Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elevated Ratio of Maternal Plasma ApoCIII to ApoCII in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder unique to pregnancy. Although the pathogenesis of the disease begins with aberrant spiral artery invasion in the first trimester, clinical symptoms usually do not present until late in pregnancy. Apolipoprotein CII (ApoCII) and its negative regulator, apolipoprotein CIII (ApoCIII), have recently been described as atherogenesis biomarkers in models of cardiovascular disease. Given the similarities in pathology, etiology, and clinical presentation between cardiovascular disease and preeclampsia, we hypothesized that the ratio of ApoCIII to ApoCII in maternal first trimester plasma would predict preeclampsia later in pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, plasma was prospectively collected from 311 nulliparas at 8 to 12 weeks gestation. After delivery, patients were divided into cohorts based on preeclampsia diagnosis. Conditioning monocytes with preeclamptic plasma potentiated monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells in an in vitro model. The ratio of ApoCIII to ApoCII was significantly elevated in patients with severe preeclampsia relative to normotensive and gestational hypertensive individuals (P < .05) as determined by mass spectrometry and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. These results support a predictive change in the ratio of ApoCIII to ApoCII in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia.
ℓ0TV: A new method for image restoration in the presence of impulse noise

Total Variation (TV) is an effective and popular prior model in the field of regularization-based image processing. This paper focuses on TV for image restoration in the presence of impulse noise. This type of noise frequently arises in data acquisition and transmission due to many reasons, e.g. a faulty sensor or analog-to-digital converter errors. Removing this noise is an important task in image restoration. State-of-the-art methods such as Adaptive Outlier Pursuit(AOP) [42], which is based on TV with ℓ02-norm data fidelity, only give sub-optimal performance. In this paper, we propose a new method, called ℓ0TV -PADMM, which solves the TV-based restoration problem with ℓ0-norm data fidelity. To effectively deal with the resulting non-convex non-smooth optimization problem, we first reformulate it as an equivalent MPEC (Mathematical Program with Equilibrium Constraints), and then solve it using a proximal Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (PADMM). Our ℓ0TV -PADMM method finds a desirable solution to the original ℓ0-norm optimization problem and is proven to be convergent under mild conditions. We apply ℓ0TV -PADMM to the problems of image denoising and deblurring in the presence of impulse noise. Our extensive experiments demonstrate that ℓ0TV -PADMM outperforms state-of-the-art image restoration methods.
Patients like nursing aspects of the nurse practitioner role.

A recent study has shown that patients attending GP surgeries are as much, if not more, satisfied with the service they receive from nurse practitioners (NPs) than that received from doctors (Horrocks et al, 2002). This study is, therefore, another addition to a growing body of evidence that under certain conditions nurses can function effectively when undertaking traditional medical roles. It also adds weight to the British Medical Association's (BMA's) proposed new model for primary care, designed to find a solution for the shortage of GPS, wherein it is recommended that the first point of call for patients should be a NP and not a doctor (BMA, 2002; see also BJN Vol 11(5): 296).
Linking tumor associated macrophages, inflammation, and intestinal tumorigenesis: Role of MCP‐1

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) is thought to be the most important chemokine for the recruitment of macrophages (MΦs) to the tumor microenvironment. We examined the role of MCP‐1 on tumor associated MΦs, inflammation, and intestinal tumorigenesis in a genetic mouse model of colon cancer. Male ApcMin/+, ApcMin/+/MCP‐1−/− or wild type mice (n=10/group) were sacrificed at 18 wks of age and intestines were analyzed for polyp burden, apoptosis, β‐catenin expression, MΦ number & phenotype, and inflammation. MCP‐1−/− decreased overall polyp number by 25% and large polyp number by 45% (P<0.05). This was consistent with an increase in apoptotic cells (P<0.05). Similarly, the number of β‐catenin positive polyps was reduced in ApcMin/+/MCP‐1−/− mice (P<0.05). MCP‐1 deficient mice showed decreased F4/80 positive cells in the polyp tissue (P=0.06) and surrounding intestinal tissue (P<0.05), and there was a decrease in CD206 mRNA expression (P<0.05). Further, MCP‐1−/− offset the increased mRNA expression of IL‐1β & IL‐6 in intestinal tissue and IL‐1β & TNF‐α in polyp tissue (P<0.05) and prevented the decrease in SOCS1 expression (P<0.05). Circulating IL‐6 levels were also decreased in MCP‐1−/− mice (P<0.05). We demonstrate that MCP‐1 is an important mediator of tumor growth and cancer‐induced inflammation and may serve as an important biomarker and/or therapeutic target in colon cancer.
Data Transformation in a Three Dimensional Integrated Circuit Implementation

Abstract : Three-dimensional integration is an emerging chip fabrication technique in which multiple integrated circuit dies are joined using conductive posts. 3D integration offers several performance and security advantages, including extremely high bandwidth between the two dies and the ability to augment a processor with a separate die housing custom security features. This thesis performs a feasibility and requirements analysis of a data transformation coprocessor in a three-dimensional integrated circuit. We propose a novel coprocessor architecture in which one layer (control layer) houses application-specific coprocessors for cryptography and compression, which provide acceleration for applications running on a general-purpose processor in another layer (computational layer). The main application supported from our proposed 3DIC is the one that performs real-time trace collection, compresses the trace, and optionally encrypts the compressed trace, which protects the data from interception during transmission to permanent off-chip storage for offline program analysis. Although we are not building a hardware device for simulation we present the architecture for a 3D data transformation processor and a rationale for each of the key design decisions, including a compression study that determined the optimal compression algorithm for a specific set of traces.
Electrical conductivity as an indicator of iron reduction rates in abiotic and biotic systems

Although changes in bulk electrical conductivity (σb) in aquifers have been attributed to microbial activity, σb has never been used to infer biogeochemical reaction rates quantitatively. To explore the use of electrical conductivity to measure reaction rates, we conducted iron oxide reduction experiments of increasing biological complexity. To quantify reaction rates, we propose composite reactions that incorporate the stoichiometry of five different types of reactions: redox, acid‐base, sorption, dissolution/precipitation, and biosynthesis. In batch experiments and the early stages of a column experiment, such reaction stoichiometries inferred from a few chemical measurements allowed quantification of the Fe oxide reduction rate based on changes in electrical conductivity. The relationship between electrical conductivity and fluid chemistry did not hold during the latter stages of the column experiment when σb increased while fluid chemistry remained constant. Growth of an electrically conductive biofilm could possibly explain this late stage σb increase. The measured σb increase is consistent with a model proposed by analogy from percolation theory that attributes the increased conductivity to growth of biofilms with conductivity of ∼5.5 S m−1 in at least 3% of the column pore space. This work demonstrates that measurements of σb and flow rate, combined with a few direct chemical measurements, can be used to quantify biogeochemical reaction rates in controlled laboratory situations and may be able to detect the presence of biofilms. This approach may help in designing future field experiments to interpret biogeochemical reactivity from conductivity measurements.
Multiple target tracking with asynchronous bearings-only-measurements

An algorithm for detection and tracking of multiple targets using bearings measurements from several sensors is developed. The algorithm is an implementation of a multiple hypothesis tracker with pruning of unlikely hypotheses. Tracking conditional on each hypothesis can be performed using any suitable filtering approximation. In this paper a range- parameterized unscented Kalman filter is used. Each hypothesis describes a track collection with varying number of targets. Final track estimates are obtained by weighted clustering according to hypothesis probabilities and clustered track states. Simulation experiments include arbitrary setup of multiple targets and multiple moving receiver platforms (sensors). The main results are the asynchronous modeling of measurements arrivals which allows an effective and efficient processing in a Bayesian MHT framework.
Impact of climate change on New York City’s coastal flood hazard: Increasing flood heights from the preindustrial to 2300 CE

Significance We combine downscaled tropical cyclones, storm-surge models, and probabilistic sea-level rise projections to assess flood hazard associated with changing storm characteristics and sea-level rise in New York City from the preindustrial era to 2300. Compensation between increased storm intensity and offshore shifts in storm tracks causes minimal change in modeled storm-surge heights through 2300. However, projected sea-level rise leads to large increases in future overall flood heights associated with tropical cyclones in New York City. Consequently, flood height return periods that were ∼500 y during the preindustrial era have fallen to ∼25 y at present and are projected to fall to ∼5 y within the next three decades. The flood hazard in New York City depends on both storm surges and rising sea levels. We combine modeled storm surges with probabilistic sea-level rise projections to assess future coastal inundation in New York City from the preindustrial era through 2300 CE. The storm surges are derived from large sets of synthetic tropical cyclones, downscaled from RCP8.5 simulations from three CMIP5 models. The sea-level rise projections account for potential partial collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet in assessing future coastal inundation. CMIP5 models indicate that there will be minimal change in storm-surge heights from 2010 to 2100 or 2300, because the predicted strengthening of the strongest storms will be compensated by storm tracks moving offshore at the latitude of New York City. However, projected sea-level rise causes overall flood heights associated with tropical cyclones in New York City in coming centuries to increase greatly compared with preindustrial or modern flood heights. For the various sea-level rise scenarios we consider, the 1-in-500-y flood event increases from 3.4 m above mean tidal level during 1970–2005 to 4.0–5.1 m above mean tidal level by 2080–2100 and ranges from 5.0–15.4 m above mean tidal level by 2280–2300. Further, we find that the return period of a 2.25-m flood has decreased from ∼500 y before 1800 to ∼25 y during 1970–2005 and further decreases to ∼5 y by 2030–2045 in 95% of our simulations. The 2.25-m flood height is permanently exceeded by 2280–2300 for scenarios that include Antarctica’s potential partial collapse.
On Extra Combinational Delays in SRAM FPGAs Due to Transient Ionizing Radiations

This paper presents a new experimental setup (to our knowledge, the first ever) and results obtained with that setup from which we report extra combinational delays in an SRAM FPGA (Virtex-5) due to transient ionizing radiations. The results, obtained by proton irradiation at the TRIUMF laboratory, show that our setup can detect extra combinatorial delays as small as 40 ps, and that delays of more than 400 ps can affect the targeted FPGA. These results strongly suggest that delay faults can potentially be induced by transient ionizing radiations.
Functional Oligomeric State of Avian Sarcoma Virus Integrase*

Retroviral integrase, one of only three enzymes encoded by the virus, catalyzes the essential step of inserting a DNA copy of the viral genome into the host during infection. Using the avian sarcoma virus integrase, we demonstrate that the enzyme functions as a tetramer. In presteady-state active site titrations, four integrase protomers were required for a single catalytic turnover. Volumetric determination of integrase-DNA complexes imaged by atomic force microscopy during the initial turnover additionally revealed substrate-induced assembly of a tetramer. These results suggest that tetramer formation may be a requisite step during catalysis with ramifications for antiviral design strategies targeting the structurally homologous human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) integrase.
NUMA aware locks Implementation and Evaluation

Programs running on NUMA machines are sensitive to memory access locality[3]. Acessing data on the local memory is significantly faster than remote memory. Thus, designing locks that can take advantage of this property would improve the performance. We review three papers related to this topic and study the behaviors of these NUMA aware locks. We implement these locks in C++, and evaluate them on the two different NUMA platforms–intel and sparc. We compared these locks each other and with non NUMA aware locks in terms of performance and fairness.
Use of whole exome and genome sequencing in the identification of genetic causes of primary immunodeficiencies

Purpose of reviewThis review discusses the strengths and challenges of using whole genome sequencing (WGS)/whole exome sequencing (WES) for identifying novel genetic causes of primary immunodeficiencies. Recent findingsWGS permits comprehensive sequencing of introns and exons, whereas WES allows deeper sequencing of exonic regions at a lower cost. Due to the large number of genetic variants found in each genome, it is necessary to use filtering approaches to distinguish deleterious from benign variants. WES has been used successfully to identify novel genetic causes of primary immunodeficiency. Complex structural variations and non-Mendelian disorders remain challenges for WGS/WES. SummaryWGS/WES is a powerful screening tool with great potential to identify genetic causes of primary immunodeficiencies for research and clinical applications. To use WGS/WES effectively, it is necessary to understand how to filter the sequencing data and to realize its limitations as well as its strengths.
Design of an Artificial Central Pattern Generator with Feedback Controller

Abstract This paper proposes an approach to design of an artificial central pattern generator (CPG) with a feedback control loop. CPG is the biological neural network that generates rhythmic movements for locomotion of animals. A crucial point in designing of an artificial CPG controller is how to deal with sensory information on surrounding environrnents. Hence, we investigated the properties of an artificial CPG controller including sensory feedback. First, we analyzed the stability of the CPG controller, and then how a sensory feedback influences to the output of the controller. The results provide a realistic approach to design of an artificial CPG controller.
KNOWING , FORGETTING AND LEARNING ONCE AGAIN : KNOWLEDGE CONSOLIDATION IN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

How organizations create, transfer, and retain knowledge has been the focus of intensive investigation by management researchers for some time. However, one aspect of the dynamics of knowledge – forgetting – has received comparatively little attention. In this article, we discuss the role of forgetting in the dynamics of organizational knowledge. Based on an exploratory, multiple case study of learning in international strategic alliances, we explore the concept of organizational forgetting and relate it to knowledge transfer, knowledge creation and organizational memory. We argue that forgetting is the necessary counterpart of learning, and that attempts to manage knowledge must also include attempts to manage forgetting. Knowing, forgetting and learning once again: knowledge consolidation in service organizations
Exercise Program Adherence Using a 5-Kilometer (5K) Event as an Achievable Goal in People With Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia have a higher prevalence of obesity than the general population. Many people with this illness struggle with weight gain, due, in part, to medications and other factors that act as obstacles to exercise and healthy eating. Several studies have shown the benefits of behavioral weight loss programs targeting eating and/or exercise in people with schizophrenia. Fewer studies have used competitive events as a goal for an exercise program. The current study tested the feasibility of preparing, using an exercise program, for a 5-kilometer (5K) event in people with schizophrenia. The exercise program was a 10-week training program consisting of three supervised walking/jogging sessions per week and a weekly educational meeting on healthy behaviors. Almost 65% (11/17) of the subjects participated in all of the training sessions, and 82% (14/17) participated in the 5K event. Participants did not gain a significant amount of weight during the exercise program (median weight change = 0.7 kg; 25th percentile 0.5, 75th percentile 3.9, p = .10). This study suggests that using an achievable goal, such as a 5K event, promotes adherence to an exercise program and is feasible in a population of people with chronic schizophrenia.
Effects of cage and barn rearing system on early laying performance of pullet

The present experiment was conducted with 144 Shaver 579 egg laying pullets to compare their performances reared on barn and in cages for a period of 16 weeks from 25 to 40 weeks of age. Feed consumption, feed conversion (FC) and egg weight were significantly higher when reared on barn than in cages. However, hen day egg production (HDEP), egg mass, body weight, livability, albumen index, Haugh unit (HU), yolk index, shape index and egg shell thickness did not differ (P>0.05) between pullets under two different rearing systems. Soiled eggs (p<0.01) and shell breaking strength (P<0.05) were higher for the pullets reared on barn than in cages. In contrast, yolk color score (YCS) was higher (P<0.05) in eggs collected from the cage-reared pullets when compared with the eggs of pullets reared on barn. It is concluded that egg laying pullets can be reared either on barn or in cages successfully in Bangladesh condition without any adverse effect on egg production. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2015. 44 (3): 151-156
Aberrant functional network recruitment of posterior parietal cortex in turner syndrome

Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the complete or partial absence of an X chromosome in affected women. Individuals with TS show characteristic difficulties with executive functions, visual‐spatial and mathematical cognition, with relatively intact verbal skills, and congruent abnormalities in structural development of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). The functionally heterogeneous PPC has recently been investigated using connectivity‐based clustering methods, which sub‐divide a given region into clusters of voxels showing similar structural or functional connectivity to other brain regions. In the present study, we extended this method to compare connectivity‐based clustering between groups and investigate whether functional networks differentially recruit the PPC in TS. To this end, we parcellated the PPC into sub‐regions based on temporal correlations with other regions of the brain. fMRI data were collected from 15 girls with TS and 14 typically developing (TD) girls, aged 7–14, while they performed a visual‐spatial task. Temporal correlations between voxels in the PPC and a set of seed regions were calculated, and the PPC divided into clusters of voxels showing similar connectivity. It was found that in general the PPC parcellates similarly in TS and TD girls, but that regions in bilateral inferior parietal lobules, and posterior right superior parietal lobule, were reliably recruited by different networks in TS relative to TD participants. These regions showed weaker correlation in TS with a set of regions involved in visual processing. These results suggest that abnormal development of visuospatial functional networks in TS may relate to the well documented cognitive difficulties in this disorder. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3117–3128, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DAP kinase mediates the phosphorylation of tropomyosin-1 downstream of the ERK pathway, which regulates the formation of stress fibers in response to oxidative stress

Endothelial cells are actively involved in regulating the exchanges between blood and tissues. This function is tightly dependent on actin cytoskeleton dynamics and is challenged by a wide variety of stimuli, including oxidative stress. In endothelial cells, oxidative stress quickly activates the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) MAP kinase, which results in the phosphorylation of tropomyosin. Here, we investigated further the mechanisms of tropomyosin phosphorylation and its function in actin remodeling. We identified, for the first time, death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAP kinase 1) as the kinase that phosphorylates tropomyosin-1 in response to ERK activation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We also report that the phosphorylation of tropomyosin-1 mediated by DAP kinase occurs on Ser283. Moreover, the expression of the pseudophosphorylated tropomyosin mutant Ser283Glu triggers by itself the formation of stress fibers in untreated cells, and the effect is maintained in H2O2-treated cells in which DAP kinase expression is knocked-down by siRNA. By contrast, the expression of the nonphosphorylatable tropomyosin mutant Ser283Ala is not associated with stress fibers and leads to membrane blebbing in response to H2O2. Our finding that tropomyosin-1 is phosphorylated downstream of ERK and DAP kinase and that it helps regulate the formation of stress fibers will aid understanding the role of this protein in regulating the endothelial functions associated with cytoskeletal remodeling.