Unis» in Lyon, eines wahrend der Zwischenkriegszeit von dem beruhmten Architekten Tony Garnier errichteten, grosen Gebaudekomplexes, haben ihre Siedlung zum Freiluftmuseum fur fortschrittlichen Stadtebau erklart. Inzwischen treffen aus aller Welt Besucher ein. Die der kollektiven Erinnerung gewidmeten kunstlerischen Unternehmungen der Bewohner stosen aber auf den Widerstand der Stadtvater, denen solche Initiativen nicht prestigetrachtig genug sind.
Medical Home Disparities for Latino Children by Parental Language of Interview

Examination of Latino children in aggregate ignores important subgroup differences due to the parents' English language ability. Previous reports of the pediatric medical home have not stratified Latino children by parental language differences to compare the two groups directly. We analyzed the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health to determine medical home prevalence among Latino children, stratified by language of parental interview. Most Latino children with a Spanish-language parental interview had a usual source of care, but only one-quarter had a medical home. Striking medical home disparities persisted for Latino children with a Spanish-language interview, even after adjustment for potential confounders. Lack of a medical home was associated with disparities in the quality of care, more so than access disparities. Addressing health care disparities for Latino children requires particular attention to the unique needs of Latino children with parents who may experience language barriers during health care encounters.
Genetic Population Structure of Fishes: Implications for Coastal Zone Management

Abstract The pattern for distribution of genetic variation within and between populations is referred to as the genetic population structure of the species. To avoid depletion of genetic resources sustainable management should be based on knowledge of this structure. We discuss key aspects of genetic population structure in the context of identifying biological units for fisheries management, suggesting three basic types of structuring: distinct populations; continuous change; and no differentiation. The type of structure determines how units for genetically sustainable management are to be identified. We also review what is currently known regarding the genetic population structure of fishes exploited in the Swedish part of the Baltic Sea, and conclude that sufficient genetic information is lacking for most of the species. This is a serious problem, particularly considering that populations of several commercially exploited fishes are declining and some exhibit recruitment problems. For six species, Atlantic herring, Atlantic salmon, brown trout, European eel, turbot, and pike, sufficient genetic data are available to provide at least basic information on genetic structure and genetic units for biologically sustainable use. Current management practices do not sufficiently consider these data.
SCID Mouse Models of Human Stem Cell Engraftment

The discovery of the severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mouse mutation has provided a tool for establishment of small animal models as hosts for the in vivo analysis of normal and malignant human pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells. Intravenous injection of irradiated scid mice with human bone marrow, cord blood, or G‐CSF cytokine‐mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells, all rich in human hemopoietic stem cell activity, results in the engraftment of a human hemopoietic system in the murine recipient. This model has been used to identify a pluripotent stem cell, termed “scid‐repopulating cell” (SRC) that is more primitive than any of the hemopoietic stem cell populations identified using the currently available in vitro methodology. In this review, we describe the development and use of this model system, termed Hu‐SRC‐SCID, and summarize the discoveries that have resulted from the investigation of human stem cells in this model. Finally, we detail the recent extension of the original Hu‐SRC‐SCID model system based on the C.B‐17‐scid mouse as the murine host to the Hu‐SRC‐NOD‐SCID model based on the NOD‐scid mouse as the host. The engraftment of human stem cells in the Hu‐SRC‐NOD‐SCID model is enhanced over that observed in the Hu‐SRC‐SCID model and results in exceptionally high levels of human hemopoietic cells in the murine recipient. Future directions to further improve the Hu‐SRC‐NOD‐SCID model system and the potential utility of this model in the preclinical and diagnostic arenas of hematology and oncology are discussed.