Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ephrin-A6, a new ligand for EphA receptors in the developing visual system.

In the embryonic visual system, EphA receptors are expressed on both temporal and nasal retinal ganglion cell axons. Only the temporal axons, however, are sensitive to the low concentrations of ephrin-A ligands found in the anterior optic tectum. The poor responsiveness of nasal axons to ephrin-A ligands, which allows them to traverse the anterior tectum and reach their targets in the posterior tectum, has been attributed to constitutive activation of the EphA4 receptor expressed in these axons. EphA4 is highly expressed throughout the retina, but is preferentially phosphorylated on tyrosine (activated) in nasal retina. In a screen for EphA4 ligands expressed in chicken embryonic retina, we have identified a novel ephrin, ephrin-A6. Like ephrin-A5, ephrin-A6 has high affinity for EphA4 and activates this receptor in cultured retinal cells. In the embryonic day 8 (E8) chicken visual system, ephrin-A6 is predominantly expressed in the nasal retina and ephrin-A5 in the posterior tectum. Thus, ephrin-A6 has the properties of a ligand that activates the EphA4 receptor in nasal retinal cells. Ephrin-A6 binds with high affinity to several other EphA receptors as well and causes growth cone collapse in retinal explants, demonstrating that it can elicit biological responses in retinal neurons. Ephrin-A6 expression is high at E6 and E8, when retinal axons grow to their tectal targets, and gradually declines at later developmental stages. The asymmetric distribution of ephrin-A6 in retinal cells, and the time course of its expression, suggest that this new ephrin plays a role in the establishment of visual system topography.
Image‐based systems biology of infection

The successful treatment of infectious diseases requires interdisciplinary studies of all aspects of infection processes. The overarching combination of experimental research and theoretical analysis in a systems biology approach can unravel mechanisms of complex interactions between pathogens and the human immune system. Taking into account spatial information is especially important in the context of infection, since the migratory behavior and spatial interactions of cells are often decisive for the outcome of the immune response. Spatial information is provided by image and video data that are acquired in microscopy experiments and that are at the heart of an image‐based systems biology approach. This review demonstrates how image‐based systems biology improves our understanding of infection processes. We discuss the three main steps of this approach—imaging, quantitative characterization, and modeling—and consider the application of these steps in the context of studying infection processes. After summarizing the most relevant microscopy and image analysis approaches, we discuss ways to quantify infection processes, and address a number of modeling techniques that exploit image‐derived data to simulate host‐pathogen interactions in silico. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Cosmological constant problem: deflation during inflation

We argue that the discrepancy between the Planck mass scale and the observed value of the cosmological constant can be largely attenuated, if those quantities are understood as a result of effective, and thus scale-dependent, couplings. We exemplify this mechanism for the early inflationary epoch of the universe by solving the corresponding effective gap equations, subject to an energy condition. Several non-trivial checks and extensions are discussed. A comparison of our results to the renormalization group flow, obtained within the asymptotic safety program reveals a stunning agreement.
Self-assembly of a thin highly reduced graphene oxide film and its high electrocatalytic activity

A thin highly reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film was self-assembled at the dimethyl formamide (DMF)–air interface through evaporation-induced water-assisted thin film formation at the pentane–DMF interface, followed by complete evaporation of pentane. The thin film was transferred onto various solid substrates for film characterization and electrochemical sensing. UV-visible spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and electrochemistry techniques were used to characterize the film. An rGO film showing 82.8% of the transmittance at 550 nm corresponds to a few layers of rGO nanosheets. The rGO nanosheets cross-stack with each other, lying approximately in the plane of the film. An rGO film collected on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode exhibited improved electrical conductivity compared to GC, with the electrode charge-transfer resistance (Rct) reduced from 31 Ω to 22 Ω. The as-formed rGO/GC electrode was mechanically very stable, exhibiting significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity to H2O2 and dopamine. Multiple layers of the rGO films on the GC electrode showed even stronger electrocatalytic activity to dopamine than that of the single rGO film layer. The controllable formation of a stable rGO film on various solid substrates has potential applications for nanoelectronics and sensors/biosensors.
Nutritional Assessment of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients by Bioelectrical Impedance

Objective The Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) guidelines suggest that anthropometric measurements are useful in assessment of nutrition. However, the technique is operator-dependent and time consuming. To estimate fat-free mass and fat mass, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measures the impedance of an electrical current passing through the body. Our aim in the present study was to validate the use of BIA in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Design We recruited patients from the CAPD clinic. The biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac skinfold thickness were measured by Harpenden skinfold calipers (British Indicators, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, U.K.). Using a linear regression equation (Durin and Womersley) and the Siri equation, we calculated percentage body fat composition from the anthropometric measurements. For BIA assessment, fat composition was measured using the Body Composition Analyzer (TBF-300GS: Tanita Corporation of America, Arlington Heights, IL, U.S.A.). Results We recruited a total of 60 patients who had been on CAPD for 21.8 ± 23 months. The percentage of body fat in the study group as estimated by anthropometry was 27.5% ± 8.6% (range: 5.78% – 40.4%). By BIA, the percentage of body fat was 17.6% ± 8.9% (range: 2.4% – 42.3%). The results by the two methods were highly correlated (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). By paired t-test, the mean difference in body fat composition using the two different methods was 9.9% ± 6.6% (p < 0.001). Conclusions Measurement of body fat composition in CAPD patients by BIA and by anthropometry were highly correlated. The body fat composition measured by BIA was lower than that measured by anthropometry. The BIA method is simple and noninvasive. It may play a role in monitoring trend of body composition in CAPD patients in an outpatient setting.
REMOVAL OF DIRECT BLACK 38 DYE BY ADSORPTION AND PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION ON TiO 2 PREPARED AT LOW TEMPERATURE

− TiO2 powder was prepared by a hydrothermal process at 200oC for 12 h. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm. The synthesized sample presented a pure phase anatase, with nanometric particle size. Its activity was tested for adsorption and degradation of the azo leather dye, Direct Black 38. The adsorption isotherm obtained followed the Stype in terms of the classification of Giles. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated, and the results revealed that the adsorption process is endothermic in nature. The material showed highly photocatalytic activity in the degradation of the dye, similar to that of the TiO2 (P25 Degussa) photocatalyst. Keywords−− TiO2, photocatalysis, adsorption, degradation, dye.
Mass diagnosis in mammography images using novel FTRD features

In this paper, a novel group of features have been introduced for diagnosing the masses in mammography images. The goal is increasing the performance of CADx algorithms as well as decreasing computational complexity. The proposed features are proper descriptors of mass margin which are called Fourier Transform of Radial Distance (FTRD). The input ROI has been segmented manually by expert radiologists and subjected to some preprocessing stages. In order to extract the proposed features, the Radial Distance (RD) vectors of masses have been extracted. In addition, the zero padding method has been utilized to equalize the length of the RD vectors. Then, the resulting vectors are transformed to the frequency domain. It is shown that the magnitude response of FTRD vectors can be appropriate descriptors of the mass margin. Furthermore, in order to make a trade-off between the computational complexity and performance of the overall system, several groups of FTRD features with different lengths have been chosen and applied to an MLP classifier. Finally, the ROC curves have been plotted for each group of features and the performances have been evaluated. The most effective system yields an Az which is equal to 0.98. Moreover, the best achieved FPR is 5.56%.
Eculizumab Salvage Therapy for Antibody‐Mediated Rejection in a Desensitization‐Resistant Intestinal Re‐Transplant Patient

The presence of elevated calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) and anti‐HLA donor specific antibodies (DSA) are high risk factors for acute antibody‐mediated rejection (AAMR) in intestinal transplantation that may lead to graft loss. Eculizumab has been used for the treatment of AAMR in kidney transplantation of sensitized patients that do not respond to other treatment. Here, we report a case where eculizumab was used to treat AAMR in a desensitization‐resistant intestinal re‐transplant patient. A male patient lost his intestinal graft to AAMR 8.14 years after his primary transplant. He received a second intestinal graft that had to be explanted a month later due to refractory AAMR. The patient remained highly sensitized despite multiple treatments. He received a multivisceral graft and presented with severe AAMR on day 3 posttransplantation. The AAMR was successfully treated with eculizumab. The patient presently maintains an elevated cPRA level above 90% but his DSAs have decreased from 18 000 MFI (mean fluorescent intensity) to below the positive cut‐off value of 3000 MFI and remains rejection free with a 2‐year follow‐up since his multivisceral transplant. Eculizumab offers an alternative to treat AAMR in intestinal transplantation in desensitization‐resistant patients.
How to improve firm performance through employee diversity and organisational culture

Purpose – Our study examines the influence that employee diversity has on human resource management (HRM) practices and organisational performance, considering the moderating role of organisational culture, in particular, cultural dimensions such as individualism–collectivism and hierarchical distance. Design/methodology/approach – Through an empirical investigation of 102 Spanish firms using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), we evaluated our hypotheses. Findings – Our results show a positive correlation between employee diversity and HRM practices where such practices encourage employee commitment rather than control. Thus, we identified a non-linear relationship between HRM practices and organisational performance. Originality/value – The study considers the role played by environmental and contextual factors, such as organisational culture. The configuring of HR practices may help to reduce the possible costs derived from a diverse staff and improve their skills in favour of better organisational performance
Comparison Between Mercury Manometer , Digital Device and Aneroid Device in Blood Pressure Measurements

Objective: To compare the readings of automated and aneroid devices to the gold standard apparatus, mercury sphygmomanometer in taking blood pressure measurements. Design: Sample data were collected by measuring blood pressure of volunteers. Three systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements were taken by 2 observers using the 3 devices as mentioned. Setting: This study was conducted at Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC), a tertiary institution placed in Melaka and Muar, Malaysia, from December 2017 to February 2018. Subjects: The total number of participants was 115, including 46 males and 69 females (age range 18-35). Analysis: Statistical analyses including the Epi Info 7, Pearson Correlation Coefficient calculator and BlandAltman plot in Excel. Results: The systolic blood pressure measurements of mercury and digital sphygmomanometer has a significantly high correlation, and significantly moderate correlation for diastolic blood pressure measurements. Upon plotting Bland and Altman plot, 95% of the results are within the ±2 standard deviation for both systolic and diastolic BP, hence it is significant. While the systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements of mercury and aneroid sphygmomanometer were highly correlated, hence with a significant association. Subsequent to plotting the Bland and Altman plot, 95% of the result falls between ±2 standard deviation for both systolic and diastolic BP, proved it is significant. Conclusion: Hence, these proves a good agreement. Therefore, for those who do not acquire the skill of measuring BP using the standard method could utilize the digital device which is more convenient and easier to record the BP readings. While for aneroid sphygmomanometer, it is more environmental friendly compared to mercury sphygmomanometer and it can help in preventing mercury poisoning in hospital setting. However, mercury sphygmomanometer is still the gold standard for BP measurements. This study’s findings will be a useful resource for diagnosing hypertension research in Malaysia.
Land Surface Data Assimilation

Land surface processes determine the lower boundary conditions of the atmosphere and they represent a crucial component of the hydrological cycle (Entekhabi et al., 1999; Koster and Suarez, 1992; Sukla and Mintz, 1982). In Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and climate models, surface-atmosphere interaction processes are represented by Land Surface Models (LSMs). These models have been improved considerably during the last two decades and nowadays they model exchanges of water and energy through the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum with a good consistency between land surface fluxes and soil moisture (e.g. Balsamo et al., 2009; Krinner et al., 2005; de Rosnay et al., 2002). Land surface initialisation is of crucial importance for NWP. Soil moisture determines the partitioning of energy between latent and sensible heat fluxes. A number of studies have shown a significant impact of soil moisture on weather forecast skill at short and medium range (van den Hurk et al., 2008; Drusch and Viterbo, 2007; Douville et al., 2000; Mahfouf et al., 2000; Beljaars et al., 1996) as well as at seasonal range (Weisheimer et al., 2011; Koster et al., 2011, 2004). Cold processes are also a key component of the land-surface interactions. Snow is characterised by a very high albedo, a low thermal conductivity and it represents a significant surface water storage reservoir (Brown and Mote, 2009; Barnett et al., 2005). Snow has therefore a strong influence on the summer water supply and it affects the energy balance at the surface and the surface atmosphere interactions (Gong et al., 2004; Walland and Simmonds, 1997). Initialisation of snow conditions also has a large impact on the forecast accuracy as show by Drusch et al. (2004) and Brasnett (1999).
STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK Alluvial-fan deposits of Eldorado and Piute Valleys

The Nelson SW Quadrangle contains excellent exposures of early to middle Miocene volcanic and sedimentary rocks, the upper part of the ~16.6 Ma Searchlight pluton, and the northernmost part of the Searchlight gold-silver-copper-lead mining district. The Miocene section rests nonconformably on Early Proterozoic gneiss. The Tertiary strata are generally moderately to steeply tilted and cut by complex arrays of northerly striking normal faults. In addition, these strata are deformed into a broad syncline in the northern part of the quadrangle. The normal faulting, tilting, and folding were induced by large-magnitude middle Miocene extension. Essentially undeformed, flat-lying late Miocene to Quaternary alluvial-fan deposits rest in angular unconformity on the tilted Miocene strata. The purpose of this report is to describe the stratigraphic and structural framework of the Nelson SW Quadrangle, placing it in context with the evolution of the Colorado River extensional corridor. Stratigraphic and structural relations, as well as Ar/Ar geochronology, are utilized to bracket the timing of extension. More detailed accounts of the geology of the Highland Range can be found in Davis (1984), Olson (1996), and Faulds and others (2002).
Processing of the pectate lyase PelI by extracellular proteases of Erwinia chrysanthemi 3937

Erwinia chrysanthemi causes soft rot on various plants. The maceration of plant tissues is mainly due to the action of endopectate lyases. The E. chrysanthemi strain 3937 produces eight endopectate lyases (PelA, PelB, PelC, PelD, PelE, PelI, PelL and PelZ) that are secreted by the Out pathway. The necrotic response elicited by the wild‐type E. chrysanthemi strain on tobacco leaves is due to an extracellular protein secreted by the Out machinery. Purification of the active factor revealed that it corresponds to a pectate lyase presenting immunological cross‐reaction with PelI. Analysis of pelI and out mutants indicated that the necrosis‐inducing pectate lyase results from a post‐translational modification of PelI occurring extracellularly both in culture media and in planta. This modification consists of the cleavage of 97 N‐terminal amino acids by the extracellular proteases of E. chrysanthemi. The enzymatic properties of the maturated form, PelI‐3, are not, or only weakly, modified. However, this maturation gives rise to a small size and basic form that is active as a defence elicitor in plants.
Improved sex-specific criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy for clinical and computer interpretation of electrocardiograms: validation with autopsy findings.

In a previous study of 543 patients we developed, using echocardiographic left ventricular mass as the reference standard, two new sets of criteria that improve the electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). One set of criteria, which is suitable for routine clinical use, detects LVH when the sum of voltage in RaVL + SV3 (Cornell voltage) exceeds 2.8 mV in men and 2.0 mV in women. The second set of criteria, suitable for use in interpretation of the computerized electrocardiogram, uses logistic regression models based on electrocardiographic and demographic variables with independent predictive value for LVH, with separate equations for patients in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation. To test these criteria prospectively with use of a different reference standard, antemortem electrocardiograms were compared with left ventricular muscle mass measured at autopsy in 135 patients. Sensitivity of standard Sokolow-Lyon voltage (SLV) criteria (SV1 + RV5 or RV6 greater than 3.5 mV) for LVH was only 22%, but specificity was 100%. The Cornell voltage criteria improved sensitivity to 42%, while maintaining high specificity at 96%. Higher sensitivity (62%) was achieved by use of the new regression criteria, with a specificity of 92%. Overall test accuracy was 60% for SLV criteria, 68% for the Cornell voltage criteria, and 77% for the new regression criteria (p less than .005 vs SLV). We conclude that the Cornell voltage criteria improve the sensitivity of the electrocardiogram for detection of LVH and are easily applicable in clinical practice. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Carcinoembryonic Antigen–Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 Inhibits MMP-9–Mediated Blood–Brain–Barrier Breakdown in a Mouse Model for Ischemic Stroke

Rationale: Blood–brain–barrier (BBB) breakdown and cerebral edema result from postischemic inflammation and contribute to mortality and morbidity after ischemic stroke. A functional role for the carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in the regulation of reperfusion injury has not yet been demonstrated. Objective: We sought to identify and characterize the relevance of CEACAM1-expressing inflammatory cells in BBB breakdown and outcome after ischemic stroke in Ceacam1−/− and wild-type mice. Methods and Results: Focal ischemia was induced by temporary occlusion of the middle cerebral artery with a microfilament. Using MRI and Evans blue permeability assays, we observed increased stroke volumes, BBB breakdown and edema formation, reduction of cerebral perfusion, and brain atrophy in Ceacam1−/− mice. This translated into poor performance in neurological scoring and high poststroke-associated mortality. Elevated neutrophil influx, hyperproduction, and release of neutrophil-related matrix metalloproteinase-9 in Ceacam1−/− mice were confirmed by immune fluorescence, flow cytometry, zymography, and stimulation of neutrophils. Importantly, neutralization of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in Ceacam1−/− mice was sufficient to alleviate stroke sizes and improve survival to the level of CEACAM1-competent animals. Immune histochemistry of murine and human poststroke autoptic brains congruently identified abundance of CEACAM1+matrix metalloproteinase-9+ neutrophils in the ischemic hemispheres. Conclusions: CEACAM1 controls matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion by neutrophils in postischemic inflammation at the BBB after stroke. We propose CEACAM1 as an important inhibitory regulator of neutrophil-mediated tissue damage and BBB breakdown in focal cerebral ischemia.
Development of sulla ( Hedysarum coronarium ) for better adaptation to grazing

Sulla is potentially useful in New Zealand as a forage for grazing, hay and silage, in addition to its established use for soil conservation. The plant produces up to 25 t DM/ha/year and is a highly nutritious feed; it contains condensed tannins (CT) which prevent bloat and improve protein utilisation; and high livestock utilisation of leaf and stem is possible. Established stands of sulla can be maintained for several years under good management, but there have been many reports of poor persistence. In an effort to improve stand persistence, particularly under grazing, two evaluations were conducted near Palmerston North in 1995–97. Trial 1 screened 32 lines of sulla, including commercial cultivars, for a range of morphological attributes (e.g., habit, height, spread, vigour, herbage mass), whereas Trial 2 assessed similar attributes for 134 plants of cv. Grasslands Aokau, involved in an earlier grazing trial. Foliar levels of extractable CT were also determined in Trial 1, which is the first documentation of CT variation in the species. In both trials, plants survived for up to 2.5 years and seed was collected from 145 (Trial 1) and 31 (Trial 2) selected plants in early 1997. The plants selected typically had prostrate growth habit, moderate to high plant diameter and branch number, and high plant vigour. CT levels, assayed by a vanillin/HCl procedure, averaged 1.2–3.5% DM in most lines and were 36–81% higher for six samples assayed by a butanol/HCl method. Some CT levels may be sufficiently high to have a slight nutritional disadvantage to ruminants, but this could potentially be overcome by growing sulla with nonCT containing forages. Progeny from selected plants in each trial are being evaluated under more frequent grazing, and their seed will be harvested in autumn 1999.