Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Haptoglobin Preserves Vascular Nitric Oxide Signaling during Hemolysis.

RATIONALE Hemolysis occurs not only in conditions such as sickle cell disease and malaria but also during transfusion of stored blood, extracorporeal circulation, and sepsis. Cell-free Hb depletes nitric oxide (NO) in the vasculature, causing vasoconstriction and eventually cardiovascular complications. We hypothesize that Hb-binding proteins may preserve vascular NO signaling during hemolysis. OBJECTIVES Characterization of an archetypical function by which Hb scavenger proteins could preserve NO signaling during hemolysis. METHODS We investigated NO reaction kinetics, effects on arterial NO signaling, and tissue distribution of cell-free Hb and its scavenger protein complexes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Extravascular translocation of cell-free Hb into interstitial spaces, including the vascular smooth muscle cell layer of rat and pig coronary arteries, promotes vascular NO resistance. This critical disease process is blocked by haptoglobin. Haptoglobin does not change NO dioxygenation rates of Hb; rather, the large size of the Hb:haptoglobin complex prevents Hb extravasation, which uncouples NO/Hb interaction and vasoconstriction. Size-selective compartmentalization of Hb functions as a substitute for red blood cells after hemolysis and preserves NO signaling in the vasculature. We found that evolutionarily and structurally unrelated Hb-binding proteins, such as PIT54 found in avian species, functionally converged with haptoglobin to protect NO signaling by sequestering cell-free Hb in large protein complexes. CONCLUSIONS Sequential compartmentalization of Hb by erythrocytes and scavenger protein complexes is an archetypical mechanism, which may have supported coevolution of hemolysis and normal vascular function. Therapeutic supplementation of Hb scavengers may restore vascular NO signaling and attenuate disease complications in patients with hemolysis.
Computer Vision and Deep Learning for Automated Surveillance Technology

The number of surveillance cameras around the world has increased rapidly over the last couple of years [1]. Currently most of the video material generated by these cameras is examined manually [1]. However, automatic processing and analysis could significantly increase safety, since as a result of this automation security teams can be alerted within a shorter period of time. In this paper, computer vision and deep learning techniques are used to analyze images, and create text descriptions of images that can be send to the police or the owner of the security camera. Specifically, a convolutional neural network is used to extract image features, principal component analysis is used to reduce the dimensionality of the image features, and the resulting image features are then fed into a recurrent neural network or a long short-term memory to generate a text description. Different convolutional neural network architectures are evaluated based on their effectiveness to extract image features for image descriptions. This paper demonstrates that deeper convolutional neural networks (16-18 depth layers) extract more useful image features than less deep convolutional neural networks (8, 10, 12 layers). Our models generate high quality image descriptions, and obtain comparable to state-of-the-art performance on the image description generation task.
Faster Alcohol Metabolism Is Associated With Increased Stimulation and Within Session Consumption

Variability in subjective response (SR) to alcohol predicts drinking and the development of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs). Although both alcohol pharmacokinetics (i.e., absorption and metabolism) and SR are impacted by aspects of the drinking situation (e.g., rate of consumption), relations between individual differences in pharmacokinetics and SR have received little attention. The current study examined the extent to which alcohol pharmacokinetics impact SR and drinking during a single alcohol administration session. A total of 119 (67% male) social drinkers were administered a dose of alcohol with a target blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08g%. The Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale was administered twice at matched ascending and descending limb BACs following alcohol consumption to assess SR. Pharmacokinetic properties (absorption and metabolism) were inferred using multiple BAC readings to calculate the area under the curve during the ascending limb (absorption) and descending limb (metabolism). Following completion of SR measures, an ad libitum taste rating task utilizing nonalcoholic beer was implemented to assess voluntary ‘alcohol’ consumption. Results indicated that participants who metabolized alcohol more quickly maintained a greater level of subjective stimulation on the descending limb. Faster metabolism was indirectly related to ad lib nonalcoholic beer consumption through greater maintenance of stimulant effects. Absorption did not significantly predict SR or within session drinking. The results increase understanding of SR variability and suggest that heightened stimulation that is sustained across limbs of the BAC curve may increase risk for excessive consumption. Individual differences in alcohol metabolism may be an identifiable biomarker of this high risk pattern of SR.
The RNA Helicase eIF4A Is Required for Sapovirus Translation

ABSTRACT The eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) is a DEAD box helicase that unwinds RNA structure in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs. Here, we investigated the role of eIF4A in porcine sapovirus VPg-dependent translation. Using inhibitors and dominant-negative mutants, we found that eIF4A is required for viral translation and infectivity, suggesting that despite the presence of a very short 5′ UTR, eIF4A is required to unwind RNA structure in the sapovirus genome to facilitate virus translation.
Longitudinal and lateral motion planning method for avoidance of multi-obstacles in urban environments based on inverse collision probability

This paper presents a longitudinal and lateral motion planning method for driver assistance systems in urban scenarios. We proposed a Bayesian network based motion planner to generate the trajectory, including the positions and velocities to path through multiple traffic participants. To design the probabilistic models which represent a lane keeping maneuver and an obstacle avoidance maneuver, we collect and analyze natural driving data. Then, it is difficult to collect collision data in the real world. Therefore, we analyze the inverse collision probability from safety driving trajectories of expert drivers. The proposed method generates the optimal trajectory plan by using the global optimization algorithm named Belief Propagation. Finally, we show the evaluation experiment that compares the difference between the trajectories generated by the proposed method and natural driving data.
Collaborative filtering for orkut communities: discovery of user latent behavior

Users of social networking services can connect with each other by forming communities for online interaction. Yet as the number of communities hosted by such websites grows over time, users have even greater need for effective community recommendations in order to meet more users. In this paper, we investigate two algorithms from very different domains and evaluate their effectiveness for personalized community recommendation. First is association rule mining (ARM), which discovers associations between sets of communities that are shared across many users. Second is latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), which models user-community co-occurrences using latent aspects. In comparing LDA with ARM, we are interested in discovering whether modeling low-rank latent structure is more effective for recommendations than directly mining rules from the observed data. We experiment on an Orkut data set consisting of 492,104 users and 118,002 communities. Our empirical comparisons using the top-k recommendations metric show that LDA performs consistently better than ARM for the community recommendation task when recommending a list of 4 or more communities. However, for recommendation lists of up to 3 communities, ARM is still a bit better. We analyze examples of the latent information learned by LDA to explain this finding. To efficiently handle the large-scale data set, we parallelize LDA on distributed computers and demonstrate our parallel implementation's scalability with varying numbers of machines.
Pharmaceutical Approaches and Advancements in Male Contraception

Currently available contraceptive methods offer a variety of options for women, but only very few for men which include surgical methods, condom and hormonal methods. Non-surgical and non-hormonal methods are under investigation. Among these, hormonal contraceptive approaches, including injections, oral and transdermal delivery systems of testosterone, have attracted the attention of investigators. Also non-hormonal approaches based on chemicals extracted from different plants such as cotton seed plant, Neem tree, Trypterigium wilfordii and Momordica Charantia seed, are known to have effect on male fertility. Additionally, alkylated imino sugars, Ca ++ channel blockers, indenopyridines, indazole-3-carboxylic acid analogues, reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance (RISUG) which involves injection of stericmaleic anhydride with dimethyl sulfoxide, spermicide‐ microbicide (including gel formulations) and vaccine approaches are intended to interfere in a certain fertilization step. Information obtained from multi-center studies in several countries on both men or women shows the necessity for additional reversible male contraceptive methods. Results from recent surveys clearly indicate that there is a market and a need for novel pharmaceutical preparations for male contraception.
An objective in vivo diagnostic method for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory damage to the bowel, as occurs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is debilitating to patients. In both patients and animal experimental models, histological analyses of biopsies and endoscopic examinations are used to evaluate the disease state. However, such measurements often have delays and are invasive, while endoscopy is not quantitatively objective. Therefore, a real-time quantitative method to assess compromised mucosal barrier function is advantageous. We investigated the correlation of in vivo changes in electrical transmural impedance with histological measures of inflammation. Four platinum (Pt) ball electrodes were placed in the lumen of the rat small intestine, with a return electrode under the skin. Electrodes placed within the non-inflamed intestine generated stable impedances during the 3 h testing period. Following an intraluminal injection of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), an established animal model of IBD, impedances in the inflamed region significantly decreased relative to a region not exposed to TNBS (p < 0.05). Changes in intestinal transmural impedance were correlated (p < 0.05) with histologically assessed damage to the mucosa and increases in neutrophil, eosinophil and T-cell populations at 3 h compared with tissue from control regions. This quantitative, real-time assay may have application in the diagnosis and clinical management of IBD.
Small-scale patch complexity, benthic invertebrate colonisation and leaf breakdown in three headwater streams in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

We assessed the effects of patch complexity on benthic macroinvertebrate colonisation and leaf breakdown in three headwater streams in the Kaimai Range, New Zealand. We used three patch types: complex, disturbed, and unaltered control patches, and measured colonisation of macroinvertebrates and leaf breakdown rates within each patch. We hypothesised colonisation and breakdown would be highest in the complex patches and lowest in disturbed patches. With the exception of percentage of total shredders, no differences were found in macroinvertebrate diversity or community structure and no treatment effect was evident for leaf breakdown rates. While this may suggest no influence of patch complexity on leaf breakdown, we cannot discount unmeasured site-specific influences, such as a high flow event, which occurred during the treatment period, as clear differences were evident between the three streams. Higher spatiotemporal replication and more appropriate seasonal sampling would be required to further explore this relationship.
Reducing negative affect and increasing rapport improve interracial mentorship outcomes

Research suggests that interracial mentoring relationships are strained by negative affect and low rapport. As such, it stands to reason that strategies that decrease negative affect and increase rapport should improve these relationships. However, previous research has not tested this possibility. In video-chats (Studies 1 and 2) and face-to-face meetings (Study 3), we manipulated the degree of mutual self-disclosure between mentees and mentors, a strategy that has been shown to reduce negative affect and increase rapport. We then measured negative affect and rapport as mediators, and mentee performance (quality of speech delivered; Studies 1 and 3) and mentor performance (warmth and helpfulness; Studies 2 and 3) as key outcomes. Results revealed that increased self-disclosure decreased negative affect and increased rapport for both mentees and mentors. Among mentees, decreased negative affect predicted better performance (Studies 1 and 3). Among mentors, increased rapport predicted warmer feedback (Studies 2 and 3). These effects remained significant when we meta-analyzed data across studies (Study 4), and also revealed the relationship of rapport to more helpful feedback. Findings suggest that affect and rapport are key features in facilitating positive outcomes in interracial mentoring relationships.
Molecular phylogeography, intraspecific variation and speciation of the Asian scincid lizard genus Eutropis Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Reptilia: Scincidae): taxonomic and biogeographic implications

Abstract The phylogeography, intraspecific variation and speciation processes of the South East Asian scincid lizard genus Eutropis Fitzinger are investigated, based on a combined analysis of 564 bp and 408 bp fragments, respectively, of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and 12S rRNA genes. Our results show that the Middle East species definitely do not belong to Eutropis but instead to the African genus Euprepis Fitzinger, and that Euprepis auratus (L.) and E . septemtaeniatus Reuss represent distinct species. In addition, we clarify systematics of the genus Apterygodon Edeling, supposed to be derived from within Eutropis . We show that Apterygodon does not reflect a true genealogical unit, and consequently synonymize it with Dasia Gray. We found strong evidence for the monophyly of the South East Asian genus Eutropis . Within Eutropis we could substantiate the systematics of Eutropis multifasciata (Kuhl), and confirm that the distinction of a subspecies E . m . balinensis Mertens is not justified. Likewise, our results point out the necessity of further studies concerning the Eutropis macularia complex in which at least two different species are concealed under the name E. macularia (Blyth). We show that the Philippine-Palauan Eutropis species are part of a distinct radiation, probably representing an unrecognized taxonomic unit. We draw conclusions on zoogeographical aspects of dispersal routes in Eutropis , showing that the Philippines have been colonized from mainland Asia rather than via Borneo. Furthermore we outline a possible colonization scenario for the species on the Philippines and Palau.
A niche for isotopic ecology

Fifty years ago, GE Hutchinson defined the ecological niche as a hypervolume in n-dimensional space with environmental variables as axes. Ecologists have recently developed renewed interest in the concept, and technological advances now allow us to use stable isotope analyses to quantify these niche dimensions. Analogously, we define the isotopic niche as an area (in δ-space) with isotopic values (δ-values) as coordinates. To make isotopic measurements comparable to other niche formulations, we propose transforming δ-space to p-space, where axes represent relative proportions of isotopically distinct resources incorporated into an animal's tissues. We illustrate the isotopic niche with two examples: the application of historic ecology to conservation biology and ontogenetic niche shifts. Sustaining renewed interest in the niche requires novel methods to measure the variables that define it. Stable isotope analyses are a natural, perhaps crucial, tool in contemporary studies of the ecological niche.
A Homogenous Fluorescence Quenching Based Assay for Specific and Sensitive Detection of Influenza Virus A Hemagglutinin Antigen

Influenza pandemics cause millions of deaths worldwide. Effective surveillance is required to prevent their spread and facilitate the development of appropriate vaccines. In this study, we report the fabrication of a homogenous fluorescence-quenching-based assay for specific and sensitive detection of influenza virus surface antigen hemagglutinins (HAs). The core of the assay is composed of two nanoprobes namely the glycan-conjugated highly luminescent quantum dots (Gly-QDs), and the HA-specific antibody-modified gold nanoparticle (Ab-Au NPs). When exposed to strain-specific HA, a binding event between the HA and the two nanoprobes takes place, resulting in the formation of a sandwich complex which subsequently brings the two nanoprobes closer together. This causes a decrease in QDs fluorescence intensity due to a non-radiative energy transfer from QDs to Au NPs. A resulting correlation between the targets HA concentrations and fluorescence changes can be observed. Furthermore, by utilizing the specific interaction between HA and glycan with sialic acid residues, the assay is able to distinguish HAs originated from viral subtypes H1 (human) and H5 (avian). The detection limits in solution are found to be low nanomolar and picomolar level for sensing H1-HA and H5-HA, respectively. Slight increase in assay sensitivity was found in terms of detection limit while exposing the assay in the HA spiked in human sera solution. We believe that the developed assay could serve as a feasible and sensitive diagnostic tool for influenza virus detection and discrimination, with further improvement on the architectures.
Internet- and mobile-based stress management for employees with adherence-focused guidance: efficacy and mechanism of change.

OBJECTIVE This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based stress management intervention (iSMI) among employees compared to a 6-month waitlist control group (WLC) with full access to treatment-as-usual. METHOD A sample of 264 employees with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS-10 ≥22) was assigned to either the iSMI or WLC group. The iSMI consisted of seven sessions and one booster session including problem-solving and emotion regulation techniques. Participants received guidance from an e-coach that focused on improving the adherence to the intervention. Self-report data were assessed at baseline, seven weeks, and six months following randomization. The primary outcome was perceived stress (PSS-10). The secondary outcomes included other relevant mental and work-related health outcomes. RESULTS The iSMI participants showed a significantly higher reduction in perceived stress from baseline to seven weeks [d=0.79, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.54-1.04] and the 6-month follow up (d=0.85, 95% CI 0.59-1.10) compared to controls. Significant moderate-to-large effect sizes were also found for depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, sleeping problems, worrying, quality of life (mental health), psychological detachment and emotion regulation skills. Work engagement, quality of life (physical health), absenteeism and presenteeism were not found to significantly differ between the iSMI and WLC groups. Changes in emotion regulation regarding general distress mediated changes in perceived stress. CONCLUSION The iSMI investigated in this study was found to be effective in reducing typical symptoms of stress. However, several important work-related health symptoms were not significantly affected by the intervention. Internet-based guided self-help interventions could be an acceptable, effective approach to reduce a range of negative consequences associated with work-related stress. Future studies should investigate the comparative (cost-) effectiveness of guided and unguided stress management interventions.
Trust model based on changeable sampling frequency for wireless sensor network

Traditional monitoring sensor has fixed sampling frequency. Whether the frequency is too high or too low, it is easy to cause some problems. This paper firstly puts forward sensor with changeable sampling frequency and its control algorithm. Considering the special circumstance that some nodes of the wireless sensor network are faulty, a trust model based on changeable sampling frequency. It is an improvement on our former models which has higher fault detection rate. Moreover, the model can detect fault in shorter time duration.
Growth monitoring during pulsed laser deposition of oxides using atomic force microscopy

Throughout this thesis, an atomic force microscopy (AFM) design, containing a high resonance frequency AFM scanner together with high bandwidth SPM electronics is demonstrated, with focus on growth monitoring during PLD of oxides. Moreover, perovskite oxide growth (related) studies are explored using ex situ AFM and reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). The majority of this work is focused on the developed AFM. This AFM contains a flexure scanner, typically used in the field of high speed AFM, and high bandwidth scanning probe microscope (SPM) electronics. The AFM is capable of operating under PLD conditions ranging from pressures 10-6 - 1 mbar O2 at temperatures ranging from RT up to 700 oC. A proof of principle is shown by imaging of the growth of BiFeO3 islands on a SrTiO3 substrate under PLD conditions with (sub)nanometer height resolution. Furthermore, neck formation is limiting imaging of mixed terminated SrTiO3 using a Si AFM tip. In order to quasi real-time monitor the oxide growth kinetics, a tip-sample (side)approach method using a faster transfer stage has been demonstrated. This tip-sample approach method, reducing the tip-sample approach time, can be applied when deposition and growth are separated in time. Both transfer stage motion time and reposition repeatability are important for monitoring PLD growth of islands using AFM. The experimental results reveal that the transfer stage motion time between the PLD and AFM position can be reduced from several seconds to (sub)seconds with a reposition repeatability error of ± 60 nm. Moreover, no signatures of loss in AFM spatial resolution are found even after more than hundred repetitive side approaches. Some efforts are recommended increasing the bandwidth of both the cantilever and (optical) detection system in order to increase the maximum achievable AFM acquisition rate under oxide PLD conditions. This is required for enabling AFM monitoring of growing perovskite oxide islands during PLD. Moreover, increasing both the AFM feedback bandwidth and transfer stage speed will result in a faster tip-sample approach time using the side approach method.