Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circulating Angiogenesis Regulators in Cancer Patients

Background/Aims To date, numerous studies have demonstrated that several angiogenesis regulators circulate in the blood and may function as endocrine factors in cancer patients. This review aims to give a comprehensive insight into the possible clinical value of circulating angiogenesis regulators, mainly basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), angiogenin, pleiotrophin, thrombospondin (TSP) and endostatin (ES) in cancer patients. Methods A computerized (MEDLINE) and a manual search based on the reference lists of the publications were performed to identify articles published on this topic. Results In a detailed literature search, approximately 100 publications were found up to the end of 1999. Circulating angiogenic factors such as bFGF, VEGF, HGF and angiogenin have been evaluated not only as diagnostic and/or prognostic factors but also as predictive factors in cancer patients. On the other hand, little is known about the clinical significance of negative regulators. Neither the source nor the mechanism of protein externalization has been clarified in detail. Conclusions Although there are no known factors with established clinical utility, circulating angiogenesis regulators may be useful in several situations. They could be used to determine the risk of developing cancer, to screen for early detection, to distinguish benign from malignant disease, and to distinguish between different types of malignancies. In patients with established malignancies such factors might be used to determine prognosis, to predict the response to therapy, and to monitor the clinical course. Further investigations are warranted to assess the specific utility of each factor.
Oral Pathology in Celiac Disease: WhatÃ¢ÂÂs New?

The first description of dental enamel defects in celiac disease (CD) dates back to 1990 [1]. Since then several authors have reported an association between oral pathology and CD. In recent years, two literature reviews have shown recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers) and dental enamel defects in a wide range of 4-41% and 10-96% of patients with CD [2,3]. In 2012 were published the new pediatric guidelines on CD [4]. CD is currently defined as an immune-mediated systemic disorder elicited by gluten and related prolamines in genetically susceptible individuals and characterized by the presence of a variable combination of gluten-dependent clinical manifestations, CD-specific antibodies (against transglutaminase, endomysium and deamidated forms of gliadin peptides), HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 haplotypes, and enteropathy [4]. CD has thus shifted from a gluten-sensitive small bowel disorder with only gastrointestinal symptoms, to a multisystem disease with a very broad spectrum of intestinal and/or (just) extra intestinal symptoms, including oral manifestations. For the first time a combination of suggestive symptoms, (high levels of) specific antibodies and genetic findings may be sufficient, in children, to make the diagnosis of CD, regardless the histology features. Furthermore, a specific HLA profile may be useful as a first-line test for at-risk population such as relatives of CD patients, or children with autoimmune (especially type 1 diabetes and thyroiditis) or chromosomal aberrant (Down, Turner, Williams) disorders. Currently CD has a worldwide prevalence of 0.72% in the general population, and 0.4-1.3% in the pediatric population [5]. However, many cases are still undiagnosed. At any age, CD may be difficult to recognize because of the variability of the symptoms and signs, and the possibility of silent forms.
Functional Model of a Nanoparticle Organic Memory Transistor for Use as a Spiking Synapse

Emerging synapse-like nanoscale devices such as memristive devices and synaptic transistors are of great interest to provide adaptability, high density, and robustness for the development of new bio-inspired circuits or systems. We have recently reported the nanoparticle organic memory field-effect transistor (NOMFET), which exhibits behaviors similar to a biological spiking synapse in neural network. It is considered as a promising nanocomponent to design neuromorphic adaptive computing circuits and systems. A functional model of NOMFET is presented in this paper, which allows the reliable conception and simulation of hybrid nano/complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuits and architectures. Spice simulations of the model have demonstrated good agreement with the experimental results. By using the model, some complex neuromorphic functions such as synaptic gain control have been simulated. The model is developed in Verilog-A language and implemented on Cadence Virtuoso platform with Spectre 5.1. 41 simulator. An iterative physical model and a number of experimental parameters have been integrated to improve the simulation accuracy. Special techniques and methods for dynamic behavior modeling have been developed, which could be extended to other nanodevices.
Sexual function and behavior in social phobia.

BACKGROUND Social phobia is a type of performance and interpersonal anxiety disorder and as such may be associated with sexual dysfunction and avoidance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate sexual function and behavior in patients with social phobia compared with mentally healthy subjects. METHOD Eighty subjects participated in the study: 40 consecutive, drug-free outpatients with social phobia (DSM-IV) attending an anxiety disorders clinic between November 1997 and April 1999 and 40 mentally normal controls. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale were used to quantitatively and qualitatively assess sexual function and behavior. RESULTS Men with social phobia reported mainly moderate impairment in arousal, orgasm, sexual enjoyment, and subjective satisfaction domains. Women with social phobia reported severe impairment in desire, arousal, sexual activity, and subjective satisfaction. In addition, compared with controls, men with social phobia reported significantly more frequent paid sex (p < .05), and women with social phobia reported a significant paucity of sexual partners (p < .05). CONCLUSION Patients with social phobia exhibit a wide range of sexual dysfunctions. Men have mainly performance problems, and women have a more pervasive disorder. Patients of both genders show difficulties in sexual interaction. It is important that clinicians be aware of this aspect of social phobia and initiate open discussions of sexual problems with patients.
Regulated activity of PP 2 A – B 55 d is crucial for controlling entry into and exit from mitosis in Xenopus egg extracts

Entry into mitosis depends on the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Conversely, exit from mitosis occurs when mitotic cyclins are degraded, thereby extinguishing CDK activity. Exit from mitosis must also require mitotic phosphoproteins to revert to their interphase hypophosphorylated forms, but there is a controversy about which phosphatase(s) is/are responsible for dephosphorylating the CDK substrates. We find that PP2A associated with a B55d subunit is relatively specific for a model mitotic CDK substrate in Xenopus egg extracts. The phosphatase activity measured by this substrate is regulated during the cell cycle—high in interphase and suppressed during mitosis. Depletion of PP2A–B55d (in interphase) from ‘cycling’ frog egg extracts accelerated their entry into mitosis and kept them indefinitely in mitosis. When PP2A–B55d was depleted from mitotic extracts, however, exit from mitosis was hardly delayed, showing that other phosphatase(s) are also required for mitotic exit. Increasing the concentration of PP2A–B55d in extracts by adding recombinant enzyme inhibited the entry into mitosis. This form of PP2A seems to be a key regulator of entry into and exit from mitosis. The EMBO Journal (2009) 28, 2777–2785. doi:10.1038/ emboj.2009. 238; Published online 20 August 2009 Subject Categories: cell cycle
Minireview: Role of Salicylic Acid in Plant Abiotic Stress

Salicylic acid (SA) plays many roles in plant physiology. Besides pathogenesis-related resistance, SA is involved in the response to abiotic stress. However, the effects of SA on plant resistance to abiotic stress were found contradictionary, and the actual role of SA in abiotic stress remains unresolved. Generally, deficiency of SA or a very high level of SA increase the plant susceptibility to abiotic stress. The optimal levels for the highest stress tolerance range from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm for most plants. But the role of SA at a certain level in moderate and severe abiotic stress may be different. This can be attributed to redox regulations in plant cells. In this paper, we discuss the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and SA, and propose a subsequent intracellular signal transduction network of SA and ROS under abiotic stress. Anti-stress substances besides antioxidant enzymes induced by SA are also summarized.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in Huntington's disease accompanying neuroborreliosis.

PROTON MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY IN HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE ACCOMPANYING NEUROBORRELIOSIS Helena Sarac, David Ozretic, Neven Henigsberg, Pero Hrabac, Ivan Bagaric & Lucija Bagaric-Krakan Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Zagreb, Croatia School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Department of Radiology, Univesrity Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Medical School University of Mostar, Department of Public Health, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Using Chatbots to Teach Socially Intelligent Computing Principles in Introductory Computer Science Courses

Teaching "socially intelligent computing" concepts in introductory computer science courses is possible through curricular projects that involve students developing their own collaborative chatbots. Chat bots are programs that interact with users in a conversational context. Introductory CS students can write these types of programs using a framework of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) libraries presented in this poster paper. When the students build chat bots that collaborate with one another, the students are introduced to a branch of machine intelligence called socially intelligent computing.
Intracellular correlate of EPSP‐spike potentiation in CA1 pyramidal neurons is controlled by GABAergic modulation

The hippocampus has been used extensively as a model to study plastic changes in the brain's neural circuitry. Immediately after high‐frequency stimulation to hippocampal Schaffer collateral axons, a dramatic change occurs in the relationship between the presynaptic CA3 and the postsynaptic CA1 pyramidal neurons. For a fixed excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), there arises an increased likelihood of action potential generation in the CA1 pyramidal neuron. This phenomenon is called EPSP‐spike (E‐S) potentiation. We explored E‐S potentiation, using patch‐clamp techniques in the hippocampal slice preparation. A specific protocol was developed to measure the action potential probability for a given synaptic strength, which allowed us to quantify the amount of E‐S potentiation for a single neuron. E‐S potentiation was greatest when γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibition was intact, suggesting that modulation of inhibition is a major aspect of E‐S potentiation. Expression of E‐S potentiation also correlated with a reduced action‐potential threshold, which was greatest when GABAergic inhibition was intact. Conditioning stimuli produced a smaller threshold reduction when inhibition was blocked, but some reduction also occurred in the absence of a conditioning stimulus. Together, these results suggest that E‐S potentiation is caused primarily through a reduction of GABAergic inhibition, leading to larger EPSPs and reduced action potential threshold. Our findings do not rule out, however, the possibility that modulation of voltage‐gated conductances also contributes to E‐S potentiation. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): From Science to Targeted Therapy

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. GISTs represent a distinct category of tumors characterized by oncogenic mutations of the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase in a majority of patients. KIT is useful not only for the diagnosis but also for targeted therapy of this disease. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely used in advanced and metastatic GISTs. This agent revolutionized the treatment strategy of advanced disease and is being tested in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings with encouraging results. New therapeutic agents like sunitinib have now been approved, enriching the treatment scenario for imatinib-resistant GISTs. The present review reports on the peculiar characteristics of this disease through its biology and molecular patterns, focusing on the predictive value of KIT mutations and their correlation with clinical outcome as well as on the activity of and resistance to approved targeted drugs.
Predicting health related quality of life 6 months after stroke: the role of anxiety and upper limb dysfunction

Purpose: This study examined the role of anxiety and upper limb dysfunction, amongst other variables, as predictors of health related quality of life (HRQOL) 6 months after stroke. Method: Participants: Stroke survivors (n = 85) who had previously participated in a randomised controlled trial of a physiotherapy intervention. Dependent variable: HRQOL – Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Predictor variables: Mood – Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale; Upper Limb Functioning - Action Research Arm Test; Rivermead Motor Assessment; Activities of Daily Living – Modified Barthel Index; Clinical and demographic factors. Results: Anxiety and depression significantly predicted 49% of variance in overall HRQOL (p < 0.05), but only anxiety significantly predicted NHP pain (13% variance, p < 0.001), emotional reactions (41% variance, p < 0.001), sleep (19% variance, p = 0.02) and social isolation (23% variance, p = 0.02). Depression and anxiety together significantly predicted 30% variance in energy level (p < 0.001). UL motor impairment and activities of daily living predicted 36% of variance in NHP physical activity score (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study indicates that where anxiety is assessed, it appears more important in determining HRQOL than depression. UL impairment and ADL independence predicted perceived physical activity. Management strategies for anxiety and therapy for UL recovery long after stroke onset are likely to benefit perceived HRQOL. Implications for Rehabilitation Anxiety is a major predictor of quality of life six months after stroke. Post-stroke anxiety should be routinely assessed in rehabilitation. Appropriate management strategies for anxiety should occur during rehabilitation with follow-up into the chronic post-stroke period. Upper limb impairment is a stronger predictor of perceptions of physical activity than independence in activities daily living six months after stroke. Rehabilitation of the upper limb should continue into the chronic post-stroke period.
Comparative analysis of civic scientific literacy and its influential factors among the regions in China

It was divided into regions of eastern, central and western in China according to geographical positions and levels of economic development, reflecting the disparity of regional economic and social development. The results of China Civic Scientific Literacy Survey conducted in 2010 showed there were significant differences between the levels of civic scientific literacy and the citizens' participation and interests in science and technology among these regions. Multi-group analysis via structural equation modeling (SEM) could be used to evaluate the differences among these regions based on the model of civic scientific literacy and its influential factors. This comparative analysis was the crucial process to learn the characteristic of each region in the field of public understanding of science in China, which was the reference for science related policy-making.
Particle Size Coarsening Induced by Valve Silicone in a Metered Dose Inhaler

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of valve silicone on the delivered particle size distribution of a suspension metered dose inhaler (MDI). Valves were manufactured with distinct levels of silicone, which could be differentiated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The amount of silicone in the valve was proportional to the amount of silicone that entered the formulation and the subsequent decrease in fine particle fraction (FPF) of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) measured by Andersen cascade impaction. The effect of silicone content was not linear as even small amounts of silicone made a significant contribution to particle size coarsening. This coarsening was also a function of storage time and temperature. Accelerated stability conditions greatly increased coarsening kinetics as 1 month at 40°C and 75% RH induced significantly more coarsening than 12 months at room temperature. Field emission scanning electron micrograph images suggest that the primary mechanism of particle size change may be aggregation as particle clusters were seen. This study indicates that silicone can be a critical process parameter for particle size distribution of a suspension MDI product. Thus, the amount of silicone in the valves needs to be minimized and controlled.
Operaciones en base de datos métricas y modelo CPU-GPU

En la actualidad, debido a la evolucion de las tecnoloǵias de informacion y comunicacion, tenemos la posibilidad de almacenar distintos tipos de informacion. Podemos encontrar, por ejemplo en la Web, docenas de billones de documentos y cientos de millones de imagenes y otros tipos de datos tales como fotografias, audio y video. Esta nueva coleccion de datos no estructurados admite como modelo a las bases de datos metricas. Ante la gran cantidad de informacion, para poder recuperar estos datos en forma rapida y eficiente han surgido distintas alternativas de optimizacion. Una de ellas son estructuras de indexacion y algoritmos de busquedas y otra es la optimizacion a traves de la aplicacion de tecnicas de computacion de alto desempeno. Los sistemas disenados para resolver problemas especificos como los procesadores graficos (GPU), han comenzado a ser de gran interes para desarrollar problemas de computacion de proposito general ya que proveen un bandwith de memoria extremadamente alto y gran poder computacional necesarios para computacion de alta performance y a un bajo costo. La ĺinea de investigacion que se propone seguir pretende evaluar la factibilidad de utilizar la GPU como computadora masivamente paralela para obtener soluciones de alto desempeno en base de datos metricas. Entre las operaciones de interes se encuentran las consultas.
Development and validation of a dissolution method for Raloxifene hydrochloride in pharmaceutical dosage forms using RP-HPLC

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a dissolution test for Raloxifene hydrochloride (RLX ) in pharmaceutical dosage forms using a reverse phase h igh performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) me thod. Efficient chromatographic separation was achieved u sing a ZodiacSil C4 column (150x 4.6 mm, 5μ), with s mple mobile phase combination delivered in an isocratic mode and quantitation was by ultraviolet detection at a wavelength of 287 nm. The mobile phase consisted of buffer and acetonitrile (64:36% v/v) delivered at a flow rate of 0.7 ml min. Buffer consisted of 50 mM potassium di-hydrogen o rtho phosphate monohydrate, pH adjusted to 3.0 using ortho-phosphoric acid. The calibration curve was linear (R > 0.999) over the concentration range of 2.5 – 15 μg mL of the analyte. The optimized dissolution conditio ns include the USP apparatus II at a paddle rotatio n rate of 50 rpm and 900 mL of 0.001 N HCl (pH 3.0) as dis solution medium at 37 ± 0.5°C. The present method w as validated with respect to linearity, specificity, p recision, accuracy and robustness. The system suita bility parameters, such as theoretical plates, tailing fac tor and relative standard deviation (RSD) between f ive standard replicates were well within the limits. The stable nature of drug in the prescribed dissolution medium could be inferred from the stability studies. The developed dissolution test was adequate for its purpose and c an be applied for the quality control of RLX in pharmaceutical do sage forms.
The ergonomics of attention responsive technology

ART (Attention-Responsive Technology) is a new three year UK research project which will enable individuals to access technology efficiently in situations where their mobility is either impaired, as a result of disability or age, or because movement is undesirable due to environmental hazards. The system works by monitoring both the individual and the ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) devices (termed here ‘objects’) in his/her environment and then uses knowledge of the individual’s gaze behaviour to determine to which ICT device they are attending. This information is relayed to a user-configurable control panel, which then displays as a graphical user interface (GUI) only those controls that are appropriate, both to the user and to the particular object in question. The user can then choose to operate the object. ART therefore acts as an enabling technology, with the system fully user configurable and able to cater for future developments in technology.
Causal Mapping of Emotion Networks in the Human Brain: Framework and Preliminary Findings

Emotions involve many cortical and subcortical regions, prominently including the amygdala. It remains unknown how these multiple network components interact, and it remains unknown how they cause the behavioral, autonomic, and experiential effects of emotions. Here we describe a framework for combining a novel technique, concurrent electrical stimulation with fMRI (es-fMRI), together with a novel analysis, inferring causal structure from fMRI data (causal discovery). We outline a research program for investigating human emotion with these new tools, and provide initial findings from two large resting-state datasets as well as case studies in neurosurgical patients with electrical stimulation of the amygdala. The overarching goal is to use causal discovery methods on fMRI data to infer causal graphical models of how brain regions interact, and then to further constrain these models with direct stimulation of specific brain regions and concurrent fMRI. We conclude by discussing limitations and future extensions. The approach could yield anatomical hypotheses about brain connectivity, motivate rational strategies for treating mood disorders with deep brain stimulation, and could be extended to animal studies that use combined optogenetic fMRI.