Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of growth factors on cell proliferation and epithelialization in human skin.

The failure of chronic wounds to heal remains a major medical problem. Recent studies have suggested an important role for growth factors in promoting wound healing. We investigated the mitogenic effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), comparing their effects with those of media alone (MEM) in a human skin explant model. A stable organ culture system for maintaining the histologic structure of human epidermis for 10 days in vitro was developed. DNA synthesis was measured on Days 1, 3, and 7 of organ culture using [3H]thymidine ([3H]thy) uptake and expressed as cpm/mg dry weight (mean +/- SEM). FGF, IGF-1, and EGF were each capable of stimulating [3H]thy uptake on Day 1 of culture (2372 +/- 335 FGF, 2226 +/- 193 IGF-1, 4037 +/- 679 EGF vs 1108 +/- 70 MEM, P < 0.05). IGF-1 and EGF also stimulated [3H]thy uptake on Days 3 and 7 of culture. The organ culture system was further employed to observe epidermal outgrowth. Longest keratinocyte outgrowth from the explant periphery (simulating epithelial regeneration from the wound edge) was observed on Day 7. EGF resulted in maximum stimulation of epithelial outgrowth (440 +/- 80 microns), followed by FGF (330 +/- 56 microns), IGF-1 (294 +/- 48 microns), and MEM (189 +/- 50 microns). We postulate, therefore, that FGF, IGF-1, and EGF are important mitogens for wound healing and that EGF in particular is capable of stimulating epithelialization. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
First report of Candida palmioleophila endogenous endophthalmitis

Arias L &Mon es J (2010): Ranibizumab in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization on the border of an inferior staphyloma associated with tilted disc syndrome. Clin Ophthalmol 4: 227–231. Cennamo G, de Crecchio G, Iaccarino G et al. (2010): Evaluation of morning glory syndrome with spectral optical coherence tomography and echography. Ophthalmology 117: 1269–1273. Chuman H, Nao-I N & Sawada A (1996): A case of morning glory syndrome associated with contractile movement of the optic disc and subretinal neovascularization. Nihon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 100: 705–709. Kindler P (1970): Morning glory syndrome: unusual congenital optic disk anomaly. Am J Ophthalmol 69: 376–384. Sobol WM, Bratton AR, Rivers MB et al. (1990): Morning glory disk syndrome associated with subretinalneovascular membrane formation. Am J Ophthalmol 110: 93–94.
Diastolic Dysfunction and Left Ventricle Remodeling in Men with Impaired Fasting Glucose

Background: Early disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism are an independent risk factor of development of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: The diastolic dysfunction and left ventricle remodeling depending on presence of impaired fasting glucose were examined. Methods: The characteristics of heart remodeling and fasting glucose of capillary blood were studied in 85 men aged 30 to 63 years without coronary heart disease. Results: In male patients with impaired fasting glucose in comparison of persons with level of glucose less than 5.6 mM/l, more pronounced diastolic dysfunction and left ventricle remodeling associated with more often presence III degree of peripheral obesity. Conclusion: Impaired fasting glucose in men increases probability of development of heart remodeling.
Variance in repetitive Games Music

The musical scoring of video and computer games is faced with the unpredictability of interaction. Music has to follow the process of the interactive scene but this leads to two basic problematic situations: (i) the player is too fast and the music has to react before the current piece is finished, and (ii) the player is too slow and music has to bridge a longer period than the current piece does. While earlier papers were mainly treating the first problem this paper focusses the second. As the length of an interactive scene is usually impossible to predict it is likewise impossible to say how much musical material is needed. The common way to bypass this problem is to loop the music for as long as the scene lasts. This approach involves an existential danger: Sooner or later the player becomes aware of the repetition; the game scenario emerges as a mere mechanical arrangement and loses much of its integrity. Variance is needed that renews the music each time it repeats. This paper presents several views to this problem and introduces a variety of possible approaches.
Cutting Edge: Activation of Toll-Like Receptor 2 Induces a Th2 Immune Response and Promotes Experimental Asthma1

Recognition of microbial components by APCs and their activation through Toll-like receptors (TLR) leads to the induction of adaptive immune responses. In this study, we show that activation of TLR2 by its synthetic ligand Pam3Cys, in contrast to activation of TLR9 by immunostimulatory DNA (ISS-ODN), induces a prominent Th2-biased immune response. Activation of APCs by Pam3Cys resulted in the induction of Th2-associated effector molecules like IL-13, and IL-1β, GM-CSF and up-regulation of B7RP-1, but low levels of Th1-associated cytokines (IL-12, IFNα, IL-18, IL-27). Accordingly, TLR2 ligands aggravated experimental asthma. These data indicate that the type of TLR stimulation during the initial phase of immune activation determines the polarization of the adaptive immune response and may play a role in the initiation of Th2-mediated immune disorders, such as asthma.
Conceptual model for designing a successful online community for teacher professional development

The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual model for the design of a successful online community to support teachers’ professional development. First, it identified the critical elements of a successful online community that can support teachers’ professional development. Subsequently, the specific implementation strategies and actual design ideas for each element were sought. Finally, these findings led to the development of a conceptual model for an online community. Specifically, a qualitative Delphi study was used to identify the elements that constitute a successful online community. Four rounds of data collection involving 10 experts were conducted. These 10 experts were categorized into two different groups: the developer group and the user group of teacher online communities. The data collection took approximately five months and a total of 20 interviews were conducted. Following the data collection and analysis, a final model that comprised the relevant elements, strategies, and actual design ideas was developed based on the findings. The final model suggested 12 important elements for consideration in the design of a successful online community for teachers’ professional development. These are: evolving environment, diversity of services, sustainability, multiple layers of incentives, responding to teachers’ immediate needs, ease of usability, direct teacher involvement, sense of membership, professional discussion, facilitative leadership, and social connection. These 12 elements were grouped into three dimensions: (1) supporting an open system, (2) fostering teacher participation, and (3) creating a culture of collaboration based on their characteristics. For each element, experts also suggested the appropriate strategies and possible online community features as actual design ideas. INDEX WORDS: Community, Online Community, Teacher Professional Development, Delphi, Situated Learning CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR DESIGNING A SUCCESSFUL ONLINE COMMUNITY FOR TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Phenotypic characterisation of pro-inflammatory monocytes and dendritic cells in peripheral arterial disease

Summary Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process involving antigen-presenting cells like monocytes and dendritic cells (DC). The aim of this study was to perform a phenotypic characterisation of these cell types in patients with different degrees of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Sixty patients with PAD [N= 30 intermittent claudication (IC), N= 30 critical limb ischemia (CLI)] and 30 controls were included. Peripheral blood leucocytes were analysed from peripheral blood by flow cytometry using different gating strategies to directly identify and analyse monocytes, myeloid DC, (mDC) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC). PAD patients showed a significantly higher proportion of proinflammatory CD14++CD16+ monocytes (p<0.0001) compared with healthy individuals. We found an increased number of mDC/ml and a reduced number of pDC/ml (both p<0.01) in PAD patients, leading to a shift in the mDC/pDC ratio (p<0.01). As compared to patients with intermittent claudication, CLI patients presented a reduced expression of HLA-DR (p<0.01), CD86 and CD40 on both mDCs and pDCs (p<0.01). Peripheral blood monocytes show a proinflammatory phenotype in PAD patients compared to controls. In contrast, CLI patients show a reduced expression of proinflammatory markers. We hypothesise that severe ischaemia and/or prolonged inflammation in CLI might lead to a paradoxical attenuation in the proinflammatory membrane pattern of circulating mononuclear cells, possibly hindering an adequate regulatory function of mDCs and pDCs and favouring the progression of disease.
Twelve years experience with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in early stage cervical cancer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome, prognostic factors and complications of early stage cervical cancer patients treated with radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy (RHPL). The medical records of cervical cancer patients undergoing RHPL at Chiang Mai University Hospital over 12 years, between January 1995 and December 2006 were reviewed. There were 1,253 patients in the study period. The mean age was 44 years of age. Of these, 26.9% had prior diagnostic conisation. The maximum tumour size was 8 cm. The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma (67%) followed by adenocarcinoma (23%). The distribution of FIGO staging was: stage IA 8.7%; stage IB 15.8%; stage IB1 61%; stage IB2 6.2%; and stage IIA 8.5%. Pelvic nodes, parametrial and vaginal margin involvement were detected in 15.9%, 10.7% and 3.8% of the patients, respectively. A total of 66.5% of patients underwent RHPL without adjuvant treatment; 12.1% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The estimated 10-year recurrence-free survival rate was 90%. Stage IB2/IIA, non-squamous cell carcinoma, nodal involvement and positive vaginal margins were independent, significant, poor prognostic factors. The most common long-term complication was lymphoedema. It was concluded that early stage cervical cancer patients treated with RHPL have long-term favourable outcome with minimal morbidity. Stage IB2 and IIA, non-squamous cell carcinoma, nodal and vaginal involvement were independent adverse prognostic factors.
Multivariate Anomaly Detection in Medicare using Model Residuals and Probabilistic Programming

Anomalies in healthcare claims data can be indicative of possible fraudulent activities, contributing to a signiﬁ-cant portion of overall healthcare costs. Medicare is a large government run healthcare program that serves the needs of the elderly in the United States. The increasing elderly population and their reliance on the Medicare program create an environment with rising costs and increased risk of fraud. The detection of these potentially fraudulent activities can recover costs and lessen the overall impact of fraud on the Medicare program. In this paper, we propose a new method to detect fraud by discovering outliers, or anomalies, in payments made to Medicare providers. We employ a multivariate out-lier detection method split into two parts. In the ﬁrst part, we create a multivariate regression model and generate corresponding residuals. In the second part, these residuals are used as inputs into a generalizable univariate probability model. We create this Bayesian probability model using probabilistic programming. Our re-sults indicate our model is robust and less dependent on underlying data distributions, versus Mahalanobis distance. Moreover, we are able to demonstrate successful anomaly detection, within Medicare specialties, providing meaningful results for further investigation.
Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Second-Line Generic Protease Inhibitor Containing HAART after First-Line Failure among South Indian HIV-Infected Patients

Introduction: We describe the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of protease inhibitor (PI) containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among patients switching from nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based HAART from a clinical setting in South India. Methods: We assessed a prospective cohort of 91 HIV-infected patients with at least 12 months of clinical follow-up on second-line ritonavir-boosted PI-based therapy between August 2003 and December 2008. Results: More than three fourths of patients met the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for immunological failure at the time of switch. The median time to switch was 758 days. Patients demonstrated consistent increases in their CD4 counts during the first 12 months, by which time the median CD4 count was 322 cells/mm3. The most common adverse events within the first year after switch were nausea (14.8%), lipodystrophy (10.4%), and peripheral neuropathy (7.0%). Patients switching to atazanavir (ATV)-based regimens compared to those switching to indinavir (IDV)-based regimens had similar immunological and clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Given the therapeutic success of using second-line PI-containing HAART after experiencing treatment failure, further efforts must be taken to expand access to second-line HAART so that more patients can benefit from these drugs.
The heritability of bone mineral density, ultrasound of the calcaneus and hip axis length: A study of postmenopausal twins

Population based studies have demonstrated that having a first degree relative with a hip fracture is predictive of future hip fractures. Postmenopausal bone mineral density (BMD), ultrasound of calcaneus and hip axis length are associated with hip fracture, with the association for ultrasound and hip axis length being independent of BMD. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic component of these three important risk factors. We performed a classical twin study using 500 normal female twins, 128 identical and 122 non‐identical pairs, aged 50 to 70 years. We measured bone mineral density at multiple sites, hip axis length (distance from the inner rim of the acetabulum to the greater trochanter), broadband ultrasound attenuation and velocity of sound of the calcaneus. Bone density had a strong genetic component at all sites with estimates of heritability ranging from 0.46 to 0.84. Hip axis length and velocity of sound had major genetic components with estimates of 0.62 and 0.61 respectively, which remained virtually unchanged after adjustment for bone mineral density. Broadband ultrasound attenuation had a moderate genetic component with an estimate of 0.53, which was reduced further to 0.45 after adjustment for BMD. In summary, all three bone measurements, which are independently associated with hip fracture, are independently heritable. This study suggests that a combination of different genetic factors acting on the structure, dimensions and density of bone may explain the importance of family history as a risk factor for hip fracture.
Experimental coevolution leads to a decrease in parasite‐induced host mortality

Host–parasite coevolution can lead to a variety of outcomes, but whereas experimental studies on clonal populations have taken prominence over the last years, experimental studies on obligately out‐crossing organisms are virtually absent so far. Therefore, we set up a coevolution experiment using four genetically distinct lines of Tribolium castaneum and its natural obligately killing microsporidian parasite, Nosema whitei. After 13 generations of experimental coevolution, we employed a time‐shift experiment infecting hosts from the current generation with parasites from nine different time points in coevolutionary history. Although initially parasite‐induced mortality showed synchronized fluctuations across lines, a general decrease over time was observed, potentially reflecting evolution towards optimal levels of virulence or a failure to adapt to coevolving sexual hosts.
Remote sensing of the ice sheets

The importance of understanding ice sheet dynamics in order to achieve a realistic model of climatic and oceanographic processes is discussed. The role played by radar remote sensing instruments such as radar depth sounders, synthetic aperture radar imagers, and satellite radar altimeters in the systematic monitoring of ice sheet characteristics, which is essential in the early detection of global warming trends, is examined. The principle of operation of each of these instruments and the information they provide are described. <<ETX>>
On Brands and Word of Mouth

Brands and word of mouth (WOM) are cornerstones of the marketing field, and yet their relationship has received relatively little attention. This study aims to enhance understanding of brand characteristics as antecedents of WOM by executing a comprehensive empirical analysis. For this purpose, the authors constructed a unique data set on online and offline WOM and characteristics for more than 600 of the most talked-about U.S. brands. To guide this empirical analysis, they present a theoretical framework arguing that consumers spread WOM on brands as a result of social, emotional, and functional drivers. Using these drivers, the authors identify a set of 13 brand characteristics that stimulate WOM, including three (level of differentiation, excitement, and complexity) that have not been studied to date as WOM antecedents. The authors find that whereas the social and functional drivers are the most important for online WOM, the emotional driver is the most important for offline WOM. These results provide an insightful perspective on WOM and have meaningful managerial implications for brand management and investment in WOM campaigns.
Estratégias de ordenação para completar consultas em E-Commerce

O numero de pessoas que compram produtos em sites de comercio eletronico vem crescendo nos ultimos anos. A facilidade e conforto aliado a crescente seguranca dos sites possibilitou que mais pessoas comprem produtos com apenas alguns cliques. Neste universo, um dos primeiros sistemas que um usuario se depara no processo de compra e o Complemento Automatico de Consultas, que sugere consultas e produtos a cada letra digitada na caixa de busca pelo comprador. Saber quais consultas sugerir a cada letra digitada e ordena-las da melhor forma possivel e o desafio deste sistema. Este trabalho se concentra em saber qual e a melhor fonte de geracao dessas consultas e estuda estrategias de ordenacao destas no cenario do E-Commerce. Em toda nossa pesquisa nao achamos um trabalho que estuda esse tema neste cenario especifico, fazendo este trabalho ser o pioneiro no assunto. As estrategias implementadas neste trabalho foram testadas em lojas reais do varejo online brasileiro e latino-americano e os resultados foram diferentes em cada loja. O MRR em uma loja brasileira de cosmeticos, por exemplo, usando uma das estrategias deste trabalho, atingiu quase 0,8 para prefixos com tres letras digitadas e 0,6 para uma loja de Eletrodomesticos com o mesmo tamanho de prefixo.
Support for family carers of children and young people with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviour: what stops it being helpful?

BACKGROUND Many family carers find the support they receive in respect of their child's challenging behaviour unhelpful. This study sought to identify carer perceptions of the ways in which support is unhelpful and how it could be more helpful. METHODS Thirteen mothers, caring for a child with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour, were interviewed. Parental perceptions and concerns regarding support received were investigated. Transcribed interviews were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. RESULTS Parents reported problems with generic disability services including accessing good services, obtaining relevant information, working relationships with professionals and issues with respite provision. Concerns were also expressed about challenging behaviour-specific provision including ineffective strategies being suggested, an apparent lack of expertise, insufficient input and their child's exclusion from services. CONCLUSIONS More preventative approaches, more widespread adoption of effective behaviour management and improved partnership between professionals and families appear needed. Increasing family support may be ineffective if not accompanied by greater insight into the factors related to effectiveness and recognition of the role of informal support.
Face Retrieval Based On Local Binary Pattern and Its Variants: A Comprehensive Study

Face retrieval (FR) is one of the specific fields in content-based image retrieval (CBIR). Its aim is to search relevant faces in large database based on the contents of the images rather than the metadata. It has many applications in important areas such as face searching, forensics, and identification… In this paper, we experimentally evaluate Face Retrieval based on Local Binary Pattern (LBP) and its variants: Rotation Invariant Local Binary Pattern (RILBP) and Pyramid of Local Binary Pattern (PLBP). We also use a grid LBP based operator, which divides an image into 6×7 sub-regions then concentrates LBP feature vector from each of them into a spatially enhanced feature histogram. These features were firstly tested on three fontal face datasets: The Database of Faces (TDF), Caltech Faces 1999 (CF1999) and the combination of The Database of faces and Caltech Faces 1999 (CF). Good result on these dataset has encouraged us to conduct tests on Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW), where the images were taken from real-world condition. Mean average precision (MAP) was used for measuring the performance of the system. We carry out the experiments in two main stages indexing and searching with the use of k-fold cross-validation. We further boost the system by using Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH). Furthermore, we also evaluate the impact of LSH on the searching stage. The experimental results have shown that LSH is effective for face searching as well as LBP is robust feature in fontal face retrieval
Transcription cofactor PC4 plays essential roles in collaboration with the small subunit of general transcription factor TFIIE

In eukaryotes, positive cofactor 4 (PC4) stimulates activator‐dependent transcription by facilitating transcription initiation and the transition from initiation to elongation. It also forms homodimers and binds to single‐stranded DNA and various transcriptional activators, including the general transcription factor TFIIH. In this study, we further investigated PC4 from Homo sapiens and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (hPC4 and cePC4, respectively). hPC4 strongly stimulated transcription on a linearized template, whereas it alleviated transcription on a supercoiled template. Transcriptional stimulation by PC4 was also alleviated by increasing the amount of TFIID. GST pull‐down studies with general transcription factors indicated that both hPC4 and cePC4 bind strongly to TFIIB, TFIIEβ, TFIIFα, TFIIFβ and TFIIH XPB subunits and weakly to TBP and TFIIH p62. However, only hPC4 bound to CDK7. The effect of each PC4 on transcription was studied in combination with TFIIEβ. hPC4 stimulated both basal and activated transcription, whereas cePC4 primarily stimulated activated transcription, especially in the presence of TFIIEβ from C. elegans. Finally, hPC4 bound to the C‐terminal region of hTFIIEβ adjacent to the basic region. These results indicate that PC4 plays essential roles in the transition step from transcription initiation to elongation by binding to melted DNA in collaboration with TFIIEβ.