Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modifications of Golgi Complex in Chondrocytes from Osteoarthrotic (OA) Rat Cartilage

The status of the Golgi complex in normal vs osteoarthrotic (OA) cartilage has not yet been studied. A monoclonal antibody, MAb 58-K-9, allowed scoring of Golgi labeling intensity. In addition, ultrastructural assessment enabled us to focus on the distribution and relation between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi membranes. The study was performed in both normal and partially menisectomized OA-induced rat cartilage 20 and 45 days after surgery. Comparing Golgi immunolabeling intensities (mean ± SEM) revealed a highly significant difference between normal (9.98 ± 1.25), 20-day (2.49 ± 0.34), and 45-day (0.82 ± 0.22) cartilage. Moreover, chondrocytes from normal cartilage displayed 71.18% of labeling intensity in contrast to OA cartilage, in which chondrocyte labeling intensities were 24.95% (20 days) and 8.11% (45 days). OA chondrocytes appeared to display an overall reduction in Golgi labeling intensity, suggesting disruption of this organelle as the OA damage progressed. Interestingly, many 20-day OA-induced chondrocytes exhibited bubble-like Golgi immunolabeling compartmentalizing the cytoplasm, concomitant with putative apoptotic nuclear changes. At the same time, OA chondrocytes with a typical ultrastructural apoptotic pattern revealed a prominent ER gathered together with Golgi vesicles and saccules, also appearing to compartmentalize chondrocyte cytoplasm. We speculate about the role of Golgi modifications and apoptosis in OA pathogenesis.
Study on the Treatment and Resource Reuse of Lipoic Acid Wastewater

The best resin which is used to recovery lipoic acid in lipoic acid wastewater is NG-16 macroporous adsorption resin. The result is determined by dynamic adsorption experiments. The optimal operation conditions are as follows: pH value of 5-5.5, at room temperature, adsorption flux of 3BV/h, double-column series disposing volume is 25BV/batch; at 303K, the resin is desorbed by 3BV methanol+2BV water, at 1BV/h flux; the pH of high-concentration desorption solution is adjusted to 7.2-7.8, and lipoic acid and methanol are recoveried by distillation; low-concentration desorption liquid is applied for next batch. Per tonne of waste can be recoveried 1.1kg lipoic acid about 80% purity. The lipoic acid content in treated wastewater is reduced from 1300-1500mg/L to 0, the total sulfur content is reduced from 400-450mg/L to 0.05mg/L, B/C increased from 0.30 to 0.65.
Partial-Duplex Amplify-and-Forward Relaying: Spectral Efficiency Analysis Under Self-Interference

We propose a novel mode of operation for amplify-and-forward relays in which the spectra of the relay input and output signals partially overlap. This partial-duplex relaying mode encompasses half- and full-duplex as particular cases. By viewing the partial-duplex relay as a bandwidth-preserving linear periodically time-varying system, a spectral efficiency analysis under self-interference is developed. In contrast with previous works, self-interference is regarded as a useful information-bearing component rather than simply assimilated to noise. This approach reveals that previous results regarding the impact of self-interference on (full-duplex) relay performance are overly pessimistic. Based on a frequency-domain interpretation of the effect of self-interference, a number of suboptimal decoding architectures at the destination node are also discussed. It is found that the partial-duplex relaying mode may provide an attractive tradeoff between spectral efficiency and receiver complexity.
Word class and silent pauses in spoken narratives of children with specific language impairment.

PURPOSE To determine whether word class has any influence on the mean duration of silent pauses in the spoken narratives of children with specific language impairment (SLI) and in those with typical language development (TLD). METHODS The study sample consisted of 60 children in the age range from 7 to 10 years: 20 with SLI; and 40 with TLD. Each child produced 15 narratives, each based on a set of four pictures (scenes) and each set of pictures being more complex than the last. The narratives were analyzed, and nouns, adjectives, verbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and pronouns were identified. A computer program was used in order to determine the duration (in milliseconds) of the silent pauses preceding words of each class. RESULTS In both groups, silent pauses were shortest before nouns and longest before conjunctions. For all word classes, the mean duration of silent pauses was longer in the SLI group than in the TLD group. CONCLUSION Word class influences the duration of silent pauses, which are shorter before nouns and longer before conjunctions. Children with SLI produce longer silent pauses, possibly because of their language processing difficulties.
Towards RTT Fairness of Congestion-Based Congestion Control

BBR is a new congestion-based congestion control algorithm proposed by Google. A BBR flow, if running alone, delivers the highest throughput with the lowest delay. To this end, each sender constantly measures the bottleneck bandwidth and round-trip propagation time of the network pipe, and uses the results to govern its behavior. However, our deployment in geo-distributed cloud servers reveals an unexpected RTT fairness problem: unlike conventional loss-based congestion control, BBR has an opposite bias towards long RTT flows. In this paper, we analyze the extent and cause of this fairness problem through cluster deployment in a clean network environment. Experimental results suggest that BBR’s bias against short RTT is an intrinsic problem of its design, irrespective of the bottleneck bandwidth, AQM deployment, and the number of coexisting flows. A BBR flow with 3× RTT of the other dominates with >90% of bandwidth. Worse, strategic receivers can steal bandwidth by artificially inflating end-to-end delays. To address this problem, we show, through in-depth analysis, that a rapid-growing queue due to flow probing is the root cause of the bias. Based on this observation, we design a simple, yet effective algorithm, BBQ, with better RTT fairness while retaining BBR’s promising performance advantages. We have implemented BBQ in Linux kernel and evaluated it through extensive experiments. Our evaluation results show that BBQ improves RTT fairness by up to 6.1× in comparison to BBR. Moreover, BBQ reduces queueing delay by more than 64.5%, while maintaining nearoptimal link utilization.
Artifacts in dual-energy CT gout protocol: a review of 50 suspected cases with an artifact identification guide.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to discover the types and incidence of artifacts in dual-energy CT (DECT) using datasets of 50 consecutive patients who underwent a four-limb DECT protocol for the evaluation of suspected gout. Identification of artifacts and techniques for artifact reduction are discussed. CONCLUSION Artifacts commonly occur in DECT performed for gout assessment but are usually readily recognizable. For 90% of the patients in our study who underwent imaging for suspected gout, DECT showed some type of artifact, with nail bed and skin artifacts being the most common.
Rainfall Contributions from Precipitation Systems with Different Sizes, Convective Intensities, and Durations over the Tropics and Subtropics

AbstractThe rainfall contributions from precipitation features (PFs) with full spectra of different sizes and convective intensities over the tropics and subtropics are summarized using 12 yr of version 6 Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) and Microwave Imager (TMI) observations. Regional, seasonal, and diurnal variations of the rainfall contributions from various PFs are shown, with the global distribution of the sizes, PR echo tops, maximum heights of 30 dBZ, and minimum TMI 85-GHz brightness temperatures of PFs above which contribute half of the rainfall in each 2° × 2° region. Though the results from radar and microwave observations generally agree with each other, some large differences exist over land. Seasonal variations of sizes and intensities of precipitation systems are found over the northeast Pacific, northern SPCZ, and some land areas in addition to the well-known monsoon regions. The diurnal cycles of rainfall over land and ocean are interpreted with the com.
Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Holocytochrome c Synthase and the Key Roles Played by Cysteines and Histidine of the Heme Attachment Site, Cys-XX-Cys-His*

Background: Cytochrome c is covalently attached to heme at a conserved CXXCH motif by holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS). Results: The residues in the heme attachment motif mechanistically contribute to the HCCS-mediated maturation of cytochrome c. Conclusion: Efficient heme attachment is coordinated by the conserved histidine residue in the motif. Significance: Insights into the mechanism of cytochrome c biogenesis broadens our understanding of mitochondrial biology. Mitochondrial cytochrome c assembly requires the covalent attachment of heme by thioether bonds between heme vinyl groups and a conserved CXXCH motif of cytochrome c/c1. The enzyme holocytochrome c synthase (HCCS) binds heme and apocytochrome c substrate to catalyze this attachment, subsequently releasing holocytochrome c for proper folding to its native structure. We address mechanisms of assembly using a functional Escherichia coli recombinant system expressing human HCCS. Human cytochrome c variants with individual cysteine, histidine, double cysteine, and triple cysteine/histidine substitutions (of CXXCH) were co-purified with HCCS. Single and double mutants form a complex with HCCS but not the triple mutant. Resonance Raman and UV-visible spectroscopy support the proposal that heme puckering induced by both thioether bonds facilitate release of holocytochrome c from the complex. His-19 (of CXXCH) supplies the second axial ligand to heme in the complex, the first axial ligand was previously shown to be from HCCS residue His-154. Substitutions of His-19 in cytochrome c to seven other residues (Gly, Ala, Met, Arg, Lys, Cys, and Tyr) were used with various approaches to establish other roles played by His-19. Three roles for His-19 in HCCS-mediated assembly are suggested: (i) to provide the second axial ligand to the heme iron in preparation for covalent attachment; (ii) to spatially position the two cysteinyl sulfurs adjacent to the two heme vinyl groups for thioether formation; and (iii) to aid in release of the holocytochrome c from the HCCS active site. Only H19M is able to carry out these three roles, albeit at lower efficiencies than the natural His-19.
Phase-Noise Analysis of Optically Generated Millimeter-Wave Signals With External Optical Modulation Techniques

In this paper, the phase-noise performance of optically generated electrical signals based on external optical modulation techniques is investigated theoretically and experimentally. Mathematical models are developed to represent perturbations on the transmitted optical signal caused by the phase fluctuations of the electrical drive signal applied to the external modulator and the optical carrier that feeds the external modulator. Closed-form expressions of the power spectral density (PSD) for the electrical signals, generated both locally and remotely, are derived. The calculated PSD of the locally generated electrical signal indicates that its phase noise is determined only by the phase noise of the electrical drive signal. The PSD of the remotely generated signal shows that its spectral quality is also affected by the chromatic dispersion of the fiber and the optical carrier linewidth. An experimental setup that can generate a millimeter-wave (mm-wave) signal, continuously tunable from 32 to 60 GHz using an electrical drive signal tunable from 8 to 15 GHz, is built. The spectra of the generated millimeter-wave signal are measured for both locally and remotely generated electrical signals, with optical carriers of different linewidths. The theoretical results agree with the experimental measurements
Trust and Labor Market Participation

This paper investigates the relationship between trust and individuals’ labor force participation using a sample from the United States’ General Social Survey data. The findings suggest that trust as an individual’s attitude is significantly associated with the probability of the individual’s labor market participation, and that the inherited component of trust increases the probability of participation. The results from the pseudo-panel show that trust at the regional level is also significantly associated with the regional labor force participation rate.
AS A BIOMARKER FOR ALZHEIMER DISEASE

The search is ongoing for a reliable serum biomarker for AD. The level of iron is elevated in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Our studies have demonstrated that the level of the iron transport protein, p97, is increased in the serum of AD patients but not in various control groups. These results have recently been confirmed by another laboratory who extended our findings by demonstrating that p97 is not elevated in other neurodegenerative diseases. This qualifies p97 as a potentially powerful biomarker specific for AD. Although the relationship between increased level of iron and p97 in the AD brain is not well understood, our research supports the hypothesis that p97 over-expressed by senile plaque associated reactive microglia is exocytosed and appears in blood. The relationship between elevated levels of serum p97 and AD, together with the possible future clinical application of p97 are considered in this report.
Extraction of Biographical Data from Wikipedia

Using the content of Wikipedia articles is common in academic research. However the practicalities are rarely analysed. Our research focuses on extracting biographical information about personalities from Belgium. Our research is divided into three sections. The first section describes the state of the art for data extraction from Wikipedia. A second section presents the case study about data extraction for biographies of Belgian personalities. Different solutions are discussed and the solution adopted is implemented. In the third section, the quality of the extraction is discussed. Practical recommendations for researchers wishing to use Wikipedia are also proposed on the basis of our case study.
Two‐Stage System for Hydrogen Production by Immobilized Cyanobacterium Gloeocapsa alpicola CALU 743

Previous studies showed that cell suspensions of unicellular nondiazotrophic cyanobacterium G. alpicola grown under nitrate‐limiting conditions intensively produces H2 via fermentation of endogenous glycogen with hydrogen yield more then 90% of theoretical maximum (3.8 mol H2 per mol glucose). H2 production is realized by a Hox hydrogenase on the stages of NAD(P)H generation. Exploiting this property, the two‐stage cyclic system for sustained hydrogen production was developed using a photobioreactor (PhBR) with G. alpicola immobilized on glass fiber TR‐0.3. Immobilization of the cells on the matrix occurred during growth directly in PhBR operated in continuous mode; the density of culture immobilized achieved 37 g Chl α cm−2. The first stage of the cycle was the photosynthetic incubations of G. alpicola in the flow of the culture medium, which contained limiting concentrations of nitrate for efficient glycogen accumulation and activation of hydrogenase. The second stage was the fermentation of glycogen, with H2 production realized in darkness with continuous Ar sparging and without medium flow. Standardization of optimal parameters for both stages provided a stable cyclic regime of the system: photosynthesis (24 hours)–fermentation (24 hours). The total amount of H2 evolved in one cycle was 957.6 mL L−1matrix, and the overage rate of H2 production during the cycle (48 hours) was about 20 mL h−1 L−1matrix. Ten consequent cycles was carried out in this regime with reproducible H2 production, although PhBR with the same sample of immobilized culture was operated over a period of more then three months.
Formate Oxidation by Particulate Preparations from Higher Plants.

Enzyme systemiis capable of oxidizing formate to CO., are of Nwide occurrence in higher plants (3). Seed extracts have been used primarily as the source of enzyme. Extracts of rat liver and kidney were also able to carry out this oxidation (9). The enzyme from leguminous seeds, such as pea and bean, has been stu(lie(l in considerable detail (1, 3, 4, 9). The formic dehydrogenase activity in various organs of the pea has been followed throughout the life cycle (3). The highest activity wSas found in the mature seed. This activity diminished upon germination and growth. Seeds of 93 species were tested and 54 were shown to be capable of oxidizing formate (3). The intracellular localization of the enzyme has not been reported for either plant or animal tissues. The present study reports the presence of a formate-oxi(lizing system in cabbage leaf localized in the cy)toplasmic particles se(limenting between 1000 X G an(l 23,000 X G during centrifugation. Characteristics of this enzyme have been examined in soimie (letail and comparedl with the classical pea seed dehydrogenase. The latter has also been found in the present study to be mainly in the particulate fraction. The enzyme is even more wv-idelv distributedl thani previously believed, since active preparations have been obtained from plants which had given negative results with seed extracts. Among these are cabbage an(l several other memiibers of the Cruciferae. In every case the activity is localized in the particulate fraction obtained by centrifugation.
HIV‐1 infection and nervous system abnormalities among a cohort of intravenous drug users

A group of 109 HIV seropositive and 51 seronegative intravenous drug users was evaluated for the presence of HIV-1-related neurologic disease using clinical, neurologic, neuropsychological, and electrophysiologic evaluations. About 80% of HIV seropositive subjects had less than two constitutional symptoms. CD4 cell counts were less than 500/mm3 among 56% of seropositive participants; three individuals were receiving zidovudine. Neurologic abnormalities were found frequently among the cohort, independently of HIV-1 serostatus; electrophysiologic abnormalities were uncommon. Participants from both serologic groups scored significantly lower on neuropsychological tests as compared with norms established for a cohort of homosexual men, and there was no clear association between HIV-1 serostatus and performance on these tests. This study suggests that HIV infection was not the dominant cause of neurologic abnormalities among the study cohort.
Assessing seasonality in clinical research

Abstract Background: Seasonal patterns are assumed in many fields of medicine. However, biological processes are full of variations and the possibility of chance findings can often not be ruled out. Methods: Using simulated data we assess whether autocorrelation is helpful to minimize chance findings and test to support the presence of seasonality. Results: Autocorrelation required to cut time curves into pieces. These pieces were compared with one another using linear regression analysis. Four examples with imperfect data are given. In spite of substantial differences in the data between the first and second year of observation, and in spite of otherwise inconsistent patterns, significant positive autocorrelations were constantly demonstrated with correlation coefficients around 0.40 (SE 0.14). Conclusions: Our data suggest that autocorrelation is helpful to support the presence of seasonality of disease, and that it does so even with imperfect data.
Pricing of loan products by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Zimbabwe and effect on their portfolio performance: A case study of MFIs funded by the Zimbabwe Microfinance Wholesale Facility (Private) Limited (2009-2014)

The downturn in Zimbabweâ€™s economic performance in the late 1990s saw a surge in micro-finance activities to provide funding to start or grow informal income generating activities and other micro and small sized enterprises as unemployment and poverty levels rose. However, the mention of micro finance in Zimbabwe is synonymous with greediness as MFI practitioners have historically and presently, been charging very high prices on their loan products. This study therefore sought to establish factors driving these supposedly high loan prices by MFIs by focusing on a portfolio of eighteen (18) institutions funded by the ZMWF. Furthermore and most importantly, it sought to establish the relationship between these loan prices and the respective MFIsâ€™ portfolio performances. The study found out that most MFIs under the ZMWF portfolio do not have loan pricing frameworks but showed that the prices that they charge are largely driven by the need to cover operating and administration costs. This is in addition to the need to also cover cost of funds that they use to grow their loan books and the need for profitability and sustainability to ensure their going concern status. Thus, factors that drive such loan prices are largely internal to the MFIs relative to the role played by external factors such as client credit ratings, regulatory pressure and political risk. The study also showed that MFI loan prices have a positive relationship with portfolio performance indicators such as PaR, write off and arrears ratios meaning that the higher the loan price, the higher the ratios relating to these indicators partly confirming the prevailing high ratios on these indicators in Zimbabwe. On the other hand, the research established that loan prices have a negative relationship with portfolio performance indicators such as collection rate, number of clients served and loan book sizes meaning that an increase in loan prices leads to a decrease in the respective ratios as clients fail to repay loans, with fewer clients coming to borrow hence leading to reduced loan book sizes. The study concluded by coming up with recommendations that hinge upon effective operating cost management by MFIs, innovativeness as well as capacity building and technical support to MFIs to promote operational efficiencies with the aim of pushing loan prices to reasonable levels.
Hodgkin's lymphoma therapy: past, present, and future

Importance of the field: The treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) with the use of radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy has been one of the success stories of modern oncology. HL therapy has been the paradigm for the systematic evaluation of different curative modalities, resulting in cure for the majority of patients. The current focus is on designing initial therapeutic strategies that retain efficacy and minimize long-term toxicity. Appropriate use of pathologic, clinical, biologic and radiologic prognostic factors in identification of aggressive HL is paramount in designing a successful therapeutic strategy. Areas covered in this review: This review addresses the current and future use of prognostic tools, including PET scanning and other biomarkers, in identifying patients with aggressive HL, with reference to publications from the last two decades. The current standard approaches with the use of combined modality therapy and systemic chemotherapy as well as the promising role of future response-adapted strategies is reviewed. What the reader will gain: The reader will obtain a comprehensive review of risk assessment strategies as well as current and investigational therapeutic approaches in the management of HL. Take home message: In HL, appropriate utilization of risk assessment strategies is required to maximize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing toxicity, especially long-term toxicity. Response-adapted therapy utilizing PET has the potential to profoundly improve the therapeutic landscape in HL.