Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The potential of using itaconate as treatment for inflammation-related heart diseases

Intracellular metabolites can cause critical changes in biological functions. Itaconate is perhaps the most fascinating substance in macrophages. Lipopolysaccharide can activate aconitate decarboxylase 1 and induces the generation of itaconate from the tricarboxylic acid cycle by decarboxylation of cis-aconitate. It has been reported that itaconate has beneficial effects on inflammation and oxidation. The mechanisms involved in these effects include the suppression of succinate dehydrogenase, the activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 by alkylation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, suppression of aerobic glycolysis through regulation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A, and suppression of IκBζ translation through activating transcription factor 3 activation. All of these findings elucidated the possible therapeutic implications of itaconate in inflammation-related diseases. In this review, we highlight that itaconate is a crucial molecule of the immunomodulatory response in macrophages and can regulate between immune response and cardiovascular metabolism. Furthermore, these discoveries suggest that itaconate is a very novel therapeutic molecule for the treatment of inflammation-related heart diseases.
Performance Model of Functional Officer of the Audit Customs and Excise Examiner at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise

This study aims to test the competence and motivation mediated by organizational commitment that affects employee performance, namely the Functional Officer of The Audit Custom and Excise Examiner at The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGCE). The research method uses a quantitative approach, with data collection using primary data, secondary data from Personnel Managers and library research, Primary data is determined by 77 respondents, obtained from sample selection using simple random sampling technique (Slovin 10% error tolerance) from a population of 318 Functional Officers of the Audit Custom and Excise Examiner. Data collection techniques using interviews and questionnaire instruments. The questionnaire survey instrument was randomly assigned to Functional Officer of Custom and. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with the Smart PLS3.0. software program to test the significance of competence and motivation in influencing employee performance and mediated by organizational commitment. The results showed that competence, motivation and organizational commitment had a significant positive effect on employee performance, either partially or simultaneously. Competence as the most important factor influences employee performance. In addition, competence is not mediated by organizational commitment but motivation is mediated by employee performance. The managerial implication is that the organization or leader must develop competence and motivation for employees to achieve their best performance with the highest priority on competency development.
“I changed, I had to realize that I was wrong”: Identity gap management amidst evolving illness uncertainty

Doubt that a family member’s health issues are real, severe, or even possible entwines some of the most challenging aspects of medical, personal, and social uncertainty. Although several studies have examined doubt, this investigation focuses on how doubt evolves and foregrounds the identity implications of uncertainty. Guided by Communication Theory of Identity (CTI), the purpose of this study was to explore the identity gaps people experience as they navigate evolving doubt about a family member’s health and how they manage those identity gaps. We interviewed 33 individuals in the U.S. about a family member’s health issues that they doubted but began to believe. Our analysis uncovered three identity gaps among personal, relational, and enacted layers of identity: personal-enacted, relational-enacted, and personal-relational-enacted identity gaps. Participants managed identity gaps in two primary ways: (a) closing gaps by altering personal, relational, or enacted layers of their own identity; and (b) maintaining identity gaps by putting the locus of responsibility for identity change within their family member’s relational identities. This study offers theoretical implications for CTI as well as practical implications for individuals navigating doubt and evolving illness uncertainty in their family relationships.
Human Factors for General Aviation

Have you ever read an article about an aircraft crash, and asked the question “how could that have happened? ” With the history of efforts in the aviation industry being focused primarily in technological development, the deficiency in this ideology began to make itself very clear with the occurrence of several high profile accidents. After the disaster at Tenerife, human error causing the ground collision of a Pan Am and KLM Boeing 747 in March of 1977, many in the industry began to realize the consequences of advancing the mechanical element, while neglecting the human one. It was at this point that the understanding of human factors began to get the proper attention.
Inequality Analysis of Pharmacist Distribution in Iran

Introduction: Unequal distribution of resources has always been a concern for health systems in addressing access issues in relation to health services.It might have a devastating effect on health outcomes and in a way incur the direct and indirect costs. The purpose of this study thus is to investigate the trend of pharmacists’ distribution in Iran.Methods: In this retrospective longitudinal study, data were collected for a four-time period; 2007, 2012, 2016 and 2019,from the Statistical Center of Iran and Islamic Republic of Iran Medical Council. The sought indicator was the number of pharmacists per 10,000 population. Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve were used to measure and analyze the inequality using STATA software and ArcGIS software was used to map the pharmacists’ distribution.Results: The results showed that the number of pharmacists in 2007 was 12986 and increased by 69% (21919) in 2019, however the inequality in the distribution of pharmacists has not yet disappeared. Gini coefficient values for 2007, 2012, 2016 and 2019 were 0.26, 0.23, 0.21 and 0.19, respectively. The Gini coefficient decreased by 27% during the study period and from 2007 to 2019, pharmacy per capita increased in all provinces of Iran.Conclusion: The trend of pharmacist distribution in Iran indicates an overall decrease in the inequality level. However, the inter-provincial distribution of pharmacists is significantly unequal, demanding full attention of national and provincial authorities. The results might also inject plenty of insights into the evidence-based policy making at the ministerial level.
The Seven Deadly Sins of Disaster Recovery

SUMMARY Disaster response is largely about managing people. Human failings and vice can delay or derail library and archives recovery activities, causing irreparable damage to irreplaceable cultural property. Peter Waters' seven requirements for conducting successful disaster recoveries are contrasted with the Seven Deadly Sins to demonstrate the timeless nature of subversive factors at work in the disaster domain. Disaster planning is recommended as an indispensable alternative to running in circles.
Applications of micro/nanoscale optical resonators: plasmonic photodetectors and double-disk cavity optomechanics

Optical resonators present the potential to serve vital purposes in many emergent technologies that require spectral filtering, high optical intensities, or optical delays. By scaling down the optical resonators to the micro or nanoscale, the relevant phenomena can increase significantly in magnitude, while the device geometries become suitable for chip-scale and integrated processing. In this thesis, research is presented on several valuable resonator geometries and implementations, beginning with a more standard all-optical design, and continuing on to investigate the novel phenomena and applications which are made possible when optical and mechanical structures can be synergistically combined. First, the design and experimental implementation of a plasmonic photonic crystal spectral and polarization filtering element is presented. This resonator scheme, in addition to allowing for a tailorable frequency and polarization response for single detector pixels, also increases the absorption of a thin layer of detector material by utilizing the unique optical properties of metal to confine light more tightly within the detector active region. Demonstrated in the valuable mid-infrared regime, this method of producing pixel-integrated multispectral detectors could find application in biological sensing and spectroscopy, missile tracking and guidance, and night vision. Following this discussion, progress is presented in the relatively new field of cavity optomechanics: utilizing mechanically compliant optical resonators to couple to, control, and read out mechanical motion via optical forces. The use of optical resonators allows the generally weak optical forces to be increased in strength by orders of magnitude due to the many passes light makes within the resonator, while miniaturizing optomechanical devices into a convenient form factor for on-chip applications. Using a fully silicon-compatible double-disk-geometry optomechanical resonator, extremely large optomechanical coupling and very high optical quality factors are shown, enabling the demonstration of regenerative mechanical amplification, high compression factor optomechanical cooling, coherent mechanical mode mixing, and wide-bandwidth all-optical wavelength routing. Applications to ground-state cooling of mesoscopic devices, tunable optical buffering, photonic-phononic quantum state transfer, channel routing/switching, pulse trapping/release, and tunable lasing are discussed.
Improvising on Emotion Terms: Students’ Strategies, Emotional Communication, and Aesthetic Value

Studies in musical improvisation show that musicians and even children are able to communicate intended emotions to listeners at will. To understand emotional expressivity in music as an art form, communicative success needs to be related to improvisers’ thought processes and listeners’ aesthetic judgments. In the present study, we used retrospective verbal protocols to address college music students’ strategies in improvisations based on emotion terms. We also subjected their improvisations to expert ratings in terms of heard emotional content and aesthetic value. A qualitative analysis showed that improvisers used both generative strategies (expressible in intramusical terms) and imaginative, extramusical strategies when approaching the improvisation tasks. The clarity of emotional communication was found to be high overall, and linear mixed-effects models showed that it was supported by generative approaches. However, perceived aesthetic value was unrelated to such emotional clarity. Instead, aesthetic value was associated with emotional complexity, here defined as the heard presence of “nonintended” emotions. The results point toward a view according to which the expressive content of improvisation gets specified and personalized during the very act of improvisation itself. Arguably, musical expressivity in improvisation should not be equated with the error-free communication of previously intended emotional categories.
Control of propeller cavitation in operational conditions

Off-design conditions can have a severe impact on ship propulsion system behaviour. Resistance increase, for instance, leads to higher engine loading, and can also easily lead to a decrease of cavitation inception speed with respect to calm water conditions. Wakefield variations due to ship motions, waves and manoeuvres also have an effect on engine loading and on propeller cavitation. This paper discusses the model-based development of a propulsion control system aiming at increased cavitation free time in operational conditions, while preventing engine overloading and keeping manoeuvring characteristics acceptable. The developed propulsion control system was tested extensively in a simulation environment before full-scale trials took place in February 2008, onboard a Royal Netherlands Navy frigate. Results in terms of full-scale propulsion system behaviour are presented, including photos showing the propeller cavitation behaviour in operational conditions.
Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis in F6 Generation of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula (Roxb) L.) for Yield and Quality

Vegetables play an important role in the balanced diet by providing not only energy but also supplying vital protective nutrients like minerals and vitamins. They are called protective food as their consumption can prevent several diseases. Nowadays, Cucurbitaceous vegetables form an important and big group of vegetable crops in our diet. Ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. ) is an important vegetable crop belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and luffa has essentially old world origin in sub-tropical Asian including India (Kalloo, 1993).
Micromachined rubber O-ring micro-fluidic couplers

In this paper, we present a novel type of a "quick-connect" for micro-fluidic devices realized by a simple silicone-rubber O-ring MEMS coupler. As shown in this work, the proposed O-ring couplers are easy to fabricate and utilize, reusable, can withstand high pressure (>60 psi), and provide good seals. In the paper, results from both the leak rate test and pull-out test are presented, demonstrating the functionality of the O-ring couplers.
Analysis of the single toggle jaw crusher kinematics

Purpose – This paper aims to obtain equations that can be used to describe the motion of any given point in the swing jaw of a single toggle jaw crusher. Design/methodology/approach – The swing jaw drive mechanism of a single toggle jaw crusher is modelled as a planar crank and rocker mechanism with the swing jaw as the coupler link. Starting with the vector loop closure equation for the mechanism, equations of the position, velocity and acceleration of any given point in the swing jaw are obtained. Findings – Application of the kinematical equations that were obtained is demonstrated using the dimensional data of a practical single toggle jaw crusher. Thus, a description of the kinematics of any given point in the swing jaw of a single toggle jaw crusher is realized. Originality/value – The model of the single toggle jaw crusher mechanism as a planar crank and rocker mechanism is a realistic one. The equations obtained in this paper should be useful in further studies on the mechanics and design of the s.
The effects of the interosseous membrane and partial fibulectomy upon loading of the tibia: a biomechanical study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the fibula and the (IOM) on load sharing in the lower extremity. Mechanical testing results demonstrated that under the applied compressive loading the IOM and the fibula both function to stabilize the tibia and tend to lessen its posterior-lateral bending (anterior-medial bowing of the tibia). The IOM serves to stabilize the posterior-lateral bowing of the fibula regardless of the position of the foot. Fibular strains were not reduced to zero after sectioning of the IOM, indicating load transmission to the fibula through its proximal and distal ends. <<ETX>>
PROCYON: 18-MJ, 2-/spl mu/s pulsed power system

The Procyon high explosive pulsed power (HEPP) system was designed to drive plasma Z-pinch experiments that produce Megajoule soft X-ray pulses when the plasma stagnates on axis. In the proceedings of the Ninth IEEE Pulsed Power Conference, the authors published results from system development tests. At this time, they have fielded seven tests in which the focus was on either vacuum switching or load physics. Four of the tests concentrated on the performance of a plasma flow switch (PFS) which employed a l/r mass distribution in the PFS barrel. Of the four tests, two had dummy loads and one had an implosion load. In addition, one of the tests broke down near the vacuum dielectric interface, and the result demonstrated what Procyon could deliver to an 18 nH load. The authors summarize PFS results and the 18 nH test which is pertinent to upcoming solid/liquid liner experiments. On their other three tests, they eliminated the PFS switching and powered the Z-pinch directly with the HEPP system. From the best of these direct drive tests, they obtained 1.5 MJ of radiation in a 250 ns pulse, their best radiation pulse to date. They also summarize direct drive test results. More details are given in other papers in this conference for both the PFS and direct drive experiments, and an updated analysis of their opening switch performance is also included. The remainder of this paper describes the parameters and capabilities of their system, and they use the data from several experiments to provide more precise information than previously available.
SiGe electro-absorption modulators for applications at 1550nm

A novel SiGel_, electro-absorption modulator design is experimentally demonstrated. The device is waveguide integrated, butt-coupled into high index contrast Si/SiO2 waveguides. 0.75% Silicon concentration in the alloy is optimized for 1550nm applications. With its 400nm height, 600nm width, and 50,pm length, the device has a footprint smaller than 30Atm 2. Low effective driving voltage, <2.5V, is needed to achieve an extinction ratio of 5.2dB in the broad 1510-1555nm wavelength operation range. At 1550nm, an extinction ratio of 6.5dB is achieved with an applied effective bias of -2.5V. High frequency measurements determine the device can reach a 3dB frequency of 1.2GHz. Electrical characterization of the device shows high series resistance (-15kQ) which is caused by fabrication over-etching during metal contact deposition. Series resistance reduction to -100Q would allow the device to reach the predicted 3dB frequency of 100GHz with 10dB extinction ratio. A pseudo-linear relation is found between the achieved extinction ratio and the applied effective bias. The ratio between these two quantities, the modulation efficiency, can be considered as a new figure of merit of the device. The slope of this pseudo-linear relation measures 2.2dB/V for extinction ratio values ranging between 0 and 5.5dB. In terms of modulation depth it is equivalent to a slope of 40%/V in the range 0.5V-2V. Finally, an ultra-low power consumption per bit of 34fJ/bit is measured for a capacitance of 11fF and an effective applied reverse bias of 2.5V. Thesis Supervisor: L.C. Kimerling Title: Thomas Lord Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Thesis Supervisor: J. Michel Title: Department of Materials Science and Engineering
RAM EFFECT ON ESTRUS BEHAVIOR, OVARIAN STRUCTURE AND STEROID HORMONE LEVELS IN OSSIMI EWES TREATED WITH PROSTAGLANDIN F2α FOR ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION

The objective of this study was to assess presence of ram with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on estrus behavior, patterns of follicular growth and steroid hormone production of Ossimi ewes in subtropics. Ewes (n= 20), were isolated from rams 30 days and thereafter, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) was used for synchronization by two injections 10 days apart. Ewes were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=10). The first group, PGF 2α with ram effect (PGRE), ewes were exposed to two trained teaser rams at the time of the second PGF2α injection until the end of the experiment, whilst the second group ( PG), ewes were isolated from rams except at the time for estrus detection. Estrus behavior and time of ovulation were detected after the second prostaglandin injection by noting the responses of the ewes to the male in the pen and by ultrasonography. The number and size of all follicles ≥2 mm and corpus luteum (CL) were monitored by ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected for measuring estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) hormones. Onset of estrus, time of ovulation and estrous cycle length were significantly shorter (P<0.05) in PGRE group compared with PG group. The number of preovulatory follicles and the mean size of ovulatory follicles were higher (P<0.05) in PGRE group compared with those in PG group. Moreover, the mean ovulation rate was higher (P<0.05) in PGRE group than that in PG group. In addition, the production of P4 was greater (P<0.05) in PGRE group on days 10 and 14 of the estrous cycle compared to the ewes in PG group. While, concentrations of the P 4 were increased numerically in PGRE group during 0, 2, 6 and 8 d of the estrous cycle. E2 production was almost similar in both groups. In conclusion, the presence of rams combined with PGF2α treatment, hastens estrus onset, decreased the time of ovulation, increased the ovulation rate and ovarian activity of Ossimi ewes in subtropical areas.
Cellular and humoral immune response to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in subjects with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is predominantly a B-lymphocyte leukemia associated with immune defects that are often exacerbated by CLL directed therapies. SARS-CoV-2 infection poses a significant risk of illness or mortality to CLL patients, and while SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are highly effective in immunocompetent individuals, efficacy varies substantially in immunocompromised patients, including those with CLL. To date, studies of COVID-19 vaccine immune responses in immunocompromised hosts have largely relied on semi-quantitative antibody titers that only partially characterize vaccine-elicited immune responses and do not measure B or T-cell specific responses that may also play a protective role in vaccinees. Here, we report RBD-specific antibody as well as B-cell and T-cell responses in an observational cohort of sixteen CLL subjects who received mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, finding a strong association between CLL treatment and vaccine immunogenicity, with important implications for vaccination timing in the context of CLL treatment or recovery from prior treatment.
Creation and evaluation of full-text literature-derived, feature-weighted disease models of genetically determined developmental disorders

There are >2500 different genetically-determined developmental disorders (DD), which, as a group, show very high levels of both locus and allelic heterogeneity. This has led to the wide-spread use of evidence-based filtering of genome-wide sequence data as a diagnostic tool in DD. Determining whether the association of a filtered variant at a specific locus is a plausible explanation of the phenotype in the proband is crucial and commonly requires extensive manual literature review by both clinical scientists and clinicians. Access to a database of weighted clinical features extracted from rigorously curated literature would increase the efficiency of this process and facilitate the development of robust phenotypic similarity metrics. However, given the large and rapidly increasing volume of published information, conventional biocuration approaches are becoming impractical. Here, we present a scalable, automated method for extraction of categorical phenotypic descriptors from full-text literature. Papers identified through literature review were downloaded and parsed using the Cadmus custom retrieval package. Human Phenotype Ontology terms were extracted using MetaMap, with 76-83% precision and 72-81% recall. Mean terms per paper increased from 9 in title + abstract, to 69 using full text. We demonstrate that these literature-derived disease models plausibly reflect true disease expressivity more accurately than gold standard manually-curated models, through comparison with prospectively gathered data from the Deciphering Developmental Disorders study. AUC for ROC curves increased by 5-10% through use of literature-derived models. This work shows that scalable automated literature curation increases performance and adds weight to the need for this strategy to be integrated into informatic variant analysis pipelines.