Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Collagen complexes increase the efficiency of iPS cells generated using fibroblasts from adult mice

Different interventions are being tested for restoration of the youthfulness of adult mouse-derived fibroblasts. However, fundamental issues, such as the decline of adult mouse-derived fibroblast activity with age, remain unresolved. Therefore, in this study, we examined whether treatment with collagen complexes has beneficial effects on the rejuvenation or reprogramming of adult mouse-derived fibroblasts. Further, we investigated the mechanisms of rejuvenation of adult mouse-derived fibroblasts during treatment with total collagen complexes. We isolated total collagen complexes from the tails of young mice and cultured adult mouse-derived fibroblasts with or without the collagen complexes. When compared with fibroblasts cultured without collagen complexes, adult-derived fibroblasts cultured with collagen complexes over five consecutive passages showed a more youthful state, expanded at a higher rate, and exhibited reduced spontaneous cell death. The fibroblasts cultured in the presence of collagen complexes also showed extensive demethylation in the promoter regions of cell cycle-related genes such as PCNA, increased proliferation, and decreased senescence. In addition, the efficiency of reprogramming of fibroblasts to become induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells was significantly higher in young- and adult-derived fibroblasts cultured with collagen complexes than in adult-derived fibroblasts cultured alone. Furthermore, mechanistic evidence shows that genes involved in anti-proliferative pathways, including Ink4a/Arf locus genes and p53, were downregulated in fibroblasts exposed to collagen complexes. Interestingly, our results suggest that the rejuvenation process was mediated via the α2β1 integrin-dependent Bmi-1 pathway. Thus, collagen complexes both stimulate proliferation and inhibit cell death and growth arrest in fibroblasts, which appears to be a promising approach for improving the efficiency of reprogramming.
Synergistic interaction of glyceraldehydes‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and ArsJ, a novel organoarsenical efflux permease, confers arsenate resistance

Microbial biotransformations are major contributors to the arsenic biogeocycle. In parallel with transformations of inorganic arsenic, organoarsenicals pathways have recently been recognized as important components of global cycling of arsenic. The well‐characterized pathway of resistance to arsenate is reduction coupled to arsenite efflux. Here, we describe a new pathway of arsenate resistance involving biosynthesis and extrusion of an unusual pentavalent organoarsenical. A number of arsenic resistance (ars) operons have two genes of unknown function that are linked in these operons. One, gapdh, encodes the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase. The other, arsJ, encodes a major facilitator superfamily (MFS) protein. The two genes were cloned from the chromosome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When expressed together, but not alone, in Escherichia coli, gapdh and arsJ specifically conferred resistance to arsenate and decreased accumulation of As(V). Everted membrane vesicles from cells expressing arsJ accumulated As(V) in the presence of purified GAPDH, D‐glceraldehylde 3‐phosphate (G3P) and NAD+. GAPDH forms the unstable organoarsenical 1‐arseno‐3‐phosphoglycerate (1As3PGA). We propose that ArsJ is an efflux permease that extrudes 1As3PGA from cells, where it rapidly dissociates into As(V) and 3‐phosphoglycerate (3PGA), creating a novel pathway of arsenate resistance.
Systematic Luby Transform Codes and Their Soft Decoding

Luby Transform codes (LT) were originally designed for the Binary Erasure Channel (BEC) encountered owing to randomly dropped packets in the statistical multiplexing aided classic wireline-based Internet, where transmitted packets are not affected by the fading or noise of the propagation environment of the wireless Internet. For the sake of transmitting data over the BEC routinely encountered in statistical multiplexing aided wireless Internet-style scenarios, we applied the belief propagation algorithm for decoding LT codes and designed a novel version of LT codes, which we refer to as systematic LT codes. When using soft decoding of the proposed systematic LT code, the decoding process becomes capable of preventing the potentially avalanche-like inter-packet error propagation. For example, the systematic LT(1000,3000) code achieved a BER below 10-5 at Eb/N0 = 3.5dB after six decoding iterations. An even lower Eb/N0 of 2.7dB was required, when using a longer systematic LT(10000,30000) code for transmission over the AWGN channel. In the combined BEC-AWGN channel the BER recorded at the output of the systematic LT(1000,3000) code was about 10-5 at Eb/N0 = 4.5dB, when encounter an erasure probability of Pe = 0.1.
Full‐length sequence and expression analysis of a myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in half‐smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis

Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is a universal and crucial adaptor protein, which plays an essential role in the intracellular signalling elicited by IL‐1R/TLR superfamily. In the present study, we report the full‐length sequence of MyD88 gene in half‐smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In the 2855 bp genomic sequence, five exons and four introns were identified. The cloned cDNA exhibited 110 bp of 5′ UTR, 576 bp of 3′ UTR and 858 bp of the entire open‐reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 285 amino acids. The protein sequence included a typical conserved cytosolic Toll/interleukin‐1 receptor (TIR) domain, an intermediate domain (ID) and a death domain (DD), and shared greater than 70% identity with Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceu ortholog. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis indicated a broad expression of csMyD88, especially in ovary and spleen. Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis indicated that the csMyD88 mRNA levels were significantly increased in the spleen and head kidney after inactive Vibrio anguillarum challenge and the expression of csMyD88 appeared to be developmentally regulated during C. semilaevis ontogeny. Although, species‐specific differences were present, the similarity between mammalian and piscine MyD88s suggested that the main function of MyD88 might be conserved across vertebrates.
A Meta-Analysis of Cognitive Impairment Following Adult Cancer Chemotherapy

Objective: Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments are reported by many cancer survivors. Research to date has not provided a clear description of their nature, extent, mechanisms, and duration. To investigate the impairments and factors that could influence their identification and severity, the present meta-analysis brings together research on this topic in adult cancer patients. Method: Our random-model meta-analysis includes 44 studies investigating the cognitive performance of adults treated with chemotherapy for non-central nervous system malignancies, primarily breast and testicular cancer. We conducted several subgroup analyses to identify the level of cognitive impairments in longitudinal and cross-sectional studies. We also pursued several multilevel model regressions to investigate the impact of methodological (study quality) and clinical moderators (diagnosis, age, time since treatment) on the observed effect sizes. Results: Cognitive impairments were found in cross-sectional studies in immediate free recall, delayed memory, verbal memory, delayed recognition memory, selective attention, and attention capacity. Surprisingly, prior to chemotherapy, patients performed better than matched controls. In longitudinal studies, patients’ performance increased from baseline to follow-up, an effect that was stronger in patients than controls. None of the chosen moderators influenced the magnitude of estimated summary effect sizes. Conclusions: The likelihood to identify impairments rests on the type of design employed, as memory and attention impairments are only detected in cross-sectional studies. We discuss the lack of significant impact of moderators on the effect sizes despite the heterogeneity of results, while providing recommendations toward decreasing the heterogeneity in future studies.
Activity and Diversity of Methanotrophic Bacteria at Methane Seeps in Eastern Lake Constance Sediments

ABSTRACT The activity and community structure of aerobic methanotrophic communities were investigated at methane seeps (pockmarks) in the littoral and profundal zones of an oligotrophic freshwater lake (Lake Constance, Germany). Measurements of potential methane oxidation rates showed that sediments inside littoral pockmarks are hot spots of methane oxidation. Potential methane oxidation rates at littoral pockmark sites exceeded the rates of the surrounding sediment by 2 orders of magnitude. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of the pmoA gene revealed major differences in the methanotrophic community composition between littoral pockmarks and the surrounding sediments. Clone library analysis confirmed that one distinct Methylobacter-related group dominates the community at littoral pockmarks. In profundal sediments, the differences between pockmarks and surrounding sediments were found to be less pronounced.
Temporal and Spatial Partitioning of a Time-Triggered Operating System Based on Real-Time Linux

Real-time Linux variants are becoming prominent solutions for the development of embedded systems. Compared to traditional real-time operating systems, embedded system engineers can leverage solutions and knowhow from the Linux development community (e.g., development tools, applications, drivers). Due to the availability of implementations of Internet protocols and network drivers, Linux also facilitates the implementation of embedded systems connected to the Internet. The goal of this paper is to evaluate experimentally the capabilities of the Real-time Linux variant RTAI/LXRT with respect to partitioning between different application software modules. Partitioning ensures that a failure caused by a design fault in one application software module cannot propagate to cause a failure in other application software modules, e.g., by blocking access to the CPU or by overwriting memory. Partitioning is important when building mixed-criticality systems comprising both non safety-critical software modules and safety-related ones. Even at the same level of criticality, partitioning improves the robustness of an embedded system. The experimental results described in this paper point out several limitations of RTAI/LXRT Linux concerning fault isolation. Based on these results, we propose modifications to improve the partitioning with respect to temporal and spatial interference.
Visual product aesthetics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nomological net of the construct of the centrality of visual product aesthetics (CVPA). Design/methodology/approach – A hierarchical model of personality is employed to investigate the nomological net of CVPA. The hierarchical model incorporates both trait antecedents (e.g. the traits of need for material resources, the need for uniqueness, and openness to experience) as well as value antecedents (the values of science importance, liberalism, and conservatism). In addition, the model includes three expected consequences of CVPA not previously investigated in the literature. Data were collected from a survey of 542 adult consumers who were broadly representative of the population of the USA.Findings – The findings identified six significant antecedents of CVPA: need for uniqueness, conservative values, liberal values, science values, openness to experience, and material needs. In addition, CVPA was positively related to individuals' interest in repre.
Extended LMI approach to coherent quantum LQG control design

A coherent quantum controller is itself a quantum system that is required to be physically realizable. Thus, additional non-linear and linear constraints must be imposed on the coefficients of a physically realizable quantum controller, which differs the quantum Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) design from the standard LQG problem. The purpose of this paper is to propose one numerical procedure based on extended linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach and new physical realizability conditions proposed in [14] to design a coherent quantum controller. The extended synthesis linear matrix inequalities are, in addition to new analysis tools, less conservative in comparison to the conventional counterparts since the optimization variables related to the system parameters in extended LMIs are independent of the symmetric Lyapunov matrix. These features may be useful in the optimal design of quantum optical networks. For comparison, we apply our numerical procedure to the same example given in [9].
ARHMAM: an activity recognition system based on hidden Markov minded activity model

The fundamental problem of the existing Activity Recognition (AR) systems is that these require real-world activity data to train the underneath activity classifier. It significantly reduces the applicability and scalability of the system. An AR system trained in an environment would only be applicable to that environment and would not be able to recognize new activities of interest. To overcome such difficulties, in this paper we propose a simple and ubiquitous sensor based AR system that uses web activity data to train its classifier. It would work to almost any environment and would be scalable by its very design. Given a set of activities to monitor, object names with embedded sensors and their corresponding locations, the ARHMAM first mines activity data from web, and uses these to build a Hidden Markov Model (HMM). In comparison with the existing web data based AR systems, it has the following advantages: (1) it uses more strong activity model, (2) it reduces the mining time significantly. It is observed that the class accuracy of activity recognition of our system for a real-world dataset is more than 64%, which is 20% more in comparison with its counterpart. Additionally, the mining time complexity is far better than its counterpart.
The E2 Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme UBE2J1 Is Required for Spermiogenesis in Mice*

Background: The physiological roles of many ER quality control components are unknown. Results: Male Ube2j1−/− mice are sterile with defects in flagella and acrosome function, and cytoplasm removal in sperm cells. Conclusion: Spermatogenesis is a previously unknown process requiring ER quality control. Significance: ER quality control components might serve as diagnostic or therapeutic targets for male infertility in the future. ER-resident proteins destined for degradation are dislocated into the cytosol by components of the ER quality control machinery for proteasomal degradation. Dislocation substrates are ubiquitylated in the cytosol by E2 ubiquitin-conjugating/E3 ligase complexes. UBE2J1 is one of the well-characterized E2 enzymes that participate in this process. However, the physiological function of Ube2j1 is poorly defined. We find that Ube2j1−/− mice have reduced viability and fail to thrive early after birth. Male Ube2j1−/− mice are sterile due to a defect in late spermatogenesis. Ultrastructural analysis shows that removal of the cytoplasm is incomplete in Ube2j1−/− elongating spermatids, compromising the release of mature elongate spermatids into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule. Our findings identify an essential function for the ubiquitin-proteasome-system in spermiogenesis and define a novel, non-redundant physiological function for the dislocation step of ER quality control.
Philosophical Problems and Arguments: An Introduction

Widely used by instructors who emphasize the logical structure of philosophical theories and the dialectical play of argument, this popular work provides clear, reliable, and up-to-date discussions of central philosophical debates. The fourth edition incorporates major revisions--the first since 1982--and features an extensive change in content. Every chapter has been reworked to improve its organization, to make it more accessible and engaging to the student, and to reflect recent discussions.
Analytical Issues with Natriuretic Peptides – has this been Overly Simplified?

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) were first described as cardiac biomarkers more than two decades ago. Since that time, numerous studies have confirmed NPs’ diagnostic and prognostic utilities as biomarkers of myocardial function. However, we must now admit that despite the NPs’ relatively long period of use in clinical practice, our understanding of the biochemistry and the variety of circulating forms of NPs, as well as of their potential as biomarkers, remains far from being complete and comprehensive. The highly complex nature and wide diversity of circulating forms of NPs make their accurate measurements in plasma far more complex than initially believed. A highly simplistic view of the NPs’ use is that elevated values of NPs indicate the severity of heart failure and thus reflect the prognosis. However, as shown by a variety of studies, deep understanding of how the NP system works will be required for correct interpretation of test results in routine practice of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding of the complexity of the NP system and discuss related analytical issues, which open new horizons, as well as challenges for clinical diagnostics.
Business process re-engineering implementations using Internet technology

Examines factors affecting the implementation of business process re‐engineering (BPR) projects using Internet technology. Although there has been some empirical investigation of BPR, no research to date has specifically examined BPR when Internet technology is used during implementation. Radical changes may occur as a result of an organization’s BPR implementation causing a BPR project to be unsuccessful. BPR failure rates have been reported as high as 70 percent, making implementation issues especially important. Each information technology (IT) used during BPR implementation may affect managerial factors differently. By determining factors that affect BPR implementation using a specific IT, these factors can be managed to increase the chance of a successful BPR implementation. Uses a survey methodology and correlation analysis to gather information about the relationship between organizational enablers and successful BPR implementations using Internet technology. The factors examined in this research were: egalitarian culture; resource management; resistance management; and change management.
Emergent Reflective Dialogue Among Preservice Teachers Mediated Through A Virtual Learning Environment

Abstract This descriptive study addressed the role of virtual learning environments in fostering reflective thought among preservice teachers through dialogic interaction. Preservice teachers tend to view teaching as a formulaic application of theory and strategies. When challenged with making decisions in novel settings, they are often unable to apply previously learned theory and practice. Web-mediated discussions were the primary means for student-student and student-instructor dialogic interactions. Discussion postings and traditional essays of students provided ongoing documentation of their progress in engaging in reflective thinking. Analysis of individual postings, threaded discussions, and essays were conducted using Pathwise criteria for reflection. Results indicated that individual postings generally scored at Satisfactory levels, while threaded discussions and essays scored at Effective or Distinguished levels.
Pharmacokinetic interaction between efavirenz and rifampicin in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE Rifampicin induces the metabolism of efavirenz in humans. This study evaluated efavirenz bioavailability after rifampicin administration to healthy volunteers. METHODS A 3-week, before-and-after trial was performed on 8 healthy volunteers. The pharmacokinetic parameters were: plasma drug concentration-time profile from 0 to 72 h (AUC0-72), plasma drug concentration-time profile from 0 h to infinity (AUC0-inf), maximal drug concentration (Cmax), time to reach maximal drug concentration (tmax), and time to reach half the initial drug concentration in elimination phase (t1/2). After an overnight fast, the volunteers ingested one efavirenz 600 mg tablet, then blood samples were drawn to evaluate plasma efavirenz levels at 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 72, 120, and 168 h. The procedure was repeated after a 1-week induction period of 450 mg/day. Paired-t test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs test were used for differences between mean concentrations. RESULTS Baseline mean AUC0-72 was 46.80 ± 9.27 µg/ml.h, AUC0-inf was 96.38 ± 38.10 µg/ml.h, Cmax 2.19 ± 0.68 µg/ml.h, tmax 4.50 ± 0.93 h, and t1/2 96.60 ± 42.38 h. Post-induction values were significantly increased: AUC0-72 9.53 ± 11.26 µg/ml.h (p < 0.05; CI95% = 0.112 - 18.940), AUC0-inf 37.24 ± 42.43 (p < 0.05; CI95% = 0.021 - 0.406) µg/ml.h, and tmax 1.13 ± 0.99 h (p < 0.05; CI95% = 0.296 - 1.953). No significant reduction occurred in post-rifampicin induction means of Cmax and t1/2. CONCLUSION Co-administration of a single dose of efavirenz 600 mg/day with 1-week rifampicin 450 mg/day significantly reduced efavirenz bioavailability in healthy volunteers.
Finite-Time Stability of Continuous Autonomous Systems

Finite-time stability is defined for equilibria of continuous but non-Lipschitzian autonomous systems. Continuity, Lipschitz continuity, and Holder continuity of the settling-time function are studied and illustrated with several examples. Lyapunov and converse Lyapunov results involving scalar differential inequalities are given for finite-time stability. It is shown that the regularity properties of the Lyapunov function and those of the settling-time function are related. Consequently, converse Lyapunov results can only assure the existence of continuous Lyapunov functions. Finally, the sensitivity of finite-time-stable systems to perturbations is investigated.
Searching for Events Through Social Media: An Exploratory Study

The evolution of the Internet has been a big driver of the revolution that assists in the communication world, a new society of communication mediated by the latest information technology with tools that allow a direct connection between the elements of social communities. The online media, especially social media, are of particular importance both for the wider audience they reach, but also on the ease of use and the limited financial resources they need. Social media and social networks are no longer seen as the future, but as the actual present and should be considered by stakeholders in a strategic and useful way for their goals are achieved form. In this study we sought to understand whether currently the main way to search for events is through social media and if event consumers have difficulties in query and suggest solutions to improve the search experience of the event. Framed on the assumption of the use of technology, we studied the Technology Acceptance Model, and one of its adaptations proposed by Gefen (2003) incorporating the habit variable, which served as the inspiration and guide for the development of this work. The fieldwork was carried out by conducting a survey answered by 250 people with results confirming that the social media is the primary means of dissemination. It was also concluded that people recommend improvements in how events are currently seeking, preferring to have a centralized way to aggregate and event information disclosed by the major social networks. This study intends to contribute to a better understanding of the consultation and disclosure of events through social media and also leaves some clues for future investigations.