Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive design of patient-oriented video-games for rehabilitation: concept and application

Abstract Purpose: Serious video-games are innovative tools used to train the motor skills of subjects affected by neurological disorders. They are often developed to train a specific type of patients and the rules of the game are standardly defined. A system that allows the therapist to design highly patient-oriented video-games, without specific informatics skills, is proposed. Method: The system consists of one personal computer, two screens, a Kinect™ sensor and a specific software developed here for the design of the video-games. It was tested with the collaboration of three therapists and six patients, and two questionnaires were filled in by each patient to evaluate the appreciation of the rehabilitative sessions. Results: The therapists learned easily how to use the system, and no serious difficulties were encountered by the patients. The questionnaires showed an overall good satisfaction by the patients and highlighted the key-role of the therapist in involving the patients during the rehabilitative session. Conclusions: It was found that the proposed system is effective for developing patient-oriented video-games for rehabilitation. The two main advantages are that the therapist is allowed to (i) develop personalized video-games without informatics skills and (ii) adapt the game settings to patients affected by different pathologies. Implications for rehabilitation Virtual reality and serious video games offer the opportunity to transform the traditional therapy into a more pleasant experience, allowing patients to train their motor and cognitive skills. Both the therapists and the patients should be involved in the development of rehabilitative solutions to be highly patient-oriented. A system for the design of rehabilitative games by the therapist is described and the feedback of three therapists and six patients is reported.
How to Hit Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Make the Tumor Microenvironment Immunostimulant Rather Than Immunosuppressive

Experimental evidence indicates that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may regulate tumor microenvironment (TME). It is conceivable that the interaction with MSC can influence neoplastic cell functional behavior, remodeling TME and generating a tumor cell niche that supports tissue neovascularization, tumor invasion and metastasization. In addition, MSC can release transforming growth factor-beta that is involved in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of carcinoma cells; this transition is essential to give rise to aggressive tumor cells and favor cancer progression. Also, MSC can both affect the anti-tumor immune response and limit drug availability surrounding tumor cells, thus creating a sort of barrier. This mechanism, in principle, should limit tumor expansion but, on the contrary, often leads to the impairment of the immune system-mediated recognition of tumor cells. Furthermore, the cross-talk between MSC and anti-tumor lymphocytes of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system strongly drives TME to become immunosuppressive. Indeed, MSC can trigger the generation of several types of regulatory cells which block immune response and eventually impair the elimination of tumor cells. Based on these considerations, it should be possible to favor the anti-tumor immune response acting on TME. First, we will review the molecular mechanisms involved in MSC-mediated regulation of immune response. Second, we will focus on the experimental data supporting that it is possible to convert TME from immunosuppressive to immunostimulant, specifically targeting MSC.
SNARE VTI13 plays a unique role in endosomal trafficking pathways associated with the vacuole and is essential for cell wall organization and root hair growth in arabidopsis

Background and Aims Root hairs are responsible for water and nutrient uptake from the soil and their growth is responsive to biotic and abiotic changes in their environment. Root hair expansion is a polarized process requiring secretory and endosomal pathways that deliver and recycle plasma membrane and cell wall material to the growing root hair tip. In this paper, the role of VTI13 (AT3G29100), a member of the VTI vesicular soluble NSF attachment receptor (SNARE) gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana, in root hair growth is described. Methods Genetic analysis and complementation of the vti13 root hair phenotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana were first used to assess the role of VTI13 in root hair growth. Transgenic lines expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP)–VTI13 construct were used to characterize the intracellular localization of VTI13 in root hairs using confocal microscopy and immunotransmission electron microscopy. Key Results VTI13 was characterized and genetic analysis used to show that its function is required for root hair growth. Expression of a GFP–VTI13 fusion in the vti13 mutant background was shown to complement the vti13 root hair phenotype. GFP–VTI13 localized to both the vacuole membrane and a mobile endosomal compartment. The function of VTI13 was also required for the localization of SYP41 to the trans-Golgi network. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that cell wall organization is altered in vti13 root hairs and root epidermal cells. Conclusions These results show that VTI13 plays a unique role in endosomal trafficking pathways associated with the vacuole within root hairs and is essential for the maintenance of cell wall organization and root hair growth in arabidopsis.
Application of the lifting line vortex wake method to dynamic load case simulations

Within the EU AVATAR project, the added benefit of using the vortex line method is researched by calculating aero-elastic response for a variety of IEC load cases. A comparison is made to BEM to identify differences. Results are presented for yawed flow, extreme transient shear, half wake and turbulent inflow conditions. In addition to that also a dynamic pitch step case is performed including a comparison to experimental data. The aerodynamic code used for this purpose allows to easily switch between BEM and vortex line models whilst keeping the external input the same. The comparison indicates that taking into account vortex wake models can yield a significantly different aero-elastic response compared to BEM models, often acting as a damper to fluctuations. As such estimated fatigue loads are reduced for selected load cases. Since the free vortex wake simulations come at a substantial increase of CPU-time, a hybrid approach prescribing the far wake is shown to offer a promising compromise.
In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy of Electric Field-Triggered Reversible Domain Formation in Bi-Based Lead-Free Piezoceramics

A lead-free piezoelectric 0.91(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3–0.03(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 ceramic with high strain was examined in situ under an applied electric field using the transmission electron microscope. No domain structure is observed without an electric field, but an alternating electric field leads to the reversible formation of a lamellar domain structure. Correlations to polarization and strain hysteresis loop measurements indicate an electric field-induced phase transition from a nonpolar to a ferroelectric state and vice versa.
Twin–singleton developmental study of brain white matter anatomy

Twin studies provide valuable insights into the analysis of genetic and environmental factors influencing human brain development. However, these findings may not generalize to singletons due to differences in pre‐ and postnatal environments. One would expect the effect of these differences to be greater during the early years of life. To address this concern, we compare longitudinal diffusion data of white matter regions for 26 singletons and 76 twins (monozygotic and dizygotic) from birth to 2 years of age. We use nonlinear mixed effect modeling where the temporal changes in the diffusion parameters are described by the Gompertz function. The Gompertz function describes growth trajectory in terms of intuitive parameters: asymptote, delay, and speed. We analyzed fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) for 21 regions of interest (ROIs). These ROIs included areas in the association, projection, and commissural fiber tracts. We did not find any differences in the diffusion parameters between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. In addition, FA and RD showed no developmental differences between singletons and twins for the regions analyzed. However, the delay parameter of the Gompertz function of AD for the anterior limb of the internal capsule and anterior corona radiata was significantly different between singletons and twins. Further analysis indicated that the differences are small, and twins “catch up” by the first few months of life. These results suggest that the effects of differences of pre‐ and postnatal environments between twins and singletons are minimal on white matter development and disappear early in life. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1009–1024, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response Surfaces for Fresh and Hardened Properties of Concrete with E-Waste (HIPS)

The fresh and hardened properties of concrete with E-waste plastic, that is, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). Face-centred central composite response surface design was used in this study. The statistical models were developed between the factors (HIPS and water cement ratio) and their response variables (slump, fresh density, dry density, compressive strength, spilt tensile strength, and flexural strength). The Design-Expert 9.0. 3 software package was used to analyze the experimental values. The relationships were established and final mathematical models in terms of coded factors from predicted responses were developed. The effects of factors on properties for all variables were seen visually from the response surface and contour plot. Validation of experiments has shown that the experimental value closely agreed with the predicted value, which validates the calculated response surface models with desirability = 1. The HIPS replacement influenced all the properties of concrete than water cement ratio. Even though all properties show the decline trend, the experimented values and predicted values give a hope that the E-waste plastic (HIPS) can be used as coarse aggregate up to certain percentage of replacement in concrete which successively reduces the hazardous solid waste problem and conserves the natural resources from exhaustion.
Association between angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism and atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis.

AIMS Recent observations have raised concerns regarding the activation of the renin-angiotensin system and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Some initial studies indicated an association between an angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism and AF, however, the results have been inconsistent. Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis of relevant studies to assess the validity of this association. METHODS AND RESULTS PubMed, Cochrane clinical trials database, and EMBASE were searched through July 2009, and a manual search was also performed. Of the 68 initially identified studies, 18 case-control studies with 7577 patients were finally analysed. No statistically significant associations were found between the ACE I/D polymorphism and AF risk in the genetic additive model and dominant model, whereas a significant association was observed in the recessive model. A significant heterogeneity between individual studies was evident in all three models. Subgroup analyses showed a strong association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and hypertensive AF without significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis suggests that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate an association between ACE I/D polymorphism and AF risk. However, there seems to be a significant association between ACE I/D gene polymorphic variation and AF in patients with hypertension. Additional studies are warranted to further explore this association in ethnically diverse populations and varied cardiovascular substrates.
Autophagy and innate immunity: Insights from invertebrate model organisms

ABSTRACT Macroautophagy/autophagy is a fundamental intracellular degradation process with multiple roles in immunity, including direct elimination of intracellular microorganisms via ‘xenophagy. ’ In this review, we summarize studies from the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that highlight the roles of autophagy in innate immune responses to viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. Research from these genetically tractable invertebrates has uncovered several conserved immunological paradigms, such as direct targeting of intracellular pathogens by xenophagy and regulation of autophagy by pattern recognition receptors in D. melanogaster. Although C. elegans has no known pattern recognition receptors, this organism has been particularly useful in understanding many aspects of innate immunity. Indeed, work in C. elegans was the first to show xenophagic targeting of microsporidia, a fungal pathogen that infects all animals, and to identify TFEB/HLH-30, a helix-loop-helix transcription factor, as an evolutionarily conserved regulator of autophagy gene expression and host tolerance. Studies in C. elegans have also highlighted the more recently appreciated relationship between autophagy and tolerance to extracellular pathogens. Studies of simple, short-lived invertebrates such as flies and worms will continue to provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms by which autophagy and immunity pathways intersect and their contribution to organismal survival. AbbreviationsAtg autophagy relatedBECN1 Beclin 1CALCOCO2 calcium binding and coiled-coil domain 2Cry5B crystal toxin 5BDaf abnormal dauer formationDKF-1 D kinase family-1EPG-7 Ectopic P Granules-7FuDR fluorodeoxyuridineGFP green fluorescent proteinHLH-30 Helix Loop Helix-30Imd immune deficiencyins-18 INSulin related-18; LET-363, LEThal-363lgg-1 LC3, GABARAP and GATE-16 family-1MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinaseMATH the meprin and TRAF homologyMTOR mechanistic target of rapamycinNBR1 neighbor of BRCA1 gene 1NFKB nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cellsNOD nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containingOPTN optineurinPAMPs pathogen-associated molecular patternsPark2 Parkinson disease (autosomal recessive, juvenile) 2, parkinpdr-1 Parkinson disease relatedPFTs pore-forming toxinsPGRP peptidoglycan-recognition proteinsPIK3C3 phosphatidylinositol 3- kinase catalytic subunit type 3pink-1 PINK (PTEN-I induced kinase) homologPRKD protein kinase D; PLC, phospholipase CPRKN parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligasePRRs pattern-recognition receptorsPtdIns3P phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphaterab-5 RAB family-5RB1CC1 RB1-inducible coiled-coil 1RNAi RNA interferencesqst SeQueSTosome relatedSQSTM1 sequestosome 1TBK1 TANK-binding kinase 1TFEB transcription factor EBTGFB/TGF-β transforming growth factor betaTLRs toll-like receptorsunc-51 UNCoordinated-51VPS vacuolar protein sorting; VSV, vesicular stomatitis virusVSV-G VSV surface glycoprotein GWipi2 WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 2
Quality of Life of patients with chronic kidney disease in Iran: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Renal diseases are among the major health problems around the world that cause major changes in patients' lifestyle and affect their quality of lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Iran through a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using authentic Persian and English keywords in the national and international databases including IranMedex, SID, Magiran, IranDoc, Medlib, Science Direct, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Medline. The data were analyzed using meta-analysis (random effects model). Heterogeneity of studies was assessed using I2 index. In this study, SF-36: 36-Item Short Form health-related quality of life (HRQOL), kidney disease quality of life-SF (KDQOL-SF), KDQOL and KDQOL-SFTM questionnaires were used. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 11 software. Results: A total of 17200 individuals participated in 45 reviewed studies, and the mean score of CKD patients' quality of life was estimated by SF-36 (60.31), HRQOL (60.51), and KDQOL-SF (50.37) questionnaires. In addition, meta-regression showed that the mean score of CKD patients' quality of life did not significantly decrease during the past years. Conclusion: The mean score of quality of life of patients with CKD was lower in different dimensions in comparison with that of normal people. Therefore, interventional measures should be taken to improve the quality of life of these patients in all dimensions.
Cross‐sectional studies – what are they good for?

Cross‐sectional studies serve many purposes, and the cross‐sectional design is the most relevant design when assessing the prevalence of disease, attitudes and knowledge among patients and health personnel, in validation studies comparing, for example, different measurement instruments, and in reliability studies. This paper describes the use of cross‐sectional studies and provides examples within obstetrics and gynecology. Caveats are also described; for example, when cross‐sectional data is used for analytical purposes of associations between an exposure and an outcome, authors and readers should be careful not to make causal inferences, unless the exposure may safely be assumed to be stable over time and not influenced by experiencing the outcome. In such cases, analyses are also subject to selection and information bias as well as confounding.
Education for Technology Readiness: Prospects for Developing Countries

The technology gap between developing and advanced countries has been increasing during the last few decades. In the process of technology development human capital plays a critical role as an absorption capacity for new technologies in developing countries. The cross-country regression shows that human capital interacts with inflows of foreign technology embodied in machinery imports as well as FDI, and thereby contributes to technology growth in developing countries. We also find that the stock of human capital, at the secondary and tertiary levels of education in particular, plays a key role in determining the development of information and communication technology.This paper discusses the measures in building appropriate human capacities for the adaptation of new technologies in developing countries by focusing on the education strategies of East Asian economies.
Constructal design applied to the elastic buckling of thin plates with holes

Elastic buckling is an instability phenomenon that can occur if a slender and thin plate is subjected to axial compression. An important characteristic of the buckling is that the instability may occur at a stress level that is substantially lower than the material yield strength. Besides, the presence of holes in structural plate elements is common. However these perforations cause a redistribution in plate membrane stresses, significantly altering their stability. In this paper the Bejan’s Constructal Design was employed to optimize the geometry of simply supported, rectangular, thin perforated plates subjected to the elastic buckling. Three different centered hole shapes were considered: elliptical, rectangular and diamond. The objective function was to maximize the critical buckling load. The degree of freedom H/L (ratio between width and length of the plate) was kept constant, while H0/L0 (ratio between the characteristic dimensions of the holes) was optimized for several hole volume fractions (ϕ). A numerical model employing the Lanczos method and based on the finite element method was used. The results showed that, for lower values of ϕ the optimum geometry is the diamond hole. For intermediate and higher values of ϕ, the elliptical and rectangular hole, respectively, led to the best performance.
Functional Analysis of Kinetochore Assembly in Caenorhabditis elegans

In all eukaryotes, segregation of mitotic chromosomes requires their interaction with spindle microtubules. To dissect this interaction, we use live and fixed assays in the one-cell stage Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. We compare the consequences of depleting homologues of the centromeric histone CENP-A, the kinetochore structural component CENP-C, and the chromosomal passenger protein INCENP. Depletion of either CeCENP-A or CeCENP-C results in an identical “kinetochore null” phenotype, characterized by complete failure of mitotic chromosome segregation as well as failure to recruit other kinetochore components and to assemble a mechanically stable spindle. The similarity of their depletion phenotypes, combined with a requirement for CeCENP-A to localize CeCENP-C but not vice versa, suggest that a key step in kinetochore assembly is the recruitment of CENP-C by CENP-A–containing chromatin. Parallel analysis of CeINCENP-depleted embryos revealed mitotic chromosome segregation defects different from those observed in the absence of CeCENP-A/C. Defects are observed before and during anaphase, but the chromatin separates into two equivalently sized masses. Mechanically stable spindles assemble that show defects later in anaphase and telophase. Furthermore, kinetochore assembly and the recruitment of CeINCENP to chromosomes are independent. These results suggest distinct roles for the kinetochore and the chromosomal passengers in mitotic chromosome segregation.
Probing into regional ozone and particulate matter pollution in the United States: 1. A 1 year CMAQ simulation and evaluation using surface and satellite data

[1] As part 1 in a series of papers describing long-term simulations using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system and subsequent process analyses and sensitivity simulations, this paper presents a comprehensive model evaluation for the full year of 2001 over the continental U.S. using both ground-based and satellite measurements. CMAQ is assessed for its ability to reproduce concentrations and long-term trends of major criteria pollutants such as surface ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and related variables such as indicator species, wet deposition fluxes, and column mass abundances of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO2), tropospheric ozone residuals (TORs), and aerosol optical depths (AODs). The domain-wide and site-specific evaluation of surface predictions shows an overall satisfactory performance in terms of normalized mean biases for annual mean maximum 1 h and 8 h average O3 mixing ratios (−11.6 to 0.1% and −4.6 to 3.0%, respectively), 24 h average concentrations of PM2.5 (4.2–35.3%), sulfate (−13.0 to 43.5%), and organic carbon (OC) (−37.6 to 24.8%), and wet deposition fluxes (−13.3 to 31.6%). Larger biases, however, occur in the concentrations and wet deposition fluxes of ammonium and nitrate domain-wide and in the concentrations of PM2.5, sulfate, black carbon, and OC at some urban/suburban sites. The reasons for such model biases may be errors in emissions, chemistry, aerosol processes, or meteorology. The evaluation of column mass predictions shows a good model performance in capturing the seasonal variations and magnitudes of column CO and NO2, but relatively poor performance in reproducing observed spatial distributions and magnitudes of TORs for winter and spring and those of AODs in all seasons. Possible reasons for the poor column predictions include the underestimates of emissions, inaccurate upper layer boundary conditions, lack of model treatments of sea salt and dust, and limitations and uncertainties in satellite data.