Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hybrid EPSO-DE optimization technique for null steering of circular antenna array by selected position perturbations

A novel null steering method depending on position perturbation of selected elements in circular arrays using new proposed optimization algorithm Hybrid EPSO/DE is presented in this paper. This method intends to reduce the number of perturbed elements in the array to form the null toward the interference direction by getting the optimum solution of the problem using the Hybrid EPSO/DE as optimization tool. The hybridized algorithm has shown to give better result compared with using each algorithm separately on different configurations of position perturbation: angular, radial and arbitrary configurations in circular arrays.
A microwave microdosimetric study on blood cells: Estimation of cell membrane permittivity and parametric EM analysis

In the study of the interaction of RF and MW fields with biological systems particular attention has been recently devoted to microdosimetric research. In this paper a microdosimetric study on erythrocytes is proposed. Facing this topic, two fundamental steps are needed: the set up of a proper membrane dielectric model valid up to the RF and MW range, and the set up of an appropriate EM solution on the cell environment. Concerning the first point, an accurate estimation of the membrane dielectric model and of its uncertainty has been performed, from permittivity measurements of erythrocytes solutions. Focusing on the second point, a quasi-static EM analysis solving the Laplace equation has been chosen. An analytical approach has been applied on simplified spherical cell geometry, while a numerical solver has been used for erythrocyte shaped cell. In this context the fundamental role of the dielectric membrane modeling on results reliability has been highlighted.
Impact of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign on the recognition and management of severe sepsis in the emergency department: are we failing?

Background Severe sepsis/septic shock (SS/SS) has a high mortality. The past decade lays witness to a concerted international effort to tackle this problem through the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC). However, bundle delivery remains problematic. In 2009, the College of Emergency Medicine (CEM) set out guidelines for the management of SS/SS. These set the standards for this audit. Objectives To assess the recognition and management of patients presenting with SS/SS across three emergency departments (EDs) within the West Midlands. Methods Data were collected retrospectively over a 3-month period. Patients in the ED with a diagnostic code of, or presenting complaint suggestive of, sepsis, had their scanned notes assessed for evidence of SS/SS. Compliance with the CEM guidelines, and evidence of referral to the intensive care staff was evaluated. Results 255 patients with SS/SS were identified. Of these, 17% (44/255) were documented as septic by ED staff. The CEM standard of care was received in 41% of those with a documented diagnosis of severe sepsis in the ED, and 23% of patients with SS/SS overall. 89% of patients received the ‘treatment’ aspects of care: oxygen, IV antibiotics and IV fluids. Twelve patients with a raised lactate level and normal blood pressure (cryptic shock) failed to receive fluid resuscitation. 71% of patients with SS/SS had no documented discussion or consideration of referral to the intensive care unit. Conclusions The SSC has had some impact; however, there is still a long way to go. It is assumed that the picture is similar in EDs across the UK and recommendations are made based on these local findings.
The Opportunistic Human Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus Evades the Host Complement System

ABSTRACT The opportunistic human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes severe systemic infections and is a major cause of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. A. fumigatus conidia activate the alternative pathway of the complement system. In order to assess the mechanisms by which A. fumigatus evades the activated complement system, we analyzed the binding of host complement regulators to A. fumigatus. The binding of factor H and factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) from human sera to A. fumigatus conidia was shown by adsorption assays and immunostaining. In addition, factor H-related protein 1 (FHR-1) bound to conidia. Adsorption assays with recombinant factor H mutants were used to localize the binding domains. One binding region was identified within N-terminal short consensus repeats (SCRs) 1 to 7 and a second one within C-terminal SCR 20. Plasminogen was identified as the fourth host regulatory molecule that binds to A. fumigatus conidia. In contrast to conidia, other developmental stages of A. fumigatus, like swollen conidia or hyphae, did not bind to factor H, FHR-1, FHL-1, and plasminogen, thus indicating the developmentally regulated expression of A. fumigatus surface ligands. Both factor H and plasminogen maintained regulating activity when they were bound to the conidial surface. Bound factor H acted as a cofactor to the factor I-mediated cleavage of C3b. Plasminogen showed proteolytic activity when activated to plasmin by urokinase-type plasminogen activator. These data show that A. fumigatus conidia bind to complement regulators, and these bound host regulators may contribute to evasion of a host complement attack.
Genetic Diversity of Isolates of Glomus mosseae from Different Geographic Areas Detected by Vegetative Compatibility Testing and Biochemical and Molecular Analysis

ABSTRACT We detected, for the first time, the occurrence of vegetative incompatibility between different isolates of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species Glomus mosseae. Vegetative compatibility tests performed on germlings belonging to the same isolate showed that six geographically different isolates were capable of self-anastomosing, and that the percentage of hyphal contacts leading to fusions ranged from 60 to 85%. Successful anastomoses were characterized by complete fusion of hyphal walls, protoplasm continuity and occurrence of nuclei in the middle of hyphal bridges. No anastomoses could be detected between hyphae belonging to different isolates, which intersected without any reaction in 49 to 68% of contacts. Microscopic examinations detected hyphal incompatibility responses in diverse pairings, consisting of protoplasm retraction from the tips and septum formation in the approaching hyphae, even before physical contact with neighboring hyphae. Interestingly, many hyphal tips showed precontact tropism, suggesting that specific recognition signals may be involved during this stage. The intraspecific genetic diversity of G. mosseae revealed by vegetative compatibility tests was confirmed by total protein profiles and internal transcribed spacer-restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles, which evidenced a higher level of molecular diversity between the two European isolates IMA1 and BEG25 than between IMA1 and the two American isolates. Since arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi lack a tractable genetic system, vegetative compatibility tests may represent an easy assay for the detection of genetically different mycelia and an additional powerful tool for investigating the population structure and genetics of these obligate symbionts.
Efeito das Escolhas Estratégicas e dos Sistemas de Controle Gerencial no Desempenho Organizacional

The study investigates the effect of generic strategic choices and management control systems (MCS) on the organizational performance of large and medium-sized companies located in Espirito Santo, using Contingency Theory as the theoretical framework. It is a quantitative study, using a survey as the data collection technique. 73 questionnaires were validated, after being completed by those responsible for the controlling or related area of these enterprises over the period between February and April of 2014. The data analysis was performed using the structural equations modeling technique. The main results indicate that: (i) competitive forces shape the strategy adopted by the organizations surveyed, however, contrary to what the literature predicts, those companies that operate in more competitive environments choose a strategy of cost leadership instead of differentiation; (ii) the design and use of the MCS is influenced by the strategy chosen, and the use of contemporary management practices is associated with a differentiation strategy; (iii) strategic choices and the MCS have a positive impact on organizational performance. In addition, those companies that combine differentiation strategy with contemporary management practices perform better than the other companies analyzed.
Specificity and Structure of a High Affinity Activin Receptor-like Kinase 1 (ALK1) Signaling Complex

Background: Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) is an important regulator of normal blood vessel formation and pathological tumor angiogenesis. Results: Crystal structure of ALK1-BMP9-ACTRIIB signaling complex and kinetic and thermodynamic properties of receptor-ligand interactions are described. Conclusions: ALK1 achieves high specificity for BMP9/10 through unusual receptor positioning and unique receptor-ligand interface. Significance: Structural and mechanistic insights into ALK1 signaling provide a framework for novel anti-angiogenic therapies. Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1), an endothelial cell-specific type I receptor of the TGF-β superfamily, is an important regulator of normal blood vessel development as well as pathological tumor angiogenesis. As such, ALK1 is an important therapeutic target. Thus, several ALK1-directed agents are currently in clinical trials as anti-angiogenic cancer therapeutics. Given the biological and clinical importance of the ALK1 signaling pathway, we sought to elucidate the biophysical and structural basis underlying ALK1 signaling. The TGF-β family ligands BMP9 and BMP10 as well as the three type II TGF-β family receptors ActRIIA, ActRIIB, and BMPRII have been implicated in ALK1 signaling. Here, we provide a kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of BMP9 and BMP10 interactions with ALK1 and type II receptors. Our data show that BMP9 displays a significant discrimination in type II receptor binding, whereas BMP10 does not. We also report the crystal structure of a fully assembled ternary complex of BMP9 with the extracellular domains of ALK1 and ActRIIB. The structure reveals that the high specificity of ALK1 for BMP9/10 is determined by a novel orientation of ALK1 with respect to BMP9, which leads to a unique set of receptor-ligand interactions. In addition, the structure explains how BMP9 discriminates between low and high affinity type II receptors. Taken together, our findings provide structural and mechanistic insights into ALK1 signaling that could serve as a basis for novel anti-angiogenic therapies.
Challenge tests and specific IgE in hay fever sufferers

The relationship between challenge tests, specific IgE and seasonal effects in hay fever sufferers was studied. There were significant relationships between nasal challenge, conjunctival challenge and skin‐prick test threshold doses, although the skin and conjunctiva tended to be less sensitive than the nose. A seasonal effect was apparent on nasal challenge, but not conjunctival challenge or skin‐prick testing, with lower threshold doses recorded after the pollen season than in midwinter. There was a significant relationship between specific IgE and nasal challenge, but not conjunctival or skin‐prick test threshold doses.
CEO Compensation and Performance in US Private Foundations

In a large sample of US private foundations, we examine the association between CEO compensation and an accounting-based measure of performance, administrative efficiency. We document a positive pay-performance association across time within foundations, but a negative association across foundations. We interpret our evidence as follows: some foundation boards reward CEOs for high administrative efficiency, which results in a positive pay-performance association. However, some foundations are poorly monitored relative than others, resulting in higher CEO compensation and lower efficiency.
A preliminary assessment of EMI control policies in hospitals

The use of wireless devices around critical-care medical equipment poses the risk that the electric field strength will exceed the immunity of the equipment, potentially resulting in equipment failure and possibly harming the patient. As medical staff and visitors carrying wireless transmitters move through the hospital, there may be times when number and type of transmitters near a medical device produce an electric field that exceeds the equipment's immunity level. This paper presents a method for estimating the risk that the immunity level will be exceeded from wireless transmitters carried by medical staff throughout a 24-hour period. The method is applied to a simplified scenario of three patients in beds and twelve transmitter locations surrounding the beds, with eight medical staff on the floor. The risk of electromagnetic interference can be reduced with a suitable management policy. This paper describes a method for evaluating the usefulness of a management policy quantitatively, and then compares three policies: unrestricted use of wireless devices, restricted use, and a ban on wireless devices.
Noise traders, mispricing, and price adjustments in derivatives markets

ABSTRACT This study examines disagreements between actual and options-implied futures prices and the corresponding adjustments in a sophisticated setting. We identify the market that triggers each type of price disagreement and find that the market in which the disagreement is initiated adjusts more to eliminate the mispricing. Futures prices adjust less for options-initiated price disagreements with out-of-the-money (OTM) options-implied prices than they do for disagreements with at-the-money (ATM) prices. Options markets adjust more when disagreements are initiated by OTM options than they do when disagreements are initiated by ATM options. Adjustments in both the futures and options markets consistently suggest that OTM options trading provides inferior information. Price disagreements are positively correlated with the participation of domestic investors, especially when they trade OTM options, implying that domestic investors are noisier and less informed than foreign investors are. Highlights We examine disagreements between actual and options-implied futures prices and the corresponding adjustments. The market in which the disagreement is initiated adjusts more to eliminate the mispricing. Out-of-the-money options-initiated price disagreements are positively correlated with domestic investors’ trades.
Composition and milk cell characteristics in quarter milk fractions of dairy cows with low cell count.

Variation in milk composition and milk polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte (PMN) characteristics and functions among quarter milk fractions were investigated in order to evaluate the optimal fraction for the determination of local immune response. Five fractions were classified during milking: foremilk (I), cisternal milk (II), main milk (III), strippings (IV) and residual milk (V). Somatic cell count (SCC), fat, protein, lactose, sodium, potassium, chloride, polymorphonuclear leukocyte necrosis, apoptosis and oxidative burst were analysed in each fraction. The logSCC and fat concentration were highest in residual milk (P < 0.05), whereas protein and lactose concentration were highest in the earliest fractions (I, II, III) (P < 0.05). Polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte necrosis was lowest in strippings and residual milk (P < 0.05), and PMN apoptosis was lowest in residual milk (P < 0.001). The highest percentage of PMN with oxidative burst was found in residual milk (P < 0.05), and was associated with the highest mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, late fractions have more PMN and more active PMN. Nevertheless, it is suggested that each fraction is appropriate in the study of local immune response of the mammary gland, however the fraction used in the study has to be specified.
Lack of Cell-Cycle Specific Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α on Tumor Cells In Vitro: Implications for Combination Tumor Therapy with Doxorubicin

Addition of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to chemotherapy enhances tumor response in several treatment modalities. However, it has been shown that TNF-α, and several other cytokines, exert inhibitory effects on cell-cycle progression and by doing so may attenuate sensitivity of these cells to cell-cycle dependent cytotoxic drugs (e.g., doxorubicin). Here, we determined the cytotoxic effect of TNF-α on several tumor cell lines in vitro in combination with doxorubicin (cell-cycle dependent) or melphalan (cell-cycle independent), and its effect on cell-cycle progression. The rat cell lines were prepared from tumors, which were used previously in animal studies, in which synergy was shown between TNF-α and the cytotoxic drugs. Results demonstrate that the addition of TNF-α to doxorubicin or melphalan in vitro had no attenuating effect on the cytotoxic drugs. Depending on the cell type used, addition of TNF-α induced no or only an additive cytotoxic effect. Only the tested rat osteosarcoma tumor cells demonstrated a cell arrest in the G2 phase, which did not result in attenuation of the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin towards these cells.
International Investment Positions Revisited: Investor Heterogeneity and Individual Security Characteristics

In this paper we show empirically how international investment positions are determined by investor heterogeneity and individual security characteristics. We do so by estimating a gravity model with newly available data that contains both domestic and international holdings of individual sectors from euro area countries in individual bonds and stocks. The five holding sectors (banks, insurers, pension funds, investment funds and households) all face barriers to international investments, but these differ both across sectors and between their bond and stock holdings. Furthermore, individual security characteristics affect portfolio choice across investors differently. For bonds we find that currency denomination, coupon type, maturity and eligibility as collateral for ECB transactions stand out. For equities we find that market values, currency denomination and dividend payments are important. Since holder sectors vary in size across countries we posit that cross-country differences in sectoral composition may lead to different transmission effects of financial shocks.
Incidence and long‐term risk of de novo malignancies after liver transplantation with implications for prevention and detection

The goal of this study was the characterization of long‐term cancer risks after liver transplantation (LT) with implications for prevention and detection. Site‐specific cancer incidence rates and characteristics were compared retrospectively for 2000 LT patients from a single institution (January 1, 1983 to December 31, 2010) and the general German population with standardized incidence ratios (SIRs); the total follow‐up at December 31, 2011 was 14,490 person‐years. The cancer incidence rates for the LT recipients were almost twice as high as those for the age‐ and sex‐matched general population (SIR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.63‐2.31). Significantly increased SIRs were observed for vulvar carcinoma (SIR = 23.80), posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder/non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR = 10.95), renal cell carcinoma (SIR = 2.65), lung cancer (SIR = 1.85), and colorectal cancer (SIR = 1.41). The mean time between transplantation and diagnosis was 6.8 years. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was significantly lower for the cohort versus the general population with similar malignancies [50 years (both sexes) versus 69 and 68 years (males and females), P ≤ 0.006]. Tumors were diagnosed at more advanced stages, and there was a trend of higher grading, which suggested more aggressive tumor growth. Tumor treatment was performed according to accepted guidelines. Surprisingly, 5‐year survival was slightly better in the study cohort versus the general population for renal cell carcinoma, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and thyroid cancer. Long‐term immunosuppression with different protocols did not lead to significantly different SIRs, although patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil had the lowest SIR for de novo cancers (1.65, 95% CI = 1.2‐2.4). Alcoholic liver disease (SIR = 2.30) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (SIR = 3.40) as indications for LT were associated with an increased risk of de novo malignancies. In conclusion, risk‐adapted cancer surveillance is proposed. Tumor treatment performed according to accepted guidelines appears adequate. Mycophenolate may lead to lower long‐term risks for de novo cancers. Liver Transpl 19:1252–1261, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Association between angiotensin converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and ischemic stroke in north Indian population: a case–control study and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this case–control study was to determine the relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion polymorphism and serum ACE level in north Indian patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: In the present study, 224 ischemic stroke patients and 224 age- and sex-matched control participants were recruited. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Serum ACE levels were measured by colorimetric method. Our results were integrated with other reported studies from India for a meta-analysis. Results: We observed that DD genotypes were more frequently distributed in cases (32·6%) compared with controls (26·8%). Borderline significance was observed between DD genotype and risk of small vessel disease (SVD) stroke as compared to controls (OR, 1·9; 95% CI, 0·88-4·4; P value 0·09) assuming dominant model of inheritance. The mean ACE serum level in IU/l for II, ID, and DD genotypes were 17·1 ± 7·7, 26 ± 12·4, and 51·3 ± 21 (P value < 0·001) in cases and 16·5 ± 9·4, 26·8 ± 13, and 45·19 ± 18·3 (P value < 0·001) in controls, respectively. Discussion: The results of the study show lack of significant association between ACE insertion/deletion polymorphism and ischemic stroke, however, higher risk was observed with DD genotype in small vessel disease stroke, but with borderline significance. Meta-analysis of studies from India showed that DD genotype is associated with risk of ischemic stroke.