Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling and model predictive control of hemodynamic variables during hemodialysis

Fluid removal during hemodialysis leads to relative hypovolemia that may cause hemodynamic instability in end-stage renal failure patients. To maintain the hemodynamic stability of patients, this paper proposes a linear parameter-varying (LPV) system based model predictive control (MPC) approach to regulate the hemodynamic variables during hemodialysis. The system uses ultrafiltration rate (UFR) as the control input and tracks the changes in relative blood volume (RBV) and percentage change in heart rate (ΔHR(%)) during hemodialysis while maintaining the UFR as well as the percentage change in systolic blood pressure (ΔSBP(%)) within certain bounds. MPC based approach is utilized to account for system variability and to explicitly handle the constraints on the control input as well as the system output. To model the hemodynamic variables, multiple LPV systems are introduced. The control algorithm tracks the changes in RBV and ΔHR to follow reference trajectories. The system parameters are updated at each control interval to get the best fitting into the parameterized model. The simulation results show that while keeping the control input as well as the output within a practically realizable bounds, the system is able to regulate RBV and ΔHR to pre-defined trajectories as well as maintaining ΔSBP within bounds by adjusting the UFR. Such systems can help to ensure the stability of patient undergoing hemodialysis by avoiding sudden change in hemodynamic variables.
Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Citizenship Behavior

This study evaluated hypothesized positive linkages between organizational citizenship behavior and the emotional intelligence dimensions of perception, using emotion, understanding emotion, and management of emotion, involving two samples. Sample 1 comprised 334 employed college students, 52% male, with a mean age of 23.4 yr. , who worked an average of 29.6 hr. per week. Sample 2 comprised 72 professors, 81% female, with a mean age of 47 yr. Measures were the Emotional Intelligence Scale and the Organizational Citizenship Behavior Scale. Results of hierarchical multiple regressions indicated a positive link between organizational citizenship behavior and emotional intelligence. There were differences between the samples. In Sample 1, each of the emotional intelligence dimensions were positively linked to citizenship behavior: using and managing emotion were the greatest contributors. In Sample 2, managing emotion was the only contributor. Emotional intelligence had the strongest relationship with citizenship behavior directed at individuals.
Simplified sensorless maximum power point tracking strategy for DFIG wind energy conversion systems

Efficient capturing of wind is the most important issue of wind energy conversion system, where the efficiency of the system can be improved. Various methods were available to improve MPPT like Hill Climbing Search (HCS) and Intelligence based HCS but they all need strong mathematical knowledge. A simple MPPT algorithm is proposed to solve this issue, which tracks the maximum power efficiently without sensing irregular wind speed. The complete model is developed and simulated using Matlab/Simulink software.
Redistributive Political Transitions: Minority Rule and Liberation Wars in Colonial Africa

Do class divisions and fear of redistribution impede political transitions? This article argues that tensions over economic redistribution in European settler colonies caused resisted enfranchisement and liberation wars in colonial Africa. It offers three main contributions. First, it identifies key scope conditions for redistributive transition models: in African settler colonies, the European elite monopolized the best agricultural land and could only secure their economic advantages by repressing majority rule—also incentivizing liberation wars. Second, it exploits a novel research design to assess redistributive theories. Statistical evidence from Africa during the decolonization era demonstrates that larger European settler population shares covary with smaller franchises and with more frequent colonial liberation wars. To account for the endogeneity of European settlement, the article introduces an instrument that measures climatic and other land suitability factors that affected where Europeans could settle. Third, it explains divergent decolonization paths.
Blockade of CD28/B7 co‐stimulation by mCTLA4‐Hγ1 inhibits antigen‐induced lung eosinophilia but not Th2 cell development or recruitment in the lung

We have studied the role of the CD28/B7 co‐stimulatory pathway in the development of a Th2‐type lung immune response. Mice injected two or three times intraperitoneally with ovalbumin in alum adjuvant and then re‐exposed to the same antigen by intranasal (i.n.) inoculation show infiltration of the lung tissue and appearance in the broncho‐alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of significant numbers of eosinophils and lymphocytes, in a pattern which is reminiscent of asthmatic inflammation. The accumulation of eosinophils in the airways is completely dependent on interleukin (IL)‐5 secretion by CD4+ T cells. We have used mice transgenic for a soluble form of murine CTLA‐4 (mCTLA4‐Hγ1) which binds to B7 molecules on antigen‐presenting cells, thereby preventing their interaction with T cell‐expressed CD28. mCTLA4‐Hγ1‐transgenic mice immunized intraperitoneally and challenged i.n. with ovalbumin failed to generate any eosinophil infiltration, suggesting that little or no IL‐5 was secreted in the lungs of these mice. In contrast with the complete lack of eosinophils, the numbers and phenotypes of infiltrating lymphocytes were comparable in the lungs of mCTLA4‐Hγ1‐transgenic and normal mice. Also, lung lymphocytes from immunized mCTLA4‐Hγ1‐transgenic and normal mice could be shown to secrete comparable amounts of IL‐4 and IL‐5 when stimulated in culture in the absence of mCTLA4‐Hγ1. We conclude that mCTLA4‐Hγ1 can efficiently block the production of IL‐5 during in vivo responses and inhibit eosinophil recruitment, but that it does not block the development of CD4+ T cells into Th2 cells with the potential to secrete IL‐5.
Diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis in patients with psoriasis taking methotrexate: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

People with psoriasis taking methotrexate may be at increased risk of developing liver fibrosis compared with the general population. Noninvasive methods of detecting fibrosis have been widely adopted but their clinical utility is uncertain. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive methods to detect fibrosis compared with liver biopsy (reference standard) in people with psoriasis taking methotrexate. A systematic search using Ovid/Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library and Clinical Trials Register was performed. Diagnostic cohorts or case–control studies of adults taking or being considered for methotrexate therapy were considered. Study quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐2). Pooled data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1. Bayesian meta‐analysis was conducted using Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. Seventeen studies were included. Sensitivity and specificity were 38% and 83% for standard liver function tests (LFTs), 74% and 77% for procollagen‐3 N‐terminal peptide (P3NP), 60% and 80% for Fibroscan® (Echosens, France, www.echosens.com), and 55% and 49% for ultrasound. Confidence in these results is limited owing to low‐quality data; old, small studies displayed significant selection bias and significant variation in the prevalence of fibrosis. No studies were identified evaluating recently developed markers. The clinical utility of LFTs, P3NP and liver ultrasound is poor. Therefore if these tests are used in isolation, a significant proportion of patients with liver fibrosis may remain unidentified. Larger prospective studies are required in this population to validate newer non‐invasive methods.
Interaction of pathogens with host cholesterol metabolism

Purpose of review Pathogens of different taxa, from prions to protozoa, target cellular cholesterol metabolism to advance their own development and to impair host immune responses, but also causing metabolic complications, for example, atherosclerosis. This review describes recent findings of how pathogens do it. Recent findings A common theme in interaction between pathogens and host cholesterol metabolism is pathogens targeting lipid rafts of the host plasma membrane. Many intracellular pathogens use rafts as an entry gate, taking advantage of the endocytic machinery and high abundance of outward-looking molecules that can be used as receptors. At the same time, disruption of the rafts’ functional capacity, achieved by the pathogens through a number of various means, impairs the ability of the host to generate immune response, thus helping pathogen to thrive. Pathogens cannot synthesize cholesterol, and salvaging host cholesterol helps pathogens build advanced cholesterol-containing membranes and assembly platforms. Impact on cholesterol metabolism is not limited to the infected cells; proteins and microRNAs secreted by infected cells affect lipid metabolism systemically. Summary Given an essential role that host cholesterol metabolism plays in pathogen development, targeting this interaction may be a viable strategy to fight infections, as well as metabolic complications of the infections.
Simulation of ventricular automaticity induced by reducing inward-rectifier K+ current

Turning non-autonomic ventricular cells into pacemaking cells is believed to hold the key for making a bio-pacemaker that could potentially treat patients with cardiac conduction diseases. In this article, we analyze the effects of various membrane ion channel currents on ventricular automaticity induced by reducing the inward-rectifier K<sup>+</sup> current (I<sub>K1</sub>). It was found that the L-type calcium current (I<sub>CaL</sub>), rather than the fast sodium current (I<sub>Na</sub>), plays a major role in the rapid depolarization phase of the action potential. With a small I<sub>CaL</sub>, the automaticity of cells failed due to incompletion of the rapid depolarization. However, during the slow depolarization phase of the action potential, the background sodium current (I<sub>bNa)</sub>, background calcium current (I<sub>bCa</sub>) and Na<sup>+</sup>/Ca<sup>2+</sup> exchanger current (I<sub>NaCa</sub>) were playing more important roles. In 2D simulations, the automatic ventricular excitations arising from I<sub>K1</sub> reduction only couldn't propagate; it required other currents to be modulated at the same time for driving the surrounding cardiac tissues.
Comparison of tibial plateau angle changes after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy fixation with conventional or locking screw technology.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of locking and conventional screws on postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA), osteotomy healing, and complication rate after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs treated for naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. STUDY DESIGN Prospective clinical study. STUDY POPULATION Dogs (n=118) with CCL rupture. METHODS Dogs (> or =20 kg) with unilateral CCL rupture and sufficient bone stock for TPLO and use of a 3.5-mm-broad or -narrow TPLO plate were sequentially allocated to have plate fixation with locking or conventional screws. Data analyzed included breed, age, sex, body weight, body condition score, limb operated, implants used, meniscal status, operative time, and days to recheck. Preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 8-week recheck mediolateral radiographs were reviewed, and TPA, complications, and healing status were evaluated. RESULTS Stifles in the locking screw group had significantly less change in postoperative TPA than stifles in the conventional screw group. Locking screw fixation also had significantly higher grades of osteotomy healing, assessed on a mediolateral radiographic view. CONCLUSIONS TPLO plates secured with locking screws are acceptable when compared with those secured with conventional screws; osteotomy healing is improved and TPA better conserved when using locking screws. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Locking screw fixation serves to increase stabilization of TPA during TPLO healing and provides improved radiographic evidence of osteotomy healing.
Predicting Psychological Symptoms: The Role of Perceived Thought Control Ability

The suppression of intrusive thoughts, which have been related significantly to depressive and anxious symptoms (Blumberg, 2000), has become an area of interest for those treating individuals with psychological disorders. The current study sought to extend the findings of Luciano, Algarabel, Tomás, and Martínez (2005), who developed the Thought Control Ability Questionnaire (TCAQ) and found that scores on this measure were predictive of psychopathology. In particular, this study examined the relationship between scores on the TCAQ and the Personality Assessment Inventory. Findings suggested that individuals' perceived thought control ability correlated significantly with several dimensions of commonly‐occurring psychological symptoms (e.g. anxiety) and more severe and persistent psychological symptoms (e.g. schizophrenia). Regression analyses also showed that perceived thought control ability predicted significantly a range of psychological symptoms over and above individuals' sex and perceived stress. Findings suggested that thought control ability may be an important future research area in psychological assessment and intervention.
Convergent evolution of hydroxylation mechanisms in the fungal kingdom: molybdenum cofactor‐independent hydroxylation of xanthine via α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenases

The xanthine oxidases and dehydrogenases are among the most conserved enzymes in all living kingdoms. They contain the molybdopterin cofactor Moco. We show here that in the fungi, in addition to xanthine dehydrogenase, a completely different enzyme is able to catalyse the oxidation of xanthine to uric acid. In Aspergillus nidulans this enzyme is coded by the xanA gene. We have cloned the xanA gene and determined its sequence. A deletion of the gene has the same phenotype as the previously known xanA1 miss‐sense mutation. Homologues of xanA exist only in the fungal kingdom. We have inactivated the cognate gene of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and this results in strongly impaired xanthine utilization as a nitrogen source. We have shown that the Neurospora crassa homologue is functionally equivalent to xanA. The enzyme coded by xanA is an α‐ketoglutarate‐ and Fe(II)‐dependent dioxygenase which shares a number of properties with other enzymes of this group. This work shows that only in the fungal kingdom, an alternative mechanism of xanthine oxidation, not involving Moco, has evolved using the dioxygenase scaffold.
A 4-Element 60-GHz CMOS Phased-Array Receiver With Beamforming Calibration

A 4-element 60-GHz phased-array receiver RF front-end (RFE) employing LO-path phase-shifting configuration is presented. A wide bandwidth from 57 to 66 GHz is achieved by using multiple design techniques, including wide-band input matching network using on-chip baluns, peak-frequency staggering in the LNAs, and resonant-frequency tuning of the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$LC$ </tex-math></inline-formula> load in the first down-conversion stages. Furthermore, beamforming calibration is implemented by sequentially performing gain equalization, I/Q calibration and successive-approximation phase tuning. Implemented in a 65-nm CMOS process, each element measures gain of 21 dB and NF of 7.2 dB and IP<sub>1dB</sub> of −21 dBm in high-gain mode while achieves IP<sub>1dB</sub> of −12.5 dBm with gain of −2 dB and NF of 20 dB in low-gain mode. With beamforming calibration, the peak-to-null ratio of the synthesized 4-element array pattern is improved from 16.5 dB to 28.5 dB, corresponding to phase error of ±0.6° and amplitude mismatch of ±1.1 dB. The whole system consumes 320 mW from a 1.2-V supply and occupies a core area of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2.0\times 1.3$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm<sup>2</sup> excluding pads.
A novel and efficient immunoglobulin Y extraction method using poloxamer-polyethylene glycol

ABSTRACT Although many IgY extraction methods (such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method, octanoic acid method, water dilution method, etc.) have been established, there is still industrial drive and real need in developing scale-up IgY production methods. Some previous studies have reported that poloxamer degreasing method shows very good result in IgY extraction from egg yolk with high degreasing speed, harmlessness, simpleness in operation and minimal effect on antibody titer. In this study, we developed a new method, poloxamer-PEG method, to obtain functional IgY with high purity and yield. First, the delipidation solution was added into the diluted yolk samples, and then the filtrates were collected from the diluted yolk samples after 3 hr in room temperature. PEG-6000 was added into the collected filtrates and the mixture was centrifuged after shaking on the roller mixer for 45 min at room temperature. Last, the precipitates were resuspended in 1 mL phosphate buffered solution (PBS) buffer and dialyzed overnight. The results showed that the total protein concentrate of extractive could reach at 30 mg/mL and the purity of the IgY could reach at 92.71% with the novel method, which was superior to the PEG precipitation method and water dilution method.
Dual growth of adolescent smoking and drinking: evidence for an interaction between the mu‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) A118G polymorphism and sex

Smoking and alcohol use often co‐occur during adolescence, but little is known about the codevelopment of these substances. In the search for etiological factors that help to explain the development of adolescent substance use patterns, studies have revealed substantial heritability for both alcohol use and smoking. In this regard, the µ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1, chromosome 6q24‐q25) has been linked to both substances. This study examined the predictive relationships between initial level and growth of smoking and drinking in 311 early adolescents (13–15 years old) over a 4‐year period. In addition, the effects of the A118G polymorphism of the OPRM1 gene on the initial values and the development over time of alcohol use and smoking were assessed. Finally, as prevalence and heritability estimates for both alcohol‐ and smoking‐related behaviors differ between males and females, OPRM1 by sex interactions were tested. We found that high initial levels of early adolescent alcohol consumption were related to a stronger increase in smoking levels over time. In contrast, high initial levels of smoking were not related to growth of alcohol use. No main OPRM1 effects were found, but sex‐specificity of the gene was found for smoking development. Male A‐allele carriers showed a faster development in smoking behavior, whereas in females, the G‐allele led to a faster development in smoking. Thus, in addition to high levels of alcohol as a risk factor for the development of smoking behavior, sex‐specific effects exist for OPRM1, which may additionally have consequences for the development of adolescent smoking.
How does perception on green environment across generations affect consumer behaviour? A neural network process

This paper examines how the perception on green environment can affect consumer behaviour. It tests whether consumer behaviour responds to environmental change. This study captures the interaction between green environment perception and behaviour. A neural network analysis is used to address this challenge to model such a behaviour. A total of 462 interviews were conducted and analysed using neural network process. A Scaled Conjugate Gradient with random data division was used in training and the performance was calculated using mean square error. The result reveals that perception–behaviour gap exists across generations on green environment. It indicates that perception on green producing, green living, green transport and green product is an important factor in determining the behaviour on green consumption. The neural network accurately recognized green behaviour up to nearly 82% with MSE = 0.09 at epoch 31, which is a high level of recognition accuracy. This study underlines the existence of perception–behaviour gap on green environment. However, these are only identified to people with low‐to‐medium level of green behaviours (level of correct only 44.5% and 30%). People with high level of green behaviour in fact show consistency between their perceptions and behaviours (level of correct 96.4%). This result shows that people tend to have higher perceptions on green environment, but their behaviour reflects otherwise.
Segregation of atrial-specific and inducible expression of an atrial natriuretic factor transgene in an in vivo murine model of cardiac hypertrophy

To study the mechanisms that activate expression of the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) gene during pressure-induced hypertrophy, we have developed and characterized an in vivo murine model of myocardial cell hypertrophy. We employed microsurgical techniques to produce a stable 35- to 45-mmHg pressure gradient across the thoracic aorta of the mouse that is associated with rapid and transient expression of an immediate-early gene program (c-fos/c-jun/junB/Egr-1/nur-77), an increase in heart weight/body weight ratio, and up-regulation of the endogenous ANF gene. These responses that are identical to those in cultured cell and other in vivo models of hypertrophy. To determine whether tissue-specific and inducible expression of the ANF gene can be segregated, we used a transgenic mouse line in which 500 base pairs of the human ANF promoter region directs atrial-specific expression of the simian virus 40 large tumor antigen (T antigen), with no detectable expression in the ventricles. Thoracic aortic banding of these mice led to a 20-fold increase in the endogenous ANF mRNA in the ventricle but no detectable expression of the T-antigen marker gene. This result provides evidence that atrial-specific and inducible expression of the ANF gene can be segregated, suggesting that a distinct set of regulatory cis sequences may mediate the up-regulation of the ANF gene during in vivo pressure overload hypertrophy. This murine model demonstrates the utility of microsurgical techniques to study in vivo cardiac physiology in transgenic mice and should allow the application of genetic approaches to identify the mechanisms that activate ventricular expression of the ANF gene during in vivo hypertrophy.
Irresistible IRES

Studies on the control of eukaryotic translation initiation by a cap‐independent recruitment of the 40S ribosomal subunit to internal messenger RNA sequences called internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) have shown that these sequence elements are present in a growing list of viral and cellular RNAs. Here we discuss their prevalence, mechanisms whereby they may function and their uses in regulating gene expression.