Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis of the association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and systemic sclerosis

We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with systemic sclerosis (SSc) susceptibility. Electronic databases were used to identify published studies before July 2011. In total, 23 case–control studies including 3524 SSc cases and 6086 healthy controls were included in the meta-analysis. We examined the relationship between five gene polymorphisms [cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) −1722T/C, CTLA-4 −318C/T, CTLA-4 +49A/G, angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D, STAT-4 rs7574865] and susceptibility to SSc. The combined odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated to estimate the strength of the association in a fixed or random effect model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. We found a significant association between SSc and STAT rs7574865 (TT vs. GG: OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.36–0.54; TT vs. TG + GG: OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.39–0.59; TT + TG vs. GG: OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66–0.83; T vs. G: OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66–0.79), but there were no other statistically significant associations with other gene polymorphisms. Our study suggested that SSc is associated with STAT gene rs7574865 polymorphism.
Design and analysis of slot-pole combination for synchronous reluctance machine with concentrated windings for automotive applications

Synchronous Reluctance Machines (SyncRM), began to draw a lot of attention in last decade and presently receives a great deal of interest, since the cost of active materials is much lower than for a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine. For automotive applications a high torque and power density, low torque ripple and a wide speed range is required. The synchronous reluctance machine is still under development and intensive investigation is being carried out. This paper presents the influence of stator and rotor pole number combinations with a stator configuration which for cost reduction purposes uses only concentrate windings.
Quantification of γ-H2AX Foci in Human Lymphocytes: A Method for Biological Dosimetry after Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Abstract Recent studies have suggested that visualization of γ-H2AX nuclear foci can be used to estimate exposure to very low doses of ionizing radiation. Although this approach is widely used for various purposes, its suitability for individual human biodosimetry has not yet been assessed. We therefore conducted such an assessment with the help of available software for observing and automatically scoring γ-H2AX foci. The presence of γ-H2AX foci was evaluated in human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed ex vivo to γ rays in a dose range of 0.02 to 2 Gy. We analyzed the response of γ-H2AX to ionizing radiation in relation to dose, time after exposure, and individual variability. We constructed dose–effect calibration curves at 0.5, 8 and 16 h after exposure and evaluated the threshold of detection of the technique. The results show the promise of automatic γ-H2AX scoring for a reliable assessment of radiation doses in a dose range of 0.6 Gy to 2 Gy up to 16 h after exposure. This γ-H2AX-based assay may be useful for biodosimetry, especially for triage to distinguish promptly among individuals the ones who have received negligible doses from those with significantly exposures who are in need of immediate medical attention. However, additional in vivo experiments are needed for validation.
Software-As-A-Service: Implications For Business And Technology In Product Software Companies

Many software organizations are currently transitioning from an on-premises deployment model to the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. If a company restricts changes only in the business or technical perspective, the transition leads to higher costs, poor adoption of the SaaS model, and in the worst case, the company can lose its business. Much literature focuses on changes within one domain and is generally also limited to one perspective. This paper provides stakeholders (i.e. product managers,and business managers) an integrated perspective (business and technological) with a comprehensive framework that covers changes in four domains: business/product structure, revenue logic, customer relationships, and partnerships. The applicability of the proposed framework is assessed with a case study of a large software product vendor. The paper also contributes by providing a new avenue to study SaaS, with an integrated perspective for the organizational transition period. For the industry, this paper suggests a way to assess the impacts of organizational transition towards the SaaS model. With this overview in hand, software producing organizations can use the comprehensive framework to successfully transition to become SaaS vendors.
Restoration of mitochondrial function reverses developmental neuronal death in vitro

In a previous study characterizing morphological and functional features of cell death in trophically deprived chick ciliary ganglion neurons (Pena and Pilar [ 2000 ] J. Comp. Neurol. 424:377–396), we hypothesized that early cell death events might be targets for reversal, allowing for rescue of dying neurons. To test this hypothesis, ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons were cultured with or without trophic support (choroid, iris, and pigment epithelium soluble extract [CIPE]), or without trophic support for 11 or 18 hours and then exposed to trophic support. Prior to and at the onset of cell death commitment (11 hours) CIPE‐deprived neurons exhibited increased membrane permeability, blebbing, cytoplasmic vacuolization, swollen mitochondria, low adenosine triphosphate levels, and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. CIPE readdition at 11 hours reversed these changes. Between 11 and 18 hours, irreversible DNA fragmentation increased in CIPE‐deprived neurons. Cyclosporin A and bongkrekic acid (inhibitors of mitochondrial transition permeability pores) prevented membrane permeability increases and delayed the progression to death in trophically deprived neurons by 12 hours; however, by 48 hours all neurons had died. BOC‐Asp‐CH2F (BAF), a pan‐caspase inhibitor, did not prevent early events of cell death including increased membrane permeability and Cyto c release, but it inhibited DNA fragmentation and prolonged neuronal survival to 48 hours. We conclude that mitochondria changes occur early, prior to commitment and that the suppression of these changes can prevent all the downstream events of death, whereas caspase inhibitors have no effect on the early mitochondria/plasma membrane changes. Mitochondria thus play a critical role in the transition from reversible to irreversible commitment to developmental neuronal death. Furthermore, neuronal death is brought about by activation of one of two distinct pathways, one localized in mitochondria and the other dependent on activation of caspases. J. Comp. Neurol. 440:156–176, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Power consumption of the Raspberry Pi: A comparative analysis

Over the past few decades, human beings have increasingly adopted different types of personal computers including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones. More recently, there has been the emergence of the Raspberry Pi and since its release in 2012, this new type of computer has undergone rapid growth in adoption to even become the fastest selling British computer. The Raspberry Pi has often been referred as a computer designed to change the world since it is capable to do most things that a desktop computer can do. The growing concern is that all these computers utilize power in order to operate thereby turning ICT into a power drainer. The diverse functionalities present in modern computers including communication and Web browsing, among others, were found to be important components that affect the power consumption of such devices. As such, this paper investigates how power consumption of the Raspberry Pi is affected by the key functionalities that could be performed by end-users on the platform. Moreover, this relationship is compared against other types of common personal computers before recommending on techniques and practices that could reduce the power consumption of this emerging type of computer.
Positive and Negative Affect During Sexual Activity: Differences Between Homosexual and Heterosexual Men and Women, With and Without Sexual Problems

Empirical research suggests that emotional response during sexual activity discriminates between sexually functional and dysfunctional heterosexual men and women, with clinics presenting lower positive and higher negative affect. However, there is no evidence about the role of emotions in gay men and lesbian women with sexual problems. The present study analyzed affective states during sexual activity in homosexual and heterosexual men and women, with and without sexual problems. Participants in this study were 156 men and 168 women. A 2 (group) × 2 (sexual orientation) multivariate analysis of variance was performed. Participants completed a web-survey assessing sexual functioning and the Positive Affect–Negative Affect Scale. Findings indicated a main effect of group, with groups with sexual problems reporting significantly more negative and lower positive affect compared with men and women without sexual problems, regardless of sexual orientation. However, findings have also shown an interaction effect in the male sample with gay men, contrary to heterosexual men, reporting similar affective responses regardless of having a sexual dysfunction or not. Overall, findings emphasize the role of affective responses during sexual activity in men and women with sexual problems, suggesting the importance of addressing emotional responses in assessment and treatment of sexual problems in individuals with different sexual orientations.
Relationships among plants, soils and microbial communities along a hydrological gradient in the New Jersey Pinelands, USA.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Understanding the role of different components of hydrology in structuring wetland communities is not well developed. A sequence of adjacent wetlands located on a catenary sequence of soils and receiving the same sources and qualities of water is used to examine specifically the role of water-table median position and variability in affecting plant and microbial community composition and soil properties. METHODS Two replicates of three types of wetland found adjacent to each other along a hydrological gradient in the New Jersey Pinelands (USA) were studied. Plant-community and water-table data were obtained within a 100-m(2) plot in each community (pine swamp, maple swamp and Atlantic-white-cedar swamp). Monthly soil samples from each plot were analysed for soil moisture, organic matter, extractable nitrogen fractions, N mineralization rate and microbial community composition. Multivariate ordination methods were used to compare patterns among sites within and between data sets. KEY RESULTS The maple and pine wetlands were more similar to each other in plant community composition, soil properties and microbial community composition than either was to the cedar swamps. However, maple and pine wetlands differed from each other in water-table descriptors as much as they differed from the cedar swamps. All microbial communities were dominated by Gram-positive bacteria despite hydrologic differences among the sites. Water-table variability was as important as water-table level in affecting microbial communities. CONCLUSIONS Water tables affect wetland communities through both median level and variability. Differentiation of both plant and microbial communities are not simple transforms of differences in water-table position, even when other hydrologic factors are kept constant. Rather, soil genesis, a result of both water-table position and geologic history, appears to be the main factor affecting plant and microbial community similarities.
Wearable Microsystem for Minimally Invasive, Pseudo-Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring: The e-Mosquito

This paper presents a wearable microsystem for minimally invasive, autonomous, and pseudo-continuous blood glucose monitoring, addressing a growing demand for replacing tedious fingerpricking tests for diabetic patients. Unlike prevalent solutions which estimate blood glucose levels from interstitial fluids or tears, our design extracts a whole blood sample from a small lanced skin wound using a novel shape memory alloy (SMA)-based microactuator and directly measures the blood glucose level from the sample. In vitro characterization determined that the SMA microactuator produced penetration force of 225 gf, penetration depth of 3.55 mm, and consumed approximately 5.56 mW·h for triggering. The microactuation mechanism was also evaluated by extracting blood samples from the wrist of four human volunteers. A total of 19 out of 23 actuations successfully reached capillary vessels below the wrists producing blood droplets on the surface of the skin. The integrated potentiostat-based glucose sensing circuit of our e-Mosquito device also showed a good linear correlation (R2 = 0.9733) with measurements using standard blood glucose monitoring technology. These proof-of-concept studies demonstrate the feasibility of the e-Mosquito microsystem for autonomous intermittent blood glucose monitoring.
New results in feedback control of unsupported standing in paraplegia

The aim of this study was to implement a new approach to feedback control of unsupported standing and to evaluate it in tests with an intact and a paraplegic subject. In our setup, all joints above the ankles are braced and stabilizing torque at the ankle is generated by electrical stimulation of the plantarflexor muscles. A previous study showed that short periods of unsupported standing with a paraplegic subject could be achieved. In order to improve consistency and reliability and to prolong the duration of standing, we have implemented several modifications to the control strategy. These include a simplified control structure and a different controller design method. While the reliability of standing is mainly limited by the muscle characteristics such as reduced strength and progressive fatigue, the results presented here show that the new strategy allows much longer periods (up to several minutes) of unsupported standing in paraplegia.
Resource Combinations Influence on New Firm Growth, Studying New Entrants in a High Tech Industry

Understanding the influence of resources on the new firm’s growth remains a difficult challenge for scholars. Prior research has suggested that the impact of human capital or technological resources is limited and does not provide an explanation on why some new firms grow faster than others. In this research we propose to explore the complementary and substitution effects between these resources using Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS) Dataset. We also introduce market resources to further understand the influence dynamics of resources in early stage growth. We follow the evolution of a sample of firms in a high tech industry to test our hypotheses. The results show that besides the direct effects of human, technological and market resources, it is the complementary and substitution effects across them that provides additional valuable information to understand their impact on new firm’s growth.
siRNA Delivery: From Lipids to Cell‐penetrating Peptides and Their Mimics

To deliver siRNA for therapeutic use, several hurdles must be addressed. Metabolic degradation must be blocked, and the RNAi cellular machinery is located in the cytoplasm, while double‐stranded siRNA is large, highly charged and impermeable to cell membranes. To date, the solutions to the delivery issues have mostly involved different forms of lipid particle encapsulation. Cell‐penetrating peptides and their mimics or analogues offer a different approach and this is an emerging field with the first in vivo examples now reported. Recent reports point to lipid receptors being involved in the cellular uptake of both types of transporter. This review examines the delivery of siRNA with a focus on cell‐penetrating peptides and their small molecule and oligomeric mimics. The current status of siRNA delivery methods in clinical trials is examined. It now seems that the goal of delivering siRNA therapeutically is achievable but will they form part of a sustainable healthcare portfolio for the future.
Voltage‐controlled Ca2+ release and entry flux in isolated adult muscle fibres of the mouse

The voltage‐activated fluxes of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and from the extracellular space were studied in skeletal muscle fibres of adult mice. Single fibres of the interosseus muscle were enzymatically isolated and voltage clamped using a two‐electrode technique. The fibres were perfused from the current‐passing micropipette with a solution containing 15 mm EGTA and 0.2 mm of either fura‐2 or the faster, lower affinity indicator fura‐FF. Electrical recordings in parallel with the fluorescence measurements allowed the estimation of intramembrane gating charge movements and transmembrane Ca2+ inward current exhibiting half‐maximal activation at −7.60 ± 1.29 and 3.0 ± 1.44 mV, respectively. The rate of Ca2+ release from the SR was calculated after fitting the relaxation phases of fluorescence ratio signals with a kinetic model to quantify overall Ca2+ removal. Results obtained with the two indicators were similar. Ca2+ release was 2–3 orders of magnitude larger than the flux carried by the L‐type Ca2+ current. At maximal depolarization (+50 mV), release flux peaked at about 3 ms after the onset of the voltage pulse and then decayed in two distinct phases. The slower phase, most likely resulting from SR depletion, indicated a decrease in lumenal Ca2+ content by about 80% within 100 ms. Unlike in frog fibres, the kinetics of the rapid phase of decay showed no dependence on the filling state of the SR and the results provide little evidence for a substantial increase of SR permeability on depletion. The approach described here promises insight into excitation–contraction coupling in future studies of genetically altered mice.
BCR–ABL activates STAT3 via JAK and MEK pathways in human cells

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is characterised by a progression from a chronic towards an acute phase. We previously reported that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a major oncogenic signalling protein, is the target of p210–BCR–ABL in a murine embryonic stem (ES) cell model and in primary CD34+ CML cells. This activation was associated with inhibition of differentiation in ES cells. The present study found that BCR–ABL greatly phosphorylated STAT3 Ser727 residue and, to a lesser extent, Tyr705 residue in BCR–ABL‐expressing cell lines (UT7‐p210, MO7E‐p210, and K562) and in primary CD34+ CML cells. Using BCR–ABL mutants, it was shown that BCR–ABL tyrosine kinase activity and its Tyr177 residue were necessary for STAT3 Ser727 phosphorylation. Constitutive STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation was associated with constitutive phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK)1 and JAK2, and was inhibited by the JAK inhibitor AG490, suggesting the involvement of JAK proteins in this process. Specific MEK [mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) kinase] inhibitors PD98056 and UO126, as well as the use of a dominant‐negative form of MEK1 abrogated STAT3 Ser727 phosphorylation, suggesting involvement of MAP‐Kinase/Erk pathway. Inhibition of BCR–ABL with imatinib mesylate led to a dose‐dependent downregulation of total STAT3 protein and mRNA, suggesting that BCR–ABL is involved in the transcriptional regulation of STAT3. Targeting JAK, MEK and STAT3 pathways could therefore be of therapeutic value, especially in advanced stage CML.
Considerations in performing and analyzing the responses of cortico‐cortical evoked potentials in stereo‐EEG

This review aims to highlight key considerations when performing cortico‐cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) using stereo–electroencephalography (SEEG) for network mapping and show its clinical applicability to presurgical evaluations. The parameters for performing stimulation and safety aspects have been investigated in electrocorticography (ECoG) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), but not as extensively in SEEG. A review of current literature was performed, with an attempt made to emphasize practical insights from all modalities of intracranial stimulation. This paper reviews physical stimulation parameters, highlights safety limits, and considers the influence of changing common stimulation parameters. These factors are put into the context of CCEPs in SEEG. Given the paucity of direct research in this area, studies utilizing low frequency stimulation, DBS, and ECoG are incorporated along with the fundamental principles of electrical engineering. In addition, postprocessing considerations are reviewed, including electrode localization, application of digital filters, baseline selection, application of connectivity metrics, and higher order network analysis. The aim is to guide CCEP stimulation as well as to provide an understanding of the underlying principles of this technique. At present, there are few articles detailing the design of low‐frequency stimulation paradigms, especially in the setting of SEEG. Providing a review of the fundamentals and postprocessing considerations when performing CCEPs in SEEG will increase the accessibility of this technique.
Chest Tube Selection in Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery: A Survey of Chest Tube‐Related Complications and Their Management

Abstract Background: Blood accumulating inside chest cavities can lead to serious complications if it is not drained properly. Because life‐threatening conditions can result from chest tube occlusion after thoracic surgery, large‐bore tubes are generally employed to optimize patency. Aims: The aim of this study was to better define problems with current paradigms for chest drainage. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted of North American cardiothoracic surgeons and specialty cardiac surgery nurses. A total of 108 surgeons and 108 nurses responded. Results: The survey revealed that clogging leading to chest‐tube dysfunction is a major concern when choosing tube size. Of surgeons responding, 106 of 106 (100%) had observed chest tube clogging, and 93 of 106 (87%) reported adverse patient outcomes from a clogged tube. Despite techniques such as tube stripping, tapping, and squeezing, up to 51% of surveyed surgeons stated they are not satisfied with currently available tubes and procedures to avoid tube occlusion and some even forbid the stripping maneuver for fear of causing more bleeding by the negative pressures generated. In addition, respondents noted that patients experience increasing discomfort with increasing drain size. Discussion: The major reason surgeons choose large‐diameter chest tubes is linked to concern about the suboptimal available methods to avoid and treat chest‐tube clogging. Even though larger tubes are thought to be associated with more pain, physicians generally err on the side of caution to avoid clogging and insert tubes with larger diameters. Conclusion: Results of this survey highlight the frequent problems with clogging with current postsurgical chest drainage systems and suggest the need for innovative solutions to avoid clogging complications and overcome clinician concern and patient pain.