Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A multi-scale model of erythropoiesis

In this paper, a multi-scale mathematical model of erythropoiesis is proposed in which erythroid progenitors are supposed to be able to self-renew. Three cellular processes control erythropoiesis: self-renewal, differentiation and apoptosis. We describe these processes and regulatory networks that govern them. Two proteins (ERK and Fas) are considered as the basic proteins participating in this regulation. All erythroid progenitors are divided into several sub-populations depending on their maturity level. Feedback regulations by erythropoietin, glucocorticoids and Fas ligand (FasL) are introduced in the model. The model consists of a system of ordinary differential equations describing intracellular protein concentration evolution and cell population dynamics. We study steady states and their stability. We carry out computer simulations of an anaemia situation and analyse the results.
c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase-Interacting Protein-3 Facilitates Phosphorylation and Controls Localization of Amyloid-β Precursor Protein

Abnormal phosphorylation of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) is a pathologic feature of Alzheimer's disease. To begin to understand the mechanism of APP phosphorylation, we studied this process in differentiating neurons under normal physiological conditions. We found that c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), not cyclin-dependent kinase 5, is required for APP phosphorylation, leading to localized accumulation of phosphorylated APP (pAPP) in neurites. We show that JNK-interacting protein-3 (JIP-3), a JNK scaffolding protein that does not bind APP, selectively increases APP phosphorylation, accumulation of pAPP into processes, and stimulates process extension in both neurons and COS-1 cells. Downregulation of JIP-3 by small interfering RNA impairs neurite extension and reduces the amount of localized pAPP. Finally, whereas stress-activated JNK generates pAPP only in the cell body, concomitant expression of JIP-3 restores pAPP accumulation into neurites. Thus, APP phosphorylation, transport of the generated pAPP into neurites, and neurite extension are interdependent processes regulated by JIP-3/JNK, in a pathway distinct from stress-activated JNK signaling.
Enhancing team learning in nursing teams through beliefs about interpersonal context.

AIM This article is a report of a study that examines the relationship between team-level learning and performance in nursing teams, and the role of beliefs about the interpersonal context in this relationship. BACKGROUND Over recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the learning processes of work teams. Researchers have investigated the impact of team learning on team performance, and the enabling conditions for this learning. However, team learning in nursing teams has been largely ignored. DESIGN A cross-sectional field survey design was used. METHODS The sample comprises a total of 468 healthcare professionals working in 89 nursing teams at different public hospitals throughout Spain. Members of nursing teams participated voluntarily by completing a confidential individual questionnaire. Team supervisors evaluated nursing teams' performance. Data were collected over 2007-2008. RESULTS The results show a mediating effect of team learning on the relationship between beliefs about interpersonal context (psychological safety, perceived task interdependence, and group potency) and team performance. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that beliefs about interpersonal context and team learning are important to effective nursing team performance.
Cannabinoid 1 receptors in keratinocytes attenuate fluorescein isothiocyanate‐induced mouse atopic‐like dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by an impaired epidermal barrier function combined with a chronic Th2‐type inflammatory response and an intense pruritus. Here, we used an experimental mouse model for Th2‐type contact hypersensitivity (CHS) to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) to investigate the potential role of cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1) in the pathophysiology of mouse atopic‐like dermatitis. Mice lacking CB1 receptors globally (Cnr1−/−) or specifically in keratinocytes (KC‐Cnr1−/−) as well as wild‐type (WT) control mice were sensitized and challenged with FITC. We examined ear swelling responses, transepidermal water loss, Th2‐type skin inflammatory responses and serum IgE levels. Both Cnr1−/− and KC‐Cnr1−/− showed enhanced CHS responses to FITC and a delayed epidermal barrier repair when compared with WT mice. mRNA levels for IL‐4, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and CCL8, as well as eosinophil activity, were significantly increased in inflamed ear tissue of FITC‐challenged Cnr1−/− and KC‐Cnr1−/− mice. Importantly, CB1 receptor‐deficient keratinocytes secreted increased levels of TSLP, a proinflammatory mediator that drives Th2‐type skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis, under basal and Th2‐type inflammatory conditions. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CB1 receptors in keratinocytes help to maintain epidermal barrier homoeostasis and attenuate Th2‐type allergic inflammatory responses. Based on our work, we propose that enhanced epidermal allergen penetrance cooperates with increased production of TSLP and CCL8 by epidermal keratinocytes for the induction of type 2 CD4+ T helper cells. Our results place keratinocytes at the cross‐roads of outside‐in and inside‐out pathophysiologic mechanisms of atopic dermatitis.
A uni ed model for set-based computations

In many situations with incomplete or vague information, it may not be possible to obtain the exact values of certain parameters. A plausible solution to this problem is to use a set-valued representation scheme, in which a parameter is assigned to a set of all possible values based on the available information. This paper examines a unified model for setbased computations. Within the proposed framework, a number of existing methods are analyzed, including interval-number algebra, interval-set algebra, intervalvalued fuzzy reasoning, and set-based information systems. It is argued that the proposed approach may be useful in establishing a unified framework for uncertainty representation and approximate reasoning.
Relation between External Audit Fees, Audit Committee Characteristics and Internal Audit

This study examines whether the existence of an audit committee, audit committee characteristics and the use of internal audit are associated with higher external audit fees. Higher audit fees imply increased audit testing and higher audit quality. We find that the existence of an audit committee, more frequent committee meetings and increased use of internal audit are related to higher audit fees. The expertise of audit committee members is associated with higher audit fees when meeting frequency and independence are low. These findings are consistent with an increased demand for higher quality auditing by audit committees, and by firms that make greater use of internal audit.
A Data-Driven Evaluation of the Size and Content of Expanded Carrier Screening Panels [1M]

rates and at-risk couple rates were calculated in 56,281 patients who underwent a 176-condition ECS and evaluated for panels satisfying various criteria. Condition-specific clinical sensitivity was estimated via simulation. This study was exempt from IRB oversight. RESULTS: Different interpretations of the 1-in-100 criterion have variable impact: a compliant panel would include between 3 and 38 conditions, identify 11%-81% fewer at-risk couples, and detect 36%-79% fewer carriers than a 176-condition panel. We found no conspicuous change in the ratio of the marginal panel carrier rate relative to the marginal at-risk couple rate that would motivate a 1-in-100 carrier-rate threshold. Simulations suggest that the clinical detection rate remains . 84% for conditions with carrier rates as low as 1-in-1000, with detection rates sensitive to condition-specific variant-frequency distributions, which we have compiled. CONCLUSION: The 1-in-100 criterion should be reconsidered because it limits at-risk couple detection without substantially easing the burden of testing partners of carriers. Financial Disclosure: Rotem Ben-Shachar the following Myriad Svenson two multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase 3 of the in and 7 sites. a 21/7 day in/out of CVS use for up to 13 cycles, and vaginal bleeding daily in diaries. Scheduled and unscheduled bleeding/spotting were summarized by cycle. used multiple logistic regression to identify factors associated with unscheduled bleeding/spotting. avoid bias study participation lengths, analyzed the first 4 cycles of CVS use. of a mean of women/cycle; a for bleeding/spotting Compared with women, Black/African-American bleeding/spotting mass
Kullback-Leibler Divergence (KLD) Based Anomaly Detection and Monotonic Sequence Analysis

Cognitive Radio systems require detailed feedback about their environment, and detecting anomalies is core to this task. The KLD metric can be used to detect a variety of anomalies in radio signals, and has been previously demonstrated to be both effective, and efficient enough to run in real-time. In tests, it was observed that some anomalous signals caused the KLD to increase monotonically for long time periods, while others did not. After analysing the KLD equation and comparing the findings with the results from the tests, we present a hypothesis for how such monotonic sequences could occur and demonstrate that this agrees very closely with results in observed signals.
Effect of Marginal Quality Groundwater on Yield of Cotton Crop and Soil Salinity Status

 Abstract — In this paper, effect of marginal quality groundwater on yield of cotton crop and soil salinity was studied. In this connection, three irrigation treatments each with four replications were applied. These treatments were i) use of canal water (T 1 ), ii) use of marginal quality groundwater from tubewell (T 2 ), and iii) conjunctive use by mixing with the ratio of 1:1 of canal water and marginal quality tubewell water (T 3 ). Water was applied to the crop cultivated in Kharif season 2011; its quantity has been measured using cut-throat flume. Total 11 watering each of 50 mm depth have been applied from 20 th April to 20 th July, 2011. Further, irrigations were stopped due to monsoon rainfall up to crop harvesting. Maximum crop yield (seed cotton) was observed under T 1 which was 1,517 kg/ha followed by T 3 (mixed canal and tubewell water) having 1009 kg/ha and T 2 i.e. marginal quality groundwater having 709 kg/ha. This concludes that crop yield in T 2 and T 3 in comparison to T 1 was reduced by about 53 and 30% respectively. It has been observed that yield of cotton crop is below potential limit for three treatments due to unexpected rainfall at the time of full flowering season; thus the yield was adversely affected. However, salt deposition in soil profiles was not observed that is due to leaching effect of heavy rainfall occurred during monsoon season.
Visual Free Recall

Lists of complex pictures, not easily encoded verbally, were presented to subjects who recalled them by writing brief descriptions. The lists were 10, 20, and 40 pictures in length. Recall failed to show the primacy and recency effects seen with verbal materials, but was lower for pictures in longer lists. This argues for serial-position effects based in short-term memory and independent list-length effects arising during retrieval from long-term memory.
A New Stem Hynobiid Salamander (Urodela, Cryptobranchoidea) from The Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) of Liaoning Province, China

ABSTRACT Hynobiids are a group of small- to moderate-sized salamanders living primarily in Asia. They are a primitive crown-group clade, with a poor fossil record. Several hynobiid-like taxa have been discovered from the Lower Cretaceous strata of northern China during the last 20 years, with Liaoxitriton zhongjiani and Nuominerpeton aquilonaris identified as the oldest known stem hynobiids. However, the record of pre-Cretaceous hynobiid-like taxa is only known by Liaoxitriton daohugouensis, of which both the morphology and the congeneric status with L. zhongjiani remain problematic. Here, we report on a new hynobiid-like salamander, Linglongtriton daxishanensis, gen. et sp. nov., on the basis of two specimens from the Upper Jurassic Lanqi/Tiaojishan Formation (∼160 Ma) of Liaoning Province, China. Linglongtriton is diagnosed by a unique combination of features revealed by both observation under microscope and micro-computed tomography (µCT) scan of the holotype, including nasals separated from each other at the midline; prootic, opisthotic, and exoccipital retained as discrete elements; dentary with a lateral groove; articular not ossified; metacarpal III enlarged; a single centrale; and distal tarsals 4 and 5 fused into a single element. Phylogenetic analysis identified Linglongtriton and several other hynobiid-like taxa, including Liaoxitriton daohugouensis, as stem hynobiids, thereby extending the temporal range of the stem by at least 40 Ma—from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian–Barremian) to the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian). Comparative study of Linglongtriton with living and fossil hynobiids sheds new lights on the evolution and developmental mechanisms of several characters, including nasal separation and tarsal elements.
Lasting changes in passive range motion after spinal manipulation: a randomized, blind, controlled trial.

PURPOSE To study whether a 3-wk series of spinal manipulation has any lasting effect on passive cervical range of motion. DESIGN Randomized, controlled trial with a blind observer. SETTING Ambulatory outpatient facility in an independent National Health Service funded chiropractic research institution. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-nine headache sufferers who, on entering the study, displayed objectively decreased passive cervical range of motion. These subjects were recruited from 400 headache sufferers who responded to newspaper advertisements. INTERVENTION Half of the group received high-velocity, low-amplitude cervical manipulation twice a week for 3 wk. The other half received low-level laser in the upper cervical region and deep friction massage in the lower cervical/upper thoracic region, also twice a week for 3 wk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Goniometrically assessed passive range of motion of the cervical spine. RESULTS Although passive cervical range of motion increased in both groups during the trial period, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups 1 wk after the last treatment. CONCLUSION It seems that any changes in passive range of motion after spinal manipulation are of a temporary nature.
Neisseria meningitidis NalP cleaves human complement C3, facilitating degradation of C3b and survival in human serum

Significance The complement system is a crucial component of the innate immune response in humans. In this study, we report the characterization of an autotransporter protease of Neisseria meningitidis named NalP. We show that NalP is able to cleave the α-chain of the human complement factor C3 in a species-specific manner. As a consequence, the deposition of C3b on the bacterial surface is reduced and, in human serum, the NalP-generated C3b fragment is further degraded by host factors. Our results significantly increase the knowledge of how N. meningitidis can survive and multiply in human serum, evading the innate immune system. The complement system is a crucial component of the innate immune response against invading bacterial pathogens. The human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is known to possess several mechanisms to evade the complement system, including binding to complement inhibitors. In this study, we describe an additional mechanism used by Nm to evade the complement system and survive in human blood. Using an isogenic NalP deletion mutant and NalP complementing strains, we show that the autotransporter protease NalP cleaves C3, the central component of the complement cascade. The cleavage occurs 4 aa upstream from the natural C3 cleavage site and produces shorter C3a-like and longer C3b-like fragments. The C3b-like fragment is degraded in the presence of the complement regulators (factors H and I), and this degradation results in lower deposition of C3b on the bacterial surface. We conclude that NalP is an important factor to increase the survival of Nm in human serum.
S‐Glutathionylation underscores the modulation of the heteromeric Kir4.1–Kir5.1 channel in oxidative stress

• K+ channels are the primary regulators of membrane potentials and cellular excitability, dysfunction of which may occur under several pathophysiological conditions affecting cellular function and stress responses, such as oxidative stress known to play an important role in the inflammation state. • In the study, we find evidence for the modulation of a K+ channel by several oxidants. The underlying mechanism for the oxidant‐mediated channel modulation appears to be mediated by S‐glutathionylation, a newly recognized protein modification process. • A cysteine residue in the second transmembrane domain of the channel protein seems to be the target of S‐glutathionylation.
Early Oral Feeds in Laryngectomized Patients

Objectives: It is a common practice to start oral feeding after 7 to 10 days in patients who have undergone laryngeal surgeries. It was our observation that when oral feeds were initiated earlier than this period, there was no increase in the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulas. This prospective study is about our experience in initiating early oral feeds in the postoperative period (on the 2nd day) in laryngectomized patients. Methods: Seventy-eight patients underwent laryngectomy with or without partial pharyngectomy over a period of 38 months between October 2001 and December 2004. The oral feeds were initiated on the 2nd postoperative day in 40 patients. Thirty-eight patients served as controls in whom feeds were initiated after the 10th postoperative day. Results: Only 1 patient in the study group and 2 patients in the control group developed pharyngocutaneous fistulas. Most patients in the control group wished to avoid nasogastric intubation in the recovery period because of discomfort, gastric symptoms, and the need to taste food. Conclusions: With this study we can assume that in a select group of patients, it is possible to initiate oral feeding much earlier in the postoperative period than was formerly thought.
Membrane distributed-reflector laser integrated with SiOx-based spot-size converter on Si platform

We develop a 50-μm-long-cavity membrane distributed-reflector laser monolithically integrated with a spot-size converter, consisting of an InP taper and an SiO<sub>x</sub> waveguide, on an SiO<sub>2</sub>/Si substrate. We achieve high modulation efficiency of 9.4-GHz/mA<sup>1/2</sup> and fiber butt coupling without any lenses.
Plasma IL-4, IL-8, IL-12, interferon-γ and CRP levels in pregnant women with preeclampsia, and their relation with severity of disease and fetal birth weight

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypothesis that preeclampsia is associated with increased systemic inflammatory responses of Th1-type as well as decreased Th2-type responses compared with normal pregnancy. We also sought to determine whether there was a correlation between these markers with severity of preeclampsia and fetal birth weight. Methods: The study population consisted of maternal age, gestational age, and body mass index matched 138 pregnant women; 56 normotensive healthy pregnant women (group 1), 42 women with mild preeclampsia (group 2), 40 women with severe preeclampsia (group 3). Results: Plasma interleukin (IL)-8 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly higher in group 3 than group 1 (p < 0.05). Plasma IL-4, IL-12, and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were similar in all groups. Although plasma IL-8 and CRP levels of mild preeclamptic group were higher than control group and lower than severe preeclamptic group, the differences were not statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between IL-12 and fetal birth weight in severe preeclamptic group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Elevated maternal serum pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 and CRP in severe preeclamptic women compared with normal pregnant women supports the hypothesis that preeclampsia is associated with increased inflammatory responses.
Variations in size and in symmetry of foramina of the human skull

The goal of this report is to define an average size and size range for many of the skull's foramina and to determine in which paired foramina asymmetry is commonly found so that researchers and clinicians examining foramina may have an anatomical reference. The incidence of foraminal variations is also discussed. Information on skull foraminal size and symmetry is increasingly important because of the advancements in radiologic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). These methods are making difficult diagnoses of pathologic conditions of skull foramina possible. The foramina of 100 randomly selected dry skulls were measured and the symmetry of paired foramina was noted. The average, largest, and smallest sizes for 29 different foramina and the length of one canal are listed. Information regarding the symmetry of 27 paired foramina and the length symmetry of the infraorbital canal was also gathered. Specific data collected for paired foramina include the percent of skulls in which (1) neither foramen of the pair was present, (2) both foramina of a pair were present, (3) both foramina of the pair are present and were both the same size within 0.5 mm, and (4) both foramina of a pair are present but there was greater than 0.5 mm difference in size between them. Clin. Anat. 6:406–413, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fast encoding for personalized views extracted from beyond high definition content

Broadcast providers are looking for new opportunities to increase user experience and user interaction on their content. Their main goal is to attract and preserve viewer attention to create a big and stable audience. This could be achieved with a second screen application that lets the users select their own viewpoint in an extremely high resolution video to direct their own first screen. By allowing the users to create their own personalized video stream, they become involved with the content creation itself. However, encoding a personalized view for each user is computationally complex. This paper describes a machine learning approach to speed up the encoding of each personal view. Simulation results of zoom, pan and tilt scenarios show bit rate increases between 2% and 9% for complexity reductions between 69% and 79% compared to full encoding.
Estimating stem maintenance respiration rates of dissimilar balsam fir stands.

Stem maintenance respiration rates were measured in five contrasting balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. ) stands. At 15 degrees C, average respiration rates for individual stands ranged from 120 to 235 micro mol m(-3) s(-1) when expressed per unit of sapwood volume, from 0.80 to 1.80 micro mol m(-2) s(-1) when expressed per unit of stem surface area, and from 0.50 to 1.00 micro mol g(-1) s(-1) when expressed per unit of nitrogen in the living stem biomass, but differences among stands were not statistically significant. Coefficients of variation ranged from 50 to 100% within stands and were similar for all bases used to express respiration rates. Coefficients of determination for regressions between chamber flux and chamber values of sapwood volume, stem surface area and nitrogen content varied between stands and no one base was consistently higher than the other bases. We conclude that the bases for expressing stem respiration are equally useful. Respiration rates were more closely correlated to stem temperature observed approximately 2 h earlier than to current stem temperature. Among stands, annual stem maintenance respiration per hectare varied from 0.1 to 0.4 Mmol ha(-1) year(-1), primarily because of large differences in sapwood volumes per hectare. Annual stem maintenance respiration per unit of leaf area ranged from 3 to 6 mol m(-2) year(-1), increasing as sapwood volume per hectare increased.