Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulatory Cells Induced by Feeding TNP‐Haptenated Colonic Protein Cross‐protect Mice From Colitis Induced by an Unrelated Hapten

&NA; In previous studies, we have shown that the oral administration of colonic proteins that have been haptenated (i.e., haptenated colonic proteins [HCPs]) with trinitrophenol (TNP) can protect mice from the subsequent induction of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis. Inasmuch as this protection was mediated by regulatory cells that express the antigen‐non‐specific suppressor factors transforming growth factor‐&bgr; and interleukin‐10, we reasoned that TNP‐HCP feeding would also “cross‐protect” mice from colitis induced by a different hapten, oxazolone. Indeed, we found that feeding TNP‐HCP protected mice from the development of oxazolone‐colitis, albeit to a lesser extent than it protected mice from trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis. In addition, we showed that protection was associated with the appearance of mononuclear cells producing regulatory cytokines. These data strongly imply that the cells induced by feeding 1 type of haptenated protein are capable of cross‐reacting with antigens present in colitis produced by a second type of haptenated protein. The cross‐protection demonstrated in this study holds promise for the treatment of humans with inflammatory bowel disease because it shows that an appropriate fed antigen can induce regulatory cells that have the potential to suppress an inflammation induced by the unknown antigens causing this disease.
Climate change adaptation: a study of multiple climate-smart practices in the Nile Basin of Ethiopia

Improving farm-level use of multiple climate change adaptation strategies is essential for improving household food security, particularly against a backdrop of a high risk of climatic shocks. However, the empirical foundation for understanding how farm households choose multiple climate-smart practices is far from being established. In this paper, the effects of household, farm and climatic factors on farmers’ decisions to use multiple adaptation practices are analysed. A survey of 921 farm households and 4312 farm plots combined with historical climate data in the Nile Basin of Ethiopia is explored using multivariate and random effect ordered probit econometric models. Results show agricultural production can be characterized by complementarities between adaptation practices. This result is important to designing packages of adaptation practices. The econometric results confirm that social capital, tenure security and climatic shocks are important determinants of the choice of the type and number of adaptation practices. The results suggest the need for carefully designing combinations of adaptation strategies based on agro-ecological conditions.
Cyclical strain effects on production of vasoactive materials in cultured endothelial cells

Mechanical forces due to fluid flow and cyclical strain can alter endothelial cell morphology and function, including the release of vasoactive materials endothelin, prostacyclin (PGI2), and tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA). In this study, effects of cyclical strain were modeled by culturing bovine aortic endothelial cells on fibronectin‐coated elastic membranes of silicone rubber (Silastic®) or poly‐etherurethane urea (Mitrathane™). After growing to confluence under static conditions of 37°C in humidified air with 5% CO2, cells were strained cyclically at membrane elongations of 5% or 10% for 24 hours at 1 Hz. Controls were maintained under static conditions or were exposed to fluid motions similar to the strained cells but without stretching. Secretion rates were constant throughout experiments in the strain chamber with no initial burst in metabolism associated with the initiation of strain. Secretion rates were not altered by choice of elastic membrane. At a physiological level of 10% cyclical strain, prostacyclin and endothelian secretion rates were increased by 2.5‐fold and 1.7‐fold, respectively, above stationary controls. Endothelin production demonstrated a dose‐dependent response with cyclical strain, while PGI2 appeared to require a threshold strain before an increase in secretion occurred. No significant differences in t‐PA levels were seen in cyclically strained cells compared with controls. These results indicate that endothelial cells respond metabolically to cyclical strain and suggest that mechanical strain may modulate secretion of selective vasoactive materials by vascular endothelial cells. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The third sector of R&D: literature review, basic analysis, and research agenda

Abstract The third sector of national innovation systems comprises non-academic, publicly owned R&D organizations that complement universities and private-sector firms and are normally called ‘research institutes’. Scholarly attention to these organizations has been scarce, partly a consequence of the theoretical imbalance in favor of conceptualizations of innovation processes as requiring mainly universities, private-sector firms, and governmental authorities to occur and succeed. Similarly, while this third sector often makes up a significant share of national innovation systems, it receives less attention in national research and innovation policy than do, say, universities. This paper argues that the role(s) and function(s) of third sector research institutes deserve to be mapped and analyzed in greater detail in order to understand how various organizational actors interact to produce innovation. From a comprehensive literature review and basic analysis of three institute groups in three Nordic countries, the paper makes a first preliminary analysis of the topic. While this analysis yields some interesting conclusions, its main function is to point the way for future studies. In these, other actors in the system should be investigated in thorough empirical studies, armed with tools from classic sociological systems theory that enhance the conceptual strength of the innovation systems framework and enable the acknowledgement of the role(s) and function(s) of several important organizational actors, not least research institutes.
Genetic polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor and the risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are considered to be risk factors for prostate cancer. However, previous case-control studies on the association between the variants of VDR and prostate cancer have shown contradictory results. Therefore, the role of VDR in prostate cancer remains unresolved. To investigate a potential correlation between VDR polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk, a meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies was conducted. METHODS Eligible studies were retrieved via both computerized searches and review of references. The association of VDR polymorphisms to prostate cancer was evaluated for 4 well-known VDR polymorphisms (FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI) separately. Stratified analyses on ethnic characteristics (Caucasians or Asians), cancer stage (localized or advanced) and Gleason score (<7 or >>7) were performed. Fixed- or random-effect models were used to summarize the estimates of odds ratio (OR) with 95%CI according to the heterogeneity. Sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS A total of 40 studies met the inclusion criteria of the meta-analysis. The FF genotype illustrated a protective effect on prostate cancer in the Caucasian subgroup (OR=0.905, 95%CI 0.823, 0.995). Conversely, the bb and the TT genotypes were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer (OR=0.838, 95%CI 0.709,0.990; OR=1.127, 95%CI 1.023,1.242, respectively). CONCLUSION Our analysis supported the hypothesis that several different VDR polymorphisms may increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, others illustrated a protective effect on carcinogenesis. Further efforts should be made to establish the mechanisms between VDR polymorphisms and prostate cancer.
Global and Domestic Modeling of Macroeconomic Shocks: A GVAR Analysis of Ireland

This paper studies the effects of external macroeconomic shocks on Ireland. Using a weighting scheme based on international trade linkages, we apply a global vector autoregressive model (GVAR) to investigate the degree of shock transmission between Ireland and a number of advanced countries / regions. Constructing a global model of 25 countries over the 1980q1-2016q1 sample period, we examine responses to five distinct shocks: a US interest rate hike; a decline in UK GDP; a depreciation of UK exchange rates; a reduction in Chinese output; and a global economic slowdown. Results suggest that Ireland is relatively more exposed to shocks to the UK economy, than either the euro area or the US, while it is relatively more insulated to movements in oil prices.
Differentially expressed genes after peripheral nerve injury

In an attempt to identify genes associated with Wallerian degeneration and peripheral nerve regeneration we have performed differential hybridization screening of a cDNA library from crushed rat sciatic nerve (7 days postlesion) using radioactively labeled cDNA prepared from poly(A)+ RNA of normal vs. crushed nerve. Screening of 5,000 randomly selected colonies yielded 24 distinct clones that were regulated following nerve injury. Fifteen of the differentially expressed sequences could be classified as induced, whereas 9 sequences appeared to be repressed at 1 week postcrush. Sequencing and computer‐assisted sequence comparison revealed 3 classes of regulated cDNA clones representing (1) novel gene sequences (8 clones) including 3 transcripts containing a repetitive “brain identifier” (ID) element; (2) identified genes (7 clones) with previously undetected expression in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), such as apolipoprotein D, peripheral myelin protein 22kD (PMP22), SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine), sulfated glycoprotein SGP‐1, apoferritin, decorin, and X16/SRp20; and (3) identified genes (9 clones) with known expression in the PNS including, e.g., the myelin protein P0, γ‐actin, vimentin, a‐tubulin, chargerin II, and cytochrome c‐oxidase subunit I. Northern blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses with RNA from crushed and transected nerve demonstrated that sequences with related function, like the group of myelin genes, cytoskeleton genes, genes involved in RNA processing and translation, in lipid transport or energy metabolism showed closely related temporal patterns of expression during nerve degeneration and regeneration. Finally, we compared the differentially expressed genes identified at 7 days after crush injury (this investigation) with the regulated sequences isolated previously by De Leon et al. (J Neurosci Res 29:437‐488, 1991) from a 3 day postcrush sciatic nerve cDNA library. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficacy and effectiveness of the combination of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine and a 3‐day course of artesunate for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in a refugee settlement in Zambia

In the Maheba Refugee Settlement, in the clinics supported by Médecins Sans Frontières, all children aged up to 5 years with a confirmed diagnosis of uncomplicated falciparum malaria are treated with the combination of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) and artesunate (AS). We compared the treatment's efficacy and effectiveness. Patients were randomized in order to receive the treatment supervised (efficacy) or unsupervised (effectiveness). Therapeutic response was determined after 28 days of follow up. The difference between recrudescence and re‐infection was ascertained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We also assessed genetic markers associated to SP resistance (dhfr and dhps). Eighty‐five patients received treatment under supervision and 84 received it unsupervised. On day 28, and after PCR adjustment, efficacy was found to be 83.5% (95% CI: 74.1–90.5), and effectiveness 63.4% (95% CI: 52.6–73.3) (P < 0.01). Point mutations on dhfr (108) and dhps (437) were found for 92.0% and 44.2% respectively of the PCR samples analysed. The significant difference in therapeutic response after supervised and unsupervised treatment intake can only be explained by insufficient patient adherence. When implementing new malaria treatment policies, serious investment in ensuring patient adherence is essential to ascertain the effectiveness of the new treatment schedules.
Achieving maximum torque for switched reluctance motor drive over its entire speed range

This paper deals with the derivation of commutation angles for maximum torque for switched reluctance motors operated over their entire speed range. A linearised model of the motor was used for this purpose, and the definition of the rated speed was derived. It is shown that the switched reluctance motor provides constant power in the field-weakening mode in case of continuous current operation. Then, switched reluctance drive is compared to induction and interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drives with the inverter made of the same semiconductor power devices, which revealed that AC motor drives are advantageous in most operation modes.
Gender recognition from face images using PCA and LBP

Gender recognition is one of the most popular research areas in security, biometrics and human computer interaction applications [1]. In previous studies, structural and textural features of facial expressions were mostly used to identify gender. One of the biggest challenges of gender recognition is differentiating textual features of faces that decrease the accuracy of the proposed method, and there are lots of factors such as media, ambient lighting and environmental conditions. In order to overcome these disadvantages, firstly, a new database which has different expressions of face images is created. Then, some feature extraction and classification methods are used to improve recognition accuracy. Principal Component Analysis is used both for feature extraction and dimension reduction. Also, Local Binary Pattern Analysis which is frequently used in gender recognition is used at that stage. In classification stage, Euclidean and Manhattan classifiers are used. Finally, all methods' recognition performances are compared using the classification accuracy of applied methods.
Calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal and conversion to mycophenolate mofetil and steroids in cardiac transplant recipients with chronic renal failure: a word of caution

Abstract: Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a common complication of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐based immunosuppression following cardiac transplantation (HTx). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of an immunosuppressive conversion from CNIs to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids in cardiac transplant recipients with CRF on renal and cardiac graft function.
Friction coefficient identification of dry clutch in automated manual transmissions

The friction coefficient identification of dry clutch is a precondition for precise model-based dry clutch control. Recursive Least Square with forgetting factors is adopted to identify the friction coefficient of dry clutch during vehicle starting-up process. Because the accuracy of the engine damp coefficient affects friction coefficient identification of the clutch, it is necessary to identify the clutch friction coefficient and engine damp coefficient simultaneously. Through model simulation, it is shown that accurate and fast identification can be achieved no matter what initial values were chosen. It is also verified that the identification performance is good enough for different launch maneuvers with different throttle operations.
Disturbances of basic self and prodromal symptoms among non-psychotic help-seeking adolescents

Background The goal of this study was to explore the notion that anomalies of self-experience (ASE) are a core, ‘not-yet-psychotic’ clinical phenotype of emerging schizophrenia and its spectrum. Method To accomplish this goal, we examined the relationship between ASE and commonly accepted risk markers in a sample of 87 help-seeking, non-psychotic adolescents (aged 14–18 years). ASE were assessed with the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE), subclinical psychotic symptoms were assessed with the Prodromal Questionnaire and the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes, deterioration in psychosocial functioning was assessed with the Social and Role Functioning Scales, and level of distress with the Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire. Results About 82 participants completed the entire EASE interview. The number of participants who reported ASE at a clinically meaningful level (n = 18, 22%) was smaller than that who met diagnostic criteria for a prodromal syndrome (n = 28, 34%). The degree of overlap between the two conditions was moderate but statistically significant (χ2(1) = 7.01, p = 0.008). An exploratory factor analysis revealed that ASE load on a different factor than prodromal symptoms and deterioration in functioning, but that there is a moderate correlation between the three factors. Conclusions These results suggest that ASE are prevalent among non-psychotic help-seeking adolescents, yet at a considerably lower rate than prodromal symptoms. In addition, they suggest that ASE and prodromal symptoms constitute distinct but moderately related dimensions of potential risk. Taken together, they provide preliminary support for the clinical usefulness of supplementing and refining the methods of early detection of risk with assessment of ASE.
Grandparental effects in marine sticklebacks: transgenerational plasticity across multiple generations

Nongenetic inheritance mechanisms such as transgenerational plasticity (TGP) can buffer populations against rapid environmental change such as ocean warming. Yet, little is known about how long these effects persist and whether they are cumulative over generations. Here, we tested for adaptive TGP in response to simulated ocean warming across parental and grandparental generations of marine sticklebacks. Grandparents were acclimated for two months during reproductive conditioning, whereas parents experienced developmental acclimation, allowing us to compare the fitness consequences of short‐term vs. prolonged exposure to elevated temperature across multiple generations. We found that reproductive output of F1 adults was primarily determined by maternal developmental temperature, but carry‐over effects from grandparental acclimation environments resulted in cumulative negative effects of elevated temperature on hatching success. In very early stages of growth, F2 offspring reached larger sizes in their respective paternal and grandparental environment down the paternal line, suggesting that other factors than just the paternal genome may be transferred between generations. In later growth stages, maternal and maternal granddam environments strongly influenced offspring body size, but in opposing directions, indicating that the mechanism(s) underlying the transfer of environmental information may have differed between acute and developmental acclimation experienced by the two generations. Taken together, our results suggest that the fitness consequences of parental and grandparental TGP are highly context dependent, but will play an important role in mediating some of the impacts of rapid climate change in this system.
[Validation of an observer-based rating set compared to a standardized written psychological test for the diagnosis of depression and anxiety in a university preadmission test center].

INTRODUCTION Depression and anxiety can be a major factor of perioperative stress and might contribute to patients dissatisfaction with medical care if they remain unrecognized. There are several methods to diagnose depression and anxiety like standardized written psychological tests or self report scales. Because these tests are not always suitable for routine use in a busy preadmission test center we evaluated an observer-based rating set for the diagnosis of depression and anxiety. MATERIAL AND METHODS 70 patients of a university hospital preadmission test center were tested with the HADS-D-Test and the observer-based rating set after approval of the institutional review board and written informed consent. Test-data were compared using a logistic regression model and demographic variables were analyzed using t-Test. ANOVA and Pearson correlation. RESULTS The prevalence of depression in our study population was 11.11% (14.75% in male, 9.76% in female) and the prevalence of anxiety was 7.14% (6.9% in male and 7.32% in female). The correlation between the observer-based rating items and the HADS-D-diagnosis was statistically highly significant. The observer based items "unsteady eye movements" and "general worrisome mood" proved to be especially sensitive for anxiety and the items "sorrowful mood" and "impression of resignation" were sensitive for depression without any influence of the experience of the anesthesiologist. A higher prevalence of depression and anxiety was found in patients with ASA-class III compared to those with ASA-classes I and II while age and type of surgery had no significant influence. CONCLUSIONS Based on our observations depression and anxiety are a relevant factor of preoperative morbidity assessment. Observer-based items are a reliable tool to detect those patients which might need special assistance and therapy in the perioperative period to reduce stress associated with high preexisting levels of depression and anxiety.
The development and evaluation of a computer-based program to test and to teach the recognition of facial affect

Autism is a chronic pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the early onset of social and communicative impairments as well as restricted, ritualized, stereotypic behavior. The endophenotype of autism includes neuropsychological deficits, for instance a lack of “Theory of Mind” and problems recognizing facial affect. In this study, we report the development and evaluation of a computer-based program to teach and test the ability to identify basic facially expressed emotions. 10 adolescent or adult subjects with high-functioning autism or Asperger-syndrome were included in the investigation. A priori the facial affect recognition test had shown good psychometric properties in a normative sample (internal consistency: rtt=.91-.95; retest reliability: rtt=.89-.92). In a prepost design, one half of the sample was randomly assigned to receive computer treatment while the other half of the sample served as control group. The training was conducted for five weeks, consisting of two hours training a week. The trained individuals improved significantly on the affect recognition task, but not on any other measure. Results support the usefulness of the program to teach the detection of facial affect. However, the improvement found is limited to a circumscribed area of social-communicative function and generalization is not ensured.
Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter System Fault Diagnosis Using a PCA and Multiclass Relevance Vector Machine Approach

Multilevel inverters, for their distinctive performance, have been widely used in high voltage and high-power applications in recent years. As power electronics equipment reliability is very important and to ensure multilevel inverter systems stable operation, it is important to detect and locate faults as quickly as possible. In this context and to improve fault diagnosis accuracy and efficiency of a cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter system (CHMLIS), a fault diagnosis strategy based on the principle component analysis and the multiclass relevance vector machine (PCA-mRVM), is elaborated and proposed in this paper. First, CHMLIS output voltage signals are selected as input fault classification characteristic signals. Then, a fast Fourier transform is used to preprocess these signals. PCA is used to extract fault signals features and to reduce samples dimensions. Finally, an mRVM model is used to classify faulty samples. Compared to traditional approaches, the proposed PCA-mRVM strategy not only achieves higher model sparsity and shorter diagnosis time, but also provides probabilistic outputs for every class membership. Experimental tests are carried out to highlight the proposed PCA-mRVM diagnosis performances.