Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
P2Y6 Receptor Potentiates Pro-Inflammatory Responses in Macrophages and Exhibits Differential Roles in Atherosclerotic Lesion Development

Background P2Y6, a purinergic receptor for UDP, is enriched in atherosclerotic lesions and is implicated in pro-inflammatory responses of key vascular cell types and macrophages. Evidence for its involvement in atherogenesis, however, has been lacking. Here we use cell-based studies and three murine models of atherogenesis to evaluate the impact of P2Y6 deficiency on atherosclerosis. Methodology/Principal Findings Cell-based studies in 1321N1 astrocytoma cells, which lack functional P2Y6 receptors, showed that exogenous expression of P2Y6 induces a robust, receptor- and agonist-dependent secretion of inflammatory mediators IL-8, IL-6, MCP-1 and GRO1. P2Y6-mediated inflammatory responses were also observed, albeit to a lesser extent, in macrophages endogenously expressing P2Y6 and in acute peritonitis models of inflammation. To evaluate the role of P2Y6 in atherosclerotic lesion development, we used P2Y6-deficient mice in three mouse models of atherosclerosis. A 43% reduction in aortic arch plaque was observed in high fat-fed LDLR knockout mice lacking P2Y6 receptors in bone marrow-derived cells. In contrast, no effect on lesion development was observed in fat-fed whole body P2Y6xLDLR double knockout mice. Interestingly, in a model of enhanced vascular inflammation using angiotensin II, P2Y6 deficiency enhanced formation of aneurysms and exhibited a trend towards increased atherosclerosis in the aorta of LDLR knockout mice. Conclusions P2Y6 receptor augments pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages and exhibits a pro-atherogenic role in hematopoietic cells. However, the overall impact of whole body P2Y6 deficiency on atherosclerosis appears to be modest and could reflect additional roles of P2Y6 in vascular disease pathophysiologies, such as aneurysm formation.
Model order reduction in hyperelasticity: a proper generalized decomposition approach

This paper deals with the extension of proper generalized decomposition methods to non‐linear problems, in particular, to hyperelasticity. Among the different approaches that can be considered for the linearization of the doubly weak form of the problem, we have implemented a new one that uses asymptotic numerical methods in conjunction with proper generalized decomposition to avoid complex consistent linearization schemes necessary in Newton strategies. This approach results in an approximation of the problem solution in the form of a series expansion. Each term of the series is expressed as a finite sum of separated functions. The advantage of this approach is the presence of only one tangent operator, identical for every term in the series. The resulting approach has proved to render very accurate results that can be stored in the form of a meta‐model in a very compact format. This opens the possibility to use these results in real‐time, reaching kHz feedback rates, or to be used in deployed, handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Passive and Active Elements Using Fractional ${\rm L}_{\beta} {\rm C}_{\alpha}$  Circuit

This paper introduces a qualitative revision of the traditional LC tank circuit in the fractional domain. The paper can be divided into six major parts, aiming in turn to establish the various conditions under which LβCα impedance may act as a resistor, negative resistor, or a positive or negative pure imaginary inductor or capacitor, in accordance to new frequency definitions; illustrate the process by which the phase response chooses the shortest path from initial to final phase, and use this illustration to verify the cases discussed in part one; develop the generalized parameters for the bandpass filter response of the LβCα circuit, such as the resonance frequency and quality factor versus α- β plane; discuss sensitivity analyses with respect to the fractional orders, as well as the time domain analyses for the impulse and step responses with their analytical formulas; and lastly, to propose some possible applications for this generalized circuit. Mathematical and PSpice simulation results are included to validate the discussion.
TRACP Influences Th1 Pathways by Affecting Dendritic Cell Function

TRACP, a marker of osteoclasts, is also expressed by cells of the immune system. We identified a novel function for TRACP in the dendritic cell. DCs from TRACP knockout mice have impaired maturation and trigger reduced Th1 responses in vivo. We postulate that TRACP has an important role in the presentation of antigens to T cells.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: The Epigenetic Perspective1

Ethanol is a classic teratogen capable of inducing a wide range of developmental abnormalities. Studies in animal models suggest that differences in timing and dosage underlie this variability, with three particularly important developmental periods: preconception, preimplantation, and gastrulation. These periods of teratogenesis correlate with peak periods of epigenetic reprogramming which, together with the evidence that ethanol interferes with one-carbon metabolism, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA, suggests an important role for epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). In addition to a number of testable hypotheses, an epigenetic model suggests that the concept of a “fetal alcohol spectrum” should be expanded to include “preconceptional effects. ” This proposal has important public health implications, highlighting the urgency of research into the epigenetic basis of FASDs.
Advancements of Outlier Detection: A Survey

Outlier detection is an important research problem in data mining that aims to discover useful abnormal and irregular patterns hidden in large datasets. In this paper, we present a survey of outlier detection techniques to reflect the recent advancements in this field. The survey will not only cover the traditional outlier detection methods for static and low dimensional datasets but also review the more recent developments that deal with more complex outlier detection problems for dynamic/streaming and high-dimensional datasets.
Improvement of abnormal pyruvate metabolism and cardiac conduction defect with coenzyme Ql0 in Kearns‐Sayre syndrome

In a patient with Kearns-Sayre syndrome, concentration of coenzyme Ql0, a component of the mito-chondrial electron transport system, was decreased in serum and in the mitochondrial fraction of skeletal muscle. Serum concentrations of lactate and pyruvate were abnormally high, especially after exercise or oral glucose loading. Levels of folic acid in plasma and CSF were decreased. ECG showed a first-degree atrioventricular block. After administration of coenzyme Ql0 60 to 120 mg daily for 3 months, serum levels of lactate and pyruvate became normal, with improvement of atrioventricular block and ocular movements.
Prevention of infections in solid organ transplant recipients

Solid organ transplantation has become an important therapeutic option for multiple chronic diseases. With the advent of newer and potent immunosuppressive regimens, graft survival has improved, but at the expense of an increased risk for the development of infections secondary to bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens. Prevention of such infectious complications with effective, well tolerated, and cost‐effective anti‐microbials would be ideal to improve the outcome of transplanted patients. However, the emergence of multi‐drug resistant pathogens, medication toxicity and drug‐drug interactions need to be carefully evaluated. This review summarizes the most relevant data pertaining to our current understanding of infection prevention for solid organ transplant recipients. Specific recommendations are given for the prevention of each group of microorganisms and types of solid organ transplant ( Note ).
Role of Depression in the Production of Illness in Pernicious Anemia

&NA; A pilot study in ten patients with pernicious anemia revealed a common denominator of depression and recent loss prior to the onset of illness. There was no evidence of a paranoid core to these patients' personalities. This is contrary to classical descriptions. It is suggested that depression itself may be an etiologic factor in the production of pernicious anemia by reducing intrinsic factor below the critical level required for normal erythropoiesis. A genetic factor leaves certain people prone to such events. It is urged that the physiology of depression be worked out, as has that for stress and anxiety. It is further suggested that depression be more fully described psychologically.
CO-EVOLUTION OF NEOCORTEX SIZE , GROUP SIZE AND LANGUAGE IN HUMANS

Group size is a function of relative neocortical volume in nonhuman primates. Extrapolation from this regression equation yields a predicted group size for modern humans very similar to that of certain hunter-gatherer and traditional horticulturalist societies. Groups of similar size are also found in other large-scale forms of contemporary and historical society. Among primates, the cohesion of groups is maintained by social grooming; the time devoted to social grooming is linearly related to group size among the Old World monkeys and apes. To maintain the stability of the large groups characteristic of humans by grooming alone would place intolerable demands on time budgets. It is suggested that (1) the evolution of large groups in the human lineage depended on the development of a more efficient method for time-sharing the processes of social bonding and that (2) language uniquely fulfills this requirement. Data on the size of conversational and other small interacting groups of humans are in line with the predictions for the relative efficiency of conversation compared to grooming as a bonding process. Analysis of a sample of human conversations shows that about 60% of time is spent gossiping about relationships and personal experiences. It is suggested that language evolved to allow individuals to learn about the behavioural characteristics of other group members more rapidly than is possible by direct observation alone. Co-evolution of neocortex size, group size and language in humans http://www.bbsonline. org/documents/a/00/00/05/65/bbs000005. 1 of 27 10/4/08 6:12 PM
Excretion study of clomiphene in human urine: evaluation of endogenous steroids profile after multiple oral doses

Selective estrogen receptor modulators are classified as prohibited substances according to the list of forbidden substances in sports by the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-doping Agency. Clomiphene (2-(4-(2-chloro-1,2-diphenylethenyl)phenoxy)-N,N-diethyl-ethanamine) is mainly used for the treatment of infertility because it acts inducing the ovulation by direct stimulations of gonadotropic activity. Clomiphene citrate (50 mg per day for 5 days) was orally administered to one healthy female with infertility treatment. Urine samples were collected up to 1 week post-dose. A new metabolite using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has been identified in addition to the hydroxyclomiphene previously reported. It has been proposed as hydroxymethoxyclomiphene. Monitorization of this metabolite have been proposed for doping control keeping in mind that the main metabolite hydroxyclomiphene is excreted relatively faster than hydroxymethoxyclomiphene from urine. On the other hand, significant changes on steroids profile after multiple doses were observed. The main variation was observed on absolute concentration of oestrogens and their ratios.
Internationale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der ökologischen Milchproduktion und Verarbeitung in Deutschland

Zur Einschatzung der Wettbewerbsfahigkeit der deutschen Oko-Milchproduktion und –verarbeitung wurde ein internationaler Vergleich mit vier (potentiellen) Konkurrenzlandern angestellt. Einbezogen wurden Danemark und Osterreich, zwei EU-Landern mit einem hohen Anteil an okologischer Milchproduktion, Ungarn, das stellvertretend fur die ostlichen Beitrittslander der EU steht und Argentinien, das stellvertretend fur die flachenreichen Exportstandorte in der sudlichen Hemisphare steht. Die wichtigsten Ergebnisse: In Deutschland lag der Anteil der Biomilcherzeugung an der gesamten Milcherzeugung im Jahr 2002 bei etwas uber 2 %. Danemark und Osterreich produzieren etwa 10 % ihrer Milch okologisch. Die absolute Menge ist jedoch in allen drei Landern etwa gleich. In Ungarn und Argentinien spielt die Erzeugung von Biomilch bislang eine untergeordnete Rolle. In Deutschland werden die okospezifischen Mehrkosten auf ca. 22 % geschatzt (im unter-suchten 38-Kuh-Betrieb). Diese werden durch die hoheren Erlose ausgeglichen. Grosere deutsche Bio-Betriebe haben gegenuber dem 38-Kuh-Betrieb Produktionskostenvorteile von bis 35 %. Im Vergleich zu dem 38-Kuh-Betrieb kann Biomilch in den ubrigen Lan-dern gunstiger produziert werden: in Osterreich -5 %, in Danemark -26 %, in Ungarn -39 % und in Argentinien -78 %. Die groseren deutschen Biomilcherzeuger konnen dagegen mit den europaischen Konkurrenten durchaus mithalten. Nur ca. 15 % der Molkereien in Deutschland verarbeiten Biomilch. In Danemark liegt dieser Anteil bei 30 % und in Osterreich bei 40 %. Das Verbraucherpreisniveau fur Milch im Allgemeinen ist in Deutschland verglichen zu anderen Landern relativ niedrig. Der Oko-Zuschlag auf die Verbraucherpreise ist demgegenuber in Deutschland mit ca. 50 % vergleichsweise hoch (in Danemark ca. 15 %, in Osterreich ca. 35 %). Es ist zu erwarten, dass der Exportdruck von Biomilchprodukten aus Ungarn und Argentinien steigen, in Danemark etwa konstant bleiben und in Osterreich sinken wird. Die Schwachen der deutschen Biomilchproduktion liegen in den vergleichsweise hohen Produktionskosten vor allem bedingt durch die kleine Betriebsstruktur und im Vergleich zu Osterreich in den geringen Direktzahlungen. Im Vergleich zu Ungarn und Argentinien weisen die deutschen Produzenten wesentlich hohere Faktorpreise auf. Ansatzstellen fur Politik und Wirtschaft sollte die Nachfragestarkung durch Verbraucheraufklarung und gezielte Masnahmen im Grosverbraucherbereich sein. Daruber hinaus sollten auch Markte in anderen Landern identifiziert und Exportchancen ausgelotet werden. Ein weiteres Ziel sollte sein, den Rohstoff Biomilch durch Senkung der Produktionskosten wettbewerbsfahiger zu machen. Zudem gilt es, bei politischen Masnahmen die Planungssicherheit fur Produzenten zu berucksichtigen.
Semantic Multi-granular Lock Model in Object Oriented Database Systems

In this paper, a semantic based multi-granular lock model for object-oriented database systems is proposed. It addresses the concurrency control issues related to all types of transactions to an object: run time transactions and design time transactions. In the case of run time transactions, it ensures consistency while providing fine granularity. In the case of design time transactions, the proposed work has the following features: First, it provides separate lock modes for all types of design time operations. Second, it provides fine granularity for design time transactions. Third, it reduces deadlocks due to lock escalation. The proposed work shows how concurrency can be maximized while ensuring consistency for all types of transactions. A simulation model is constructed to evaluate the performance of the proposed work. This model is used to compare the proposed work with two existing techniques. The performance results show that proposed scheme is better than existing works.
Exposure to secondhand smoke and excess lung cancer mortality risk among workers in the “5 B’s”: bars, bowling alleys, billiard halls, betting establishments, and bingo parlours

Objective: To review existing data on exposure to secondhand smoke in bars, bowling alleys, billiard halls, betting establishments, and bingo parlours (the “5 B’s”) as assessed by ambient nicotine air concentration measurements and to estimate the excess lung cancer mortality risk associated with this exposure. Data sources: Using the Medline, Toxline, and Toxnet databases, the internet, and bibliographies of relevant articles, we identified studies that reported measurements of ambient nicotine concentrations in the 5 B’s. Study selection: Studies were included if they reported a mean concentration of ambient nicotine measured in at least one of the 5 B’s. Data extraction: We calculated a weighted average of nicotine concentrations in each of the 5 B’s. We then estimated the working lifetime excess lung cancer mortality risk associated with this exposure, as well as with exposure at the upper and lower limits of the range of mean exposures reported in all of the studies in each establishment category. Data synthesis: Nicotine concentrations in the 5 B’s were 2.4 to 18.5 times higher than in offices or residences, and 1.5 to 11.7 times higher than in restaurants. At these exposure levels, estimated working lifetime excess lung cancer mortality risk from secondhand smoke exposure for workers in the 5 B’s is between 1.0–4.1/1000, which greatly exceeds the typical de manifestis risk level of 0.3/1000. Conclusions: Workers in the 5 B’s have high levels of occupational exposure to secondhand smoke and must be included in workplace smoking regulations.
¿Pertenezco a esta Universidad?: The Mediating Role of Belonging for Collective Self-Esteem and Mattering for Latin@ Undergraduates

We examined differences in and relationship of psychological (collective self-esteem), social (cohesion and university belonging), and cultural (cultural congruity) dimensions of university mattering for 141 Latin@ undergraduates. Collectively the dimensions accounted for 50% of the variance, with the psychological dimension having the largest prediction of mattering, followed by the social dimension. Belonging mediated the relationships of cohesion and congruity with mattering, respectively, and college generation moderated the relationship of cohesion and mattering. College generation also moderated the relationship of cohesion and belonging, evidencing a moderated mediation.
The Ubiquitously Expressed Csk Adaptor Protein Cbp Is Dispensable for Embryogenesis and T-Cell Development and Function

ABSTRACT Regulation of Src family kinase (SFK) activity is indispensable for a functional immune system and embryogenesis. The activity of SFKs is inhibited by the presence of the carboxy-terminal Src kinase (Csk) at the cell membrane. Thus, recruitment of cytosolic Csk to the membrane-associated SFKs is crucial for its regulatory function. Previous studies utilizing in vitro and transgenic models suggested that the Csk-binding protein (Cbp), also known as phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid microdomains (PAG), is the membrane adaptor for Csk. However, loss-of-function genetic evidence to support this notion was lacking. Herein, we demonstrate that the targeted disruption of the cbp gene in mice has no effect on embryogenesis, thymic development, or T-cell functions in vivo. Moreover, recruitment of Csk to the specialized membrane compartment of “lipid rafts” is not impaired by Cbp deficiency. Our results indicate that Cbp is dispensable for the recruitment of Csk to the membrane and that another Csk adaptor, yet to be discovered, compensates for the loss of Cbp.
The effect of images on item statistics in multiple choice anatomy examinations

Although multiple choice examinations are often used to test anatomical knowledge, these often forgo the use of images in favor of text‐based questions and answers. Because anatomy is reliant on visual resources, examinations using images should be used when appropriate. This study was a retrospective analysis of examination items that were text based compared to the same questions when a reference image was included with the question stem. Item difficulty and discrimination were analyzed for 15 multiple choice items given across two different examinations in two sections of an undergraduate anatomy course. Results showed that there were some differences item difficulty but these were not consistent to either text items or items with reference images. Differences in difficulty were mainly attributable to one group of students performing better overall on the examinations. There were no significant differences for item discrimination for any of the analyzed items. This implies that reference images do not significantly alter the item statistics, however this does not indicate if these images were helpful to the students when answering the questions. Care should be taken by question writers to analyze item statistics when making changes to multiple choice questions, including ones that are included for the perceived benefit of the students. Anat Sci Educ 10: 68–78. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.
Surfactant protein D (SP-D) alters cellular uptake of particles and nanoparticles

Abstract Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is primarily expressed in the lungs and modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory processes to toxic challenge, maintaining lung homeostasis. We investigated the interaction between NPs and SP-D and subsequent uptake by cells involved in lung immunity. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measured NP aggregation, particle size and charge in native human SP-D (NhSP-D) and recombinant fragment SP-D (rfhSP-D). SP-D aggregated NPs, especially following the addition of calcium. Immunohistochemical analysis of A549 epithelial cells investigated the co-localization of NPs and rfhSP-D. rfhSP-D enhanced the co-localisation of NPs to epithelial A549 cells in vitro. NP uptake by alveolar macrophages (AMs) and lung dendritic cells (LDCs) from C57BL/6 and SP-D knock-out mice were compared. AMs and LDCs showed decreased uptake of NPs in SP-D deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. These data confirmed an interaction between SP-D and NPs, and subsequent enhanced NP uptake.
Soft Computing Techniques for Dependable Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) were envisaged as a way to manipulate the objects in the physical world through computer intelligence. This is usually done by providing a communication bridge between actuation and computing elements. This sought after control is hampered not only by the unavoidable certainty found in the physical world but also by the limitations of contemporary communication networks. These limitations hamper fine-grained control of elements that may be separated by large-scale distances. In this regard, soft computing is an emerging paradigm that can help to manage the unreliability of CPS by using techniques, including fuzzy systems, neural networks, evolutionary computation, probabilistic reasoning, and rough sets. We present a comprehensive contemporary review of soft computing techniques for CPS dependability modeling, analysis, and improvement. This paper provides an overview of CPS applications, explores the foundations of dependability engineering, and highlights the potential role of soft computing techniques for CPS dependability with various case studies while also identifying common pitfalls and future directions. In addition, this paper provides a comprehensive survey of the use of various soft computing techniques for making CPS dependable. This paper is timely due to the increasingly central role that CPSs are beginning to play in modern societies and the need to leverage all the relevant methodologies and tools (such as those provided by soft computing) for the development of highly dependable CPS.