Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ELISE: A Reinforcement Learning Framework to Optimize the Slotframe Size of the TSCH Protocol in IoT Networks

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is shaping the next generation of cyber-physical systems to improve the future industry for smart cities. It has created novel and essential applications that require speciﬁc network performance to enhance the quality of services. Since network performance requirements are application-oriented, it is of paramount importance to provide tailored solutions that seamlessly manage the network resources and orchestrate the network to satisfy user requirements. In this article, we propose ELISE, a Reinforcement Learning (RL) framework to optimize the slotframe size of the Time Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) protocol in IIoT networks while considering the user requirements. We primarily address the problem of designing a framework that self-adapts to the optimal slotframe length that best suits the user’s requirements. The framework takes care of all functionalities involved in the correct functioning of the network, while the RL agent instructs the framework with a set of actions to determine the optimal slotframe size each time the user requirements change. We evaluate the performance of ELISE through extensive analysis based on simulations and experimental evaluations on a testbed to demonstrate the eﬃciency of the proposed approach in adapting network resources at runtime to satisfy user requirements.
The Mediating Role of Emotional Arousal and Donation Anxiety on Blood Donation Intentions: Expanding on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Blood donation is essential in health-care systems worldwide, dealing with the demand for transfusions, and for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. A major obstacle is raising the rate of blood donations by recruiting and retaining donors in an efficient manner. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of blood donation, utilizing an enhanced framework based on the theory of planned behavior with an emphasis on emotional arousal (positive and negative), attitudes towards advertisements, and blood donation anxiety, revealing critical psychological and communicative determinants of blood donation intention. To achieve this, a quantitative non-experimental correlational technique was employed to collect data from 414 individuals using an online questionnaire circulated across Greek society. The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling, with a focus on the direct impacts on donation intentions and the role of emotional arousal as a mediator. The findings indicate that attitudes and anxiety have strong direct impacts on the behavioral intention to donate, underlining the important barriers generated by donation anxieties as well as the efficacy of positive attitudes and successful advertising. Furthermore, the study demonstrates emotional arousal as a partial mediator, implying that both cognitive assessments and emotional responses play a role in influencing donation intentions. This study takes on a new approach to give emphasis and provide evidence of the mediating effect of emotional arousal on donation intention, utilizing structural equation modeling. Despite the critical role of marketing as a primary source of blood donors, the implementation of emotional marketing techniques has been one aspect less addressed throughout marketing professionals and communication efforts. Our results demonstrate the significance of emotional arousal on blood donation intentions, thus suggesting a more emotionally resonant approach of attracting potential donors.
An efficient GPU-based approach for interactive global illumination

This paper presents a GPU-based method for interactive global illumination that integrates complex effects such as multi-bounce indirect lighting, glossy reflections, caustics, and arbitrary specular paths. Our method builds upon scattered data sampling and interpolation on the GPU. We start with raytraced shading points and partition them into coherent shading clusters using adaptive seeding followed by k-means. At each cluster center we apply final gather to evaluate its incident irradiance using GPU-based photon mapping. We approximate the entire photon tree as a compact illumination cut, thus reducing the final gather cost for each ray. The sampled irradiance values are then interpolated at all shading points to produce rendering. Our method exploits the spatial coherence of illumination to reduce sampling cost. We sample sparsely and the distribution of sample points conforms with the underlying illumination changes. Therefore our method is both fast and preserves high rendering quality. Although the same property has been exploited by previous caching and adaptive sampling methods, these methods typically require sequential computation of sample points, making them ill-suited for the GPU. In contrast, we select sample points adaptively in a single pass, enabling parallel computation. As a result, our algorithm runs entirely on the GPU, achieving interactive rates for scenes with complex illumination effects.
Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems in the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias: A Contemporary Overview

Ventricular tachycardias (VTs) and electrical storms (ES) are life-threatening conditions mostly seen in the setting of structural heart disease (SHD). Traditional management strategies, predominantly centered around pharmacological interventions with antiarrhythmic drugs, have demonstrated limited efficacy in these cases, whereas catheter ablation is related with more favorable outcomes. However, patients with hemodynamically unstable, recurrent VT or ES may present cardiogenic shock (CS) that precludes the procedure, and catheter ablation in patients with SHD portends a multifactorial intrinsic risk of acute hemodynamic decompensation (AHD), that is associated with increased mortality. In this setting, the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems allow the maintenance of end-organ perfusion and cardiac output, improving coronary flow and myocardial mechanics, and minimizing the effect of cardiac stunning after multiple VT inductions or cardioversion. Although ablation success and VT recurrence are not influenced by hemodynamic support devices, MCS promotes diuresis and reduces the incidence of post-procedural kidney injury. In addition, MCS has a role in post-procedural mortality reduction at long-term follow-up. The current review aims to provide a deep overview of the rationale and modality of MCS in patients with refractory arrhythmias and/or undergoing VT catheter ablation, underlining the importance of patient selection and timing for MCS and summarizing reported clinical experiences in this field.
Long-term protection against SHIV 89 . 6 P replication in 3 HIV-1 Tat vaccinated cynomolgus monkeys 4

17 Vaccination with a biologically active Tat protein or tatDNA contained infection with the highly pathogenic SHIV89.6P virus, preventing CD4 T-cell decline and disease onset. Here we show that protection was prolonged, since neither CD4 T-cell decline nor active virus replication was observed in all vaccinated animals that controlled virus replication up to week 104 after the challenge. In contrast, virus persisted and replicated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymph nodes of infected animals, two of which died. Tat-specific antibody, CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses were high and stable only in the animals controlling the infection. In contrast, Gag-specific antibody production and CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses were consistently and persistently positive only in the monkeys that did not control primary virus replication. These results indicate that vaccination with Tat protein or DNA induced long-term memory Tat-specific immune responses and controlled primary infection at its early stages allowing a long-term containment of virus replication and spread in blood and tissues. 18
Karyotype Diversification and Chromosome Rearrangements in Squamate Reptiles

Karyotype diversification represents an important, yet poorly understood, driver of evolution. Squamate reptiles are characterized by a high taxonomic diversity which is reflected at the karyotype level in terms of general structure, chromosome number and morphology, and insurgence of differentiated simple or multiple-sex-chromosome systems with either male or female heterogamety. The potential of squamate reptiles as unique model organisms in evolutionary cytogenetics has been recognised in recent years in several studies, which have provided novel insights into the chromosome evolutionary dynamics of different taxonomic groups. Here, we review and summarize the resulting complex, but promising, general picture from a systematic perspective, mapping some of the main squamate karyological characteristics onto their phylogenetic relationships. We highlight how all the major categories of balanced chromosome rearrangements contributed to the karyotype evolution in different taxonomic groups. We show that distinct karyotype evolutionary trends may occur, and coexist, with different frequencies in different clades. Finally, in light of the known squamate chromosome diversity and recent research advances, we discuss traditional and novel hypotheses on karyotype evolution and propose a scenario of circular karyotype evolution.
A comparative study of simple bone cysts of the jaw and extracranial bones.

OBJECTIVES To improve the interpretation of simple bone cyst (SBC) lesions of the jaw. METHODS A comparative study of SBC lesions of the jaw and extracranial bones was performed through a literature survey. RESULTS In extracranial SBC, the cavities were always filled with fluid, and a high recurrence rate was shown through extensive research. Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) was included in the differential diagnosis owing to some clinicopathologic similarities. Fluid, gas and blood were found in the cavity in jawbone SBC, and recurrence was believed to be rare. Differential diagnosis was rarely discussed in the literature. CONCLUSIONS Based on reports, the cavity did not normally contain gas because no air-fluid level was observed on panoramic radiographs and no density/intensity area indicating gas was seen on CT or MRI. A blood-filled cavity should be examined carefully, and the possibility of an ABC should be considered. The recurrence rate needs to be re-estimated because an extensive survey has not been performed to clarify the treatment outcomes of jawbone SBC.
Suppression of Photosynthetic Gene Expression in Roots Is Required for Sustained Root Growth under Phosphate Deficiency1[W][OPEN]

Functional disruption of tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase in Arabidopsis activates photosynthetic gene expression in roots and enhances inhibition of root growth under phosphate deficiency. Plants cope with inorganic phosphate (Pi) deficiencies in their environment by adjusting their developmental programs and metabolic activities. For Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the developmental responses include the inhibition of primary root growth and the enhanced formation of lateral roots and root hairs. Pi deficiency also inhibits photosynthesis by suppressing the expression of photosynthetic genes. Early studies showed that photosynthetic gene expression was also suppressed in Pi-deficient roots, a nonphotosynthetic organ; however, the biological relevance of this phenomenon remains unknown. In this work, we characterized an Arabidopsis mutant, hypersensitive to Pi starvation7 (hps7), that is hypersensitive to Pi deficiency; the hypersensitivity includes an increased inhibition of root growth. HPS7 encodes a tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase. Accumulation of HPS7 proteins in root tips is enhanced by Pi deficiency. Comparative RNA sequencing analyses indicated that the expression of many photosynthetic genes is activated in roots of hps7. Under Pi deficiency, the expression of photosynthetic genes in hps7 is further increased, which leads to enhanced accumulation of chlorophyll, starch, and sucrose. Pi-deficient hps7 roots also produce a high level of reactive oxygen species. Previous research showed that the overexpression of GOLDEN-like (GLK) transcription factors in transgenic Arabidopsis activates photosynthesis in roots. The GLK overexpressing (GLK OX) lines also exhibit increased inhibition of root growth under Pi deficiency. The increased inhibition of root growth in hps7 and GLK OX lines by Pi deficiency was completely reversed by growing the plants in the dark. Based on these results, we propose that suppression of photosynthetic gene expression is required for sustained root growth under Pi deficiency.
Prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in Korean adolescents: association with age, season and parental vitamin D status

Abstract Objective We aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin D deficiency in healthy adolescents and to determine parent–adolescent association in vitamin D status. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2009. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured using 125I-labelled RIA kits. Vitamin D deficiency in adolescents was defined as 25(OH)D level <27·5 nmol/l, and 25(OH)D levels between 27·5 and <50 nmol/l were considered insufficient. For the parents, vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D level <50 nmol/l. Subjects The study population consisted of 2062 adolescents (1095 boys, 967 girls; aged 10–18 years) and their parents (1005 fathers, 1341 mothers). Results Overall, 13·4 % of adolescents (boys 11·7 %, girls 15·4 %) were 25(OH)D deficient, 54·7 % were 25(OH)D insufficient. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency increased with age (P < 0·0001). Parental vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in vitamin D-deficient adolescents than in non-deficient adolescents (all P < 0·0001). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, predictors for vitamin D deficiency were senior high school students (OR = 3·45–4·33), winter/spring season (OR = 3·18–5·11/5·35–7·36) and parental vitamin D deficiency (OR = 1·78–4·88; all P < 0·05). Conclusions Vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent among healthy Korean adolescents and the parent–offspring association warrants vitamin D screening for family members of deficient individuals.
Maternally Derived Egg Hormones, Antibodies and Antimicrobial Proteins: Common and Different Pathways of Maternal Effects in Japanese Quail

Avian eggs contain a variety of maternally-derived substances that can influence the development and performance of offspring. The levels of these egg compounds vary in relation to environmental and genetic factors, but little is known about whether there are correlative links between maternal substances in the egg underlying common and different pathways of maternal effects. In the present study, we investigated genetically determined variability and mutually adjusted deposition of sex hormones (testosterone-T, androstenedione-A4 and progesterone-P4), antibodies (IgY) and antimicrobial proteins (lysozyme) in eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). We used different genetic lines that were independently selected for yolk T concentrations, duration of tonic immobility and social reinstatement behaviour, since both selections for behavioural traits (fearfulness and social motivation, respectively) produced considerable correlative responses in yolk androgen levels. A higher selection potential was found for increased rather than decreased yolk T concentrations, suggesting that there is a physiological minimum in egg T levels. Line differences in yolk IgY concentrations were manifested within each selection experiment, but no consistent inter-line pattern between yolk IgY and T was revealed. On the other hand, a consistent inverse inter-line pattern was recorded between yolk IgY and P4 in both selections for behavioural traits. In addition, selections for contrasting fearfulness and social motivation were associated with changes in albumen lysozyme concentrations and an inverse inter-line pattern between the deposition of yolk IgY and albumen lysozyme was found in lines selected for the level of social motivation. Thus, our results demonstrate genetically-driven changes in deposition of yolk T, P4, antibodies and albumen lysozyme in the egg. This genetic variability can partially explain mutually adjusted maternal deposition of sex hormones and immune-competent molecules but the inconsistent pattern of inter-line differences across all selections indicates that there are other underlying mechanisms, which require further studies.
An NMR Study of the Interaction of the N-terminal Cytoplasmic Tail of the Wilson Disease Protein with Copper(I)-HAH1*

ATP7B is a human P1B-type ATPase that has a crucial role in maintaining copper(I) homeostasis. Mutations in the corresponding gene are the cause of Wilson disease. Among its various distinguishing features is a long (∼630 amino acids) N-terminal cytosolic tail containing six domains that are individually folded and capable of binding one copper(I) ion each. We expressed the entire tail as a single construct in Escherichia coli and investigated its interaction with its copper chaperone (i.e. HAH1) by solution NMR spectroscopy. We observed that all six of the metal-binding domains were metallated by Cu(I)-HAH1, with the first, the second, and the fourth domains forming an adduct with it. This behavior is different from that of the highly similar human ATPase ATP7A, in which only two domains form such an adduct. The distinct behaviors of the different domains were analyzed in terms of the energetics of Cu(I) transfer, hinting at a specific role of the interaction with copper(I)-HAH1 in the overall functional process.
Nuclear Actin Network Assembly by Formins Regulates the SRF Coactivator MAL

Nuclear Actin in Action Actin polymerization is essential for structures in mammalian cells. Although actin filament network structures are observed in the cytoplasm and at the plasma membrane, monomeric actin is also seen in the nucleus. Baarlink et al. (p. 864, published online 4 April) directly visualized a distinct and dynamic actin network within the nucleus in living cells. The network spanned the entire nucleus and appeared to be enriched along the nuclear cortex. Transient formation of a nuclear actin network may be induced by the transcriptional serum response. A dynamic polymeric actin structure inside the nucleus is part of the serum response in mammalian tissue culture cells. Formins are potent activators of actin filament assembly in the cytoplasm. In turn, cytoplasmic actin polymerization can promote release of actin from megakaryocytic acute leukemia (MAL) protein for serum response factor (SRF) transcriptional activity. We found that formins polymerized actin inside the mammalian nucleus to drive serum-dependent MAL-SRF activity. Serum stimulated rapid assembly of actin filaments within the nucleus in a formin-dependent manner. The endogenous formin mDia was regulated with an optogenetic tool, which allowed for photoreactive release of nuclear formin autoinhibition. Activated mDia promoted rapid and reversible nuclear actin network assembly, subsequent MAL nuclear accumulation, and SRF activity. Thus, a dynamic polymeric actin structure within the nucleus is part of the serum response.
Triggered Slow Slip and Afterslip on the Southern Hikurangi Subduction Zone Following the Kaikōura Earthquake

The 2016 MW7.8 Kaikōura earthquake ruptured a complex sequence of strike‐slip and reverse faults in New Zealand's northeastern South Island. In the months following the earthquake, time‐dependent inversions of Global Positioning System and interferometric synthetic aperture radar data reveal up to 0.5 m of afterslip on the subduction interface beneath the northern South Island underlying the crustal faults that ruptured in the earthquake. This is clear evidence that the far southern end of the Hikurangi subduction zone accommodates plate motion. The MW7.8 earthquake also triggered widespread slow slip over much of the subduction zone beneath the North Island. The triggered slow slip included immediate triggering of shallow (<15 km), short (2–3 weeks) slow slip events along much of the east coast, and deep (>30 km), long‐term (>1 year) slow slip beneath the southern North Island. The southern Hikurangi slow slip was likely triggered by large (0.5–1.0 MPa) static Coulomb stress increases.
Health information exchange technology on the front lines of healthcare: workflow factors and patterns of use

Objective The goal of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of how a health information exchange (HIE) fits into clinical workflow at multiple clinical sites. Materials and Methods The ethnographic qualitative study was conducted over a 9-month period in six emergency departments (ED) and eight ambulatory clinics in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Data were collected using direct observation, informal interviews during observation, and formal semi-structured interviews. The authors observed for over 180 h, during which providers used the exchange 130 times. Results HIE-related workflow was modeled for each ED site and ambulatory clinic group and substantial site-to-site workflow differences were identified. Common patterns in HIE-related workflow were also identified across all sites, leading to the development of two role-based workflow models: nurse based and physician based. The workflow elements framework was applied to the two role-based patterns. An in-depth description was developed of how providers integrated HIE into existing clinical workflow, including prompts for HIE use. Discussion Workflow differed substantially among sites, but two general role-based HIE usage models were identified. Although providers used HIE to improve continuity of patient care, patient–provider trust played a significant role. Types of information retrieved related to roles, with nurses seeking to retrieve recent hospitalization data and more open-ended usage by nurse practitioners and physicians. User and role-specific customization to accommodate differences in workflow and information needs may increase the adoption and use of HIE. Conclusion Understanding end users' perspectives towards HIE technology is crucial to the long-term success of HIE. By applying qualitative methods, an in-depth understanding of HIE usage was developed.
The Status of Urban Heritage Conservation: Competency of Local Government in the Western Cape Province

The National Heritage Resources Act was promulgated in the efforts of establishing effective conservation principles that would meet the needs of all South Africans. The Act makes provision for each level of government to have authority over its respective heritage resources. Donaldson (2005) anticipated that the acting authority in the Western Cape province, Heritage Western Cape, was likely to come under pressure soon. This was owing to the fact of increasing heritage resources (the phenomenon of aging) and that the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority oversaw both Grade II and III heritage resources since no local municipality was deemed fully competent. This research aimed to assess the capacity and competency of local government in the field of built heritage conservation of non-metropolitan municipalities in the Western Cape, South Africa. A qualitative research method was implemented in the form of a questionnaire with informal interviews to assist in the explorative nature of this paper. By mapping and recording the current state of heritage conservation practices in the province, it was found that two local municipalities were deemed competent, while several others had made strides towards conserving local heritage resources.