Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE CORRELATED FORMATION HISTORIES OF MASSIVE GALAXIES AND THEIR DARK MATTER HALOS

Using observations in the COSMOS field, we report an intriguing correlation between the star formation activity of massive (∼1011.4 M☉) central galaxies, their stellar masses, and the large-scale (∼10 Mpc) environments of their group-mass (∼1013.6 M☉) dark matter halos. Probing the redshift range z = [0.2, 1.0], our measurements come from two independent sources: an X-ray-detected group catalog and constraints on the stellar-to-halo mass relation derived from a combination of clustering and weak lensing statistics. At z = 1, we find that the stellar mass in star-forming (SF) centrals is a factor of two less than in passive centrals at the same halo mass. This implies that the presence or lack of star formation in group-scale centrals cannot be a stochastic process. By z = 0, the offset reverses, probably as a result of the different growth rates of these objects. A similar but weaker trend is observed when dividing the sample by morphology rather than star formation. Remarkably, we find that SF centrals at z ∼ 1 live in groups that are significantly more clustered on 10 Mpc scales than similar mass groups hosting passive centrals. We discuss this signal in the context of halo assembly and recent simulations, suggesting that SF centrals prefer halos with higher angular momentum and/or formation histories with more recent growth; such halos are known to evolve in denser large-scale environments. If confirmed, this would be evidence of an early established link between the assembly history of halos on large scales and the future properties of the galaxies that form inside them.
Modulation of systemic cytokine levels by implantation of alginate encapsulated cells

The availability of cell lines that are transfected with IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-y cytokine genes permits the prolonged in vivo delivery of functional cytokines in relatively large doses for the modulation of specific immune responses. Often the transfected cells are xenogeneic or allogeneic to the experimental animal and have to be encapsulated in such a way that no cellular response by the host will be induced. Alginate has proven to be a simple matrix for encapsulating cells under mild conditions suitable for in vivo implantation. Encapsulated cells express the transfected IL-4 gene for at least 14 days after in vivo implantation and were shown to be functional during that period by modulating ongoing IgE responses. The application of adherent growing transfected cells permits dose-response titrations and provides an easy method for local and systemic cytokine delivery. Alternatively, hybridoma cells can be encapsulated and the secreted antibody monitored in the serum. It was found that no host immune response was triggered by alginate encapsulated cells. The efficiency of treatment by encapsulated hybridoma cells was shown to be equivalent to that of injecting purified antibodies.
Adverse effects of long-acting beta-agonists on airway hyperresponsiveness.

In their 2011 Perspective article in the Journal, Churg and colleagues (1) succinctly critique the merits of using animal models for assessing potential disease-modifying therapies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and highlight the need to focus on small airways disease. We outline recent human data that suggests statin therapy may have remodeling effects on small airways disease relevant to COPD. We published an article reviewing the animal and human data suggesting that the antiinflammatory or immunomodulatory effects of statins may explain their beneficial effects in patients with COPD (2). Specifically, we suggest that statins achieve this through one or more of the following pharmacological effects: inhibition of cytokine production (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-8), inhibition of neutrophil infiltration, inhibition of fibrotic activity, and/ or antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects. Limited evidence from human studies suggest that statins might confer specific effects on small airways disease. Based on computerized tomographic scans of patients with COPD in the large COPDGene study, those with COPD taking statins had significantly larger small airways diameter than those not taking statins (3). In a prospective study of patients with COPD receiving atorvastatin for 3 months, while FEV1 remained unchanged, there was a significant increase in inspiratory capacity and reduction in thoracic gas volume, suggesting improvement in dynamic hyperinflation (4). In the only randomized control trial (RCT), pravastatin was shown to increase exercise endurance and reduce breathlessness by 30 to 50% in patients with moderate COPD while lung function remained unchanged (2). These studies lead us to postulate that statins may improve small airways function, reduce hyperinflation, and thereby improve exercise endurance and breathlessness. Numerous human studies suggest mechanisms by which statins might do this. First, limited data suggest that statins may reduce airways fibrosis and the development of bronchiolitis obliterans in lung transplantation (2). Second, statin therapy has been shown to inhibit cytokine-induced release of matrix metalloproteinases and to inhibit TGF-b1–induced fibronectin expression in human airway fibroblasts (5, 6). Collectively, these studies suggest that statin therapy may improve small airways function through remodeling effects mediated by airway epithelium. Further studies will be required to confirm these findings. In conclusion, data from both animal (1) and human studies (2–6) suggest that statin therapy might improve small airways disease in COPD despite little change in FEV1. This hypothesis requires testing in carefully designed randomized control trials of statin therapy in COPD such as the STATCOPE trial (http:// clinicaltrials.gov).
CAN MARKETING CAPABILITIES LEAD TO THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF THE FIRM

The research has encompassed the analysis of sources of competitive advantage in the sample of Slovenian companies. The paper presents evidence that the development of higher levels of five vital marketing capabilities (in the areas of product differentiation, market research, new product development, generating new business ideas and firm's ability to align the operations to rapid market changes) can lead to competitive advantage. Marketing capabilities like generating new business ideas and new product development can enhance the firm’s sustained competitive advantage and thus should also be confirmed in the paper. The paper closes with the implications of the findings and highlights promising future research avenues.
An identifiable model to assess frequency-domain granger causality in the presence of significant instantaneous interactions

We present a new approach for the investigation of Granger causality in the frequency domain by means of the partial directed coherence (PDC). The approach is based on the utilization of an extended multivariate autoregressive (MVAR) model, including instantaneous effects in addition to the lagged effects traditionally studied, to fit the observed multiple time series prior to PDC computation. Model identification is performed combining standard MVAR coefficient estimation with a recent technique for instantaneous causal modeling based on independent component analysis. The approach is first validated on simulated MVAR processes showing that, in the presence of instantaneous effects, only the extended model is able to interpret the imposed Granger causality patterns, while the traditional MVAR approach may yield strongly biased PDC estimates. The subsequent application to multichannel EEG time series confirms the potentiality of the approach in real data applications, as the importance of instantaneous effects led to significant differences in the PDC estimated after traditional and extended MVAR identification.
Multiple Pathways Regulate Minisatellite Stability During Stationary Phase in Yeast

Alterations in minisatellite DNA repeat tracts in humans have been correlated with a number of serious disorders, including cancer. Despite their importance for human health, the genetic factors that influence minisatellite stability are not well understood. Previously, we identified mutations in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae zinc homeostasis genes ZRT1 and ZAP1 that significantly increase the frequency of minisatellite alteration specifically during stationary phase. In this work, we identified mutants of END3, PKC1, and RAD27 that increase minisatellite instability during stationary phase. Genetic analysis reveals that these genes, along with ZRT1 and ZAP1, comprise multiple pathways regulating minisatellite stability during stationary phase. Minisatellite alterations generated by perturbation of any of these pathways occur via homologous recombination. We present evidence that suggests formation of ssDNA or ssDNA breaks may play a primary role in stationary phase instability. Finally, we examined the roles of these pathways in the stability of a human minisatellite tract associated with the HRAS1 oncogene and found that loss of RAD27, but not END3 or PKC1, destabilizes the HRAS1 minisatellite in stationary phase yeast. This result indicates that the genetic control of stationary phase minisatellite stability is dependent on the sequence composition of the minisatellite itself.
A new system for classifying root and root canal morphology

Knowledge of root and root canal morphology is a prerequisite for effective nonsurgical and surgical endodontic treatments. The external and internal morphological features of roots are variable and complex, and several classifications have been proposed to define the various types of canal configurations that occur commonly. More recently, improvements in nondestructive digital image systems, such as cone-beam and micro-computed tomography, as well as the use of magnification in clinical practice, have increased the number of reports on complex root canal anatomy. Importantly, using these newer techniques, it has become apparent that it is not possible to classify many root canal configurations using the existing systems. The purpose of this article is to introduce a new classification system that can be adapted to categorize root and root canal configurations in an accurate, simple and reliable manner that can be used in research, clinical practice and training.
Simulation-based optimization of signaling procedures in IP multimedia subsystem

This paper presents a simulation-based optimization of signaling procedures in Internet protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The aim is to improve the performance of signaling procedures by applying an algorithm for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message classification and prioritization that is proposed in our previous work. This three-priority level classification of SIP messages is implemented in Network Simulator version 2 (ns-2). Its effectiveness is verified through the simulation-based study of SIP signaling procedures under different conditions. The simulation results are analyzed in terms of Registration Request Delay (RRD), Session Request Delay (SRD), and Session Disconnect Delay (SDD). These SIP performance metrics are improved if IMS is configured to process SIP messages using the proposed algorithm. Differentiated handling of SIP messages reduces the overload in IMS and thereby improves the overall Quality of Service (QoS). This encourages our next step in research activity, i.e., implementation and incorporation of SIP message classification and prioritization algorithm into experimental environment.
Adjuvant therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b versus observation in resected stage III melanoma: a phase III randomized controlled trial of health-related quality of life and symptoms by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group.

PURPOSE Interferon (IFN) -based adjuvant therapy in melanoma is associated with significant side effects, which necessitates evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Our trial examined the HRQOL effects of adjuvant pegylated IFN-alpha-2b (PEG-IFN-alpha-2b) versus observation in patients with stage III melanoma. METHODS A total of 1,256 patients with stage III melanoma were randomly assigned after full lymphadenectomy to receive either observation (n = 629) or PEG-IFN-alpha-2b (n = 627): induction 6 micrograms/kg/wk [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] for 8 weeks then maintenance 3 micrograms/kg/wk [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] for an intended total duration of 5 years. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 was used to assess HRQOL. RESULTS At 3.8 years of median follow-up, for the primary end point, recurrence-free survival (RFS), risk was reduced by 18% (hazard rate = 0.82; P = .01) in the PEG-IFN-alpha-2b arm compared with observation. Significant and clinically meaningful differences occurred with the PEG-IFN-alpha-2b treatment arm compared with the observation group, showing decreased global HRQOL at month 3 (-11.6 points; 99% CI, -8.2 to -15.0) and year 2 (-10.5 points; 99% CI, -6.6 to -14.4). Many of the other scales showed statistically significant differences between scores when comparing the two arms. From a clinical point of view, important differences were found for five scales: two functioning scales (social and role functioning) and three symptom scales (appetite loss, fatigue, and dyspnea), with the PEG-IFN-alpha-2b arm being most impaired. CONCLUSION PEG-IFN-alpha-2b leads to a significant and sustained improvement in RFS. There is an expected negative effect on global HRQOL and selected symptoms when patients undergo PEG-IFN-alpha-2b treatment.
Effect of Polyurethane Viscosity on Self-Healing Efficiency of Cementitious Materials Exposed to High Temperatures from Sun Radiation

Insulated concrete elements used in building facades, e.g.,sandwich panels, are frequently exposed to sun radiation, which causes high temperatures on the outside. Although the inner and outer cladding are supposed to be independent, a high temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the elements causes thermal bending, which can lead to cracking. These cracks may have an impact on the durability of the outer cladding and are not wanted from an esthetic point of view. A possible solution for this problem is the embedment of encapsulated polyurethane in the concrete matrix in order to repair cracks autonomously. However, healing agents with suitable properties are needed to heal cracks at these conditions. In this research, newly developed polyurethane resins with relatively high viscosity were tested for their healing efficiency at high temperatures. The mechanical properties of the polyurethanes such as bond strength and elasticity were determined. Second, the healing agents were encapsulated and evaluated for their efficiency to heal cracks by capillary absorption tests, strength regain evaluation, and X-ray computed tomography. The new polyurethanes were much more elastic than the commercially available ones and thus more able to withstand opening and closing of cracks due to temperature changes. The water ingress in specimens with healed cracks was found to decrease with increasing viscosity of the polyurethanes. At a temperature of 50 degrees C, the polyurethanes were able to heal cracks so that the water absorption of cracked mortar was reduced to a value that was comparable to the water absorption of uncracked mortar. Also, a strength regain of 100% or more was obtained. Therefore, using self-healing concrete in building facades may have a positive effect on the durability and service life of the construction elements. (c) 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Tensile properties of PLA/PBAT blends and PLA fibre-reinforced PBAT composite

The tensile properties of PLA/PBAT blends, PLA fibre reinforced PBAT composite (PLAF) at room temperature and -18C were investigated. The concentrations of PLA in the blends were 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% (by volume). There was an improvement of elastic modulus (E) for PLA/PBAT blends when PLA was 40%. There was no significant difference of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) among the blends. For the same concentration of PLA (40%) in PLA-PBAT mixture, PLAF exhibited higher values of E and UTS than that of PLA/PBAT blends. Elongation of PLA/PBAT blends rapidly decreased upon the addition of PLA to the blends. The values of E and UTS for PLA/PBAT blends and composite, neat PLA, and PP increased with the decreasing of temperature from room temperature to -18C. The effect of decreasing temperature was not observed on elongation. It was appeared from the results obtained for FTIR and DSC measurements that PLA and PBAT were immiscible, separating into two phases.
Differential neural network configuration during human path integration

Path integration is a fundamental skill for navigation in both humans and animals. Despite recent advances in unraveling the neural basis of path integration in animal models, relatively little is known about how path integration operates at a neural level in humans. Previous attempts to characterize the neural mechanisms used by humans to visually path integrate have suggested a central role of the hippocampus in allowing accurate performance, broadly resembling results from animal data. However, in recent years both the central role of the hippocampus and the perspective that animals and humans share similar neural mechanisms for path integration has come into question. The present study uses a data driven analysis to investigate the neural systems engaged during visual path integration in humans, allowing for an unbiased estimate of neural activity across the entire brain. Our results suggest that humans employ common task control, attention and spatial working memory systems across a frontoparietal network during path integration. However, individuals differed in how these systems are configured into functional networks. High performing individuals were found to more broadly express spatial working memory systems in prefrontal cortex, while low performing individuals engaged an allocentric memory system based primarily in the medial occipito-temporal region. These findings suggest that visual path integration in humans over short distances can operate through a spatial working memory system engaging primarily the prefrontal cortex and that the differential configuration of memory systems recruited by task control networks may help explain individual biases in spatial learning strategies.
Influence of Kinin Peptides on Monocyte–Endothelial Cell Adhesion

Adhesion of leukocytes to vascular endothelium in response to proinflammatory mediators is an important component of the overall inflammatory reaction. In the current work, we used a retinoic acid‐differentiated human promonocytic cell line, U937 and a human microvascular endothelial cell line, HMEC‐1 to analyze the effect of the potent pro‐inflammatory bradykinin‐related peptides (kinins) on cell adhesion. Bradykinin (BK) and kinin metabolites without the C‐terminal arginine residue enhanced adhesion of the monocyte‐like cells to fibronectin and to the HMEC‐1 cells. Expression of adhesion proteins on the surface of both cell types was altered by the kinin peptides. In the monocyte‐like cells, expression of CD11b, a subunit of Mac‐1 integrin, was significantly increased whilst in the endothelial cells, a strong increase in the production of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) was observed. The positive bradykinin‐induced effect on the cell–cell interaction was reversed by a carboxypeptidase inhibitor (MGTA), hence we suspected a significant role of the des‐Arg kinin metabolites, which acted through the kinin receptor type 1. Indeed, the expression of this receptor was up‐regulated not only by agonists but also by interferon‐γ and bradykinin. Kinin peptides also regulated signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (STATs) activated by cytokines. Taken together, the above observations support our hypothesis that kinins stimulate monocyte adhesion to the vessel wall, especially during pathological states of the circulatory system accompanied by proinflammatory cytokine release. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1985–1995, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adiabatic elimination in a lambda system

This paper deals with different ways to extract the effective two-dimensional lower level dynamics of a lambda system excited by off-resonant laser beams. We present a commonly used procedure for elimination of the upper level, and we show that it may lead to ambiguous results. To overcome this problem and better understand the applicability conditions of this scheme, we review two rigorous methods which allow us both to derive an unambiguous effective two-level Hamiltonian of the system and to quantify the accuracy of the approximation achieved: the first relies on the exact solution of the Schrödinger equation, while the second resorts to the Green's function formalism and the Feshbach projection operator technique.
Nonrandom Distribution of miRNAs Genes and Single Nucleotide Variants in Keratoconus Loci

Despite numerous studies, the causes of both development and progression of keratoconus remain elusive. Previous studies of this disorder focused mainly on one or two genetic factors only. However, in the analysis of such complex diseases all potential factors should be taken into consideration. The purpose of this study was a comprehensive analysis of known keratoconus loci to uncover genetic factors involved in this disease causation in the general population, which could be omitted in the original studies. In this investigation genomic data available in various databases and experimental own data were assessed. The lists of single nucleotide variants and miRNA genes localized in reported keratoconus loci were obtained from Ensembl and miRBase, respectively. The potential impact of nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions on protein structure and function was assessed with PolyPhen-2 and SIFT. For selected protein genes the ranking was made to choose those most promising for keratoconus development. Ranking results were based on topological features in the protein-protein interaction network. High specificity for the populations in which the causative sequence variants have been identified was found. In addition, the possibility of links between previously analyzed keratoconus loci was confirmed including miRNA-gene interactions. Identified number of genes associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory agents corroborated the hypothesis of their effect on the disease etiology. Distribution of the numerous sequences variants within both exons and mature miRNA which forces you to search for a broader look at the determinants of keratoconus. Our findings highlight the complexity of the keratoconus genetics.
Optimization of Transesterification Process of Biodiesel from Nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum Linn) using Microwave with CaO Catalyst

Nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum Linn) is one of the most widely grown plants in Indonesia. In addition, nyamplung oil has a future competitive advantage in that it can be processed into biodiesel. However, conventional methods for transesterification of nyamplung oil have been less effective. Therefore, in this study biodiesel was produced using microwaves as one of the alternative methods that can improve the shortcomings of conventional methods. In addition, optimization of parameters such as microwave power, catalyst concentration and transesterification time was done using Box-Behnken design. The combination of microwave with CaO catalyst and treated with Box-Behnken design are considered as a new and modern method for production of biodiesel from nyamplung oil and optimizing the factors that affected the transesterification process. The results showed that factors such as microwave power of 449.29W, concentration of catalyst of 4.86% and transesterification time of 10.07 min can produce optimal yield of biodiesel of 92.73% with reliability of 93.22%.