Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels in critical illness including sepsis and septic shock: Relation to disease severity, multiple organ dysfunction, and mortality

Objective To define the circulating levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) during critical illness and to determine their relationship to the severity of illness as measured by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, the development of multiple organ dysfunction, or mortality. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting University hospital intensive care unit. Patients A total of 82 critically ill adult patients in four clinically defined groups, namely septic shock (n = 29), sepsis without shock (n = 17), shock without sepsis (n = 22), and nonseptic, nonshock controls (n = 14). Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results During day 1 of septic shock, peak plasma levels of G-CSF, interleukin (IL)-6, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), but not GM-CSF, were greater than in sepsis or shock alone (p < .001), and were correlated among themselves (rs = 0.44–0.77;p < .02) and with the APACHE II score (rs = 0.25–0.40;p = .03 to .18). G-CSF, IL-6, and LIF, and sepsis, shock, septic shock, and APACHE II scores were strongly associated with organ dysfunction or 5-day mortality by univariate analysis. However, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only septic shock remained significantly associated with organ dysfunction and only APACHE II scores and shock with 5-day mortality. Similarly, peak G-CSF, IL-6, and LIF were poorly predictive of 30-day mortality. Conclusions Plasma levels of G-CSF, IL-6, and LIF are greatly elevated in critical illness, including septic shock, and are correlated with one another and with the severity of illness. However, they are not independently predictive of mortality, or the development of multiple organ dysfunction. GM-CSF was rarely elevated, suggesting different roles for G-CSF and GM-CSF in human septic shock.
Regression of Solid Tumors by Induction of MazF, a Bacterial mRNA Endoribonuclease

MazF from Escherichia coli is an endoribonuclease that specifically cleaves mRNAs at ACA sequences. Its induction in mammalian cells has been shown to cause programmed cell death. Here we explored if a bacterial MazF-MazE toxin-antitoxin system can be used for gene therapy. For this, we first constructed a tetracycline-inducible MazF expression system in human embryonic kidney cells (T-Rex 293-mazF). Solid tumors were formed by injecting T-Rex 293-mazF cells into nude mice. All 8 mice injected with the cells developed solid tumors, which regressed upon induction of MazF. In 4 mice, tumors completely regressed, while in the remaining 4 mice, tumors reappeared after apparent significant regression, which was found to be due to the lack of presence of functional MazF. Notably, the MazF-mediated regression of the tumors was counteracted by the expression of its cognate antitoxin MazE. These results indicate that a bacterial MazF-MazE toxin-antitoxin system may have potential to be used as a therapeutic tool.
The Influence of Physical Fitness on Automatic and Effortful Memory Changes in Aging

A cross-sectional study was carried out in order to determine the influence of cardiovascular fitness on age-related declines in cognitive performance. Forty-eight volunteers were divided into Young (n = 13, 18–27 years), Middle-Aged (n = 22, 60–65 years) and Old (n = 13, 65–88 years) groups and tested on a battery of cardiovascular, pulmonary, hemodynamic, and biochemical tests in order to assess physical fitness. Cognitive performance was evaluated by a variety of memory tasks distributed along an automatic-to-effortful processing continuum. Memory for location and frequency of occurrence were selected as representative of automatic processing, whereas, an auditory free-recall task was selected as representative of effortful processing. Age-related performance declines were observed for the free-recall task, but no such age-dependent association was observed for frequency and location memory. With regard to the influence of physical fitness; the Middle-Aged and Older participants were divided into High and Low Fitness groups and significant differences were observed between these groups for the effortful but not the automatic memory tasks. These data suggest that the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive performance in old age is task dependent. Furthermore, the apparent prophylactic effects of physical fitness on effortful memory, do not appear to extend to cognitive tasks requiring less effortful processing.
One Cell is Enough to Break Tor's Anonymity

Tor is a real-world, circuit-based low-latency anony- mous communication network, supporting TCP applications over the Internet. In this paper, we present a new class of attacks, protocol-level attacks, against Tor. Different from existing attacks, these attacks can confirm anonymous communication relationships quickly and accurately by manipulating one single cell and pose a serious threat against Tor. In protocol-level attacks, a malicious entry onion router may duplicate, modify, insert, or delete cells of a TCP stream from a sender. The manipulated cells traverse middle onion routers and arrive at an exit onion router along a circuit. Because Tor uses the counter mode AES (AES-CTR) for encrypting cells, the manipulated cells disrupt the normal counter at exit onion routers and decryption at the exit onion router incurs cell recognition errors, which are unique to the investigated protocol-level attacks. If an accomplice of the attacker at the entry onion router also controls the exit onion router and recognizes such cell recognition errors, the communication relationship between the sender and receiver will be confirmed. Protocol-level attacks can also be used for launching the denial-of-service (DoS) attack to disrupt the operation of Tor. We have implemented these attacks on Tor and our experiments validate their feasibility and effectiveness. We also present guidelines for defending against such attacks. Index Terms—Protocol-level Attacks, Anonymity, Mix Net- works, Tor
MOMBI: A new metaheuristic for many-objective optimization based on the R2 indicator

The incorporation of performance indicators as the selection mechanism of a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) is a topic that has attracted increasing interest in the last few years. This has been mainly motivated by the fact that Pareto-based selection schemes do not perform properly when solving problems with four or more objectives. The indicator that has been most commonly used for being incorporated in the selection mechanism of a MOEA has been the hypervolume. Here, however, we explore the use of the R2 indicator, which presents some advantages with respect to the hypervolume, the main one being its low computational cost. In this paper, we propose a new MOEA called Many-Objective Metaheuristic Based on the R2 Indicator (MOMBI), which ranks individuals using a utility function. The proposed approach is compared with respect to MOEA/D (based on scalarization) and SMS-EMOA (based on hypervolume) using several benchmark problems. Our preliminary experimental results indicate that MOMBI obtains results of similar quality to those produced by SMS-EMOA, but at a much lower computational cost. Additionally, MOMBI outperforms MOEA/D in most of the test instances adopted, particularly when dealing with high-dimensional problems having complicated Pareto fronts. Thus, we believe that our proposed approach is a viable alternative for solving many-objective optimization problems.
The Role of Optimal Distinctiveness and Homophily in Online Dating

Users of online dating sites compete for attention from potential matches. Member profiles provide an opportunity for candidates to present information about themselves that their counterparts use to assess compatibility and desirability. In this paper, we explore how text-based similarities among users of a dating site impact their success in attracting attention. The principle of homophily predicts that to be successful, a user should be perceived as similar to the person they would prefer to date. Conversely, theories of distinctiveness suggest that standing out from the crowd should be beneficial. Using profiles, we explore how the text similarity between a user, the opposite-sex member they are targeting, and their same-sex competitors impacts the likelihood that a sender of a message receives a response conditional on initiating contact. We find that the probability of receiving a response is maximized when the user has high text similarity to the person they message, but low text similarity to the competitors that are also seeking the same individual’s attention. This suggests a balance between homophily and distinctiveness theory.
Phylogeography of the endangered Cathaya argyrophylla (Pinaceae) inferred from sequence variation of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA

Cathaya argyrophylla is an endangered conifer restricted to subtropical mountains of China. To study phylogeographical pattern and demographic history of C. argyrophylla, species‐wide genetic variation was investigated using sequences of maternally inherited mtDNA and biparentally inherited nuclear DNA. Of 15 populations sampled from all four distinct regions, only three mitotypes were detected at two loci, without single region having a mixed composition (GST = 1). Average nucleotide diversity (θws = 0.0024; πs = 0.0029) across eight nuclear loci is significantly lower than those found for other conifers (θws = 0.003∼0.015; πs = 0.002∼0.012) based on estimates of multiple loci. Because of its highest diversity among the eight nuclear loci and evolving neutrally, one locus (2009) was further used for phylogeographical studies and eight haplotypes resulting from 12 polymorphic sites were obtained from 98 individuals. All the four distinct regions had at least four haplotypes, with the Dalou region (DL) having the highest diversity and the Bamian region (BM) the lowest, paralleling the result of the eight nuclear loci. An AMOVA revealed significant proportion of diversity attributable to differences among regions (13.4%) and among populations within regions (8.9%). FST analysis also indicated significantly high differentiation among populations (FST = 0.22) and between regions (FST = 0.12–0.38). Non‐overlapping distribution of mitotypes and high genetic differentiation among the distinct geographical groups suggest the existence of at least four separate glacial refugia. Based on network and mismatch distribution analyses, we do not find evidence of long distance dispersal and population expansion in C. argyrophylla. Ex situ conservation and artificial crossing are recommended for the management of this endangered species.
Modeling and compensating input distortion in MIMO systems via blind deconvolution

Abstract This paper proposes a method for modeling and compensating nonlinear input distortion in MIMO dynamical systems. This is conducted in three steps. First, the distorted signals are recovered from the observed output by using blind signal deconvolution based on statistical independence of the input signals. The linear part of the system is also identified in this first step. Secondly, the recovered signal, together with the input signal, gives a model of distortion as a nonlinear function. Finally the distortion is compensated by applying the inverse of the estimated function.
Phylogenetic relationships of the genera Acetobacterium and Eubacterium sensu stricto and reclassification of Eubacterium alactolyticum as Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus gen. nov., comb. nov.

16S rRNA gene sequences of the type strains of the seven previously described Acetobacterium species were determined. The Acetobacterium species were found to form a tight phylogenetic cluster within the Clostridium subphylum of the gram-positive bacteria. Within this subphylum these organisms belong to cluster XV as defined by Collins et al. (M.D. Collins, P.A. Lawson, A. Willems, J.J. Cordoba, J. Fernandez-Garayzabal, P. Garcia, J. Cai, H. Hippe, and J. A. E. Farrow, Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 44:812-826, 1994) together with Eubacterium alactolyticum barkeri, Eubacterium callanderi, and Eubacterium limosum. Our data indicate that Clostridium cluster XV consists of at least the following three genera: the genus Acetobacterium, the genus Eubacterium sensu stricto (comprising E. limosum, E. barkeri, and E. callanderi), and the genus Pseudoramibacter gen. nov., which is created for E. alactolyticum, which we reclassify as Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus comb. nov.
An Efficient Variable Gain Homotopy Method Using the SPICE-Oriented Approach

Homotopy methods are known to be effective methods for finding dc operating points of nonlinear circuits with the theoretical guarantee of global convergence. There are several types of homotopy methods; as one of the efficient methods for solving bipolar circuits, the variable gain homotopy (VGH) method is well-known. However, in the conventional VGH method, the initial point is sometimes far from the solution because it is given as a solution of a diode circuit. In this brief, we propose an efficient VGH method using the SPICE-oriented approach. The proposed method can be easily implemented on SPICE without programming, although we do not know the homotopy method well. Moreover, since we can use a good initial point, the path following tends to become smooth and efficient.
Bcrp1 gene expression is required for normal numbers of side population stem cells in mice, and confers relative protection to mitoxantrone in hematopoietic cells in vivo

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can be identified by a “side population” (SP) phenotype. Previous studies have implicated the ATP binding cassette transporter genes Mdr1a/1b and/or Bcrp1 in the SP phenotype. To define the relative role of these transporters, we generated Bcrp1 null mice and evaluated HSCs both functionally and phenotypically. Loss of Bcrp1 gene expression, but not Mdr1a/1b, led to a significant reduction in the number of SP cells in the bone marrow and in skeletal muscle. In the bone marrow, there was a nearly absolute loss of lineage negative, c-Kit-positive, Sca-1-positive SP cells, and the residual SP cells were depleted of repopulating cells in a transplant assay, demonstrating that Bcrp1 expression is necessary for the SP phenotype in HSCs. Furthermore, Bcrp1 null hematopoietic cells were significantly more sensitive to mitoxantrone in drug-treated transplanted mice. These results show that Bcrp1 gene expression alone defines the SP stem cell phenotype, and suggest that the physiological function of Bcrp1 expression in HSCs is to provide protection from cytotoxic substrates.
Hybrid Column Generation-based Approach for VRP with Simultaneous Distribution, Collection, Pickup-and-delivery and Real-world Side Constraints

We present an optimization algorithm that hybridizes heuristic and exact methods to solve the problem of a real-world distribution company. Our algorithm combines three existing optimization techniques (Ant Colony Optimization, Column Generation and Mixed Integer Programming). Standard Column Generation is improved with an incremental search technique able to speed up the entire process. We present computational results on 14 real-world instances obtained from our industrial partner. Finally, we compare the solutions obtained by our algorithm against those currently computed by the route planning office of our industrial partner. Beside cost savings, we asses the reliability of our approach in terms of computational time and quality.
Functional cranial analysis of large animalivorous bats (Microchiroptera)

Large animalivorous bats include carnivorous, piscivorous and insectivorous microchiropterans. Skull proportions and tooth morphology are examined and interpreted functionally. Four wide- faced bats from four families are convergent in having wide skulls, large masseter muscle volumes and stout jaws, indicating a powerful bite. Three of the four also have long canine teeth relative to their maxillary toothrows. Carnivorous bats have more elongate skulls, larger brain volumes and larger pinnae. The wide-faced bats are all oral emitters and have heads positively tilted relative to the basicranial axis. The carnivorous species are nasalemitting bats and have negatively tilted heads. The orientation of the head relative to the basicranial axis affects several characters of the skull and jaws and is not correlated with size. The speculation that the type of echolocation may be more of a determinant of evolutionary change than the feeding mechanism is addressed. Wide-faced bats are thought to be capable of eating hard prey items (durophagus) and are probably non- discriminating, aurally less sophisticated insect generalists while the carnivorous and non-durophagus insectivorous bats may be more discriminating and aurally more sophisticated in what they eat.
Diffusion of meropenem and imipenem through the outer membrane of Escherichia coli K-12 and correlation with their antibacterial activities

The outer membrane permeability to meropenem and imipenem in Escherichia coli K-12 was investigated, and its porin-deficient mutants were transformed with a constructed vector carrying the carbapenem-hydrolyzing CphA metallo-beta-lactamase gene. By using the method of Zimmermann and Rosselet, meropenem was shown to penetrate through the outer membrane of E. coli K-12 five times faster than cephaloridine but twice as slowly as imipenem. Lack of one or both porins significantly reduced the penetration of both carbapenems. No evidence of specific porin pathways of the type described in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found. Despite its slower penetration, meropenem was two to eight times more active than imipenem against both parent and porin-defective mutants, whether harbouring CphA beta-lactamase or not. Meropenem was also more active than imipenem against E. coli DC2, a strain with a breakdown in the outer membrane permeability which made periplasmic concentrations of beta-lactams similar to the external concentrations. In this strain, meropenem caused a more than 50% reduction in cell number increase at a concentration very close to the 50% inhibitory concentration for penicillin-binding protein type 2 (PBP 2), whereas imipenem, at the same concentration, did not significantly inhibit cell growth. This result was explained by the higher affinity of meropenem for PBP 3 compared with imipenem and supports the conclusion that synergistic inhibition of both PBPs was the main mechanism in the better antibacterial activity of meropenem.
A holistic approach on internal marketing implementation

Adopting a holistic marketing vision starts with building strong internal relations at all hierarchical levels. Companies must first take care of internal clients’ needs in order to better meet customer needs. The scope of this article is to present the concept of internal marketing and the way internal marketing is implemented in organizations that adopt a holistic marketing vision. The article explores the content and objectives of internal marketing and argues the necessity of building internal relations. We contribute to developing the internal marketing concept by offering a broader perspective on the concept, combining a holistic marketing vision with a management vision regarding internal marketing implementation. We further present an overall view of the internal marketing implementation process. We propose an internal marketing implementation model that strengthens both internal and external relations by meeting the needs of internal clients and promoting a holistic marketing vision.
Unsupervised Dictionary Learning for Large-Scale Natural Image Classi cation

Recent work in machine learning has been proven successful on object recognition task. For instance, best digit-classi cation accuracy on MNIST dataset rivals that of human-beings (Cire3an et al., 2012); (Coates et al., 2011) has achieved state-of-art performance on both CIFAR and NORB benchmarks; breakthrough on scalable visual recognition has been made by (Krizhevsky et al., 2012) via e cient implementation of deep convolutional networks.
Overdiagnosis by mammographic screening for breast cancer studied in birth cohorts in The Netherlands

A drawback of early detection of breast cancer through mammographic screening is the diagnosis of breast cancers that would never have become clinically detected. This phenomenon, called overdiagnosis, is ideally quantified from the breast cancer incidence of screened and unscreened cohorts of women with follow‐up until death. Such cohorts do not exist, requiring other methods to estimate overdiagnosis. We are the first to quantify overdiagnosis from invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in birth cohorts using an age‐period‐cohort ‐model (APC‐model) including variables for the initial and subsequent screening rounds and a 5‐year period after leaving screening. Data on the female population and breast cancer incidence were obtained from Statistics Netherlands, “Stichting Medische registratie” and the Dutch Cancer Registry for women aged 0–99 years. Data on screening participation was obtained from the five regional screening organizations. Overdiagnosis was calculated from the excess breast cancer incidence in the screened group divided by the breast cancer incidence in presence of screening for women aged 20–99 years (population perspective) and for women in the screened‐age range (individual perspective). Overdiagnosis of invasive breast cancer was 11% from the population perspective and 17% from the invited women perspective in birth cohorts screened from age 49 to 74. For invasive breast cancer and DCIS together, overdiagnosis was 14% from population perspective and 22% from invited women perspective. A major strength of an APC‐model including the different phases of screening is that it allows to estimate overdiagnosis in birth cohorts, thereby preventing overestimation.
Continuous rhamnolipid production using denitrifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells in hollow‐fiber bioreactor

Rhamnolipids are high‐value effective biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Large‐scale production of rhamnolipids is still challenging especially under free‐cell aerobic conditions in which the highly foaming nature of the culture broth reduces the productivity of the process. Immobilized systems relying on oxygen as electron acceptor have been previously investigated but oxygen transfer limitation presents difficulties for continuous rhamnolipid production. A coupled system using immobilized cells and nitrate instead of oxygen as electron acceptor taking advantage of the ability of P. aeruginosa to perform nitrate respiration was evaluated. This denitrification‐based immobilized approach based on a hollow‐fiber setup eliminated the transfer limitation problems and was found suitable for continuous rhamnolipid production in a period longer than 1,500 h. It completely eliminated the foaming difficulties related to aerobic systems with a comparable specific productivity of 0.017 g/(g dry cells)‐h and allowed easy recovery of rhamnolipids from the cell‐free medium. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 29: 346–351, 2013