Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of collection, isolation and storage methodology of circulating microvesicles on flow cytometric analysis

Microvesicles (MVs) in body fluids participate in a variety of physical and pathological processes, and are regarded as potential biomarkers for numerous diseases. Flow cytometry (FCM) is among the most frequently used techniques for MV detection. However, different handling methods unavoidably cause pre-analytical variations in the counts and sizes of MVs determined by FCM. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of centrifugation, storage conditions and anticoagulant on MV measurements. Blood samples were obtained from 13 healthy donors, including 4 women and 9 men. Calcein-AM staining was used to label MVs and assess the impact of pre-analytical preparation, including centrifugation, and storage conditions on MV measurements obtained using FCM. The range of factors investigated for comparison included: Platelet-free plasma (PFP) stored at −80°C for 1 or 4 weeks; MVs stored at 4°C for 3–4 days or 1 week; MVs frozen at −80°C for 1 or 4 weeks; and anticoagulants, either heparin or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). No statistically significant differences in MV counts were detected between the two centrifugation speeds (16,000 and 20,500 × g) or among the three centrifugation times (15, 30 and 60 min) investigated. Similarly, no significant differences were noted in MV counts between the two anticoagulants tested (heparin and EDTA). However, the storage of PFP or MVs in heparin-anticoagulated plasma for different periods markedly affected the detected MV counts and size distribution. The counts and sizes of MVs from EDTA-anticoagulated plasma were only affected when the MVs were frozen at −80°C for 4 weeks. In conclusion, calcein-AM is able to efficiently identify MVs from plasma and may be an alternative to Annexin V for MV staining. EDTA preserves the MV counts and size more accurately compared with heparin under calcein-AM staining. PFP centrifuged at 16,000 × g for 15 min is sufficient to isolate MVs, which enables the batch processing of samples. PFP, rather than MVs alone, appears to be the preferable mode of sample storage, as MVs stored in PFP were less affected by storage temperature and duration. The present study provides a methodology for MV collection, storage and isolation, to facilitate further investigation of MVs as biomarkers in disease.
Vibrotactile Sensory Substitution for Electromyographic Control of Object Manipulation

It has been shown that incorporating augmentative vibrotactile feedback can improve performance of a virtual object manipulation task using finger movement. Vibrotactile sensory substitution for prosthetic applications, however, will necessarily not involve actual finger movement for control. Here we study the utility of such feedback when using myoelectric (EMG) signals for control, and demonstrate task improvement and learning for a force-motion task in a virtual environment. Using vibrotactile feedback, a group of unimpaired participants (N = 10) were able to increase performance in a single session. We go on to study the feasibility of this method for two prosthetic hand users, one of whom had targeted muscle reinnervation allowing the augmentative feedback to be perceived as if it were on the absent hand.
Methods for Integrating Knowledge with the Three-Weight Optimization Algorithm for Hybrid Cognitive Processing

In this paper we consider optimization as an approach for quickly and flexibly developing hybrid cognitive capabilities that are efficient, scalable, and can exploit knowledge to improve solution speed and quality. In this context, we focus on the Three-Weight Algorithm, which aims to solve general optimization problems. We propose novel methods by which to integrate knowledge with this algorithm to improve expressiveness, efficiency, and scaling, and demonstrate these techniques on two example problems (Sudoku and circle packing).
On the Compliance of Women Engineers with a Gendered Scientific System

There has been considerable effort in the last decade to increase the participation of women in engineering through various policies. However, there has been little empirical research on gender disparities in engineering which help underpin the effective preparation, co-ordination, and implementation of the science and technology (S&T) policies. This article aims to present a comprehensive gendered analysis of engineering publications across different specialties and provide a cross-gender analysis of research output and scientific impact of engineering researchers in academic, governmental, and industrial sectors. For this purpose, 679,338 engineering articles published from 2008 to 2013 are extracted from the Web of Science database and 974,837 authorships are analyzed. The structures of co-authorship collaboration networks in different engineering disciplines are examined, highlighting the role of female scientists in the diffusion of knowledge. The findings reveal that men dominate 80% of all the scientific production in engineering. Women engineers publish their papers in journals with higher Impact Factors than their male peers, but their work receives lower recognition (fewer citations) from the scientific community. Engineers—regardless of their gender—contribute to the reproduction of the male-dominated scientific structures through forming and repeating their collaborations predominantly with men. The results of this study call for integration of data driven gender-related policies in existing S&T discourse.
The effect of packet dispersion on voice applications in IP networks

Delivery of real time streaming applications, such as voice and video over IP, in packet switched networks is based on dividing the stream into packets and shipping each of the packets on an individual basis to the destination through the network. The basic implicit assumption on these applications is that shipping all the packets of an application is done, most of the time,over a single path along the network. In this work, we present a model in which packets of a certain session are dispersed over multiple paths, in contrast to the traditional approach. The dispersion may be performed by network nodes for various reasons such as load-balancing, or implemented as a mechanism to improve quality, as will be presented in this work. To study the effect of packet dispersion on the quality of voice over IP (VoIP) applications,we focus on the effect of the network loss on the applications, where we propose to use the Noticeable Loss Rate (NLR) as a measure (negatively) correlated with the voice quality. We analyze the NLR for various packet dispersion strategies over paths experiencing memoryless (Bernoulli) or bursty (Gilbert model) losses,and compare them to each other. Our analysis reveals that in many situations the use of packet dispersion reduces the NLR and thus improves session quality. The results suggest that the use of packet dispersion can be quite beneficial for these applications.
Inhibition of mTORC2 component RICTOR impairs tumor growth in pancreatic cancer models

Mammalian Target of Rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) and its regulatory component Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR) are increasingly recognized as important players in human cancer development and progression. However, the role of RICTOR in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is unclear so far. Here, we sought to analyze the effects of RICTOR inhibition in human pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RICTOR expression was determined in human PDAC samples. Results demonstrate that depletion of RICTOR with siRNA (transient knock-down) or shRNA (stable knock-down) has an inhibitory effect on tumor growth in vitro. Moreover, RICTOR inhibition led to impaired phosphorylation/activity of AGC kinases (AKT, SGK1). Interestingly, hypoxia-induced expression of hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) was diminished and secretion of vascular-endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) was impaired upon targeting RICTOR. Stable RICTOR knock-down led to significant inhibition of tumor growth in subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor models which was accompanied by significant reduction of tumor cell proliferation. Finally, immunohistochemical analyses of 85 human PDAC samples revealed significantly poorer survival in patients with higher RICTOR expression. In conclusion, these findings provide first evidence for mTORC2/RICTOR as an attractive novel target for treatment of human PDAC.
Content of Toxic and Essential Metals in Medicinal Herbs Growing in Polluted and Unpolluted Areas of Macedonia

Content of Toxic and Essential Metals in Medicinal Herbs Growing in Polluted and Unpolluted Areas of Macedonia The aim of this study was to determine and compare Ba, Cr, Cd, Fe, Sr, Pb, and Zn content in medicinal herbs Urtica dioica L. , Taraxacum officinale, and Matricaria recutita growing in polluted and unpolluted areas of the Republic of Macedonia. The metal content was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). In the unpolluted area of Mt. Plačkovica the metal content in Taraxacum officinale was in the descending order: Fe>Sr>Zn>Ba>Cr, while Pb and Cd were below the limit of detection. In the polluted area of Veles, the order was as follows: Fe>Zn>Sr>Pb>Ba>Cd>Cr. Our results suggest that quality assurance and monitoring of toxic metals is needed for plants intended for human use and consumption. Medicinal plants should be picked in areas free of any contamination sources. Sadržaj toksičnih i esencijalnih metala u ljekovitom bilju koje raste u onečišćenim i neonečišćenim područjima u Makedoniji Cilj je ovoga istraživanja bio utvrditi i usporediti sadržaj Ba, Cr, Cd, Fe, Sr, Pb i Zn u ljekovitom bilju Urtica dioica L. , Taraxacum officinale i Matricaria recutita koje raste u onečišćenome odnosno neonečišćenome području u Republici Makedoniji. Sadržaj metala utvrdili smo s pomoću atomske emisijske spektroskopije induktivno spregnutom plazmom (engl. inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, krat. ICP-AES). U neonečišćenome području planine Plačkovice, sadržaj metala u Taraxacum officinale kretao se kako slijedi: Fe>Sr>Zn>Ba>Cr, dok su Pb i Cd bili ispod granice detekcije. U onečišćenome području blizu talionice olova i cinka u Velesu redoslijed je bio ovakav: Fe>Zn>Sr>Pb>Ba>Cd>Cr. Naši rezultati upućuju na potrebu za osiguranjem kakvoće i praćenjem razina toksičnih metala u biljaka namijenjenih ljudskoj uporabi. Ljekovito bilje valja brati u područjima bez izvora onečišćenja.
Comparison of the inotropic response to glucagon, ouabain and noradrenaline

1 . The inotropic activity of glucagon was compared with catecholamines and cardiac glycosides by in vitro procedures which were able to differentiate between the activities of the latter two groups. 2 . The frequency‐force curve for glucagon resembled that of noradrenaline at low stimulation frequencies (1 and 2/min) and that of ouabain at more rapid frequencies of stimulation. 3 . Noradrenaline and adrenaline increased the amplitude of contraction of cat papillary muscles and markedly shortened the time to reach peak tension. Ouabain and glucagon increased tension without any change in the time to peak tension. 4 . Noradrenaline caused a rapid onset and rate of rise of contraction of cat aortic strips, whereas the response to ouabain was slow in onset and rate of development. Glucagon had no effect on this preparation, even at high concentrations. 5 . Manganese ions caused a shift of the dose‐response curve to ouabain and glucagon, but not to noradrenaline or calcium. In 0·5 mm Ca media, the response to ouabain was abolished and the curve to noradrenaline shifted. 6 . When glucagon was added to an atrial preparation, the time to the initial increase in tension and the time to maximal tension was intermediate between that necessary for noradrenaline and that necessary for cardiac glycosides. 7 . Propranolol blocked the inotropic response to noradrenaline, but not to either ouabain or glucagon. 8 . A relative measure of contraction‐dependency was described. Cardiac glycosides exhibited a greater degree of contraction‐dependency than either noradrenaline or glucagon. 9 . Adrenaline elevated the depressed plateau of the action potential from calf and sheep Purkinje fibres, but ouabain and glucagon were without effect. 10 . Electrophysiological measurements demonstrated that moderate concentrations of glucagon exerted only a small effect in prolonging atrial and ventricular action potentials. 11 . Several pharmacological blocking drugs and other inotropic agents did not potentiate or block the inotropic response to glucagon. Reserpine pretreatment increased the response to glucagon. 12 . It was concluded that glucagon has its own spectrum of inotropic activity and does not completely mimic the effects of either ouabain or noradrenaline.
Effects of exercise of different intensity on gut peptides, energy intake and appetite in young males.

UNLABELLED INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH AIMS: The aim of the work was an evaluation of the impact of physical exertion on the regulating of food intake and digestive system hormone release as well as the partly connected phenomenon of evaluating the subjective sensation of hunger and the amount of food consumed at various time following physical exercise. MATERIALS AND METHODS The tests covered 12 young, healthy men, for whom the effects of physical exertion of a moderate and high intensity on the subjective sensation of hunger/satiety, evaluated by means of visual analogue scales, on food intake as well as on the metabolic and hormonal parameters were tested. RESULTS Physical exertion resulted in a fall in the subjective sensation of hunger, but only following intensive exertion was this statistically significant. The intake of food was greater after exertion when compared to the control group. Moderate exertion resulted in a statistically significant but short-lived increase in the ghrelin level. This effect was not observed after intensive exertion, while in those tests during the post-meal period there occurred a fall in the concentration of ghrelin in the plasma. After exertion a physical fall was observed in the concentration of insulin in the plasma, for the intake of food resulted in a notable increase in its level. CONCLUSIONS Physical highly intensive exertion, results in a temporary reduction in the subjective sensation of hunger but leads to an increased food intake. The current research suggests that moderate but not intensive physical exertion stimulates the secretion of ghrelin.
Further Confirmation of Germline Glioma Risk Variant rs78378222 in TP53 and Its Implication in Tumor Tissues via Integrative Analysis of TCGA Data

We confirmed strong association of rs78378222:A>C (per allele odds ratio [OR] = 3.14; P = 6.48 × 10−11), a germline rare single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TP53, via imputation of a genome‐wide association study of glioma (1,856 cases and 4,955 controls). We subsequently performed integrative analyses on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data for GBM (glioblastoma multiforme) and LUAD (lung adenocarcinoma). Based on SNP data, we imputed genotypes for rs78378222 and selected individuals carrying rare risk allele (C). Using RNA sequencing data, we observed aberrant transcripts with ∼3 kb longer than normal for those individuals. Using exome sequencing data, we further showed that loss of haplotype carrying common protective allele (A) occurred somatically in GBM but not in LUAD. Our bioinformatic analysis suggests rare risk allele (C) disrupts mRNA termination, and an allelic loss of a genomic region harboring common protective allele (A) occurs during tumor initiation or progression for glioma.
Rapid signer adaptation for continuous sign language recognition using a combined approach of eigenvoices, MLLR, and MAP

Current sign language recognition systems are still designed for signer-dependent operation only and thus suffer from the problem of interpersonal variability in production. Applied to signer-independent tasks, they show poor performance even when increasing the number of training signers. Better results can be achieved with dedicated adaptation methods. In this paper, we describe a vision-based recognition system that quickly adapts to new signers. For rapid signer adaptation it employs a combined approach of eigenvoices, maximum likelihood linear regression, and maximum a posteriori estimation. An extensive evaluation was performed on a large sign language corpus, that contains continuous articulations of 25 native signers. The proposed adaptation approach significantly increases accuracy even with a small amount of adaptation data. Supervised adaptation with only 10 adaptation utterances yields a recognition accuracy of 75.8%, which is a relative error rate reduction of 30.2% compared to the signer-independent baseline.
Epigenetic Changes in Response to Tai Chi Practice: A Pilot Investigation of DNA Methylation Marks

Tai chi exercise has been shown to improve physiological and psychosocial functions, well-being, quality of life, and disease conditions. The biological mechanisms by which tai chi exerts its holistic effects remain unknown. We investigated whether tai chi practice results in positive epigenetic changes at the molecular level. Design. The DNA methylation profiles of sixty CpG-dinucleotide marks in female tai chi practitioners (N = 237; 45–88 years old) who have been practising tai chi for three or more years were compared with those of age-matched control females (N = 263) who have never practised tai chi. Results. Six CpG marks originating from three different chromosomes reveal a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two cohorts. Four marks show losses while two marks show gains in DNA methylation with age in the controls. In the tai chi cohort all six marks demonstrate significant slowing (by 5–70%) of the age-related methylation losses or gains observed in the controls, suggesting that tai chi practice may be associated with measurable beneficial epigenetic changes. Conclusions. The results implicate the potential use of DNA methylation as an epigenetic biomarker to better understand the biological mechanisms and the health and therapeutic efficacies of tai chi.
Comparison of Executive Function in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Patients With Good Insight, Poor Insight and Healthy People

Background: This research seeks to make a comparison between executive functions of the obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, with poor and high insight levels and normal people. Materials and Methods: In this casual comparative study, 22 OCD patients with high insight level, 5 OCD patients with poor insight level (based on YBOCS’ 11th item score) and 23 normal subjects were selected using convenience sampling technique. The subjects were evaluated using two groups of clinical and neuropsychiatric instruments. The clinical instruments included Y-BOCS, BDI-II and GHQ-12. The executive functions were assessed using the Tower of London test, the Stroop and the Wisconsin Card Sorting tests. Results: The obtained results showed a significant difference between OCD patients and normal people in a number of executive functions. However, comparison between OCD patients with high and poor insight levels showed no significant difference in the executive functions variables. Conclusion: Executive functions (EF) may contribute to the psychopathology of OCD. Therefore examining EF can play an important role in assessment and treatment of OCD.
Effects of Sleep on Wake-Induced c-fos Expression

We investigated the effects of sleep on wake-induced c-fos expression in the cerebral cortex of rats and c-fos-lacZ transgenic mice. In the cortex of rats, the levels of c-Fos, detected both by immunocytochemistry and Western blot, remained high during 6 or 12 hr of enforced wakefulness but declined rapidly (within 1 hr) with increasing time of recovery sleep. Similarly, in the transgenic mice in which lacZexpression is driven from the c-fos promoter, β-galactosidase activity was high after enforced wakefulness and declined with increasing amounts of sleep. These results suggest that the decrease in c-Fos protein in cortical neurons during sleep may be attributable to cessation of c-fos expression, activation of a process that degrades the wake-induced c-Fos, or both.
Age‐Dependent Traits: A New Statistical Model to Separate Within‐ and Between‐Individual Effects

Evolutionary questions regarding aging address patterns of within‐individual change in traits during a lifetime. However, most studies report associations between age and, for example, reproduction based on cross‐sectional comparisons, which may be confounded with progressive changes in phenotypic population composition. Unbiased estimation of patterns of age‐dependent reproduction (or other traits) requires disentanglement of within‐individual change (improvement, senescence) and between‐individual change (selective appearance and disappearance). We introduce a new statistical model that allows patterns of variance and covariance to differ between levels of aggregation. Our approach is simpler than alternative methods and can quantify the relative contributions of within‐ and between‐individual changes in one framework. We illustrate our model using data on a long‐lived bird species, the oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus). We show that for different reproductive traits (timing of breeding and egg size), either within‐individual improvement or selective appearance can result in a positive association between age and reproductive traits at the population level. Potential applications of our methodology are manifold because within‐ and between‐individual patterns are likely to differ in many biological situations.
Ultra‐Marathon Runners Are Different: Investigations into Pain Tolerance and Personality Traits of Participants of the TransEurope FootRace 2009

Susceptibility to pain varies among individuals and may predispose to a higher risk for pain disorders. Thus, it is of interest to investigate subjects who exhibit higher resistance to pain. We therefore tested pain tolerance and assessed personality traits of ultra‐marathon athletes who are able to run 4487 km (2789 mi) over 64 days without resting days and compare the results to controls.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure: a review

There is no universally accepted definition of acute-on-chronic liver failure; however, it is recognized as an entity characterized by decompensation from an underlying chronic liver disease associated with organ failure that conveys high short-term mortality, with alcoholism and infection being the most frequent precipitating events. The pathophysiology involves inflammatory processes associated with a trigger factor in susceptible individuals (related to altered immunity in the cirrhotic population). This review addresses the different definitions developed by leading research groups, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects, and the latest treatments for this entity.