Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The usefulness of bone marrow in the standardization process of immunohistochemical methods

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) by microscopy is used to localize antigens in tissue sections that are visualized by interaction with specific labeled antibodies. This technology has revolutionized the field of tumor diagnosis and has provided a powerful tool for pathologists to better characterize difficult or unusual neoplasms. In addition, IHC has provided information that has resulted in the reclassification of many neoplasms and, in some cases, the creation of new categories that were previously unrecognized. In order to obtain optimal results with this technique, a standardization process is required. On the other hand, the bone marrow (BM) in normal human adults consists of a connective tissue stroma of reticular cells and fibers that forms a meshwork to support islands or cords of hematopoietic cells together with fat cells. This tissue contains specialized microenvironments that maintain hematopoietic stem cells and supply the requisite factors for their development. In BM, cellular phenomena as apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation occur. In this work we evaluated the usefulness of BM in the standardization process of immunohistochemical methods. Paraformaldehyde-fixed, decalcified and paraffin-embedded sections were prepared from femurs of CD1 mice. Mouse monoclonal antibodies were used for the detection of nestin and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) proteins, and apoptosis was analyzed by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. We clearly demonstrated the antigens, which further differ in their subcellular localization, i.e. nuclear and cytoplasmic. Apoptosis was also successfully demonstrated. Our results indicate that BM is usefully in the standardization of IHC methods which analyze important cellular processes, and avoids the use of multiple tissues in the standardization of different antigens.
Mathematical problem solving and working memory in children with learning disabilities: both executive and phonological processes are important.

The purpose of this investigation was to explore the relationship between working memory (WM) and mathematical problem solving in children with learning disabilities (LD). Children with LD (age 11.5 years) were compared to chronologically age-matched (CA-M) and younger comprehension/computation achievement-matched children (age 8.9 years) on measures of verbal and visual-spatial WM, phonological processing, components of problem solving, and word-problem solving accuracy. The results showed that (1) children with LD were inferior on measures of word solution accuracy, components of problem solving, phonological processing, domain-general WM, and verbal WM when compared to children who were CA-M, (2) children with LD were comparable to younger children on all processing measures, except measures of domain-general WM, visual-spatial WM, phonemic deletion, and identifying problem goals, (3) measures of verbal and visual-spatial WM contributed significant variance to solution accuracy independent of phonological processing, and (4) the influence of WM on solution accuracy was mediated by long-term memory (LTM) processes related to the knowledge of algorithms. The results support the notion that information activated from LTM, rather than phonological processing, mediates the relationship between executive processing and solution accuracy in children with LD.
Measurement properties of existing clinical assessment methods evaluating scapular positioning and function. A systematic review

Abstract The aims were to compile a schematic overview of clinical scapular assessment methods and critically appraise the methodological quality of the involved studies. A systematic, computer-assisted literature search using Medline, CINAHL, SportDiscus and EMBASE was performed from inception to October 2013. Reference lists in articles were also screened for publications. From 50 articles, 54 method names were identified and categorized into three groups: (1) Static positioning assessment (n = 19); (2) Semi-dynamic (n = 13); and (3) Dynamic functional assessment (n = 22). Fifteen studies were excluded for evaluation due to no/few clinimetric results, leaving 35 studies for evaluation. Graded according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN checklist), the methodological quality in the reliability and validity domains was “fair” (57%) to “poor” (43%), with only one study rated as “good”. The reliability domain was most often investigated. Few of the assessment methods in the included studies that had “fair” or “good” measurement property ratings demonstrated acceptable results for both reliability and validity. We found a substantially larger number of clinical scapular assessment methods than previously reported. Using the COSMIN checklist the methodological quality of the included measurement properties in the reliability and validity domains were in general “fair” to “poor”. None were examined for all three domains: (1) reliability; (2) validity; and (3) responsiveness. Observational evaluation systems and assessment of scapular upward rotation seem suitably evidence-based for clinical use. Future studies should test and improve the clinimetric properties, and especially diagnostic accuracy and responsiveness, to increase utility for clinical practice.
Effects of tachyplesin on the regulation of cell cycle in human hepatocarcinoma SMMC-7721 cells.

AIM To investigate the effects of tachyplesin on the cell cycle regulation in human hepatcarcinoma cells. METHODS Effects of tachyplesin on the cell cycle in human hepatocarcinoma SMMC-7721 cells were assayed with flow cytometry. The protein levels of p53, p16, cyclin D1 and CDK4 were assayed by immunocytochemistry. The mRNA levels of p21(WAF1/CIP1) and c-myc genes were examined with in situ hybridization assay. RESULTS After tachyplesin treatment, the cell cycle arrested at G0/G1 phase, the protein levels of mutant p53, cyclin D1 and CDK4 and the mRNA level of c-myc gene were decreased, whereas the levels of p16 protein and p21(WAF1/CIP1) mRNA increased. CONCLUSION Tachyplesin might arrest the cell at G0/G1 phase by upregulating the levels of p16 protein and p21(WAF1/CIP1) mRNA and downregulating the levels of mutant p53, cyclin D1 and CDK4 proteins and c-myc mRNA, and induce the differentiation of human hepatocacinoma cells.
Hereditary Pancreatitis in Japan: A Review of Pancreatitis-Associated Gene Mutations

Pancreatitis-associated gene mutations have been reported in patients with hereditary pancreatitis and idiopathic pancreatitis in the Caucasian population and involve the cationic trypsinogen gene, the pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor gene and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene. In the Japanese population, mutational screening analyses of these genes have shown several mutations. The present study reviews previous reports from Japan in order to evaluate the racial specificity of pancreatitis-associated gene mutations.
Genetic control of the expression of immunoglobulin isotypes in the responses of mice to sheep red blood cells

Studies have been carried out on the genetic control of the expression of individual Ig classes in the responses of A/J (A) and C57BL/6J (B6) mice to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). An isotopic anti‐immunoglobulin test employing Ig class‐specific reagents was used to measure levels of IgM, IgA, IgG1 IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 anti‐SRBC antibodies in sera of hyperimmunized mice. Compared with B6 mice, A mice are low IgM and IgA responders but high responders with respect to all IgG subclasses. In (B6 × A)F1 mice low responsiveness was dominant for all Ig classes indicating that IgM and IgA responses are controlled by genes different from those which control IgG subclass responses. Analysis of the responses of [(B6 × A)F1 × A] and [(B10. A × A)F1 × A] backcross mice indicates multigenic control of IgG subclass responses. Expression of IgG2a and IgG3 responses appear to be regulated largely by single genes whose action is modified by genes at other loci; control of IgG1 and IgG2b is, clearly, polygenic with no evidence for major control by any single gene. The magnitude of all IgG subclass responses appears to be regulated by a gene(s) associated with or linked to the IgCH locus. Analysis of the responses of H‐2‐congenic mice shows that major histocompatibility genes do not have a strong influence on the patterns of IgM and IgG responses in A or B6 mice. The overall results indicate that while there is some common control of all IgG classes, there is also separate polygenic control of individual Ig classes.
Safe Optimization of Highway Traffic With Robust Model Predictive Control-Based Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control

Road traffic crashes have been the leading cause of death among young people. Most of these accidents occur when the driver becomes distracted due to fatigue or external factors. Vehicle platooning systems, as cooperative adaptive cruise control, are one of the results of efforts devoted to the development of technologies for decreasing the number of road crashes and fatalities. Previous studies have suggested that such systems improve up to 273% highway traffic throughput and over 15% of fuel consumption if the clearance between vehicles in this class of roads can be reduced to 2 m. In this paper, we propose an approach that guarantees a minimum safety distance between vehicles taking into account the overall system delays and braking capacity of each vehicle. An $l\infty $ -norm robust model predictive controller has been developed to guarantee the minimum safety distance is not violated due to uncertainties on the preceding vehicle behavior. A formulation for a lower bound clearance of vehicles inside a platoon is also proposed. Simulation results show the performance of the approach compared to a nominal controller when the system is subject to both modeled and unmodeled disturbances.
Mechanism of the nitric oxide-induced blockade of collecting duct water permeability.

Nitric oxide has a diuretic effect in vivo. We have shown that nitric oxide inhibits antidiuretic hormone-stimulated osmotic water permeability in the collecting duct; however, the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. We hypothesized that inhibition of antidiuretic hormone-stimulated water permeability by nitric oxide in the collecting duct is the result of activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase, which in turn decreases intracellular cAMP. To test this hypothesis, we microperfused cortical collecting ducts. Antidiuretic hormone-stimulated water permeability was 317 +/- 47 microm/s (P < .001). Addition of spermine NONOate, a nitric oxide donor, to the bath decreased water permeability to 74 +/- 38 microm/s (P < .002). In the presence of LY 83583, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, spermine NONOate did not change water permeability. Addition of spermine NONOate increased cGMP production (P < .01). In the presence of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor, spermine NONOate did not change water permeability. Since antidiuretic hormone increases water permeability by increasing cAMP, we hypothesized that nitric oxide inhibits water permeability by decreasing cAMP. In tubules pretreated with antidiuretic hormone, intracellular cAMP was 18.9 +/- 3.9 fmol/mm. In tubules treated with antidiuretic hormone and spermine NONOate, cAMP was 9.3 +/- 1.7 fmol/mm (P < .03). We also examined the effect of spermine NONOate on dibutyryl-cAMP-stimulated water permeability. In the presence of dibutyryl-cAMP, water permeability was 388 +/- 30 microm/s. Addition of spermine NONOate had no significant effect on water permeability. Time controls and inhibitors by themselves did not change antidiuretic hormone-stimulated water permeability. We concluded that nitric oxide decreases antidiuretic hormone-stimulated water permeability by increasing cGMP via soluble guanylate cyclase, activating cGMP-dependent protein kinase and decreasing cAMP.
GPU Solver with Chi-square Kernels for SVM Classification of Big Sparse Problems

This paper presents the ongoing research on the GPU SVM solutions for classification of big sparse datasets. In particular, after the success of implementation of RBF kernel for sparse matrix formats in previous work we decided to evaluate Chi$^{2}$ and Exponential Chi$^{2}$ kernels. Moreover, the details of GPU solver are pointed. Experimental session summarizes results of GPU SVM classification for different sparse data formats and different SVM kernels and demonstrates that solution for Exponential Chi$^2$ achieves significant accelerations in GPU SVM processing, while the results for Chi$^2$ kernel are very far from satisfactory.
New Species and Geographical Records of Dactylogyrids (Monogenea) of Catfish (Siluriformes) from the Peruvian Amazonia

Abstract: Three new species of gill monogeneans (Dactylogyridae: Ancyrocephalinae) are described from siluriform catfish from Iquitos, Peru: Demidospermus mortenthaleri n. sp. from Brachyplatystoma juruense (Boulenger), Demidospermus brevicirrus n. sp. from Pimelodus sp. , and Aphanoblastella aurorae n. sp. from Goeldiella eques (Müller & Troschel). Demidospermus mortenthaleri is characterized by a male copulatory organ (MCO) with a small loop at its middle portion; 2 types of hooks, of which pairs 5 and 6 are longer than the remaining hooks; a proximal subunit round and highly depressed thumb; and a sclerotized vagina with a round pad at the vaginal aperture. Demidospermus brevicirrus is distinguished from other congeners by the presence of a short, straight, and robust MCO and boot-shaped accessory piece with a hooked projection directed posteriorly. Aphanoblastella aurorae is the only species of the genus that possesses an arrow-shaped sclerotized vagina and a medial process on the dorsal bar. Another 6 dactylogyrids described previously are recorded for the first time from the Peruvian Amazonia: Cosmetocleithrum bulbocirrus Kritsky, Thatcher and Boeger, 1986; Vancleaveus fungulus Kritsky, Thatcher and Boeger, 1986; V. janauacaensis Kritsky, Thatcher and Boeger, 1986; V. platyrhynchi Kritsky, Thatcher and Boeger, 1986; Unilatus unilatus Mizelle and Kritsky, 1967; and U. brittani Mizelle, Kritsky and Crane, 1968. Based on observations of specimens collected in the Peruvian Amazonia, new morphological data for these species are provided. Comparison of new specimens of U. unilatus and U. brittani with those of Unilatus brevispinus Suriano, 1985 and Unilatus longispinus Suriano, 1985, both originally described from Brazil, has shown that they are conspecific. Therefore, the latter species were synonymized with U. unilatus and U. brittani, respectively. In addition, 56 undescribed monogeneans found in catfish from the Peruvian Amazonia, some of them probably belonging to new genera, are listed.
Studies on the rapid cholesterol-depleting and steroidogenic actions of luteinizing hormone in the rat ovary: effects of aminoglutethimide phosphate.

Superovulated, immature rats were administered luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or aminoglutethimide phosphate (AGP), an inhibitor of cholesterol side-chain cleavage, to ascertain whether the steroidogenic action could be separated from the cholesterol-depleting action of LH. The injection of AGP and before sacrifice significantly reduced tissue levels of progesterone and 20α-dihydroprogesterone to 25–30% of normal, and increased tissue levels of free cholesterol in the absence and presence of LH given or 4 h before sacrifice. Cholesterol ester concentration was increased twofold after AGP, whereas LH injection after AGP and 4 h before sacrifice reduced the tissue concentration to the control level but not as low as that observed when only LH was given 4 h before sacrifice (50% of control level). The cholesterol ester depletion induced by LH, even though steroidogenesis was inhibited, indicates that these may represent separate events in the action of LH on luteal tissue.
Dysphagia in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Early Dysphagia Screening May Reduce Stroke-Related Pneumonia and Improve Stroke Outcomes

Background: Dysphagia is associated with poor outcome in stroke patients. Studies investigating the association of dysphagia and early dysphagia screening (EDS) with outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are rare. The aims of our study are to investigate the association of dysphagia and EDS within 24 h with stroke-related pneumonia and outcomes. Methods: Over a 4.5-year period (starting November 2007), all consecutive AIS patients from 15 hospitals in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, were prospectively evaluated. The primary outcomes were stroke-related pneumonia during hospitalization, mortality, and disability measured on the modified Rankin Scale ≥2-5, in which 2 indicates an independence/slight disability to 5 severe disability. Results: Of 12,276 patients (mean age 73 ± 13; 49% women), 9,164 patients (74%) underwent dysphagia screening; of these patients, 55, 39, 4.7, and 1.5% of patients had been screened for dysphagia within 3, 3 to <24, 24 to ≤72, and >72 h following admission. Patients who underwent dysphagia screening were likely to be older, more affected on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and to have higher rates of neurological symptoms and risk factors than patients who were not screened. A total of 3,083 patients (25.1%; 95% CI 24.4-25.8) had dysphagia. The frequency of dysphagia was higher in patients who had undergone dysphagia screening than in those who had not (30 vs. 11.1%; p < 0.001). During hospitalization (mean 9 days), 1,271 patients (10.2%; 95% CI 9.7-10.8) suffered from stroke-related pneumonia. Patients with dysphagia had a higher rate of pneumonia than those without dysphagia (29.7 vs. 3.7%; p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that dysphagia was associated with increased risk of stroke-related pneumonia (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.8-4.2; p < 0.001), case fatality during hospitalization (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.1-3.7; p < 0.001) and disability at discharge (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6-2.3; p < 0.001). EDS within 24 h of admission appeared to be associated with decreased risk of stroke-related pneumonia (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.52-0.89; p = 0.006) and disability at discharge (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.46-0.77; p < 0.001). Furthermore, dysphagia was independently correlated with an increase in mortality (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.4-4.2; p < 0.001) and disability (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.8-3.0; p < 0.001) at 3 months after stroke. The rate of 3-month disability was lower in patients who had received EDS (52 vs. 40.7%; p = 0.003), albeit an association in the logistic regression was not found (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.51-1.2; p = 0.2). Conclusions: Dysphagia exposes stroke patients to a higher risk of pneumonia, disability, and death, whereas an EDS seems to be associated with reduced risk of stroke-related pneumonia and disability.
Research update on the psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE This review is an update on the research evidence supporting psychosocial treatment for schizophrenia. It extends previous review articles by summarizing the literature on social skills training, family interventions, cognitive rehabilitation, and coping with residual positive symptoms. METHOD The authors reviewed controlled treatment outcome studies of social skills training and family interventions. Different models of family therapy were contrasted. The current literature on cognitive rehabilitation and coping with residual positive symptoms was also examined. RESULTS Social skills training produces improvement on specific behavioral measures, although changes in symptoms and community functioning are less pronounced. Family interventions (i.e., family psychoeducation and behavioral family therapy) are highly effective for reducing families' expressed emotion and improving patients' relapse rates and outcomes. Furthermore, family interventions are also associated with reduced family burden. Cognitive rehabilitation and training in coping with positive symptoms appear to be promising interventions, but more controlled, group trials are needed before definite conclusions can be drawn. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of a variety of different family intervention models, as well as social skills training, is supported by a large body of research. Future work needs to address improving delivery of existing psychosocial interventions, integrating these interventions with other psychosocial approaches (e.g., vocational rehabilitation and case management), identifying which patients will benefit from which treatments, isolating the "active" ingredients of family interventions (i.e., psychoeducation versus behavioral intervention), and identifying the amount of treatment (e.g., number of sessions) needed before treatment response is expected.
Self-heating in 28 nm bulk and FDSOI

In this work self-heating and its effect on device parameters are compared in 28 nm technology bulk and FDSOI MOS devices. It is found that the thermal resistance is ~3.4 times higher and the temperature rise is ~2.5 times higher in FDSOI than in bulk However, in spite of stronger self-heating, FDSOI devices outperform bulk over a wide frequency range. Moreover, device parameters degradation with temperature is attenuated in FDSOI transistors.
Short-circuit ruggedness assessment of a 1.2 kV/180 A SiC MOSFET power module

While investigations on short-circuit ruggedness of discrete SiC MOSFET are widely encountered in the scientific literature, there is not so much research dealing with the operational robustness of high power SiC MOSFET modules. In this paper, the short-circuit (SC) ruggedness under hard switching fault (HSF) of a commercial 1.2 kV/180 A SiC MOSFET power module in half-bridge configuration will be presented. The test conditions, such as DC-link voltage (VDC), gate resistance (Rg) and gate-source supply voltage (VGS) are varied systematically to investigate the effect of these parameters on the peak current and short-circuit energy. The peak current of the investigated module can be as high as 2.5 kA for VGS=20 V and does not depend significantly on the gate resistors used in this research. A safe operating area (SOA) is mapped at different VGS and pulse durations and for VDS=800 V, which is typically encountered in applications for devices of these ratings. Five modules were failed in total, with a critical short-circuit energy, Ecr ranging from 7.3 J to 9.7 J. The failure mechanism is generally the thermal runaway. Prior to failure, a decrease in VGS can be observed which is an indication of an increased gate-source leakage current. The results obtained in this experimental work show a good withstand capability of the modules to SC events. The experimental data obtained during this work gives an insight into the device behavior and limitations during SC events and can be used by gate driver designers to develop protection circuits.
Policía, profesión y organización: Hacía un modelo integral de la Policía en España

La policía se puede analizar como una función del Estado, como una profesión o como una organización. En este artículo se hace una aproximación al tema desde estas tres perspectivas para acabar cuestionando el papel de la policía como simple garante de la ley y el orden. El policía debe resolver problemas de los ciudadanos al mismo tiempo que protege el interés general de la colectividad. El modelo de policía integral presentado es, en opinión del autor, el que mejor responde a estas demandas.