Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complex karyotype in a polycythemia vera patient with a novel SETD1B/GTF2H3 fusion gene

The patient had been diagnosed with polycythemia vera (PV) in 1999, at the age of 61, according to the criteria of the Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) on the basis of the increased red cell mass by isotope determination, normal oxygen saturation, low plasma erythropoietin level, presence of endogenous erythroid colonies (EEC), and splenomegaly. Histopathology of bone marrow biopsy was also consistent with polycythemia vera with no evidence of increased reticulin fibrosis. A karyotype analysis was not performed at that time. He had been treated initially with phlebotomies and then with hydroxyurea with the aim to obtain a better control of hematocrit; he was under low‐dose aspirin. In 2009, 10 years after the diagnosis, while the patient was still being treated with hydroxyurea and phlebotomies, he noticed worsening of general conditions and fatigue, and the appearance of night sweats; he also reported that his spleen volume had increased rapidly in the past few months. He complained of severe pruritus especially after (but not limited to) a shower. He was referred to our center for further evaluation. At presentation, his blood counts were as follows: hemoglobin 157 g/L, hematocrit 54.7%, leukocytes 13.1 × 109/L, platelets 238 × 109/L, LDH 856 U/L (normal upper limit, 250 U/L). Blood film examination showed neutrophilia (8.9 × 109/L) but immature myeloid cells and nucleated erythroblasts were absent. The spleen was 14 cm below the left costal margin, the liver was at 4 cm below the right costal margin. He was found to harbor the JAK2V617F mutation with an allele burden of 85% and the circulating CD34+ cell count was 14 × 106/L. A bone marrow biopsy showed the presence of hyperplasia of myeloid and erythroid lineages, increased number of scattered megakarocytes without overt morphologic abnormalities; reticulin fibrosis was grade 1 according to the European classification. On these basis, we considered the patient as presenting the features of PV according to the 2008 WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms associated with grade 1 reticulin fibrosis. Am. J. Hematol. 89:438–442, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication and mechanical characterization of continuous carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic using a preform by three-dimensional printing and via hot-press molding

A new 3D printer equipped novel nozzle structure for continuous carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (C-CFRTP) was developed and the suitable printing conditions were studied. C-CFRTP filament and additional matrix resin were supplied independently using each extruder, which is useful for variety printing and precise form control in 3D printing. To measure the mechanical properties, specimens for tensile strength testing were fabricated using C-CFRTP filament (Vf:50%) without additional matrix resin. The experimental results indicate that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus were approximately 700 MPa and 53 GPa, respectively. The recrystallization effect through annealing after 3D printing yielded no drastic improvement. The mechanical properties were considerably improved by a hot-press treatment after 3D printing. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus increased to approximately 1400 MPa and approximately 90 GPa, respectively. These results suggest that one of the useful applications of C-CFRTP 3D printing technology is preforming of small parts in industrial products.
A multi-step approach for RSSi-based distance estimation using smartphones

Measuring distance from Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of wireless devices has become one of the rudimentary but challenging requirements for Indoor Positioning and Indoor Navigation (IPIN). To address this subject, we propose a novel multi-step approach combining Flat Earth Model, Free Space Friis Model and Linear Approximation Model for measuring distance from RSSI for smart devices with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity. To get better result we proposed an improved averaging and smoothing algorithm of RSSI. We have significantly achieved 13.4% reduced error of measured distance.
Effects of Culture and the Urban Environment on the Development of the Ebbinghaus Illusion.

The development of visual context effects in the Ebbinghaus illusion in the United Kingdom and in remote and urban Namibians (UN) was investigated (N = 336). Remote traditional Himba children showed no illusion up until 9-10 years, whereas UK children showed a robust illusion from 7 to 8 years of age. Greater illusion in UK than in traditional Himba children was stable from 9 to 10 years to adulthood. A lesser illusion was seen in remote traditional Himba children than in UN children growing up in the nearest town to the traditional Himba villages across age groups. We conclude that cross-cultural differences in perceptual biases to process visual context emerge in early childhood and are influenced by the urban environment.
Analysis of Human Dopamine D3 Receptor Quaternary Structure*

Background: The dopamine D3 receptor can form dimers/oligomers, but the molecular basis for this is poorly defined. Results: Molecular modeling, mutagenesis, and analysis of inactive state receptor crystal structures allowed assessment of models of receptor organization. Conclusion: The dopamine D3 receptor can assume different dimeric and a rhombic tetrameric arrangements. Significance: These findings provide understanding of the molecular basis of D3 receptor quaternary structure. The dopamine D3 receptor is a class A, rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor that can form dimers and/or higher order oligomers. However, the molecular basis for production of these complexes is not well defined. Using combinations of molecular modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and homogenous time-resolved FRET, the interfaces that allow dopamine D3 receptor monomers to interact were defined and used to describe likely quaternary arrangements of the receptor. These were then compared with published crystal structures of dimeric β1-adrenoreceptor, μ-opioid, and CXCR4 receptors. The data indicate important contributions of residues from within each of transmembrane domains I, II, IV, V, VI, and VII as well as the intracellular helix VIII in the formation of D3-D3 receptor interfaces within homo-oligomers and are consistent with the D3 receptor adopting a β1-adrenoreceptor-like quaternary arrangement. Specifically, results suggest that D3 protomers can interact with each other via at least two distinct interfaces: the first one comprising residues from transmembrane domains I and II along with those from helix VIII and a second one involving transmembrane domains IV and V. Moreover, rather than existing only as distinct dimeric species, the results are consistent with the D3 receptor also assuming a quaternary structure in which two transmembrane domain I-II-helix VIII dimers interact to form a ”rhombic” tetramer via an interface involving residues from transmembrane domains VI and VII. In addition, the results also provide insights into the potential contribution of molecules of cholesterol to the overall organization and potential stability of the D3 receptor and possibly other GPCR quaternary structures.
Continuous states latency aware influence maximization in social networks

Influence maximization is the problem of finding a small set of nodes that maximizes the aggregated influence in social networks. The problem of influence maximization in social networks has been explored in many previous researches. All the existing methods have mainly relied on the constraint of binary state for each node which is either inactive or active. However in reality, changing the state of a node from inactive to active happens gradually and under the continuous effects of all its inspiring neighbors. Accordingly, a node can be inactive, active, or in any state between these two, indicating the gradual process of inspiration. In this paper, we propose a novel influence propagation model which considers continuous states for each node instead of discrete ones. Furthermore, regarding the major role of time in pairwise propagation rates in social networks, we build on a time constrained framework to solve the influence maximization problem. In our work, we first extend the classic IC model to include continuous states and also time delays for transitions between states. Second, we find the most influential nodes in social networks considering continuity and time of the influence process simultaneously. And the last but not the least, it is applicable to well-known real social networks such as Epinions and Wikipedia.
Acquiring Hyponymy Relations from Web Documents

This paper describes an automatic method for acquiring hyponymy relations from HTML documents on the WWW. Hyponymy relations can play a crucial role in various natural language processing systems. Most existing acquisition methods for hyponymy relations rely on particular linguistic patterns, such as “NP such as NP”. Our method, however, does not use such linguistic patterns, and we expect that our procedure can be applied to a wide range of expressions for which existing methods cannot be used. Our acquisition algorithm uses clues such as itemization or listing in HTML documents and statistical measures such as document frequencies and verb-noun co-occurrences.
Homeostatic role of heterosynaptic plasticity: models and experiments

Homosynaptic Hebbian-type plasticity provides a cellular mechanism of learning and refinement of connectivity during development in a variety of biological systems. In this review we argue that a complimentary form of plasticity—heterosynaptic plasticity—represents a necessary cellular component for homeostatic regulation of synaptic weights and neuronal activity. The required properties of a homeostatic mechanism which acutely constrains the runaway dynamics imposed by Hebbian associative plasticity have been well-articulated by theoretical and modeling studies. Such mechanism(s) should robustly support the stability of operation of neuronal networks and synaptic competition, include changes at non-active synapses, and operate on a similar time scale to Hebbian-type plasticity. The experimentally observed properties of heterosynaptic plasticity have introduced it as a strong candidate to fulfill this homeostatic role. Subsequent modeling studies which incorporate heterosynaptic plasticity into model neurons with Hebbian synapses (utilizing an STDP learning rule) have confirmed its ability to robustly provide stability and competition. In contrast, properties of homeostatic synaptic scaling, which is triggered by extreme and long lasting (hours and days) changes of neuronal activity, do not fit two crucial requirements for a hypothetical homeostatic mechanism needed to provide stability of operation in the face of on-going synaptic changes driven by Hebbian-type learning rules. Both the trigger and the time scale of homeostatic synaptic scaling are fundamentally different from those of the Hebbian-type plasticity. We conclude that heterosynaptic plasticity, which is triggered by the same episodes of strong postsynaptic activity and operates on the same time scale as Hebbian-type associative plasticity, is ideally suited to serve a homeostatic role during on-going synaptic plasticity.
Deterministic Approximation of Stochastic Evolution in Games

This paper provides deterministic approximation results for stochastic processes that arise when finite populations recurrently play finite games. The processes are Markov chains, and the approximation is defined in continuous time as a system of ordinary differential equations of the type studied in evolutionary game theory. We establish precise connections between the long-run behavior of the discrete stochastic process, for large populations, and its deterministic flow approximation. In particular, we provide probabilistic bounds on exit times from and visitation rates to neighborhoods of attractors to the deterministic flow. We sharpen these results in the special case of ergodic processes.
Characterization and mathematical modeling of the structure of Canadian crude asphalt binders by x-ray diffraction

Eight samples of asphalt binder were retrieved from the provinces of Ontario and Alberta, Canada. Then they were pre-processed in thin film (1mm) on glass slides. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to perform profile fits, aromaticity and crystallite parameters in asphalt binder samples, and patterns were gotten by employing monochromatic Cu-K-a radiation (40kV and 40mA) using a Rigaku DMax 2200V-PC. Additionally, profile fitting was carried out by applying Pearson VII and Pseudo-Voigt functions from 5° to 35° as well as 60° to 110°= 2θ. The broadening of the diffraction line was simulated and analyzed using X-ray thin film. Outcome indicated a notable relationship between Pearson VII, Pseudo-Voigt, and Generalized Fermi Function (GFF). X-ray line broadening experiments using either the integral or full width at half maximum (FWHM) from diffraction lines are employed in order to simulate X-ray line profiles that emerged from the samples. For researchers as well as workers in the field, issues such as rutting of asphalt pavements in hot environments and cracking in cold ones are issues that not only persist but remain unresolved. Therefore, with the aim of enhancing asphalt pavement performance, it is worth examining compositional and structural characteristics in binders on a microscopic level.
Family caregiving at the intersection of private care by migrant home care workers and public care by nursing staff

ABSTRACT Background: This study evaluated private family caregiving at the intersection of private migrant home care and public nursing care on the hospitalization of an older patient. Methods: Seventy-three individuals were interviewed, including older hospitalized patients, their family members, accompanying migrant home care workers, and nursing personnel. Results: There was no clear consensus concerning the role of family members. Although family members emphasized care management as their main role, the other three groups emphasized that the family members’ mere physical presence was their main role. All four groups identified potential barriers to family caregiving, rather than motives for family caregiving, hence pointing to a potential discrepancy between expected and performed family caregiving roles. Conclusions: An indication of the lack of clarity concerning family caregiving roles stems from the finding that family members were frequently viewed as unengaged and neglectful, yet at times they were criticized for being overly involved in patient care. Implications for the care of hospitalized older adults are discussed.
Polymorphisms in complement system genes and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma

The complement system plays an important role in inflammatory and immune responses, and recent evidence has suggested that it may also play a role in lymphomagenesis. We evaluated the association between genetic variation in complement system genes and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in a population‐based case–control study conducted among women in Connecticut. Tag SNPs in 30 complement genes were genotyped in 432 Caucasian incident cases and 494 frequency‐matched controls. A gene‐based analysis that adjusted for the number of tag SNPs genotyped in each gene showed a significant association with NHL overall (P = 0.04) as well as with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (P = 0.01) for the C1RL gene. A SNP‐based analysis showed that a C>T base substitution for C1RL rs3813729 (odds ratio (OR)CT = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.42–0.87, Ptrend = 0.0062) was associated with a decreased risk of overall NHL, as well as for DLBCL (ORCT = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.20–0.73; Ptrend = 0.0034). Additionally, SNPs (C2 rs497309, A>C and C3 rs344550, G>C) in two complement genes were positively associated with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and C1QG was associated with CLL/SLL, but these results were based on a limited number of cases. Our results suggest a potential role of the complement system in susceptibility to NHL; however, our results should be viewed as exploratory and further replication is needed to clarify these preliminary findings. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2012. Published 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SBA-15 MOLECULAR SIEVE: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATION IN OIL/WATER SEPARATION

This work evaluates the use of molecular sieve SBA-15 as adsorbent in oil removal process. The synthesis and characterization tests used X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), physical N2 adsorption, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), adsorption capacity in organic solvents (gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil), and Foster Swelling. Following, this work performed the evaluation of SBA-15 as adsorbent in the process of removing oil from a synthetic effluent, through the finite bath system (Batch adsorption). Finite bath system tests used a factorial 22 experimental design with three experiments at the central point. At that stage, two variables were evaluated: initial oil concentration (100, 300, and 500 mg /L) and mechanical agitation (100, 200, and 300 rpm). Through the experiments, it was possible to observe the following response variables: percentage of total removal (% Rem) and removal capacity in equilibrium (qeq). For comparison level, the experiments also evaluated response variables for the tests without mechanical agitation. Characterization techniques (DRX, EDX, SEM, Physical N2 Adsorption) presented results compatible with the characteristics presented by mesoporous materials. Foster Swell tests confirmed the affinity of SBA-15 molecular sieve with the organic solvents used: gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil. The testing system determined both finite bath oil removal percentage (% Rem) 97.04%, and removal capacity at equilibrium (qeq) of 48.58 mg /g, indicating that the use of SBA-15 molecular sieve is a viable option in the oil removal process.
Design and Implementation of Real-time Algorithms for Eye Tracking and PERCLOS Measurement for on board Estimation of Alertness of Drivers

The alertness level of drivers can be estimated with the use of computer vision based methods. The level of fatigue can be found from the value of PERCLOS. It is the ratio of closed eye frames to the total frames processed. The main objective of the thesis is the design and implementation of real-time algorithms for measurement of PERCLOS. In this work we have developed a real-time system which is able to process the video onboard and to alarm the driver in case the driver is in alert. For accurate estimation of PERCLOS the frame rate should be greater than 4 and accuracy should be greater than 90%. For eye detection we have used mainly two approaches Haar classifier based method and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based method for day time. During night time active Near Infra Red (NIR) illumination is used. Local Binary Pattern (LBP) histogram based method is used for the detection of eyes at night time. The accuracy rate of the algorithms was found to be more than 90% at frame rates more than 5 fps which was suitable for the application.
A New Generation of Stable, Nonantibiotic, Low-Copy-Number Plasmids Improves Immune Responses to Foreign Antigens in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Live Vectors

ABSTRACT We hypothesized that adequately engineered attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi strains can serve as multivalent mucosal live vector vaccines to immunize against unrelated human pathogens. Toward this ultimate goal, we have developed a novel genetic stabilization system for antigen-expressing plasmids, engineered to encode the single-stranded binding protein (SSB), an essential protein involved in DNA metabolism which was deleted from the live vector chromosome. We utilized full-length protective antigen (PA83) of anthrax toxin from Bacillus anthracis as a foreign antigen and expressed PA83 as a fusion with the ClyA export protein, which allows export of ClyA-PA83 to the surface of S. Typhi live vectors. A series of SSB-encoding multicopy expression plasmids were introduced into reengineered S. Typhi strains previously tested in clinical trials, i.e., CVD 908-htrA and its less attenuated parent CVD 908. Immunogenicity was examined using a mouse model of intranasal immunization with live vector, followed by parenteral boosting with purified PA83. PA-specific antibody responses markedly improved as the copy number of the SSB-encoding plasmids decreased, and this effect was dramatically enhanced when the foreign antigen was delivered by the less attenuated live vector CVD 908ssb. These results suggest that antibody responses to antigens delivered by S. Typhi live vectors are inversely related to the metabolic burden imposed by expression of the foreign antigen and that these responses can be improved when antigens are expressed from low-copy-number plasmids and exported out of the cytoplasm of less attenuated live vectors.
Absence of thymus crosstalk in the fetus does not preclude hematopoietic induction of a functional thymus in the adult

Cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells provide essential signals for a normal programme of T‐cell development. Current models of thymus development suggest that thymocyte‐derived signals play an important role in establishing thymic microenvironments, a process termed thymus crosstalk. Studies on CD3εtg26 mice lacking intrathymic T‐cell progenitors provided evidence that normal development of the thymic cortex depends upon thymocyte‐derived signals. Importantly, the reported failure to effectively reconstitute adult CD3εtg26 mice raised the possibility that such crosstalk must occur within a developmental window, and that closure of this window during the postnatal period renders thymic epithelium refractory to crosstalk signals and unable to effectively impose T‐cell selection. We have re‐investigated the timing of provision of crosstalk in relation to development of functional thymic microenvironments. We show that transfer of either fetal precursors or adult T‐committed precursors into adult CD3εtg26 mice initiates key parameters of successful thymic reconstitution including thymocyte development and emigration, restoration of cortical and medullary epithelial architecture, and establishment of thymic tolerance mechanisms including maturation of Foxp3+ Treg and autoimmune regulator‐expressing medullary epithelium. Collectively, our data argue against a temporal window of thymocyte crosstalk, and instead demonstrates continued receptiveness of thymic epithelium for the formation of functionally competent thymic microenvironments.