Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micro 3D cell culture systems for cellular behavior studies: Culture matrices, devices, substrates, and in‐situ sensing methods

Microfabricated systems equipped with 3D cell culture devices and in‐situ cellular biosensing tools can be a powerful bionanotechnology platform to investigate a variety of biomedical applications. Various construction substrates such as plastics, glass, and paper are used for microstructures. When selecting a construction substrate, a key consideration is a porous microenvironment that allows for spheroid growth and mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cell aggregates. Various bio‐functionalized hydrogels are ideal candidates that mimic the natural ECM for 3D cell culture. When selecting an optimal and appropriate microfabrication method, both the intended use of the system and the characteristics and restrictions of the target cells should be carefully considered. For highly sensitive and near‐cell surface detection of excreted cellular compounds, SERS‐based microsystems capable of dual modal imaging have the potential to be powerful tools; however, the development of optical reporters and nanoprobes remains a key challenge. We expect that the microsystems capable of both 3D cell culture and cellular response monitoring would serve as excellent tools to provide fundamental cellular behavior information for various biomedical applications such as metastasis, wound healing, high throughput screening, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery and development.
'We're all Florence Nightingales': Managers and nurses colluding in decoupling through contingent roles

The present study develops our understanding of the micro-level dynamics of decoupling by addressing how and why various occupational groups, that is, managers and professionals, are involved in decoupling in response to institutional complexity. Our conceptualization of occupational groups’ involvement in decoupling emerges from an in-depth qualitative study of 21 managers and 21 nurses in the Dutch homecare sector, where an increasing business logic alongside a professional care logic necessitates a redefinition of occupational jurisdictions and a repositioning of professionals and managers in relation to nonprofessional caregivers. We contribute by delineating how different occupational groups collude in decoupling in an institutionally complex environment through contingent roles. We show that managers facilitate decoupling through ambiguity regarding multiple institutional logics, and by purposefully abstaining from enacting the business logic in work processes. Nurses in turn deflect institutional pressures by engaging in a classic form of decoupling, that is, complying symbolically with the business logic. We conceptualize how managers’ and nurses’ occupational commitments and jurisdictions, their relative social positions and other situational conditions are integral to how and why they collude in decoupling through contingent roles. As such, we add to the understanding of micro-level mechanisms and conditions of decoupling. * This chapter is based on: Van Wieringen, M. , Groenewegen, P., & Broese van Groenou, M. I. (2017). ‘We’re all Florence Nightingales’: Managers and nurses colluding in decoupling through contingent roles. Journal of Professions and Organization, 4(3), 241-260. This paper was runner-up for the Journal of Professions and Organization’s best paper award in 2017.
Treatment With Methotrexate Inhibits Atherogenesis in Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits

Abstract: A decrease in the number of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis treated with methotrexate (MTX) has been observed in the literature. The aim of this study was to test whether MTX could promote anti-inflammatory effects and reduce the atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits with atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol feeding. Twenty male New Zealand rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 60 days. Starting from day 30 of cholesterol feeding, 10 animals were treated with 4 weekly intravenous injections of MTX (4 mg/kg) and 10 with 4 weekly saline solution injections for 30 days. MTX reduced the size of the lesion areas of cholesterol-fed animals by 75% and intima–media ratio 2-fold. The drug inhibited macrophage migration into the intima by 50% and the presence of apoptotic cells by 84% but did not inhibit the intimal proliferation of smooth muscle cells. MTX treatment also diminished the positive staining area of metalloproteinase 9 in the intima, which is probably beneficial. In the tumor necrosis factor-&agr;–treated human umbilical vein endothelial cell line, incubation with MTX led to downregulation of 5 pro-inflammatory genes, TNF-&agr;, VAP-1, IL-1&bgr;, CXCL2, and TLR2, and upregulation of the anti-inflammatory TGF-&bgr;1 gene, thus showing endothelium-protective properties. In conclusion, MTX showed direct in vivo anti-atherosclerotic action and may have potential in the treatment of this disorder.
Joint channel- and queue-aware scheduling for multiuser diversity in wireless OFDMA networks

In this paper, packet scheduling in an orthogonal frequency division multiplex access downlink is investigated based on cross-layer design and optimization. We first develop max-delay-utility scheduling with the help of channel and queue state information to exploit multiuser diversity and guarantee quality of service. The stability property of a scheduling policy is characterized by the stability region, which is the largest region on arrival rates for which the queueing system can be stabilized by the scheduling policy. It is shown in this paper that under very loose conditions, the max-delay-utility scheduling has the maximum stability region. In environments with insufficient scattering or strong line-of-sight components, delay transmit diversity can increase the fluctuation in the frequency domain to improve the performance. The simulation results show that the max-delay-utility scheduling with a frugality constraint is highly advantageous to data transmission with a low latency requirement over shared multiple channels, and that joint scheduling and power allocation can substantially boost the performance.
The method of clusters stability assessing

The article proposes a method for estimation of “correct” number of clusters. The stability methodology is used and quantative stability level assessment is introduced. This problem is important and common in cluster analysis and do not have unique criterion for all dataset types. The suggested approach solves one more problem. Often in socio-economics information analysis there are situations when initial numerical data contains various kinds of inaccuracies (measurement errors, intentional misrepresentations, errors of calculation, errors of mathematical model and other possible sources of errors). In this regard, it is important to choose those classifications of study objects which have the stability property with respect to random noise. The work is aimed to get a reliable and accurate clustering which is stable with respect to random perturbations and solves “ill posed” problems in clustering analysis, i.e. to find suggested number of clusters. In current paper the probabilistic approach to problem resolving is being offered. The variability frequency based on random perturbation is introduced and examined as a main metric for assessing clustering results. This estimation can be used for different clustering algorithms and their stability indices can be compared without additional procedures. The experiment on artificial data using the k-mean clustering approach is carried out.
The Occurrence of Hormesis in Plants and Algae

This paper evaluated the frequency, magnitude and dose/concentration range of hormesis in four species: The aquatic plant Lemna minor, the micro-alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and the two terrestrial plants Tripleurospermum inodorum and Stellaria media exposed to nine herbicides and one fungicide and binary mixtures thereof. In total 687 dose-response curves were included in the database. The study showed that both the frequency and the magnitude of the hormetic response depended on the endpoint being measured. Dry weight at harvest showed a higher frequency and a larger hormetic response compared to relative growth rates. Evaluating hormesis for relative growth rates for all species showed that 25% to 76% of the curves for each species had treatments above 105% of the control. Fitting the data with a dose-response model including a parameter for hormesis showed that the average growth increase ranged from 9±1% to 16±16% of the control growth rate, while if measured on a dry weight basis the response increase was 38±13% and 43±23% for the two terrestrial species. Hormesis was found in >70% of the curves with the herbicides glyphosate and metsulfuron-methyl, and in >50% of the curves for acifluorfen and terbuthylazine. The concentration ranges of the hormetic part of the dose-response curves corresponded well with literature values.
Natural and tangible human-computer interfaces for augmented environments

In this talk, the author will introduce Augmented Reality as a new media to improve human-computer communication and industrial processes. The author will make a special emphasis in introducing and demonstrating new human-computer interfaces appropriate for Augmented Reality, such as Tangible Interfaces and Gesture. The talk outline is as follows: Introduction to Augmented Reality - AR Mixed Reality Early Industrial AR Applications AR Roadmap AR R&D at ADETTI/ISCTE 2002-2008 Key Enabling Technologies for AR: Presentation Devices + Tracking + HCI Presentation in AR Tracking in AR Human-Computer Interaction in AR Models of Interaction: Tangible User Interfaces - TUI vs Graphical User Interfaces - GUI Tangible Augmented Interfaces Natural HCI: Hand Gesture Open issues in AR and conclusions
Rates of infiltration by macrophages and dendritic cells and expression of interleukin-18 and interleukin-12 in the chronic inflammatory lesions of Sjögren's syndrome: correlation with certain features of immune hyperactivity and factors associated with high risk of lymphoma development.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the expression profile of infiltrating macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) as well as of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-12 in the minor salivary gland (MSG) lesions of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and to assess the relationship of these factors with disease parameters. METHODS Macrophages, DCs, T cells, B cells, proIL-18, mature IL-18, and IL-12 were detected by single- and double-labeling immunohistochemistry in MSG specimens from 21 patients with primary SS (13 of 21 tested for IL-12), 7 patients with secondary SS, and 9 disease control patients. Expression profiles were assessed for correlations with various disease parameters, including adverse predictors of lymphoma development. RESULTS MSGs from patients with SS (but not from disease controls) manifested increased infiltration by macrophages and DCs, strong expression of IL-18 by macrophages (particularly in B cell-rich areas and in germinal center-like structures in primary SS), and expression of IL-12 by mononuclear cell infiltrates. In primary SS, high infiltration by macrophages correlated with SG enlargement (P = 0.01). The DC infiltration rate correlated positively with the macrophage infiltration rate (P = 0.04), occurrence of SG enlargement (P = 0.03), and presence of C4 hypocomplementemia (P = 0.05), and inversely with serum C4 complement levels (P = 0.001). The rate of infiltration by IL-18-expressing cells correlated positively with biopsy focus scores (P < 0.001), larger infiltrates of macrophages (P = 0.01), DCs (P = 0.01), and B cells (P = 0.02), and SG enlargement (P = 0.02), and negatively with serum C4 complement levels (P = 0.02). The rate of infiltration by IL-12-expressing cells correlated inversely with that by IL-18-expressing cells (P = 0.001), biopsy focus scores (P = 0.003), and SG enlargement (P = 0.01), and positively with serum C4 complement levels (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION In patients with primary SS, infiltration of the SG by macrophages and DCs and expression of IL-18 and IL-12 appear to play active roles in the expansion and organization of infiltrative injuries and have a correlation with certain predictors of lymphoma development.
Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma Versus Desmoplastic Trichoepithelioma: A Comparative Study

Abstract:The histologic distinction between microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) and desmoplastic trichoepithelioma (dTE) can be challenging in the setting of a superficial biopsy. However, accurate diagnosis has treatment implication because the standard of care for MAC is wide local excision but more conservative care for dTE. We reviewed the histologic features of 30 MAC and 39 dTE cases and performed cytokeratin (CK) 17, CK19, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) immunostains on 20 MACs and 18 dTEs. MAC cases occurred in older patients in comparison with dTE (median, 67 years vs. 34 years). The head and neck was the most commonly involved site, 88% and 89% for MAC and dTE, respectively. In addition to features previously reported as specific for MAC, such as skeletal muscle and subcutaneous tissue invasion, perineural invasion, and ductal differentiation, we found the presence of mitotic figures to be significantly more frequent in MAC cases (P < 0.0001). In contrast, the presence of keratocyst, keratin granuloma, and calcification was significantly more frequent in dTE cases (P < 0.0001). CK19 seems to be a helpful adjunct because its expression was seen in 70% (14/20) of MAC versus 22% (4/18) of dTE cases (P = 0.0044); however, the clinical usefulness in individual cases may be limited because of the overlapping immunoprofile. CK17 and EGFR expression was seen in all the MAC and dTE cases. Low polysomy of EGFR gene was observed in only one MAC case, suggesting that molecular mechanisms other than gene amplification play a role in EGFR overexpression.
Analysis of streptonigrin‐induced incomplete chromosome elements and interstitial fragments in Chinese hamster cells using a telomeric PNA probe

We investigated the induction of incomplete chromosome elements (ICEs; i.e., elements with a telomeric signal at only one terminal end) and interstitial fragments induced by the antibiotic streptonigrin (SN) in a Chinese hamster embryo (CHE) cell line using FISH with a telomeric peptide nucleic acid probe. CHE cells were treated with 0–250 ng/ml SN and chromosomal aberrations were analyzed in the first mitosis after treatment using the telomeric probe. Exposure of CHE cells to SN resulted in a linear concentration‐related increase in all of the aberration types analyzed (P < 0.05) except ring chromosomes. Depending on the SN concentration employed, 33–68% of the metaphases contained one or more pairs of ICEs (an incomplete chromosome accompanied by a terminal fragment or two incomplete chromosomes accompanied by a compound fragment). Pooled data from all SN concentrations revealed that 77.8% of the acentric fragments were terminal fragments, 18.8% interstitial fragments, and 3.4% compound fragments. Furthermore, it was estimated that about 80% of excess acentric fragments induced by SN originated from incomplete exchanges or terminal deletions and 20% from complete exchanges (interstitial deletions). These results show that incomplete chromosomes and terminal fragments are the most frequent asymmetrical chromosomal aberrations induced by SN and indicate that true incompleteness is a very common event following exposure to SN. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 44:277–282, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frequent low‐load ischemic resistance exercise to failure enhances muscle oxygen delivery and endurance capacity

This study investigated the effects of frequent low‐load ischemic resistance exercise performed to failure on quadriceps size and performance, muscle activation, oxygen kinetics and cardiovascular responses. Ten healthy males performed knee‐extension exercise for 4 weeks (4 sessions/week) at 15% maximal voluntary muscle contraction (MVC). One leg was trained with free blood flow (C‐leg) while in the other leg (I‐leg) ischemia was induced by an inflatable cuff (≥230 mmHg). Quadriceps cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the I‐leg increased by 3.4% (P<0.05). A tendency for smaller increase in muscle CSAs at the cuff level was observed. MVC force did not change in either leg, whereas the number of repetitions during exercise test to failure increased (P<0.01) by 63% in I‐leg and 36% in C‐leg. The decrease in muscle oxygenated hemoglobin concentration acquired by NIRS was attenuated (P<0.01) by 56% in I‐leg and 21% in C‐leg. Electromyographic amplitude of rectus femoris in I‐leg was ∼45% lower (P<0.025) during the ischemic test. Also, ∼9% increase (P<0.05) in pre‐exercise diastolic pressure was observed. In conclusion, substantial gains in muscle endurance capacity were induced, which were associated with enhanced muscle oxygen delivery. The potential negative effects of ischemic exercise with high cuff pressure on muscle and nerve and on arterial pressure regulation need further investigation.
Methylphenidate Increases the Motor Effects of L-Dopa in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

We determined whether methylphenidate, a dopamine transporter blocker, modifies motor, cognitive, or affective responses to L-Dopa in Parkinson's disease (PD). Five patients who reported benefit from L-Dopa/carbidopa and motor fluctuations were admitted and withdrawn from their usual antiparkinsonian medications. On 3 consecutive days in a randomized double-blinded fashion, they took 0.2 mg/kg oral methylphenidate or placebo followed 30 minutes later by a 1-hour intravenous L-Dopa (2 mg/kg per h) or placebo infusion. Vital signs, tapping, walking, dyskinesias, mood, anxiety, concentration, and arousal were monitored every 30 minutes. Cognitive testing was performed before and following the infusion. Methylphenidate combined with L-Dopa led to greater peak right-hand tapping speed than either alone. Dyskinesia severity increased most when methylphenidate and L-Dopa were co-administered. There were no differences between conditions on the Stroop test, digit ordering, simple reaction time, or covert orienting of attention validity effect. Methylphenidate alone led to improvement in choice reaction time. Change in self-assessed analogue ratings of mood, anxiety, arousal, or concentration did not differ between conditions. Methylphenidate increased the motor effects of L-Dopa with minimal effects on cognitive or affective functions, suggesting a physiologic role for the dopamine transporter in patients with PD with motor fluctuations.
An emergency physician activated protocol, ‘Code STEMI’ reduces door‐to‐balloon time and length of stay of patients presenting with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction

Introduction: National consensus guidelines recommend that ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients achieve a door‐to‐balloon time of < 90 min. We sought to determine if emergency physician initiated simultaneous activation of the cardiac catheterisation laboratory team and the on‐call interventional cardiologist has any impact on reducing door‐to‐balloon‐times at our hospital.
Formation of reticulated endoderm, Reichert's membrane, and amniogenesis in blastocysts of captive‐bred, short‐tailed fruit bats, Carollia perspicillata

As part of an effort to develop the short‐tailed fruit bat (Carollia perspicillata) as a new animal model for the study of interstitial implantation and trophoblast‐uterine interactions, early embryogenesis was examined histologically and ultrastructurally in captive‐bred females at different intervals after the first appearance of spermatozoa in daily vaginal smears (day 1 postcoitum [p.c.]).
Intracellular Targeting Signals Contribute to Localization of Coronavirus Spike Proteins near the Virus Assembly Site

ABSTRACT Coronavirus budding at the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) requires accumulation of the viral envelope proteins at this point in the secretory pathway. Here we demonstrate that the spike (S) protein from the group 3 coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) contains a canonical dilysine endoplasmic reticulum retrieval signal (-KKXX-COOH) in its cytoplasmic tail. This signal can retain a chimeric reporter protein in the ERGIC and when mutated allows transport of the full-length S protein as well as the chimera to the plasma membrane. Interestingly, the IBV S protein also contains a tyrosine-based endocytosis signal in its cytoplasmic tail, suggesting that any S protein that escapes the ERGIC will be rapidly endocytosed when it reaches the plasma membrane. We also identified a novel dibasic motif (-KXHXX-COOH) in the cytoplasmic tails of S proteins from group 1 coronaviruses and from the newly identified coronavirus implicated in severe acute respiratory syndrome. This dibasic motif also retained a reporter protein in the ERGIC, similar to the dilysine motif in IBV S. The cytoplasmic tails of S proteins from group 2 coronaviruses lack an intracellular localization signal. The inherent differences in S-protein trafficking could point to interesting variations in pathogenesis of coronaviruses, since increased levels of surface S protein could promote syncytium formation and direct cell-to-cell spread of the infection.
Unraveling the Financial Contagion in European Stock Markets During Financial Crises: Multi-Timescale Analysis

ABSRACT The article investigates the evidence of financial contagion and market integration in selected European equity markets during nine major crises across regions. The focus is to identify whether (i) contagion evidence is pure or fundamental and (ii) dynamic evolution of integration is in the short run or long run. Wavelet decomposition in both its discrete and continuous forms is used. The findings reveal the following: (i) prior to the subprime crisis, contagion effects generated short-term shocks. The most recent US subprime crisis, however, reveals the evidence of fundamental based contagion. (ii) We find increasing short-run and long-run stock market integration, driven by several stages of the establishment of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), questioning the ultimate benefits of formal entry into EMU membership.