Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Archaeological Data and Written Sources: Lustreware Production in Renaissance Italy, a Case Study

The major production centres of lustreware in Renaissance Italy (Deruta and Cafaggiolo) have been chosen as a case study to prove the importance of combining archaeological and written evidence, with production in Montelupo and Faenza also taken into account. The focus is on the relationship between different production centres and the movement of potters from one centre to the next as a unique means of transmitting technical knowledge. Written sources such as ‘recipes’ were not created by potters, but were usually collected by others decades after the actual transmission of skills occurred. In this respect the influence of models in the form of ‘fashionable’ objects circulating in the Mediterranean area, together with the movements of people, prove vital. The first appearance and transmission of lustreware are summarized, underlining the importance of the contacts with Spain. If the Italian tin-glazed pottery known as italo-moresca can be regarded as the result of imitated models, lustreware production requires skills that could not have been acquired by chance.
Precise Null Deletion Mutations of the Mycothiol Synthesis Genes Reveal Their Role in Isoniazid and Ethionamide Resistance in Mycobacterium smegmatis

ABSTRACT Mycothiol (MSH; AcCys-GlcN-Ins) is the glutathione analogue for mycobacteria. Mutations in MSH biosynthetic genes have been associated with resistance to isoniazid (INH) and ethionamide (ETH) in mycobacteria, but rigorous genetic studies are lacking, and those that have been conducted have yielded different results. In this study, we constructed independent null deletion mutants for all four genes involved in the MSH biosynthesis pathway (mshA, mshB, mshC, and mshD) in Mycobacterium smegmatis and made complementing constructs in integrating plasmids. The resulting set of strains was analyzed for levels of MSH, INH resistance, and ETH resistance. The mshA and mshC single deletion mutants were devoid of MSH production and resistant to INH, whereas the mshB deletion mutant produced decreased levels of MSH yet was sensitive to INH, suggesting that MSH biosynthesis is essential for INH susceptibility in M. smegmatis. Further evidence supporting this conclusion was generated by deleting the gene encoding the MSH S-conjugate amidase (mca) from the ΔmshB null mutant. This double mutant, ΔmshB Δmca, completely abolished MSH production and was resistant to INH. The mshA, mshC, and mshB single deletion mutants were also resistant to ETH, indicating that ETH resistance is modulated by the level of MSH in M. smegmatis. Surprisingly, the mshD deletion mutant lacked MSH production but was sensitive to both INH and ETH. The drug sensitivity was likely mediated by the compensated synthesis of N-formyl-Cys-GlcN-Ins, previously demonstrated to substitute for MSH in an mshD mutant of M. smegmatis. We conclude that MSH or N-formyl-Cys-GlcN-Ins is required for susceptibility to INH or ETH in M. smegmatis.
A distributed model of traffic flows on extended regions

This work deals with the modelling of traffic flows in complex networks, spanning two-dimensional regions whose size ( macroscale ) is much greater than the characteristic size of the network arcs ( microscale). A typical example is the modelling of traffic flow in large urbanized areas with diameter of hundreds of kilometers, where standard models of traffic flows on networks resolving all the streets are computationally too expensive. Starting from a stochastic lattice gas model with simple constitutive laws, we derive a distributed two-dimensional model of traffic flow, in the form of a non-linear diffusion-advection equation for the particle density. The equation is formally equivalent to a (non-linear) Darcy's filtration law. In particular, it contains two parameters that can be seen as the porosity and the permeability tensor of the network. We provide suitable algorithms to extract these parameters starting from the geometry of the network and a given microscale model of traffic flow (for instance based on cellular automata). Finally, we compare the fully microscopic simulation with the finite element solution of our upscaled model in realistic cases, showing that our model is able to capture the large-scale feature of the flow.
A Simple Multi-Factor "Factor Adjustment" for the Treatment of Credit Capital Diversification

We present a simple adjustment to the single-factor credit capital model, which recognizes the diversification from a multifactor model. We introduce the concept of a diversification factor at the portfolio level, and show that it can be expressed as a function of two parameters that broadly capture the sector concentration and the average cross-sector correlation. The model further supports an intuitive capital allocation methodology through the definition of marginal diversification factors at the sector or obligor level. We estimate the diversification factor for a family of models, and show that it can be expressed in parametric form or tabulated for potential regulatory applications and risk management. As a risk management tool, it can be used to understand concentration risk, capital allocation and sensitivities, stress testing, as well as to compute “real-time” marginal risk.
Prognostic Assessment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

The term “gastrointestinal stromal tumor” (GIST) has been applied to a collection of distinctive mesenchymal tumors occurring within the human gastrointestinal tract. As new drug therapy becomes available, data regarding the natural history of these unusual tumors are necessary to provide selection factors for treatment. Ninety-eight patients had light microscopy compatible with GIST at a single institution from 1989 to 2000. After immunostaining with c-kit and histopathologic review, 69 were judged to be GIST. All prognostic indicators were determined for gastric GIST, intestinal GIST, and all locations combined. The location of the GIST did not have a significant impact on survival. Clinically, tumor size, peritoneal cancer index, and completeness of cytoreduction had a significant impact on prognosis for GIST at all locations. Pathologically, cytologic atypia, necrosis, invasion and number of mitoses were significant prognostic indicators for GIST. Criteria to separate three pathologic groups of GIST according to the tumor size and the mitotic count were useful to evaluate the tumor behavior; in the borderline pathologic group invasion and cytologic atypia were statistically significant prognostic criteria. The cell phenotypes, as determined by immunostains, correlated with the prognosis of gastric GIST but not intestinal GIST. A correlation between the immunostain Ki-67 but not CD-34 or desmin and the prognosis was observed. It is possible to select clinical and pathologic parameters of GIST that impact on prognosis. Invasion and necrosis help to determine the prognosis with borderline tumors. The immunostain Ki-67 correlated with the prognosis and may be helpful to assess prognosis when dealing with small biopsy specimens.
A new high pressure droplet vaporization model for diesel engine modeling

A droplet vaporization model has been developed for use in high pressure spray modeling. The model is a modification of the common Spalding vaporization model that accounts for the effects of high pressure on phase equilibrium, transport properties, and surface tension. The new model allows for a nonuniform temperature within the liquid by using a simple 2-zone model for the droplet. The effects of the different modifications are tested both for the case of a single vaporizing droplet in a quiescent environment as well as for a high pressure spray using the KIVA II code. Comparisons with vaporizing spray experiments show somewhat improved spray penetration predictions. Also, the effect of the vaporization model on diesel combustion predictions was studied by applying the models to simulate the combustion process in a heavy duty diesel engine. In this case the standard and High Pressure vaporization models were found to give similar heat release and emissions results. However, the results show that a more realistic representation of the vaporization process is achieved with the new model. In particular, less unburned fuel is predicted to remain in the combustion chamber late in the power stroke. 36 refs., 13 figs., 2 tabs.
Learning style preferences of Australian health science students.

OBJECTIVES It has been identified that health science student groups may have distinctive learning needs. By university educators' and professional fieldwork supervisors' being aware of the unique learning style preferences of health science students, they have the capacity to adjust their teaching approaches to best fit with their students' learning preferences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the learning style preferences of a group of Australian health science students enrolled in 10 different disciplines. METHODS The Kolb Learning Style Inventory was distributed to 2,885 students enrolled in dietetics and nutrition, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, paramedics, pharmacy, physiotherapy, radiation therapy, radiography, and social work at one Australian university. A total of 752 usable survey forms were returned (response rate 26%). RESULTS The results indicated the converger learning style to be most frequently preferred by health science students and that the diverger and accommodator learning styles were the least preferred. CONCLUSION It is recommended that educators take learning style preferences of health science students into consideration when planning, implementing, and evaluating teaching activities, such as including more problem-solving activities that fit within the converger learning style.
An update on the von Willebrand factor collagen binding assay: 21 years of age and beyond adolescence but not yet a mature adult.

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is considered to be the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It is diagnosed after a clinical and physical review, with personal and familial evidence of (primarily mucocutaneous) bleeding, and confirmed by laboratory testing. The latter typically entails initial plasma testing of factor VIII coagulant (FVIII:C), von Willebrand factor (VWF) protein (antigen; VWF:Ag), and VWF function, which has classically been assessed using the ristocetin cofactor (VWF:RCo) assay. More recent attention has focused on another functional VWF assay, the collagen binding (VWF:CB) assay, as a possible replacement for the VWF:RCo assay or as a supplementary test of VWF adhesive "activity. " Additional laboratory testing can comprise a battery of confirmatory and VWD subtype assisting assays, including assessment of VWF:multimers. This review updates our knowledge of VWD diagnostics with a particular emphasis on the VWF:CB assay. There is good evidence now in place that an optimized VWF:CB assay can significantly reduce the diagnostic error rate otherwise arising from the use of a test panel restricted to including the VWF:RCo assay as the sole functional VWF assay. Nevertheless, the VWF:CB assay should not be used to wholly replace the VWF:RCo assay in phenotypic testing but rather as a supplementary assay. However, with some thought and justification, the VWF:CB assay can be used to partly replace the VWF:RCo assay in some "screening" applications and can also be used to abrogate the need to perform routine VWF:multimers in most test cases.
Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, peripheral vision and refraction in low birthweight teenagers.

PURPOSE To assess visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity, visual fields, refractive errors and use of correction in adolescents with very low birthweight (VLBW; birthweight < 1500 g) and adolescents born at term but small for gestational age (SGA; birthweight < 10th percentile) in a population-based study. METHODS Ophthalmological examination including VA, Vistech contrast sensitivity and Humphrey two-zone, 120-point perimetry was performed in 51 VLBW, 59 SGA and 77 control adolescents. RESULTS The VLBW adolescents had reduced VA, reduced contrast sensitivity, and were more often anisometropic compared with control adolescents. They had started wearing glasses earlier, but were not more likely to use correction as teenagers. However, they were more often undercorrected (for refractive status) than control adolescents. Hypermetropia was more common in the SGA group than in the control group, but otherwise the SGA group did not differ from the control group. CONCLUSIONS Being born SGA may be a risk factor for hypermetropia in adolescence. Prematurely born adolescents present lower VA and contrast sensitivity and are more prone to anisometropia than adolescents born at term. It may be noteworthy that a higher proportion of VLBW than control adolescents were undercorrected, despite the well known vulnerability of visual function associated with preterm birth.
Presence of both alterations in FGFR/FGF and PI3K/AKT/mTOR confer improved outcomes for patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors

There is limited data on co-expression of FGFR/FGR amplifications and PI3K/ AKT/mTOR alterations in breast cancer. Tumors from patients with metastatic breast cancer referred to our Phase I Program were analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS). Genomic libraries were selected for all exons of 236 (or 182) cancer-related genes sequenced to average depth of >500× in a CLIA laboratory (Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA, USA) and analyzed for all classes of genomic alterations. We report genomic profiles of 112 patients with metastatic breast cancer, median age 55 years (range, 27-78). Twenty-four patients (21%) had at least one amplified FGFR or FGF. Fifteen of the 24 patients (63%) also had an alteration in the PI3K/ AKT/mTOR pathway. There was no association between alterations in FGFR/FGF and PI3K/AKT/mTOR (P=0.49). Patients with simultaneous amplification in FGFR/FGF signaling and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway had a higher rate of SD≥6 months/PR/ CR when treated with therapies targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway than patients with only alterations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (73% vs. 34%; P=0.0376) and remained on treatment longer (6.8 vs. 3.7 months; P=0.053). Higher response rates were seen in patients with simultaneous amplification in FGFR/FGF signaling and alterations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway who were treated with inhibitors of that pathway.
Differential functional connectivity within an emotion regulation neural network among individuals resilient and susceptible to the depressogenic effects of early life stress

Background Early life stress (ELS) is a significant risk factor for depression. The effects of ELS exposure on neural network organization have not been differentiated from the effect of depression. Furthermore, many individuals exposed to ELS do not develop depression, yet the network organization patterns differentiating resiliency versus susceptibility to the depressogenic effects of ELS are not clear. Method Women aged 18–44 years with either a history of ELS and no history of depression (n = 7), a history of ELS and current or past depression (n = 19), or a history of neither ELS nor depression (n = 12) underwent a resting-state 3-T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. An emotion regulation brain network consisting of 21 nodes was described using graph analyses and compared between groups. Results Group differences in network topology involved decreased global connectivity and hub-like properties for the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) and decreased local network connectivity for the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) among resilient individuals. Decreased local connectivity and increased hub-like properties of the left amygdala, decreased hub-like properties of the dACC and decreased local connectivity of the left vlPFC were observed among susceptible individuals. Regression analyses suggested that the severity of ELS (measured by self-report) correlated negatively with global connectivity and hub-like qualities for the left dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC). Conclusions These preliminary results suggest functional neural connectivity patterns specific to ELS exposure and resiliency versus susceptibility to the depressogenic effects of ELS exposure.
A Chronology of Bone Marrow and Bone Grease Exploitation at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village

Abstract Bone marrow and bone grease processing at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village (39DV2) has long been suspected but was only recently demonstrated scientifically. The current research details the analysis of fragmented bone assemblages from different points in the chronological sequence of the Mitchell site and establishes the presence of extensive bone marrow processing activities throughout the cultural occupation of the village. This work additionally details the development of an increasingly extensive bone grease processing industry during the middle and latter periods of human occupation at the site.
Two classes of short interfering RNA in RNA silencing

The corresponding author was alerted through the PubPeer website to background pixel pattern duplications in Figure 4B of this paper. The Figure shows that a viral suppressor of silencing (P25) blocks 25-nt siRNA and systemic silencing. The background pixel pattern duplications originate from the incorrect use of image editing software to cover background marks. The image editing was done by O. Voinnet without the involvement or knowledge of other co-authors. It did not include any regions of siRNA signal, nor did it obscure any other genuine RNA signal. The original data are no longer available. The results in Figure 4B have been replicated and posted on bioRxiv (Garcia S, Himber C, Voinnet O (2015) The P25 protein of Potato virus X suppresses accumulation of 24nt siRNAs in the N. benthamiana transgenic line 16c. bioRxiv doi:10.1101/023895). Even without the data from Figure 4B the conclusion in the paper about the correlation between a block on 25-nt siRNA and systemic silencing is supported by data with five other viral suppressors of silencing in Figures 2 and 3. The main finding in the paper of two size classes of siRNA is independent of Figure 4 and has been confirmed by other laboratories. All authors concur with this statement and wish to apologize for publishing this incorrect image.
A Vacuolar-type H+-Pyrophosphatase Governs Maintenance of Functional Acidocalcisomes and Growth of the Insect and Mammalian Forms of Trypanosoma brucei*

Vacuolar proton pyrophosphatases (V-H+-PPases) are electrogenic proton pumps found in many organisms of considerable industrial, environmental, and clinical importance. V-H+-PPases of several parasites were shown to be associated with acidic vacuoles named acidocalcisomes, which contain polyphosphate and calcium. In this work we functionally characterized a Trypanosoma brucei V-H+-PPase gene by using double-stranded RNA interference methodology to produce inducible V-H+-PPase-deficient strains of procyclic and bloodstream forms (PFiVP1 and BFiVP1). Acidocalcisomes of these mutated parasites lost acidity and contained 90% less polyphosphate. PFiVP1 did not release calcium after the addition of nigericin, and its total acidity was reduced by 70%. This mutant also failed to stabilize its intracellular pH on exposure to external basic pH >7.4 and recovered from intracellular acidification at a slower rate and to a more acidic final intracellular pH. In the absence of T. bruceiV-H+-PPase expression, PFiVP1 and BFiVP1 grew at a slower rate with doubling times of 27 h instead of 15 h, and 10 h instead of 7.5 h, respectively. Moreover, BFiVP1 could not grow over 5 × 105 cells/ml corresponding to a cell density reduction of five times for bloodstream form stationary phase growth.
MICROPALAEONTOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE OXFORD CLAY - CORALLIAN SUCCESSION OF THE DORSET COAST.

The Dorset Coast is internationally known for the near-continuous exposure of the Jurassic succession. The Oxford Clay-CorallianKimmeridge Clay sequence that is exposed between the Isle of Portland and Ringstead records the transition from deeper-water marine clays to shallow-water sands and oolitic shoals and back into deeper-water, near-stagnant, marine clays. The preliminary data discussed here are part of an on-going study. This aims to assess the role of Foraminiferida in the development of a sequence stratigraphical interpretation of continuous successions in Dorset and Normandy. In this report, faunas are described from the Nothe Grit and Red Cliff Formations in the lower part of the Corallian Group. This identifies, with more accuracy than has previously been the case, a Maximum Flooding Surface within the Red Cliff Formation.
THE CHEMOTHERAPY OF ESTABLISHED SARCOMA 180 AND ADENOCARCINOMA 755 TUMORS WITH 6-THIOGUANINE.

Summary 6-Thioguanine in adequate dosage produced a striking regression of established S-180 and Ca-755 tumors. Apparently complete regressions of S-180 were obtained when the tumor-bearing mice were given three injections of thioguanine, 10–20 mg/kg, at 24-hr. intervals. Where the tumors were originally small (0.4 gm.) the hosts survived the combined toxicity of drug and tumor. Hosts bearing larger tumors (1–1.5 gm.) which have caused a 10 per cent loss in body weight did not tolerate 6-thioguanine well, although again an apparently complete regression was obtained in surviving animals. The Ca-755 tumor caused less host toxicity, and tumor-bearing animals tolerated three doses of up to 20 mg thioguanine/kg. Unlike S-180, however, the Ca-755 tumors recurred after an interval.
Plasma Changes of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Substance P in Patients with Dialysis Headache

Little is known of mechanism of dialysis headache (DH). As suggested for migraine, a role for neuropeptides has been investigated. Twenty-four patients under haemodialysis were studied. Twelve of them suffered from DH. The remaining patients were headache free. Blood samples for radioimmunoassay of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) were collected from the arteriovenous fistula before and after dialysis treatment. Basal plasma concentrations of CGRP were found to be higher in headache patients. Dialysis significantly decreased CGRP concentrations in both groups. No difference in basal plasma concentrations of SP was observed between groups. At the end of the treatment plasma SP concentrations were reduced in headache-free patients but increased in headache patients. Elevated plasma concentrations of CGRP in patients with DH could represent a biochemical factor contributing to susceptibility to headache. Because of the disputable role of SP in migraine, the significance of the increase of the peptide in plasma during DH remains to be elucidated.
15-kV/40-A FREEDM Supercascode: A Cost-Effective SiC High-Voltage and High-Frequency Power Switch

High-voltage wide bandgap semiconductor devices such as the 15 kV SiC mosfet have attracted great attention because of their potential applications in high-voltage and high-frequency power converters. However, these devices are not commercially available at the moment, and their high cost due to expensive material growth and fabrication may limit their widespread adoption in the future. In this paper, a 15-kV 40-A SiC three-terminal power switch, the Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) supercascode, is reported for the first time, which is based on a series connection of 1.2-kV SiC power devices. Compared with the monolithic 15-kV SiC mosfet, the FREEDM supercascode demonstrates obvious advantages in cost and thermal conductivity. The design and voltage-balancing mechanism of the FREEDM supercascode are introduced, and the performance including the voltage balancing, conduction characteristics over a wide range of temperatures, and dynamic switching performance, is analyzed. The FREEDM supercascode's low cost and excellent thermal dissipation capability will facilitate early applications of SiC in very high voltage and high frequency power converters.