Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High-Performance Scalable Flash File System Using Virtual Metadata Storage with Phase-Change RAM

Several flash file systems have been developed based on the physical characteristics of NAND flash memory. However, previous flash file systems have performance overhead and scalability problems caused by metadata management in NAND flash memory. In this paper, we present a flash file system called PFFS2. PFFS2 stores all metadata into virtual metadata storage, which employs Phase-change RAM (PRAM). PRAM is a next-generation nonvolatile memory and will be good for dealing with word-level read/write of small-size data. Based on the virtual metadata storage, PFFS2 can manage metadata in a virtually fixed location and through byte-level in-place updates. Therefore, the performance of PFFS2 is 38 percent better than YAFFS2 for small file read/write while matching YAFFS2 performance for large file. Virtual metadata storage is particularly effective in decreasing the burden of computational and I/O overhead of garbage collection. In addition, PFFS2 maintains a 0.18 second mounting time and 284 KB memory usage in spite of increases in NAND flash memory size. We also propose a wear-leveling solution for PRAM in virtual metadata storage and greatly reduce the total write count of NAND flash memory. In addition, the life span of PFFS2 is longer than other flash file systems.
Nod2 Is a General Sensor of Peptidoglycan through Muramyl Dipeptide (MDP) Detection*

Nod2 activates the NF-κB pathway following intracellular stimulation by bacterial products. Recently, mutations inNod2 have been shown to be associated with Crohn's disease, suggesting a role for bacteria-host interactions in the etiology of this disorder. We show here that Nod2 is a general sensor of peptidoglycan through the recognition of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), the minimal bioactive peptidoglycan motif common to all bacteria. Moreover, the 3020insC frameshift mutation, the most frequent Nod2 variant associated with Crohn's disease patients, fully abrogates Nod2-dependent detection of peptidoglycan and MDP. Together, these results impact on the understanding of Crohn's disease development. Additionally, the characterization of Nod2 as the first pathogen-recognition molecule that detects MDP will help to unravel the well known biological activities of this immunomodulatory compound.
A Strategic Initiative for Successful Reverse Logistics Management in Retail Industry

This study aims to identify critical factors for developing a successful reverse logistics strategic framework that could guide the managers for improving customer satisfaction and managing retail returns. Qualitative interviews were performed with logistics manager in retail industry to develop successful reverse logistics strategic framework with critical factors. A problem-driven content analysis methodology was also conducted reviewing previous studies published from 2008 through 2015 to determine the key factors that affect reverse logistics decisions of managers towards successful reverse logistics management. This study provided new insight on reverse logistics as an important strategic initiative for the retailers to gain customer satisfaction, competitive advantage and cost effectiveness. A reverse logistics framework that is developed in this article will be able to add value to supply chain and logistics studies. Reverse flow driven by motivation is an important implication for managers to manage logistics activities. Managers must emphasize on potential corporate benefits to reduce costs and add customer value.
Transport of Ricin from Endosomes to the Golgi Apparatus is Regulated by Rab6A and Rab6A′

Ricin is transported from early endosomes and/or the recycling compartment to the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) and subsequently to the endoplasmic recticulum (ER) before it enters the cytosol and intoxicates cells. We have investigated the role of the Rab6 isoforms in retrograde transport of ricin using both oligo‐ and vector‐based RNAi assays. Ricin transport to the TGN was inhibited by the depletion of Rab6A when the Rab6A messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were reduced by more than 40% and less than 75%. However, when Rab6A mRNA was reduced by more than 75% and Rab6A′ mRNA was simultaneously up‐regulated, the inhibition of ricin sulfation was abolished, indicating that the up‐regulation of Rab6A′ may compensate for the loss of Rab6A function. In addition, we found that a near complete depletion of Rab6A′ gave approximately 40% reduction in ricin sulfation. The up‐regulation of Rab6A mRNA levels did not seem to compensate for the loss of Rab6A′ function. The depletion of both Rab6A and Rab6A′ gave a stronger inhibition of ricin sulfation than what was observed knocking down the two isoforms separately. In conclusion, both Rab6A and Rab6A′ seem to be involved in the transport of ricin from endosomes to the Golgi apparatus.
The influence of the learning effect on automated perimetry in patients with suspected glaucoma

Abstract. The influence of the learning effect on the outcome of automated perimetry was studied as a function of eccentricity. The sample comprised 20 patients with suspected glaucoma who were all naive to automated perimetry. Visual field examination of the right eye followed by that of the left eye was undertaken on each of three successive days and after a further interval of 12 days using a customised full‐field program of the Humphrey Field Analyser 630 (stimulus size III). The program comprised 60 points out to an eccentricity of 60° with an interstimulus grid of 12°. Global, central, peripheral, superior and inferior mean sensitivity each significantly increased (P 0.01) from the first to the second right eye examinations and from the third to the fourth left eye examinations (P 0.01). The global short‐term fluctuation, central mean defect and number of stimulus presentations decreased from the first to the second right eye examination (P 0.01). The order of examination between eyes and the interval between examination sessions influences the response recorded by automated perimetry.
Does Model Consistency in Business Model Innovation Matter? A Contingency‐Based Approach

Successful business model innovation requires managers to come up not only with new, but also with viable business models. To this end, it has been argued that business model consistency plays a vital role, as the internal fit of business model elements can generate reinforcing effects, thereby influencing performance and competitive advantage. Little research has been conducted to measure consistency and confirm these effects, especially within business model innovation. We tackle this issue by developing and testing a measurement of business model consistency, and investigate its relationship with business model innovation and its performance. We find evidence supporting the positive effect of consistency on innovation performance. We contribute to extant research by developing a concept and measurement for business model consistency based on contingency theory and empirically verifying it. Our findings underline that managers should pay close attention to the consistency of their business model designs during business model innovation.
A prospective study of total plasma cell-free DNA as a predictive biomarker for response to systemic therapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancers.

BACKGROUND While previous studies have reported on the prognostic value of total plasma cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) in lung cancers, few have prospectively evaluated its predictive value for systemic therapy response. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the association between changes in total cfDNA and radiologic response to systemic therapy in patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Paired blood collections for cfDNA and computed tomography (CT) assessments by RECIST v1.0 were performed at baseline and 6-12 weeks after therapy initiation. Total cfDNA levels were measured in plasma using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Associations between changes in cfDNA and radiologic response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were measured using Kruskal-Wallis and Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS A total of 103 patients completed paired cfDNA and CT response assessments. Systemic therapy administered included cytotoxic chemotherapy in 57% (59/103), molecularly targeted therapy in 17% (17/103), and combination therapy in 26% (27/103). Median change in cfDNA from baseline to response assessment did not significantly differ by radiologic response categories of progression of disease, stable disease and partial response (P = 0.10). However, using radiologic response as continuous variable, there was a weak positive correlation between change in radiologic response and change in cfDNA (Spearman's correlation coefficient 0.21, P = 0.03). Baseline cfDNA levels were not associated with PFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93-1.20, P = 0.41] or OS (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.93-1.17, P = 0.51), neither were changes in cfDNA. CONCLUSIONS In this large prospective study, changes in total cfDNA over time did not significantly predict radiologic response from systemic therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. Pretreatment levels of total cfDNA were not prognostic of survival. Total cfDNA level is not a highly specific predictive biomarker and future investigations in cfDNA should focus on tumor-specific genomic alterations using expanded capabilities of next-generation sequencing.
Restorative role of persimmon leaf (Diospyros kaki) to gamma irradiation-induced oxidative stress and tissue injury in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of persimmon leaf extract (PL (as a rich plant source) in modulation of radiation-induced liver injury and some metabolic variations in gamma-irradiated rats. Materials and methods: PL at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight (P1000) was administered to male albino rats via gastric intubation for 15 days after whole body γ-irradiation (6 Gy). Results: Irradiated rats showed significant decreases in hepatic glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activities with significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and xanthine oxidase (XO) activity designating oxidative stress. In parallel significant increases in serum aspartate and alanine transaminase (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) activities and bilirubin content were recorded indicating liver injury. In addition, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and dyslipidemia (elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and Atherogenic Index and decreased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol) were recorded. PL treatment has significantly attenuated radiation-induced oxidative stress in hepatic tissues concomitant with significant amelioration of liver function and metabolic disturbances. Conclusion: It is concluded that PL may have therapeutic potential to alleviate the severity of radiation-induced liver injury, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and dyslipidemia.
Psychiatric Disorders in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department for Minor Injury

Background: Thirty-five percent of all Emergency Department (ED) visits are for physical injury. Objectives: To examine the proportion of patients presenting to an ED for physical injury with a history of or current Axis I/II psychiatric disorders and to compare patients with a positive psychiatric history, a negative psychiatric history, and a current psychiatric disorder. Methods: A total of 275 individuals were selected randomly from adults presenting to the ED with a documented anatomic injury but with normal physiology. Exclusion criteria were: injury in the previous 2 years or from medical illness or domestic violence; or reported treatment for major depression or psychoses. Psychiatric history and current disorders were diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), a structured psychiatric interview. Three groups (positive psychiatric history, negative psychiatric history, current psychiatric disorder) were compared using Chi-square and analysis of variance. Results: The sample was composed of men (51.6%) and women (48.4%), with 57.1% Black and 39.6% White. Out of this sample, 103 patients (44.7%) met DSM-IV criteria for a positive psychiatric history (n = 80) or a current psychiatric disorder (n = 43). A past history of depression (24%)exceeded the frequency of a history of other disorders (anxiety, 6%; alcohol use/abuse, 14%; drug use/abuse, 15%; adjustment, 23%; conduct disorders, 14%). Current mood disorders (47%) also exceeded other current diagnoses (anxiety, 9%; alcohol, 16%; drug, 7%; adjustment, 7%; personality disorders, 12%). Those with a current diagnosis were more likely to be unemployed (p <.001) at the time of injury. Conclusions: Psychiatric comorbid disorders or a positive psychiatric history was found frequently in individuals with minor injury. An unplanned contact with the healthcare system (specifically an ED) for treatment of physical injury offers an opportunity for nurses to identify patients with psychiatric morbidity and to refer patients for appropriate therapy.
Epitope mapping factor VIII A2 domain by affinity‐directed mass spectrometry: residues 497–510 and 584–593 comprise a discontinuous epitope for the monoclonal antibody R8B12

Summary. The murine monoclonal antibody R8B12 recognizes the C‐terminal region (residues 563–740) of the A2 subunit of factor VIIIa [J Biol Chem 266: 1991; p. 20139], as judged by Western blotting. However, the location of the epitope within this region is not known. In the present study, we used affinity‐directed mass spectrometry to map the epitope. A2 subunit was digested with trypsin or chymotrypsin and then subjected to immunoprecipitation (IP) using R8B12 IgG. Masses of the affinity‐selected peptides were determined directly from the immune complexes by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). Proteolysis of A2 with the two proteases generated a pre‐IP peptide fingerprint that covered ∼70% of the A2 domain sequence. Analysis of the post‐IP tryptic peptide fingerprint showed two masses, 1309 and 1653 Da representing residues 584–593 and 497–510, respectively, determined from a theoretical database search and confirmed by direct sequencing. Results using a chymotryptic digest yielded a single, weakly reactive fragment consistent with residues 577–586, suggesting the importance of residues Ser584‐Tyr586 in forming the epitope. A synthetic peptide to residues 584–593 was immunoprecipitated by the IgG and blocked R8B12‐directed blotting to A2 subunit. The 497–510 and 584–593 segments were observed to be adjacent and surface exposed in the A2 domain model, and together with the above results suggest that A2 domain residues 497–510 and 584–593 represent a discontinuous epitope for R8B12. Furthermore, based upon blotting specificity, we speculate that residues 584–593 make a substantially greater contribution to the binding energy for this interaction.
An Empirical Examination of Organisational Trust Recovery: Influences and Implications

Building trust between organizations and their customers has attracted considerable academic research attention. However, research into the trust recovery process, following a trust violation has occurred is limited in comparison. This study investigates the trust recovery process by examining six recovery approaches which organizations can employ to repair trust. Six trust recovery approaches were first examined using canonical correlation. Our research investigates the impact of these six trust recovery approaches following two different types (integrity and competence) of trust violations. We assessed the influence of these approaches on customer loyalty, satisfaction and perceptions of organizational trustworthiness using structural equation modelling. Results suggest that apology and denial are the most effective approaches to repairing trust, and that the effect of these recovery approaches on customer satisfaction and loyalty are mediated by organizational trustworthiness.
Effects of psychostimulants on social interaction in adult male rats

Psychostimulants are known to have a huge impact on different forms of social behaviour. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of three different psychostimulants [amphetamine, cocaine and 3,4 methylenedimethoxyamphetamine (MDMA)] on social interaction (SI) in adult male rats. The SI test was performed in a familiar arena and under low-stress environmental conditions. Experimental animals received amphetamine (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg/kg), cocaine (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg) or MDMA (2.5, 5.0, 10 mg/kg) and control animals received saline (1 ml/kg) 45 min before the SI test. Time spent in SI (individual patterns of social behaviour) and nonsocial activities (locomotion and rearing) were video recorded and then analysed offline, with the following results: (a) all doses of amphetamine decreased SI. Specifically, all doses of amphetamine decreased mutual sniffing, and the higher doses also decreased allo-grooming and following behaviours. (b) The higher doses of cocaine decreased SI, especially mutual sniffing, allo-grooming and climbing over. Cocaine at the dose of 5.0 mg/kg increased genital investigation compared with lower doses. (c) All doses of MDMA decreased mutual sniffing and climbing over; the two higher doses decreased allo-grooming behaviour, and only the highest dose decreased following. The two higher doses of amphetamine and all the doses of MDMA increased locomotion and rearing; cocaine did not affect locomotion, but increased rearing at higher doses. In conclusion, the results confirm the well-known finding that psychostimulants suppress SI, but also show novel differences in the effects of psychostimulants on specific patterns of SI.
Heritability estimates and linkage analysis of 23 short tandem repeat loci on chromosomes 2, 11, and 12 in an endemic osteochondropathy in China

Objective: To estimate the heritability of Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) in first-degree relatives and to identify chromosome regions likely to contain susceptibility loci for KBD. Methods: A total of 331 probands with confirmed KBD in their pedigrees were selected from 9331 residents in 17 KBD villages of Linyou county, northwestern China. The heritability (h2) in first-degree relatives was estimated by using Falconer's formula. The segregation ratio was calculated by the Li–Mantel–Gart method. A total of 23 short tandem repeat (STR) loci on chromosomes 2, 11, and 12 were used to identify the susceptibility genes for KBD by linkage analysis using the GENEHUNTER program in 19 KBD pedigrees. Results: The general prevalence rate of KBD was 13.75% in the 17 KBD villages, lower than that of 20.88% in the first-degree relatives of the KBD probands. In the first-degree relatives, the heritability was 0.064 and the segregation ratio 35.10% (p < 0.05). Slight evidence for heritability was detected only in locus D12S1725 with a logarithm of odds (LOD) score of 1.95. However, the nonparametric linkage (NPL) scores showed no linkage between KBD and the 23 loci; the maximum NPL score was 1.59 for locus D12S1725. Conclusions: Our results show that 35.10% of the heritability is attributable to genetic variation for the KBD phenotype among individuals of Linyou county, and the segregation ratio supports a multifactorial inheritance of KBD. There is no significant linkage between KBD and the 23 markers in the Linyou population examined; however, markers near the locus D12S1725 may indicate loci for further study.
Effects of water soluble PM2.5 extracts exposure on human lung epithelial cells (A549): A proteomic study

Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM)2.5, a PM with aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 µm, is known to be associated with a variety of adverse health effects. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in fine PM toxicity are still not well characterized. The present study aims to provide new insights into the cytotoxicity of PM2.5 on human lung epithelial cells (A549) at the proteomic level. Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis revealed a total of 27 protein spots, whose abundance were significantly altered in A549 cells exposed to water‐soluble PM2.5 extracts (WSPE). Among these, 12 spots were upregulated while 15 were downregulated. Twenty‐two proteins were further identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight tandem mass/mass spectrometry and database search. The results revealed that oxidative stress, metabolic disturbance, dysregulation of signal transduction, aberrant protein synthesis and degradation, as well as cytoskeleton disorganization are major factors contributing to WSPE‐mediated toxicity in human lung cells. It is further proposed that induction of apoptosis through p53, c‐Myc and p21 pathways may be one of the key toxicological events occurred in A549 cells under WSPE stress. The data obtained here will aid our understanding of the toxic mechanisms related to PM2.5, and develop useful biomarkers indicative of inhalable PM2.5 exposure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of intravenously infused methylene blue and inhaled nitric oxide ameliorates endotoxin-induced lung injury in awake sheep

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a combination of methylene blue, an inhibitor of the nitric oxide pathway, and inhaled nitric oxide on endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in awake sheep. DesignProspective, randomized, controlled experimental study. SettingUniversity animal laboratory. SubjectsTwenty-four yearling, awake sheep. InterventionsThe sheep were anesthetized and instrumented with vascular catheters. After 1 wk of recovery, the animals underwent tracheotomy and were subjected to intravenous infusions of Escherichia coli endotoxin 10 ng·kg−1·min−1 and isotonic saline 3 mL·kg−1·hr−1 for 8 hrs. The sheep were randomly assigned to three groups of eight animals each: a) the control group received endotoxin and saline; b) the INO group received endotoxin, saline, and inhaled nitric oxide 40 ppm for 5 hrs; and c) the MB/INO group received endotoxin, saline, and methylene blue 3 mg/kg as an intravenous bolus injection followed by a continuous infusion of 3 mg·kg−1·min−1 for 6 hrs in combination with inhaled nitric oxide 40 ppm for 5 hrs. Measurements and Main ResultsHemodynamic variables and blood gases were determined hourly. In the early phase of endotoxemia (0–2 hrs), methylene blue/inhaled nitric oxide reduced the increments in pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary microvascular pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance index by 60% compared with the controls and to a greater extent than did inhaled nitric oxide alone. During the late phase, all the preceding variables returned closely to baseline following inhaled nitric oxide or methylene blue/inhaled nitric oxide but remained remarkably elevated in the control group. Inhaled nitric oxide and methylene blue/inhaled nitric oxide reduced the increase in extravascular lung water by 40% and 80%, respectively. Inhaled nitric oxide transiently attenuated the increase in venous admixture and did not prevent a decrease in arterial oxygenation. In the methylene blue/inhaled nitric oxide group, blood gases remained unchanged from baseline. ConclusionsIn sheep, methylene blue/inhaled nitric oxide protects more efficiently against acute lung injury than inhaled nitric oxide alone, as indicated by a milder pulmonary hypertension, less extravascular lung water accumulation, and maintained gas exchange.