Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bearing Strength of Pin-Connected Polymer Composites Subjected to Dynamic Loading

In this study, static load bearing strength of pin-connected carbon fiber-reinforced polyphenylenesulphide (PPS) composites that have [(08/908)]3s stacking sequence was investigated. Firstly, the samples were loaded dynamically, and then the same samples were loaded statically. The results obtained from this sequential experiment were compared with the results obtained from samples that were loaded only statically. In addition, the fatigue life and failure mechanisms were investigated with respect to the selection of the geometrical parameters. Dynamic and static loading experiments were performed according to the ASTM STP 749 and ASTM D953 standards, respectively. To obtain optimum load bearing values, the ratio of distance between the edge and hole center to hole diameter (E/D) and ratio of sample width to hole diameter (W/D) has been systematically changed. According to the experimental results, maximum load bearing values have been obtained when E/D ratio was equal to 2. POLYM. COMPOS. , 31:25–31, 2010. a 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Genetic and Clinical Determinants of Early, Acute Calcineurin Inhibitor-Related Nephrotoxicity: Results From a Kidney Transplant Consortium

Background. Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-related acute nephrotoxicity is a common complication of transplantation. Clinical factors and elevated CNI levels are associated with nephrotoxicity; however, they do not fully explain the risk. Genetic factors may also predispose individuals to nephrotoxicity. Methods. We enrolled 945 kidney recipients into a multicenter, prospective study. DNA was genotyped for 2724 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a customized chip. Cox models, unadjusted and adjusted for clinical factors, examined the association between SNPs and time to early CNI-related acute nephrotoxicity in the first 6 months posttransplant. Results. Cyclosporine was associated with a 1.49 hazard (95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.14) of acute nephrotoxicity relative to tacrolimus. Acute nephrotoxicity occurred in 22.6% of cyclosporine and 19.8% of tacrolimus recipients. The median (interquartile range) daily dose and trough concentration at time of nephrotoxicity were 400 mg (400–500 mg) and 228 ng/mL (190–272 ng/mL) in the cyclosporine group, and 6 mg (4–8 mg) and 12.6 ng/mL (10.2–15.9 ng/mL) in the tacrolimus group, respectively. In single-SNP adjusted analysis, nine SNPs in the XPC, CYP2C9, PAX4, MTRR, and GAN genes were associated with cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. In a multi-SNP analysis, SNPs from the same genes remained significant after adjusting for the clinical factors, showing that the SNPs are jointly and independently predictive of cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. No SNPs were associated with tacrolimus nephrotoxicity. Conclusion. We identified SNPs that were potentially associated with early, acute cyclosporine-related nephrotoxicity. Identifying risk SNPs before transplantation provides an opportunity for personalization of immunosuppression by identifying those who may benefit from CNI-avoidance or minimization, or assist in selecting CNI type. These SNPs require independent validation.
Aberrant Expression of Nucleostemin Activates p53 and Induces Cell Cycle Arrest via Inhibition of MDM2

ABSTRACT The nucleolar protein nucleostemin (NS) is essential for cell proliferation and early embryogenesis. Both depletion and overexpression of NS reduce cell proliferation. However, the mechanisms underlying this regulation are still unclear. Here, we show that NS regulates p53 activity through the inhibition of MDM2. NS binds to the central acidic domain of MDM2 and inhibits MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitylation and degradation. Consequently, ectopic overexpression of NS activates p53, induces G1 cell cycle arrest, and inhibits cell proliferation. Interestingly, the knockdown of NS by small interfering RNA also activates p53 and induces G1 arrest. These effects require the ribosomal proteins L5 and L11, since the depletion of NS enhanced their interactions with MDM2 and the knockdown of L5 or L11 abrogated the NS depletion-induced p53 activation and cell cycle arrest. These results suggest that a p53-dependent cell cycle checkpoint monitors changes of cellular NS levels via the impediment of MDM2 function.
Co-integration Relationship between Climatic Change and Economic Variables: The Case of OECD Countries

Human life was established on the various balances. The most important one among these balances is accepted as natural balance. In the medium of destructive competition, The fact that countries have made great destructions in the environment for being able to reach high growth figures has been more clearly understood with climatic changes that have been experienced. Together with revealing the scary scenarios, the need for scientific studies, where the effects of climatic change are dealt with, much more increases every passing days for countries to intervene with this course and form sustainable growth policies. Providing safely access to environmental sustainability, water, energy, and the other services plays key role in -achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG) These goals consist of 8 goals representing a global commitment about providing a rapid development in key development areas. In this context, in this study, the relationship with macroeconomic variables of greenhouse gas emissions was dealt with panel data analysis by using annual data of the period 1971-2016 for 23 IECD countries. In the first stage, horizontal cross section dependence test was made for the data. As a result of this test made, it was seen that there was horizontal cross section dependence between countries. CADF and CIPS panel unit root tests, among second generation unit root tests, taking this case into consideration, were used, and it was seen that the series were not stationary at the level values. The presence of co-integration relationship between the series was examined by means of Westerlund Durbin Hausman (2008) Test, and it was identified that there was a co-integration relationship between series. In the last stage, long term co-integration coefficients were predicted by CCE method, developed by Pesaran (2006b). In the study, it was identified that there were variables at the different statistical levels that affects climatic change for all countries subjected to analysis, However, for all countries, it is accepted that energy consumption is an important determinant without exception as the most important output of the study.
HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE LIVER OF PLASMODIUM-INFECTED ALBINO MICE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF MANGIFERA INDICA (LINN.)

Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the histomorphological findings of the liver of Plasmodium-infected albino mice following administration of aqueous leaf extract of Mangifera indica. Methods: Forty-two male albino mice, weighing 20–25 g, were used for this research. The mice were randomly assigned into six groups A, B, C, D, E and F (n=7, each). Groups B, C, D, E and F were infected with P. berghei, while group A was administered equivalent volume of normal saline. Mice in groups C, D and E were orally administered Mangifera indica extract (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight, respectively) dissolved in 0.2 ml of distilled water for 5 days, and those in group F were orally administered with artesunate for 5 days (3 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg body weight on the first day and on subsequent 4 days, respectively) while groups A and B were administered equivalent volume of distilled water, all administrations starting 72 hours post-infection. The animals were left for another 14 days after treatment. Results: The result showed that the extract treated groups presented dose dependent ameliorative changes in the organization of histoarchitecture such as reduction of collagen fibers, reticular fibers and hemozoins. There was a significant decrease (p<0.0001) in the percentage parasitemia in groups C, D and E when compared with group B. There was also a significant (p<0.03) reduction in Kupffer cell density in groups C, D and E when compared with group B. Conclusion: This study showed that Mangifera indica has an ameliorative effect against injury-related changes in liver histomorphology. Keywords: histomorphology; liver; Mangifera indica; mouse; Plasmodium berghei
Mental Health Disparities for Latino Immigrants & Its Impact on Psychological Well-Being

In the present study, the researcher sought to examine the factors associated with Latino immigrants and the barriers/challenges that are faced in mental health. The main question that the researcher focuses on in the present study is: What are some of the mental health challenges for Latino immigrants & how do these disparities further impact psychological well-being? Furthermore, the research focuses on highlighting the variables that are increasingly damaging to the minority population of Latinos in the United States. These variables include lack of health insurance, stigma, acculturation issues, legal issues, and biopsychosocial factors, such as socioeconomic class. In multiple studies, but particularly one conducted by Cook, Zuvekas, Chen, Progovac, and Lincoln (2016), findings demonstrated that rates of mental illness are similar across most racial and ethnic backgrounds, however the challenges and disparities associated with mental illnesses are greater for individuals who identify with minority populations, or Latino immigrants. These factors negatively impact mental health and the wellbeing for this marginalized, minority population in the United States. The population in focus for this research are Latino immigrants, both documented and undocumented, that reside throughout the United States, with a sub-focus on those residing in Northern California, Marin County. On top of providing information based on mental health and mental illness through the lens of Latinos in the United States, this manual also hopes to unveil the disparities and challenges associated with help-seeking behaviors, resources, awareness, and stigma, to name a few.
CAROTID STENOSIS: A RANDOMIZED TRIAL IN A COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Accepted, October 7, 2003. OBJECTIVE: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is effective in reducing the risk of stroke in individuals with more than 60% carotid stenosis. Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has been proffered as effective and used in treating individuals with asymptomatic carotid stenosis despite the absence of proven clinical equivalency. This randomized trial was designed to explore the hypothesis that CAS is equivalent to CEA for treating asymptomatic carotid stenosis. METHODS: A total of 85 individuals presenting with asymptomatic carotid stenosis of more than 80% were selected randomly for CAS or CEA and followed up for 48 months. RESULTS: Stenosis decreased to an average of 5% after CAS. The patency of the reconstructed artery remained satisfactory regardless of the technique, as determined by carotid ultrasonography. No major complications such as cerebral ischemia or death occurred. Procedural complications associated with CAS (n 5) were hypotension and/or bradycardia; those concomitant with CEA (n 3) were cervical nerve injury or complications related to general anesthesia (n 4). Both procedures were well tolerated in the context of pain and discomfort. Hospital stay was similar in the two groups (mean, 1.1 versus 1.2 d). The occurrence of complications associated with CAS or CEA prolonged hospitalization by 3 days (mean, 4.0 versus 4.5 d). Return to full activity was achieved within 1 week by more than 85% of patients; all returned to their usual lifestyle by 2 weeks. Although hospital charges were slightly higher for CAS, costs were similar. CONCLUSION: CAS and CEA may be equally effective and safe in treating individuals with asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
Hybrid PSO-DS for non-convex economic dispatch problems

This paper presents a novel and efficient method for solving the economic dispatch problem (EDP), based on the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) with Direct Search (DS) method incorporated. The heuristic integrates DS method with the PSO and fine tunes every improvement of solution of the PSO run. The PSO is used with a linear inertia weight to facilitate a global and local search as the algorithm proceeds. The optimization procedure based on DS and systematic reduction in search region is found effective in solving various problems in the field of non-linear programming. The Hybrid Particle Swarm optimization and Direct Search (PSODS) is a derivative free optimization technique which produces results quickly and proves itself fit for solving large scale EDPs. To validate the effectiveness of the PSODS method, extensive tests where carried out on two different test cases and compared with the results in the recently available literature. The PSODS method for EDP is shown to be general and provides quality solutions compared to other existing heuristics. Key-Words: Particle swarm optimization; Direct search; Evolutionary computation: Heuristics; Economic dispatch
SPAD-502 readings in response to photon fluence in leaves with different chlorophyll content

RESUMO The chlorophyll meter (SPAD-502) is widely used to estimate chlorophyll content, but non-uniform chloroplast distribution can affect its accuracy. This study aimed to assess the effect of photon fluence (F, irradiance x time of illumination) in leaves with different chlorophyll content and determine the effect of chlorophyll a/b on SPAD values of four tropical tree species (Croton draconoides Mull. Arg., Hevea guianensis Aubl., Hymenaea courbaril L. and Matisia cordata H.B.K.). There were also determined calibration equations for the chlorophyll meter and assessed the effect of F on SPAD values between 07:00 h and 17:00 h. Calibration equations were obtained after determining leaf chlorophyll content in the laboratory. Increases in F with time caused a reduction in SPAD values in species with a high chlorophyll content, with reductions of 20% in M. cordata and 10% in H. guianensis. Leaves of C. draconoides and H. courbaril had lower chlorophyll content and showed no changes in SPAD values with increase in F. The chlorophyll a/b ratio increased with SPAD values and the SPAD/chlorophyll relationship was best described by an exponential equation. It seems that F may affect SPAD values in leaves with high chlorophyll content, probably due to non-uniform chloroplast distribution at high irradiance. This indicates that SPAD values tend to be more accurate if recorded early in morning when irradiance is low.
Educational needs in adults with congenitally malformed hearts

Abstract Background and aim The number of adults with congenitally malformed hearts is growing, and there is an increasing demand for their continuous follow-up. At present, different programmes have been established for adults with congenital cardiac disease, but there is a lack of knowledge regarding how education and psychosocial support should be given to achieve effects. Before developing educational programmes, it is necessary to be aware of the perspective of the patients. The aim of our study, therefore, was to describe how adults with congenitally malformed hearts experience their educational needs. Methods The study had a qualitative design. We interviewed 16 adults, aged from 19 to 55 years, with congenitally malformed hearts. Results Two-way communication emerged as crucial to individualising education. Without good communication, those with congenitally malformed hearts, receiving information from providers of healthcare, are unable to transfer the information received. Thus, individualised education gives access to knowledge and the tools required to manage important areas in life, such as the congenital cardiac malformation, physical activity, the situation of life, treatment, and resources available for healthcare. The information given should provide easy access to knowledge through proper educational materials and methods, and be given with respect for the individual. This is facilitated if the education is tailored to the requirements of the individual in a holistic approach, and is provided through good communication. Conclusion Our investigation shows that a structured educational programme needs to start from the perspective of the individual patient, and that two-way communication needs to be taken into consideration to enhance knowledge.
Statistical learning mitigation of false positives from template-detected data in automated acoustic wildlife monitoring

ABSTRACT Audio sampling of the environment can provide long-term, landscape-scale presence-absence data to model populations of sound-producing wildlife. Automated detection systems allow researchers to avoid manually searching through large volumes of recordings, but often produce unacceptable false positive rates. We developed methods that allow researchers to improve template-based automated detection using a suite of statistical learning algorithms when false positive rates are problematic. To test our method, we acquired 668 hours of recordings in the Sonoran Desert, California USA between March 2016 and May 2017, and created spectrogram cross-correlation templates for three target avian species. We trained and tested five classification algorithms and four performance-weighted ensemble classifier methods on target signals and false alarms from March 2016, and then selected high-performing ensemble classifiers from the train/test phase to predict the class of new detections thereafter. For three target species, our ensemble classifiers were able to identify 98%, 81%, and 100% of false alarms compared with the baseline template detection system, and comparative positive predictive values improved from 6% to 69%, 87% to 95%, and 2% to 77%. We show that statistical learning approaches can be implemented to mitigate false detections acquired via template-based automated detection in automated acoustic wildlife monitoring.
Mitigating Confounding Factors in Depression Detection Using an Unsupervised Clustering Approach

This work focuses on using speech as an objective marker for depression detection. One of the major challenges of this task is the presence of confounding factors, such as gender, age, emotion and personality. This work presents a technique to mitigate such factors by using a multi-step approach that performs unsupervised clustering prior to depression classification.
Predicting Net Discount Rates: A Comparison of Professional Forecasts, Time-series Forecasts and Traditional Methods

Abstract Previous research proposed two future net discount rate estimators that improved on naive long-term average and random walk estimators. The proposed estimators were superior in the class of estimators that used only current and past observations on net discount rates. In this paper we consider two extensions. First we examine whether professional forecasts perform significantly better than the two alternatives. Second, we examine the properties and performance of multivariate estimators that account for the potentially differing time-series behaviors of the underlying wage growth and interest rate series.
The Relative Importance of Website Design Quality and Service Quality in Determining Consumers’ Online Repurchase Behavior

Abstract Previous studies have found that website design quality is one main factor affecting consumers' initial online purchase behavior. For consumers' repurchase behavior, in addition to website design quality, service quality is another important factor. Which factor is more important in determining consumers' repurchase intention? Our results show that, compared with website design quality, service quality has significantly stronger effects on consumers' trust and satisfaction, both of which lead to their repurchase intention.
Comprehensive Profiling of Poor-Risk Paired Primary and Recurrent Triple-Negative Breast Cancers Reveals Immune Phenotype Shifts

Purpose: Emerging data suggest immune checkpoint inhibitors have reduced efficacy in heavily pretreated triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), but underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To better understand the phenotypic evolution of TNBCs, we studied the genomic and transcriptomic profiles of paired tumors from patients with TNBC. Experimental Design: We collected paired primary and metastatic TNBC specimens from 43 patients and performed targeted exome sequencing and whole-transcriptome sequencing. From these efforts, we ascertained somatic mutation profiles, tumor mutational burden (TMB), TNBC molecular subtypes, and immune-related gene expression patterns. Stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (stromal TIL), recurrence-free survival, and overall survival were also analyzed. Results: We observed a typical TNBC mutational landscape with minimal shifts in copy number or TMB over time. However, there were notable TNBC molecular subtype shifts, including increases in the Lehmann/Pietenpol-defined basal-like 1 (BL1, 11.4%–22.6%) and mesenchymal (M, 11.4%–22.6%) phenotypes, and a decrease in the immunomodulatory phenotype (IM, 31.4%–3.2%). The Burstein-defined basal-like immune-activated phenotype was also decreased (BLIA, 42.2%–17.2%). Among downregulated genes from metastases, we saw enrichment of immune-related Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and gene ontology (GO) terms, and decreased expression of immunomodulatory gene signatures (P < 0.03) and percent stromal TILs (P = 0.03). There was no clear association between stromal TILs and survival. Conclusions: We observed few mutational shifts, but largely consistent transcriptomic shifts in longitudinally paired TNBCs. Transcriptomic and IHC analyses revealed significantly reduced immune-activating gene expression signatures and TILs in recurrent TNBCs. These data may explain the observed lack of efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents in heavily pretreated TNBCs. Further studies are ongoing to better understand these initial observations. See related commentary by Savas and Loi, p. 526
Chromatin , Gene , and RNA Regulation mda-7 / IL-24 Expression Inhibits Breast Cancer through Upregulation of Growth Arrest-Speci fi c Gene 3 ( gas 3 ) and Disruption of b 1 Integrin Function

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene (MDA)-7)/interleukin (IL)-24, a member of the IL-10 family of cytokines, inhibits growth of various human cancer cells, yet the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we report that mda-7/IL-24 efficiently suppresses the development of rat mammary tumors in vivo. Microarray analysis for genes differentially expressed in rat mammary tumor cells overexpressingMDA-7/IL-24 compared with those that do not express this cytokine identified growth arrest-specific gene-3 (gas3) as a target for mda-7/IL-24. Upregulation of gas3 by mda-7/IL-24 was STAT3 dependent. Induction of gas3 inhibited attachment and proliferation of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the interaction of b1 integrin with fibronectin. A mutatedGAS3,which is unable to bindb1 integrin,was also unable to inhibitfibronectin-mediated attachment and cell growth both in adherent and suspension cultures, suggesting that GAS3 exerts its effects through interaction with and regulation of b1 integrin. Thus, mda-7/IL-24 inhibits breast cancer growth, at least in part, through upregulation of GAS3 and disruption of b1 integrin function. Importantly, the expression of the mda-7/IL-24 receptor, IL-20R1, is highly correlated with GAS3 expression in human breast cancer (P1⁄4 1.02 10 ), and the incidence of metastases is significantly reduced in patients with HER2þ breast cancer expressing high-levels of IL20R1. Together, our results identify a novel MDA-7/IL-24-GAS3-b1integrin–fibronectin signaling pathway that suppresses breast cancer growth and can be targeted for therapy.Mol Cancer Res; 11(6); 593–603. 2013 AACR.