Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The molecular face of lipid rafts in model membranes

Cell membranes contain a large number of different lipid species. Such a multicomponent mixture exhibits a complex phase behavior with regions of structural and compositional heterogeneity. Especially domains formed in ternary mixtures, composed of saturated and unsaturated lipids together with cholesterol, have received a lot of attention as they may resemble raft formation in real cells. Here we apply a simulation model to assess the molecular nature of these domains at the nanoscale, information that has thus far eluded experimental determination. We are able to show the spontaneous separation of a saturated phosphatidylcholine (PC)/unsaturated PC/cholesterol mixture into a liquid-ordered and a liquid-disordered phase with structural and dynamic properties closely matching experimental data. The near-atomic resolution of the simulations reveals remarkable features of both domains and the boundary domain interface. Furthermore, we predict the existence of a small surface tension between the monolayer leaflets that drives registration of the domains. At the level of molecular detail, raft-like lipid mixtures show a surprising face with possible implications for many cell membrane processes.
Matrix cracking and stress strain behaviour of continuous fibre ceramic composite laminates.

Matrix damage and its effects on mechanical properties have been examined for SiC (Nicalon1) fibre reinforced glass and glass ceramic matrix composites under quasi-static and fatigue loading conditions. Nicalon/Pyrex laminates of different lay-ups have been tested under quasi-static tension. The elastic moduli have been measured and matrix damage monitored as a function of applied strain. The mechanical properties are strongly influenced by the presence of crystalline regions in the matrix which promote microcracking. Laminated plate theory is used to provide bounds to the moduli of the laminates. For unidirectional and simple crossply Nicalon/CAS2 laminates the quasi-static stress/strain behaviour and associated matrix damage accumulation have been examined in detail. The damage development with applied stress was quantified by counts of crack density (in both longitudinal and transverse plies), stiffness loss and cumulative residual strain. The quasi static stress/strain behaviour during continuous tests (accumulating damage) and discontinuous tests (constant damage) have been modelled using a stress analysis based on Aveston, Cooper and Kelly (ACK) theory. The continuous stress/strain behaviour of (0/90) crossply laminates has been modelled using a shear-lag analysis developed previously to describe the transverse ply cracking behaviour of polymer matrix composites. The analysis is modified to account for longitudinal ply cracking. Matrix damage development in unidirectional and (0/90) crossply laminates under quasistatic cycling and high frequency fatigue loading have been studied. For unidirectional laminates stable stress/strain hysteresis loops were obtained during quasi-static cycling, corresponding to stable matrix damage states. These and similar loops obtained after high frequency fatigue are modelled using, the discontinuous stress/strain analysis. It is suggested that the effect of high frequency fatigue is to decrease the interfacial shear strength.
Limitations, possibilities and implications of Brain-Computer Interfaces

EEG Systems and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are terms that are commonly used and discussed in the field of neurological research. From a technological point of view, the components and techniques used to build technical devices for this purpose are also widely discussed. Undifferentiated use of the terms EEG Systems and BCIs in the same context provokes a discussion because they in fact refer to distinct and different concepts and should be treated accordingly. This assertion shall be discussed and established without going into more technical detail of the concrete components. We will discuss the associated problem of the vague definition of BCIs and depict the essential limitations when using skull potential signals to realize such devices. To demonstrate alternative ways of realizing man-machine interfaces, we will describe the most recent research results, based on the example of a complex arm prosthesis. With respect to the requirements for realizing such a complex prosthesis we will show the possibilities and limitations of accessing the human brain structures and finally propose clear conclusions regarding the specifications for Brain-Computer Interfaces and the corresponding long term research and development goals.
An Optimized Set of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Probes for Detection of Pancreatobiliary Tract Cancer in Cytology Brush Samples.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Pancreatobiliary cancer is detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of pancreatobiliary brush samples with UroVysion probes, originally designed to detect bladder cancer. We designed a set of new probes to detect pancreatobiliary cancer and compared its performance with that of UroVysion and routine cytology analysis. METHODS We tested a set of FISH probes on tumor tissues (cholangiocarcinoma or pancreatic carcinoma) and non-tumor tissues from 29 patients. We identified 4 probes that had high specificity for tumor vs non-tumor tissues; we called this set of probes pancreatobiliary FISH. We performed a retrospective analysis of brush samples from 272 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for evaluation of malignancy at the Mayo Clinic; results were available from routine cytology and FISH with UroVysion probes. Archived residual specimens were retrieved and used to evaluate the pancreatobiliary FISH probes. Cutoff values for FISH with the pancreatobiliary probes were determined using 89 samples and validated in the remaining 183 samples. Clinical and pathologic evidence of malignancy in the pancreatobiliary tract within 2 years of brush sample collection was used as the standard; samples from patients without malignancies were used as negative controls. The validation cohort included 85 patients with malignancies (46.4%) and 114 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (62.3%). Samples containing cells above the cutoff for polysomy (copy number gain of ≥2 probes) were classified as positive in FISH with the UroVysion and pancreatobiliary probes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate associations between clinical and pathology findings and results from FISH. RESULTS The combination of FISH probes 1q21, 7p12, 8q24, and 9p21 identified cancer cells with 93% sensitivity and 100% specificity in pancreatobiliary tissue samples and were therefore included in the pancreatobiliary probe set. In the validation cohort of brush samples, pancreatobiliary FISH identified samples from patients with malignancy with a significantly higher level of sensitivity (64.7%) than the UroVysion probes (45.9%) (P < .001) or routine cytology analysis (18.8%) (P < .001), but similar specificity (92.9%, 90.8%, and 100.0% respectively). Factors significantly associated with detection of carcinoma, in adjusted analyses, included detection of polysomy by pancreatobiliary FISH (P < .001), a mass by cross-sectional imaging (P < .001), cancer cells by routine cytology (overall P = .003), as well as absence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (P = .011). CONCLUSIONS We identified a set of FISH probes that detects cancer cells in pancreatobiliary brush samples from patients with and without primary sclerosing cholangitis with higher levels of sensitivity than UroVysion probes. Cytologic brushing test results and clinical features were independently associated with detection of cancer and might be used to identify patients with pancreatobiliary cancers.
Design of 2-D Wideband Circularly Symmetric FIR Filters by Multiplierless High-Order Transformation

In this paper, we modify the original McClellan transformation to a th-order version, and on the basis of the th-order McClellan transformation, we propose two high-order transformations for designing circularly symmetric wideband two-dimensional (2-D) digital FIR filter. The circularity of the resulting 2-D filters designed by our transformations is comparable to those 2-D filters designed by the other methods; however, the existing methods for circularly symmetric design cannot obtain a 2-D filter by the application of a single transformation on the 1-D filter response. By using the proposed transformations, in a single transformation on the 1-D filter, we can easily obtain the circularly symmetric 2-D digital FIR filter over a wide range of cutoff frequencies. Besides, with our approach, neither optimization procedure nor any computation is needed to obtain the transformation. Furthermore, since the implementations of the transformations are all multiplierless, the resulting 2-D filter has the same number of multipliers with the 1-D prototype filter. In the narrowband case, the 2-D transition width is shown to be narrower by a factor of about (and ) than the transition width of the 1-D prototype filter. This means that the filter length required in the prototype filter is shorter than that using the existing methods.
Localized emission from laser-irradiated defects in 2D hexagonal boron nitride

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has emerged as a promising two-dimensional (2D) material for photonics device due to its large bandgap and flexibility in nanophotonic circuits. Here, we report bright and localized luminescent centres can be engineered in hBN monolayers and flakes using laser irradiation. The transition from hBN to cBN emerges in laser irradiated hBN large monolayers while is absent in processed hBN flakes. Remarkably, the colour centres in hBN flakes exhibit room temperature cleaner single photon emissions with g2(0) ranging from 0.20 to 0.42, a narrower line width of 1.4 nm and higher brightness compared with monolayers. Our results pave the way to engineering deterministic defects in hBN induced by laser pulse and show great prospect for application of defects in hBN used as nano-size light source in photonics.
Combining Mention Context and Hyperlinks from Wikipedia for Named Entity Disambiguation

Named entity disambiguation is the task of linking entity mentions to their intended referent, as represented in a Knowledge Base, usually derived from Wikipedia. In this paper, we combine local mention context and global hyperlink structure from Wikipedia in a probabilistic framework. We test our method in eight datasets, improving the state-of-the-art results in five. Our results show that the two models of context, namely, words in the context and hyperlink pathways to other entities in the context, are complementary. Our results are not tuned to any of the datasets, showing that it is robust to out-of-domain scenarios, and that further improvements are possible.
Inverse Association of Parkinson Disease With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

AbstractThe effects of the inflammatory mediators involved in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) on subsequent Parkinson disease have been reported, but no relevant studies have focused on the association between the 2 diseases. This nationwide population-based study evaluated the risk of Parkinson disease in patients with SLE.We identified 12,817 patients in the Taiwan National Health Insurance database diagnosed with SLE between 2000 and 2010 and compared the incidence rate of Parkinson disease among these patients with that among 51,268 randomly selected age and sex-matched non-SLE patients. A Cox multivariable proportional-hazards model was used to evaluate the risk factors of Parkinson disease in the SLE cohort.We observed an inverse association between a diagnosis of SLE and the risk of subsequent Parkinson disease, with the crude hazard ratio (HR) being 0.60 (95% confidence interval 0.45–0.79) and adjusted HR being 0.68 (95% confidence interval 0.51–0.90). The cumulative incidence of Parkinson disease was 0.83% lower in the SLE cohort than in the non-SLE cohort. The adjusted HR of Parkinson disease decreased as the follow-up duration increased and was decreased among older lupus patients with comorbidity.We determined that patients with SLE had a decreased risk of subsequent Parkinson disease. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
Development of a flickermeter for grid-connected wind turbines using a DSP-based prototyping system

The measurement of one of the power-quality problems (flicker), which may arise due to the presence of wind-turbine generators, is presented. This paper focuses on the design of a complete fully digital flickermeter relying on an in-house-developed measurement system, which features a data-acquisition system, using a C6711 DSP-based starter kit (DSK) and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). To study flicker produced during the wind turbine's continuous operation, special attention is given to the simulation of the voltage fluctuations on a fictitious grid.
Despite an impaired response to IL-7, T cells from HIV-positive patients proliferate normally in response to IL-15 and its superagonist, RLI

Objective:In phase I/II trials, IL-7 immunotherapy has been shown to expand CD4+ T cells. However, expression of the IL-7 receptor &agr;-chain, CD127, is reduced on CD4+ T cells from HIV-positive patients, and defects in CD127 signaling have also been reported. To refine and improve cytokine immunotherapy, it is important to identify stimuli that can restore proliferation of CD4+ cells with defective responses to IL-7. Design:Observational study comparing viremic HIV-positive patients with HIV-negative controls. Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured in the presence of 1 nmol/l IL-2, IL-7, IL-15 or RLI (an IL-15R&agr;/IL-15 fusion protein). Proliferation of different T-cell subsets was assessed by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester fluorescence. Expression of CD127 on CD4+ T-cell subsets was also analyzed. Results:In HIV-positive patients, CD127 expression was correlated with CD4+ T-cell count in the (R2 = 0.36; P < 0.01) and (R2 = 0.45; P < 0.001) populations, whereas CD127 expression on cells was significantly reduced in HIV-positive individuals compared with controls (P = 0.001) independently of CD4+ T-cell count. In patients with high CD4+ T-cell counts, proliferation in response to IL-7 was significantly reduced only in cells (P < 0.05). RLI, and to a lesser extent IL-15, induced strong proliferation of cells from both HIV-positive patients and controls. Neither agent stimulated proliferation of or cells. Conclusion:In HIV-positive patients, cells are deficient in both CD127 expression and proliferation in response to IL-7. RLI and IL-15 specifically induced proliferation of cells, suggesting that they may have a unique potential to complement IL-7 immunotherapy.
Biogenic ZnO nanoparticles: a study of blueshift of optical band gap and photocatalytic degradation of reactive yellow 186 dye under direct sunlight

Abstract Synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extracts has been suggested as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical synthesis of semiconductor NPs. In the present study, ZnO NPs were synthesized by a simple and cost-effective method using Coriandrum sativum leaf extract and zinc acetate as precursors. The as-synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The results confirmed the formation of ZnO NPs with a wurtzite structure, spherical shape and average particle size of 24 nm. The photocatalytic degradation of reactive yellow 186 (RY 186) dye was carried out under direct sunlight irradiation and its degradation efficiency and apparent rate constant (K’app) of reaction were calculated to be 93.38%, and 0.0019 min−1, respectively. The optical band gap value of the as-synthesized ZnO NPs was found to be 3.4 eV, which indicates the presence of blueshift. Owing to the presence of blueshift and a wide band gap of synthesized biogenic ZnO NPs, the overall absorption of sunlight irradiation will be enhanced, which leads to higher degradation efficiency of the dye. The current study thus highlights the optical band gap properties of biogenic ZnO NPs and their significance as a heterogeneous catalyst for the purification of polluted water.
Promoting the System Integration of Renewable Energies: Toward a Decision Support System for Incentivizing Spatially Diversified Deployment

Abstract The system integration of intermittent renewable energies (RE) poses an important challenge in the transition toward sustainable energy systems. Their intermittency introduces variability into electricity generation, leading to high ancillary service costs and technical issues impairing grid stability and supply reliability. These issues can be mitigated through spatially diversified capacity deployment, as RE intermittency can be geographically smoothed over sufficiently large regions. Following a design science research approach, we develop a model for the quantification of location-based investment incentives in RE support mechanisms to foster spatially diversified capacity deployment. We evaluate the modeling approach in a simulation study with focus on diversifying wind energy deployment in Mexico under an idealized auction mechanism and demonstrate how location-based investment incentives reduce resource-dependent competition among projects. Our research contributes a nascent design theory that combines the kernel theories for identifying favorable spatial distributions of RE capacity with current policy designs to support capacity expansion management
Tumour budding in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma – a systematic review

Tumour budding is a specific type of invasive growth in carcinomas characterized by invading single tumour cells or small clusters of tumour cells (<5 cells) at the invasive front (IF). It has been documented in numerous publications during the past few decades, but its value as a prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been analysed only recently. In this review we aimed to address the question of whether or not tumour budding has an impact upon the progression and prognosis of HNSCC. We systematically reviewed the databases of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for articles that studied tumour budding in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. The search was limited to articles published in the English literature before March 2014. A total of 122 hits were retrieved; however, only five reports met the inclusion criteria. The findings of these reports suggested a strong association between tumour budding and tumour progression, in addition to strong correlation with patient prognosis. Standardization of the scoring method and the risk stratification cut‐off point is necessary before the inclusion of tumour budding in pathological reports during daily practice.
Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is a common cause of visual loss in young patients. Visual function generally spontaneously improves over weeks, and 95% of patients return to visual acuity of at least 20/40 within 12 months. The initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps stratify the risk of multiple sclerosis in patients with acute isolated optic neuritis. High-dose steroids hasten the rate, but not the final extent, of visual recovery in optic neuritis, and the decision to use this therapy is individualized. Interferon therapy should be considered in selected high-risk patients.
Anti-NMDA-receptor encephalitis presenting with catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome in patients with intellectual disability and autism

Summary We report anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis in two patients with autism and intellectual disability presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms of catatonia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Case reports such as these help raise awareness of this clinical issue. By paving the way for earlier diagnoses they ultimately maximise the potential for curative treatments and prevention of long-term complications.
Renal cell carcinoma with clear cell and papillary features.

CONTEXT The diagnosis of primary renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) with both papillary architecture and cells with clear cytoplasm can be diagnostically challenging for practicing pathologists. The 4 main neoplasms in the differential diagnosis are clear cell RCC, papillary RCC, clear cell papillary RCC, and Xp11 translocation RCC. Accurate diagnosis has both prognostic and therapeutic implications. OBJECTIVE To highlight the helpful cytomorphologic, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetic features of each of these entities to enable reproducible classification. DATA SOURCES Published peer-reviewed literature was reviewed, accompanied by the authors' personal experiences. CONCLUSIONS Key morphologic clues and a focused immunohistochemical panel, including CK7, α-methylacyl coenzyme A racemase (AMACR), TFE3, cathepsin K, and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), now allow most resected RCCs with papillary architecture and clear cells to be accurately classified. In other cases, cytogenetic and molecular findings can establish the diagnosis. Despite these tools, some RCCs with papillary architecture and clear cells do not fit into any of the described entities and currently remain unclassified.
Increased Precipitation and Nitrogen Alter Shrub Architecture in a Desert Shrubland: Implications for Primary Production

Shrublands are one of the major types of ecosystems in the desert regions of northern China, which is expected to be substantially more sensitive to global environmental changes, such as widespread nitrogen enrichment and precipitation changes, than other ecosystem types. However, the interactive effects of nitrogen and precipitation on them remain poorly understood. We conducted a fully factorial field experiment simulating three levels of precipitation (ambient, +20%, +40%) and with two levels of nitrogen deposition (ambient, 60 kg N ha-1 yr-1) in a desert shrubland in the Mu Us Desert of northern China. We used plant architectural traits (plant cover, volume, twig size and number) as proxies to predict aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of the dominant shrub (Artemisia ordosica Krasch), and assessed the responses of plant productivity and architectural traits to water and nitrogen addition. We found significant differences in twig size and number of A. ordosica under water and nitrogen treatments but not in shrub cover/volume, which suggest that twig size and number of the shrub species were more sensitive to environmental changes. The productivity of the overall community was sensitive to increased precipitation and nitrogen, and shrubs played a more important role than herbaceous plants in driving productivity in this ecosystem. Precipitation- and nitrogen-induced increases in vegetation production were positively associated with increases in twig size and number of the dominant shrub. Water addition enhanced the twig length of A. ordosica, while nitrogen addition resulted in increased twig density (the number of twigs per square meter). Water and nitrogen interacted to affect twig length, but not twig number and shrub ANPP. The trade-off, defined as negative covariance between twig size and number, was likely the mechanism underlying the responses of twig length and shrub ANPP to water and nitrogen interactions. Our results highlight the sensitivity of twig size and number as indicators to estimate shrub production and the mechanism underpinning desert shrub ANPP response to global environmental changes.