Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two olfactory receptors—OR2A4/7 and OR51B5—differentially affect epidermal proliferation and differentiation

Olfactory receptors (ORs), which belong to the G‐protein coupled receptor family, are expressed in various human tissues, including skin. Cells in non‐olfactory tissues tend to express more than one individual OR gene, but function and interaction of two or more ORs in the same cell type has only been marginally analysed. Here, we revealed OR2A4/7 and OR51B5 as two new ORs in human skin cells and identified cyclohexyl salicylate and isononyl alcohol as agonists of these receptors. In cultured human keratinocytes, both odorants induce strong Ca2+ signals that are mediated by OR2A4/7 and OR51B5, as demonstrated by the receptor knockdown experiments. Activation of corresponding receptors induces a cAMP‐dependent pathway. Localization studies and functional characterization of both receptors revealed several differences. OR2A4/7 is expressed in suprabasal keratinocytes and basal melanocytes of the epidermis and influences cytokinesis, cell proliferation, phosphorylation of AKT and Chk‐2 and secretion of IL‐1. In contrast, OR51B5 is exclusively expressed in suprabasal keratinocytes, supports cell migration and regeneration of keratinocyte monolayers, influences Hsp27, AMPK1 and p38MAPK phosphorylation and interestingly, IL‐6 secretion. These findings underline that different ORs perform diverse functions in cutaneous cells, and thus offering an approach for the modulated treatment of skin diseases and wound repair.
A Grounded Theory Approach to Identifying and Measuring Forensic Data Acquisition Tasks

As a relatively new field of study, little empirical research has been conducted pertaining to computer forensics. Â This lack of empirical research contributes to problems for practitioners and academics alike. For the community of practitioners, problems arise from the dilemma of applying scientific methods to legal matters based on anecdotal training methods, and the academic community is hampered by a lack of theory in this evolving field. Â A research study utilizing a multi-method approach to identify and measure tasks practitioners perform during forensic data acquisitions and lay a foundation for academic theory development was conducted in 2006 in conjunction with a doctoral dissertation. An overview of the studyâ€™s findings is presented within this article.
Treatment of lichen planopilaris: methotrexate or cyclosporine a therapy?

Abstract Background: Because of irreversible outcome of the lichen planopilaris (LPP), systemic therapy should be used in early inflammatory stages of the disease, without allowing the irreversible scar formation and permanent hair loss. Objective: We assessed the efficacy and safety of methotrexate (MTX) and cyclosporine A (CsA) in the management of recalcitrant, extensive LPP and compared their efficacy and safety profile. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the 16 LPP cases treated with either CsA or MTX therapy. Clinical improvement was defined as the absence of reported symptoms, lack of progression and reduction in erythema and follicular hyperkeratosis found in SIAscopic images. Results: A total of 16 patients received either CsA (six cases) or MTX (10 cases) therapy. The dosage of CsA was between 3 and 5 mg/kg/day. The initial dosage of MTX was 10–15 mg/wk and tapered gradually. The clinical improvement was demonstrated significantly at SIAscopic images taken at the third months of therapy. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that both MTX and CsA therapies provide similar clinical efficacy at the end of first month of therapy with dosages used in psoriasis therapy. MTX was found to be better tolerated in this study.
Ultraviolet B Irradiation Causes Stimulator of Interferon Genes–Dependent Production of Protective Type I Interferon in Mouse Skin by Recruited Inflammatory Monocytes

Photosensitivity is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, although the mechanisms linking ultraviolet (UV) light to flares are not well understood. We undertook this study to determine whether repetitive UVB exposure could induce type I interferon (IFN) production in normal mouse skin, and to investigate the roles of inflammatory monocytes and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) in type I IFN production and development of UVB irradiation–induced inflammation.
PRELP Protein Inhibits the Formation of the Complement Membrane Attack Complex*

Background: PRELP binds the complement inhibitor C4b-binding protein and may have other complement regulatory functions. Results: PRELP inhibits the formation of the membrane attack complex and thereby inhibits all three pathways of complement. Conclusion: PRELP regulates complement responses at several levels of the cascade. Significance: PRELP may act as a local complement inhibitor at basement membranes or at sites with exposed cartilage. PRELP is a 58-kDa proteoglycan found in a variety of extracellular matrices, including cartilage and at several basement membranes. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the cartilage tissue is destroyed and fragmented molecules, including PRELP, are released into the synovial fluid where they may interact with components of the complement system. In a previous study, PRELP was found to interact with the complement inhibitor C4b-binding protein, which was suggested to locally down-regulate complement activation in joints during RA. Here we show that PRELP directly inhibits all pathways of complement by binding C9 and thereby prevents the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). PRELP does not interfere with the interaction between C9 and already formed C5b-8, but inhibits C9 polymerization thereby preventing formation of the lytic pore. The alternative pathway is moreover inhibited already at the level of C3-convertase formation due to an interaction between PRELP and C3. This suggests that PRELP may down-regulate complement attack at basement membranes and on damaged cartilage and therefore limit pathological complement activation in inflammatory disease such as RA. The net outcome of PRELP-mediated complement inhibition will highly depend on the local concentration of other complement modulating molecules as well as on the local concentration of available complement proteins.
Rapacuronium Augments Acetylcholine-induced Bronchoconstriction via Positive Allosteric Interactions at the M3 Muscarinic Receptor

Background:Neuromuscular blocking agents’ detrimental airway effects may occur as a result of interactions with muscarinic receptors, allergic reactions, or histamine release. Rapacuronium, a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant, was withdrawn from clinical use because of its association with fatal bronchospasm. Despite its withdrawal from clinical use, it is imperative that the mechanism by which bronchospasm occurred is understood so that new muscle relaxants introduced to clinical practice do not share these same detrimental airway effects. Methods:Airway smooth muscle force was measured in guinea pig tracheal rings in organ baths exposed to muscle relaxants with or without subthreshold concentrations of acetylcholine. Antagonism of muscarinic, histamine, neurokinin, leukotriene receptors, or blockade of L-type calcium channels or depletion of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic neurotransmitters was performed. Muscle relaxants’ potentiation of acetylcholine-stimulated inositol phosphate synthesis and allosteric interactions on the kinetics of atropine-induced [3H]N-methylscopolamine dissociation were measured in cells expressing recombinant human M3 muscarinic receptors. Results:Rapacuronium, within clinically achieved concentrations, contracted tracheal rings in the presence but not in the absence of subthreshold concentrations of acetylcholine. This effect was prevented or reversed only by atropine. The allosteric action of rapacuronium was demonstrated by the slowing of atropine-induced dissociation of [3H]N-methylscopolamine, and positive cooperativity was demonstrated by potentiation of acetylcholine-induced inositol phosphate synthesis. Conclusion:Many muscle relaxants have allosteric properties at muscarinic receptors; however, positive cooperativity at the M3 muscarinic receptor within clinically relevant concentrations is unique to rapacuronium. These findings establish novel parameters that should be considered in the evaluation of airway safety of any newly synthesized neuromuscular blocking agents considered for clinical practice.
Low‐event‐rate meta‐analyses of clinical trials: implementing good practices

Meta‐analysis of clinical trials is a methodology to summarize information from a collection of trials about an intervention, in order to make informed inferences about that intervention. Random effects allow the target population outcomes to vary among trials. Since meta‐analysis is often an important element in helping shape public health policy, society depends on biostatisticians to help ensure that the methodology is sound. Yet when meta‐analysis involves randomized binomial trials with low event rates, the overwhelming majority of publications use methods currently not intended for such data. This statistical practice issue must be addressed. Proper methods exist, but they are rarely applied. This tutorial is devoted to estimating a well‐defined overall relative risk, via a patient‐weighted random‐effects method. We show what goes wrong with methods based on ‘inverse‐variance’ weights, which are almost universally used. To illustrate similarities and differences, we contrast our methods, inverse‐variance methods, and the published results (usually inverse‐variance) for 18 meta‐analyses from 13 Journal of the American Medical Association articles. We also consider the 2007 case of rosiglitazone (Avandia), where important public health issues were at stake, involving patient cardiovascular risk. The most widely used method would have reached a different conclusion. © 2016 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Eradication rates in Italian subjects heterogeneously managed for Helicobacter pylori infection. Time to abandon empiric treatments in Southern Europe.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS H. pylori eradication is strongly affected by various factors, including the ongoing antibiotic resistance. We describe a "real life" scenario in patients managed for H. pylori-related conditions, living in a southern Italian region (Apulia), an area with clarithromycin resistance >15%. METHODS 2,224 subjects were studied in two tertiary referral centers in Apulia. Analyses included: reason for referral, H. pylori infection rates (13C-urea breath test - UBT or upper endoscopy), and eradication rates following distinct regimens previously prescribed or prospectively prescribed (such as the bismuth-based quadruple therapy Pylera®, recently marketed in Italy). RESULTS Over 80% of the patients were referred by family physicians (60% naïve subjects). The overall infection rate was 32.5% and it was similar in asymptomatic patients (31.1%) or with H. pylori-related symptoms/clinical conditions (34.3%). In the 987 H. pylori+ve patients receiving therapy, the overall eradication rate was 80.2% (ITT). Observed eradication rate varied greatly across different regimens: 57.1% (2nd line levofloxacin), 59.6% (unconventional), 70.7% (7-day triple), 73.2% (7-day undefined), 89% (10-day sequential) and 96.9% (ITT, 10 day Pylera®, 1st to 5th line regimens given to 227 patients). CONCLUSIONS A heterogeneous "real life" scenario in Southern Europe shows that H. pylori+ve patients are put at risk of poor outcomes and points to the need of a susceptibility-based therapy according to guidelines and local microbial resistance. In the present setting (i.e. high clarithromycin resistance), despite the high observed eradication rate, sequential therapy should not be recommended (absent in guidelines, unneeded antibiotic). Bismuth-based quadruple treatment (1st, 2nd or subsequent lines) yields the highest eradication rates.
Modification and Characterization of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Use in Adsorption of Alkaloids

Magnetite (Fe3O4) is a ferromagnetic iron oxide of both Fe(II) and Fe(III), prepared by FeCl2 and FeCl3. XRD was used for the confirmation of Fe3O4. Via the modification of Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), (3-Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS), and Alginate (AA), Fe3O4@SiO2, Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2, and Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2-AA nanoparticles could be obtained, and IR and SEM were used for the characterizations. Alkaloid adsorption experiments exhibited that, as for Palmatine and Berberine, the most adsorption could be obtained at pH 8 when the adsorption time was 6 min. The adsorption percentage of Palmatine was 22.2%, and the adsorption percentage of Berberine was 23.6% at pH 8. Considering the effect of adsorption time on liquid phase system, the adsorption conditions of 8 min has been chosen when pH 7 was used. The adsorption percentage of Palmatine was 8.67%, and the adsorption percentage of Berberine was 7.25%. Considering the above conditions, pH 8 and the adsorption time of 8min could be chosen for further uses.
EVALUATION OF SHEAR STRENGTH OF HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE BEAMS WITHOUT STIRRUPS

ةـصلاخلا : فوس يرجن ثحبلا اذه يف دو معل عزملا كولس ل ة نراقم ة يليلحت ةسارد يناسرخ ىو قم . د قو انمدختسا اع ميماص ت ةد ع ل ثم ة يل ACI و ة يدنكلا AASHT ا هحرتقا ي تلا ة قيرطلا ى لإ ةفاضإ ،ي بورولأا فيصوتلاو ” سيراز “ . و ىلع تارابتخلاا تيرجأ 27 ىوقم دومع – ةيكبش ة يوقت نود ب – ى لإ ةفاضإ 95 ومع اد وقم ا ي ا هل لا محلأاو دا عبلإا س فن . و ش تنا ةبس ن مي ق حوار تت ـ ملا را ـ ق معلا ى لإ عز ) a/b ( ني ب 1 – 6 ، س نو ـ يوقتلا ةب ـ ة طلا ــ يلو ـــ نيب ة 1.94% – 0.35% . تانايب ليلحتبو 122 ىدم ىلع دمتعت فلتلا طمنو عزملا ةوق نأ نيبت دومع ةيلوطلا ةيوقتلا ةبسنو عزملا راشتنا . عزملا نم لكل ةيبيرجتلا ميقلاو ةعقوتملا ميقلا نيب تافلاتخا ةدع انظحلا امآ ةبس نو ) a/b . ( صح ي تلا مي قلا ت ناآو مادخت ساب ا هيلع انل ) ACI-318-02 ( ا هتلايثم ن م ة قد ر ثآأ . ت ناآ ا منيب ةقيرط ” سياراز “ رثآأ لام ء ةم حلستلا ديدح دش لماعم نوكي امدنع مادختسلال أ لق نم 1 . %
A Comparative Study of Iranian and Japanese English Teachers' Demotivational Factors.

This study examined demotivational factors among Iranian and Japanese college teachers of English. To achieve the purpose, the study used a 35item questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The results were compared with the similar study in Japan by Sugino (2010). The findings of the study revealed that Iranian and Japanese lecturers are much similar regarding motivation and demotivation in their teaching. However, there is difference with respect to the top items causing demotivation. For Iranian teachers, the most demotivating items were ‘No consistency in curriculum with clear goals’, ‘No bonus, ‘Little appreciation from the administration’, ‘Employment system is unstable’, ‘When students are not interested in studying’, and ‘Lack of research fund’. Whereas, the top demotivating items for Japanese college teachers were: students using cell-phones in classes, students sleeping in class, students taking rebellious attitudes, long meeting hours, much paperwork, and ‘fixed teaching method. Implications for curriculum development, working conditions, and educational authorities will be discussed.
Multilevel Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling of Daily Diary Coping Data: Modeling Trait and State Variation

This study used multilevel modeling of daily diary data to model within-person (state) and between-person (trait) components of coping variables. This application included the introduction of multilevel factor analysis (MFA) and a comparison of the predictive ability of these trait/state factors. Daily diary data were collected on a large (n = 366) multiethnic sample over the course of 5 days. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the derived factors suggested approximately equal amounts of variability in coping usage at the state and trait levels. MFAs showed that Problem-Focused Coping and Social Support emerged as stable factors at both the within-person and between-person levels. Other factors (Minimization, Emotional Rumination, Avoidance, Distraction) were specific to the within-person or between-person levels but not both. Multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) showed that the prediction of daily positive and negative affect differed as a function of outcome and level of coping factor. The Discussion section focuses primarily on a conceptual and methodological understanding of modeling state and trait coping using daily diary data with MFA and MSEM to examine covariation among coping variables and predicting outcomes of interest.
Effect of solid wastes composition and confinement time on methane production in a dump.

In developing countries, illegal dump structures or even some landfills do not include methane collecting systems, even if local environmental laws exist. In this condition, the greenhouse gas escapes to the atmosphere uncontrolled and practical solutions to tackle this problem are not obvious. To make a solution approachable, first-hand reliable data from dump emissions are required as starting point. The methane production is not homogeneous throughout the dump, therefore to estimate its global methane emissions, various representative gas monitoring sites distributed along the dump becomes necessary. This research work presents the measures of biogas emissions collected in the final disposal site located at Morelia (Mexico), along with an evaluation of the organic fraction and confinement time participation on biogas production. Biogas emission data were taken with a portable analyzer from 49 ventilation pipes for 52 weeks. For the composition and degradability analysis of solid wastes, the required samples have been collected from 16 sites. The results show a heterogeneous composition of solid wastes: 38 separate components are present, from those, 19 belong to organic categories and 28 of total components accounts for almost 99% of the waste. The mean biogas concentration detected was: 45.5% CH4, 32.4% CO2, 3.1% O2, and 18.9% balance gas (i.e., N2, CO or H2S). The ANOVA procedure clearly corroborated the influence of composition, biodegradability and time of confinement of solid wastes on the production of methane, despite the deficiencies in the final soil layer cover in these sites.
Weakly Supervised Action Localization by Sparse Temporal Pooling Network

We propose a weakly supervised temporal action localization algorithm on untrimmed videos using convolutional neural networks. Our algorithm learns from video-level class labels and predicts temporal intervals of human actions with no requirement of temporal localization annotations. We design our network to identify a sparse subset of key segments associated with target actions in a video using an attention module and fuse the key segments through adaptive temporal pooling. Our loss function is comprised of two terms that minimize the video-level action classification error and enforce the sparsity of the segment selection. At inference time, we extract and score temporal proposals using temporal class activations and class-agnostic attentions to estimate the time intervals that correspond to target actions. The proposed algorithm attains state-of-the-art results on the THUMOS14 dataset and outstanding performance on ActivityNet1.3 even with its weak supervision.
Structural Equation Models and Mixture Models With Continuous Nonnormal Skewed Distributions

In this article we describe a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework that allows nonnormal skewed distributions for the continuous observed and latent variables. This framework is based on the multivariate restricted skew t distribution. We demonstrate the advantages of skewed SEM over standard SEM modeling and challenge the notion that structural equation models should be based only on sample means and covariances. The skewed continuous distributions are also very useful in finite mixture modeling as they prevent the formation of spurious classes formed purely to compensate for deviations in the distributions from the standard bell curve distribution. This framework is implemented in Mplus Version 7.2.
Use of Supplemental Short Pre-Contoured Accessory Rods and Cobalt Chrome Alloy Posterior Rods Reduces Primary Rod Strain and Range of Motion Across the Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy Level: An In Vitro Biomechanical Study

Study Design. In vitro cadaveric biomechanical study. Objective. To assess effects of 4-rod reconstruction, rod material, and anterior column support on motion and surface rod strain in a pedicle subtraction osteotomy model. Summary of Background Data. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) can correct significant sagittal deformity of the lumbar spine; however, revision rates are high. To reduce rod strain and the incidence of rod fracture, clinical use of multi-rod construction, cobalt chrome (CoCr) alloy rods, and interbody spacers adjacent to PSO has been proposed. Investigating both motion and rod strain is necessary to determine the biomechanical efficacy of these techniques. Methods. Five specimens (T12–S1) underwent PSO at L3 with pedicle screw stabilization at L1–S1. Pedicle subtraction was adjusted to achieve a final lordosis of 70°. Flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending, and axial rotation were applied. Linear strain gauges measured surface rod strain during FE on primary and accessory rods at PSO level. Testing evaluated (1) accessory rods (4-Rod) added at PSO level versus primary rods (2-Rod); (2) Ti versus CoCr rods; and (3) lateral interbody spacers (S) inserted adjacent to PSO. One-way and three-way analysis of variance was performed (P ⩽ 0.05). Results. All constructs significantly reduced FE and lateral bending motion relative to intact (P < 0.001). The main effect of accessory rods in reducing FE motion was significant (P = 0.021). Accessory and CoCr rods reduced relative surface strain on the primary rod, irrespective of construct (P < 0.001). CoCr 4-Rod + S provided the greatest reduction in strain (76% decrease; P = 0.003). Conclusion. Accessory and CoCr rods provided greatest reduction in motion and rod strain at PSO level. Interbody devices minimally affected motion-induced strain and might act primarily to maintain disc height. Clinicians must assess whether surface strain and motion reduction minimize the incidence of rod fracture. Level of Evidence: N/A
Treatment of pulmonary hypertension with left heart disease: a concise review

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mmHg, as determined by right heart catheterization. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can no longer be considered an orphan disease given the increase in awareness and availability of new drugs. PH carries with it a dismal prognosis and leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Symptoms can range from dyspnea, fatigue and chest pain to right ventricular failure and death. PH is divided into five groups by the World Health Organization (WHO), based on etiology. The most common cause of PH in developed countries is left heart disease (group 2), owing to the epidemic of heart failure (HF). The data regarding prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of patients with group 2 PH is unclear as large, prospective, randomized controlled trials and standardized protocols do not exist. Current guidelines do not support the use of PAH-specific therapy in patients with group 2 PH. Prostacyclins, endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and guanylate cyclase stimulators have been tried in treatment of patients with HF and/or group 2 PH with mixed results. This review summarizes and critically appraises the evidence for diagnosis and treatment of patients with group 2 PH/HF and suggests directions for future research.