Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Altered functional connectivity in children with mild to moderate TBI relates to motor control.

PURPOSE Functionally relevant alterations in resting state fMRI (rs-fMRI) connectivity have been identified in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We evaluated rs-fMRI connectivity in children with TBI and explored the relationship between altered connectivity and measures of neurological function. METHODS Rs-fMRI was obtained in 14 children after TBI and 14 controls matched for age, sex, and handedness. Whole-brain connectivity was evaluated separately for the default mode network (DMN) and dorsal attention network (DAN); Between-group contrasts identified regions with altered connectivity between TBI and control cohorts. In children with TBI, the relationships between regions of altered connectivity and performance on relevant functional measures were examined. RESULTS Compared to controls, children with TBI showed significantly greater connectivity between DMN and right dorsal premotor cortex (RdPM) and between DAN and bilateral sensorimotor cortex (SM1). In children with TBI, greater DMN-RdPM connectivity was associated with worse motor performance whereas greater DAN-LSM1 connectivity was associated with better motor performance; furthermore, DMN-RdPM and DAN-LSM1 connectivity were negatively correlated. CONCLUSION Rs-fMRI reveals significant altered connectivity in children with TBI compared to controls. After TBI in children, patterns of altered connectivity appear divergent, with increased DMN-motor network connectivity associated with worse motor control whereas increased DAN-motor network connectivity appears compensatory.
The Gq and G12 Families of Heterotrimeric G Proteins Report Functional Selectivity

Receptors coupled to the Gq and G12 families of heterotrimeric G proteins have surfaced rarely in the context of functional selectivity and always indirectly. We explore here the differential engagement of Gq and G13 (of the G12 family) by the thromboxane A2 receptor α (TPα), via agonist-effected [35S]-guanosine 5′-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding when the G proteins themselves are used as reporters. We find for TPα introduced into human embryonic kidney 293 cells and for the receptor expressed normally in human platelets an agonist-selective engagement of Gq versus G13. Pinane thromboxane A2 (PTA2) activates Gq in preference to G13, whereas 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α activates G13 in preference to Gq. 9,11-Dideoxy-9α,11α-methanoepoxy-prosta-5Z,13E-dien-1-oic acid (U46619), in contrast, exhibits no preference. Reserve of receptor in relation to G protein and of G protein in relation to downstream events is apparent in some instances but does not have a bearing on selectivity. Activation of G proteins by PTA2 is right-shifted from binding of the ligand to receptor, a manifestation of which is a bimodal action: PTA2 is an antagonist at low concentrations and an agonist at higher concentrations. We posit two populations of TPα, or two intrinsic sites of ligand binding, with selectivity evident not only in terms of the G proteins activated but properties of antagonism versus agonism.
Phosphoproteomics‐based network medicine

One of the major tasks of phosphoproteomics is providing potential biomarkers for either diagnosis or drug targets in medical applications. Because most complex diseases are due to the actions of multiple genes/proteins, the identification of complex phospho‐signatures containing multiple phosphorylation events within phosphoproteomics‐based networks generates more efficient and robust biomarkers than a single, differentially phosphorylated substrate or site. Here, we briefly summarize the current efforts and progress in this newly emerging field of phosphoproteomics‐based network medicine by reviewing the computational (re)construction of phosphorylation‐mediated signaling networks from unannotated phosphoproteomic data, the discovery of robust network phospho‐signatures and the application of these signatures for classifying cancers and predicting drug responses. The challenges as well as the potential advantages are evaluated and discussed. Although the current techniques are at present far from mature, we believe that such a systematic approach as we describe can generate more useful and robust biomarkers for biomedical usage, even at the current stage of development.
A novel passive adhesion principle and application for an inspired climbing caterpillar robot

This paper presents a novel passive adhesion principle which is used firstly for an inspired modular climbing caterpillar project. After a related survey on the natural creatures which can climb on the vertical surface with different materials, a systematical summarizing on four attachment methods adopted by climbing robots worldwide is given. Then a low-frequency vibrating passive attachment principle is presented in order to keep the merits and eliminate the shortcomings of using the normal active vacuum suckers. The adhesion principle, related mathematic model and rational testing are presented step by step. The new passive suckers based on this principle are used on an inspired modular climbing robot, which is currently under development in our consortium. On-site testing shows application of our passive suction method can free climbing robots from the heavy vacuum ejectors and realize an effective simple adsorption, furthermore improve the inspired technological level and flexibility of the locomotion capability.
The Association Between Low Birth Weight and Type 2 Diabetes: Contribution of Genetic Factors

Background: Low birth weight has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Poor fetal nutrition has been suggested to explain this association. Our objective was to determine whether genetic factors contribute to the association between low birth weight and subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes. Methods: We retrieved information from original birth records on same-sex Swedish twins with known zygosity, born from 1926 to 1958. We used regression models to investigate whether birth weight was associated with risk of type 2 diabetes in the cohort of twins overall, and in case-control analyses within disease-discordant dizygotic and monozygotic twin pairs. Results: Of 18,230 twins, 592 (3.2%) had type 2 diabetes. The rate of type 2 diabetes consistently increased with decreasing birth weight, from 2.4% among twins with birth weights of 3500 g or more to 5.3% among those with birth weights less than 2000 g. In the cohort analysis, in which twins are analyzed as independent individuals, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of type 2 diabetes per 500-g decrease in birth weight was 1.44 (1.28–1.63). When we compared the diseased twin with the healthy cotwin, the corresponding odds ratios were 1.38 (1.02–1.85), among dizygotic twins, and 1.02 (0.63–1.64), among monozygotic twins. Conclusions: Low birth weight is associated with type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The difference in this association between monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs suggests that genetic mechanisms play an important role in this association.
Analytical characterization of movements of the spinal column and risk assessment due to repeated movements of the upper limbs of building painters

Manual activities of construction workers may induce musculoskeletal disorders. This study on a group of painters aimed to analytically characterize movements of the spinal column by both lumbar motion monitor and television cameras and to determine, using the Occupational Repetitive Actions (OCRA) Index method, the risk exerted by repeated movements of the upper limbs. The main results are: painting with a roller generally exposes workers to a lesser risk for upper limbs than painting with a brush; a roller-stick fixed at the wrong length can lead to stretching of the back at lumbar and cervical levels; to remain within the range of ‘acceptable risk’ (OCRA Index evaluation), a worker should not paint a vertical wall for over 3 h if using a roller and 2.5 h if painting with a brush; and, on average, a painter who paints for 5 h in a day lifts the bucket about 120,140 times.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha is associated with risk of aggressive behavior and tumor angiogenesis in gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of HIF-1alpha expression and tumor angiogenesis, recurrence/distant metastasis, and its value in the prediction of aggressive behavior of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). METHODS Paraffin-embedded specimens from 62 patients with GIST were divided into two groups, low risk (n = 31) and high risk (n = 31) according to the tumor size, mitotic count and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index. We investigated the expression of the HIF-1alpha and analyzed correlation with tumor angiogenesis monitored by expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor microvessel density using immunohistochemical staining. The data were analyzed with chi(2) test or Fisher's exact test and multivariate test. RESULTS There were statistically significant differences between high risk (29/31; 93.5%) and low risk (8/31; 25.8%) of GIST in high expression of HIF-1alpha (P<0.0001). In addition, the incidence of recurrence/distant metastasis was significantly higher in cases of high HIF-1alpha expression (12/35; 34.3%) than in cases of low HIF-1alpha expression (1/24; 4.2%)(P = 0.009). Moreover, high VEGF expression (37/43; 86.0%) and microvessel density (30/32; 93.8%) were significantly higher in high HIF-1alpha expression tumors than in low-expression tumors (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that HIF-1alpha may play an important role in aggressive behavior and tumor angiogenesis in GIST. In addition, high expression of HIF-1alpha was significantly correlated with tumor recurrence/distant metastasis, so it may provide an ancillary prognostic factor for GIST.
A 1–5 GHz UWB low noise amplifier in 0.18 µm CMOS

A 1–5 GHz ultra-wideband CMOS low-noise amplifier (LNA) is presented. A common-gate topology is adopted for the input stage to achieve wideband input matching, while a cascode stage is used as the second stage to provide power gain at high frequencies. By using two inductors in the LNA, a small chip area is obtained. The LNA has been fabricated in a standard 0.18 µm CMOS technology. The measured maximum power gain is 13.7 dB, and the noise figure is 5.0–6.5 dB in the frequency band of 1–5 GHz. The measured third order (two-tone) input intercept point (IIP3) is −9.8 dBm at 4 GHz. The LNA consumes 9 mW with a 1.8 V supply, and occupies an area of 0.78 mm2.
Trypsin/Acrosin Inhibitor Activity of Rat and Guinea Pig Caltrin Proteins. Structural and Functional Studies1

Abstract Dramatic inhibition of trypsin activity by rat caltrin and guinea pig caltrin I was spectrophotometrically demonstrated using the artificial substrate benzoylarginyl ethyl ester. Approximately 6% and 21% of residual proteolytic activity was recorded after preincubating the enzyme with 0.22 and 0.27 μM rat caltrin and guinea pig caltrin I, respectively. Reduction and carboxymethylation of the cysteine residues abolished the inhibitor activity of both caltrin proteins. Rat caltrin and guinea pig caltrin I show structural homology with secretory trypsin/acrosin inhibitor proteins isolated from boar and human seminal plasma and mouse seminal vesicle secretion and share a fragment of 13 amino acids of almost identical sequence (DPVCGTDGH/K/ITYG/AN), which is also present in the structure of Kazal-type trypsin inhibitor proteins from different mammalian tissues. Bovine, mouse, and guinea pig caltrin II, three caltrin proteins that have no structural homology with rat caltrin or guinea pig caltrin I, lack trypsin inhibitor activity. Rat caltrin, guinea pig caltrin I, and the mouse seminal vesicle trypsin inhibitor protein P12, which also inhibits Ca2+ uptake into epididymal spermatozoa (mouse caltrin I), bound specifically to the sperm head, on the acrosomal region, as detected by indirect immunofluorescence. They also inhibited the acrosin activity in the gelatin film assay. Caltrin I may play an important role in the control of sperm functions such as Ca2+ influx in the acrosome reaction and activation of acrosin and other serine-proteases at the proper site and proper time to ensure successful fertilization.
Inference of time-delayed gene regulatory networks based on dynamic Bayesian network hybrid learning method

Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) research reveals complex life phenomena from the perspective of gene interaction, which is an important research field in systems biology. Traditional Bayesian networks have a high computational complexity, and the network structure scoring model has a single feature. Information-based approaches cannot identify the direction of regulation. In order to make up for the shortcomings of the above methods, this paper presents a novel hybrid learning method (DBNCS) based on dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) to construct the multiple time-delayed GRNs for the first time, combining the comprehensive score (CS) with the DBN model. DBNCS algorithm first uses CMI2NI (conditional mutual inclusive information-based network inference) algorithm for network structure profiles learning, namely the construction of search space. Then the redundant regulations are removed by using the recursive optimization algorithm (RO), thereby reduce the false positive rate. Secondly, the network structure profiles are decomposed into a set of cliques without loss, which can significantly reduce the computational complexity. Finally, DBN model is used to identify the direction of gene regulation within the cliques and search for the optimal network structure. The performance of DBNCS algorithm is evaluated by the benchmark GRN datasets from DREAM challenge as well as the SOS DNA repair network in Escherichia coli, and compared with other state-of-the-art methods. The experimental results show the rationality of the algorithm design and the outstanding performance of the GRNs.
Supervisory controller design for timed-place Petri nets

Supervisory controller design to avoid deadlock in discrete-event systems modeled by timed-place Petri nets (TPPNs) is considered. The recently introduced approach of place-stretching is utilized for this purpose. In this approach, given an original TPPN (OPN), a new TPPN, called the place-stretched Petri net (PSPN), is obtained. The PSPN has the property that its marking vector is sufficient to represent its state. By using this property, a supervisory controller design approach for TPPNs to avoid deadlock is proposed in the present work. An algorithm to determine the set of all the states of the PSPN which lead to deadlock is presented. Using this set, a controller for the PSPN is defined. Using this controller, a controller for the OPN is then obtained. Assuming that the given Petri net is bounded, the proposed approach always finds a controller in finite time whenever there exists one. Furthermore, this controller, when exists, is maximally permissive.
TRAM flap delay: an extraperitoneal laparoscopic technique

Although the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is the gold standard in autogenous breast reconstruction, it is less reliable in patients at high risk of ischaemic compromise. A preliminary delay procedure involving ligation of the deep inferior epigastric vessels has been shown to augment flap vascularity and improve outcome in those high risk patients undergoing unipedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. Despite previous description of a transperitoneal laparoscopic technique, surgical delay generally continues to be performed as an open procedure. This may reflect apprehension over the transperitoneal approach with its attendant risk of injury to intra‐abdominal organs and vessels as well as adhesion formation. In this paper we describe an extraperitoneal laparoscopic technique for TRAM flap delay. Access to the deep inferior epigastric vessels is obtained using an extraperitoneal approach similar to that used for total extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and the vessels are easily identified and ligated using a single working port. While further study is required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique, we report this as an alternative to the known open procedure which may be particularly useful for bilateral TRAM flap delay with the potential for reduced operative time, postoperative pain and scarring by avoiding bilateral inguinal incisions.
Detect and identify DDoS attacks from flash crowd based on self-similarity and Renyi entropy

The paper presents an effective identification method for DDoS attacks and flash crowd in the source-end network. As DDoS attack and flash crowd behavior dramatically increase the number of new (or forged) source IP addresses, the method firstly construct a time series by counting the number of new (or forged) IP addresses in the monitored local area network, and use VTP (variance-time plots) method to verify its self-similarity in normal environments. Then, whittle estimator is used to calculate Hurst index and its confidence interval to detect anomalies. Based on the detection results, in order to accurately identify these two network behaviors, the paper further proposes Renyi entropy based method to distinguish DDoS attack from flash crowd according to the characteristic that DDoS attack and flash crowd cause different degrees of dispersion in source IP address. Finally experimental results indicate that this method can not only detect the mutation of network traffic in real time and reduce false positives, but also accurately distinguish DDoS attack from flash crowd in the background of large network traffic.
The role of allogeneic transplantation in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma

The evolution of combination chemotherapy regimens, combined with improvements in supportive care, has incrementally improved survival outcomes for patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). Although 40–60% of younger patients with diffuse large cell lymphoma can now expect to be cured, significant numbers will either fail to achieve a remission or relapse after attaining a remission. In addition, certain histological subtypes are associated with particularly poor prognoses with combination chemotherapy alone (e.g. mantle cell lymphoma, B‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia). Relatively few of these patients can achieve long‐term responses. Other NHL subtypes, whilst associated with more favourable prognoses in terms of overall survival, are rarely, if ever, cured (e.g. most low grade NHL including follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma). For these reasons dose escalation and allogeneic transplantation have been investigated as potential ways of improving outcome, although this has mainly been in the setting of advanced disease. Any possible benefits have frequently been out‐weighed by procedural morbidity and mortality. The parallel development of transplantation approaches that limit procedural toxicity along with advances in supportive care require that the role of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the management of lymphoma be re‐evaluated.
Salinispirillum marinum gen. nov., sp. nov., a haloalkaliphilic bacterium in the family 'Saccharospirillaceae'.

A novel Gram-staining-negative, motile, non-pigmented, facultatively anaerobic, spirillum-shaped, halophilic and alkaliphilic bacterium, designated strain GCWy1(T), was isolated from water of the coastal-marine wetland Gomishan in Iran. The strain was able to grow at NaCl concentrations of 1-10% (w/v) and optimal growth was achieved at 3% (w/v). The optimum pH and temperature for growth were pH 8.5 and 30 °C, while the strain was able to grow at pH 7.5-10 and 4-40 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on the comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence placed the isolate within the class Gammaproteobacteria as a separate deep branch, with 92.1% or lower sequence similarity to representatives of the genera Saccharospirillum and Reinekea and less than 91.0% sequence similarity with other remotely related genera. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were C(18 : 1)ω7c, C(16:0) and C(17 : 0), and the major components of its polar lipid profile were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The cells of strain GCWy1(T) contained the isoprenoid quinones Q-9 and Q-8 (81% and 2%, respectively). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was 52.3 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis in combination with chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain GCWy1(T) represents a novel species in a new genus in the family 'Saccharospirillaceae', order Oceanospirillales, for which the name Salinispirillum marinum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is GCWy1(T) ( = IBRC-M 10765(T) =CECT 8342(T)).
More is Better? Measurement of MPTCP Based Cellular Bandwidth Aggregation in the Wild

4G/3G Networks have been widely deployed around the world to provide high wireless bandwidth for mobile users. However, the achievable 3G/4G bandwidth is still much lower than their theoretic maximum. Signal strengths and available backhaul capacities may vary significantly at different locations and times, often leading to unsatisfactory performance. Band-width aggregation, which uses multiple interfaces concurrently for data transfer, is a readily deployable solution. Specifically, Multi-Path TCP (MPTCP) has been advocated as a promising approach for leveraging multiple source-destination paths simultaneously in the transport layer. In this paper, we investigate the efficiency of an MPTCP-based bandwidth aggregation frame-work based on extensive measurements. In particular, we evaluate the gain for bandwidth aggregation across up to 4 cellular operators' networks, with respect to factors such as time, user location, data size, aggregation proxy location and congestion control algorithm. Our measurement studies reveal that (1) bandwidth aggregation in general improves the cellular network bandwidth experienced by mobile users, but the performance gain is significant only for bandwidth-intensive delay-tolerant flows, (2) the effectiveness of aggregation depends on many network factors, including QoS of individual cellular interfaces and the location of aggregation proxy, (3) contextual factors, including the time of day and the mobility of a user, also affect the aggregation performance.
First Report of Cytokine Removal using CytoSorb® in Severe Noninfectious Inflammatory Syndrome after Liver Transplantation

Introduction Emergency transplantation of a donor liver that is not matched for the major blood antigens can produce marked immune-mediated cytokine release that can cause donor graft loss. Control of the inflammatory response may be a key element in treatment. Methods We present the case of a 46-year-old man with primary graft nonfunction after liver transplantation who underwent emergency retransplantation with an ABO-incompatible graft. A severe inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was noted in the perioperioperative period of retransplantation. The patient was successfully treated for this condition with a new hemoadsorption column (CytoSorb®), in combination with continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) throughout the intraoperative and early postoperative period. Results During and after each treatment a significant and rapid decrease of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was observed, especially for interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1). Reduction of cytokines was associated with normalization of cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, and improved liver function. Conclusions We believe this is the first case in which hemoadsorptionin combination with CVVH has been used to manage SIRS in a patient with primary graft nonfunction undergoing emergency retransplantation.