Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shear-induced platelet aggregation is inhibited by in vivo infusion of an anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antibody fragment, c7E3 Fab, in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND Elevated levels of shear stress such as those that occur in stenotic arterial vessels can directly activate and aggregate platelets and thus contribute to the pathogenesis of acute arterial thrombosis. This shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) is mediated by von Willebrand factor binding to platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib and GPIIb/IIIa. The chimeric Fab fragment of the monoclonal antibody 7E3 (c7E3 Fab) that binds selectively to GPIIb/IIIa is under clinical evaluation in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This study was undertaken to investigate the effects on ex vivo SIPA of c7E3 Fab administered to patients undergoing PTCA. METHODS AND RESULTS Six patients received aspirin (325 mg) and boluses of heparin (12,00o U) followed by c7E3 Fab 0.25 mg/kg. Blood collected from each patient before and after heparin treatment and at various time points after c7E3 Fab administration was subjected to laminar shear stress in a cone-and-plate viscometer. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the extents of platelet aggregation and of antibody binding to GPIIb/IIIa. Results indicate that c7E3 Fab injection resulted in a rapid, extensive blockade of GPIIb/IIIa receptors (98.6 +/- 0.2%) and a 50% inhibition of ex vivo platelet aggregation induced by shear stress. c7E3 Fab also completely abolished the formation of large platelet aggregates ("large" refers to particles > 10 microns in equivalent sphere diameter), which are presumably the aggregates of greatest clinical significance. Partial reversibility of the inhibition was noted within 2 days after drug administration, but even after 1 week, platelet function had not been fully restored. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that c7E3 Fab is a potent inhibitor of SIPA, which may be an important mechanism of its beneficial effect in the treatment of arterial occlusive diseases and in the prevention of thrombotic complications of coronary artery disease after angioplasty.
Dissociation of Cytokinesis Initiation from Mitotic Control in a Eukaryote

ABSTRACT Cytokinesis is initiated only after mitotic exit in eukaryotes. However, in the insect (procyclic) form of an ancient protist, Trypanosoma brucei, a blockade at the G2/M checkpoint results in an enrichment of anucleate cells (zoids), suggesting separated regulations between mitosis and cytokinesis (X. Tu and C. C. Wang, J. Biol. Chem. 279:20519-20528, 2004). Polo-like kinases (Plks) are known to play critical roles in controlling both mitosis and cytokinesis. A single Plk homologue in T. brucei, TbPLK, was found to be capable of complementing the Plk (Cdc5) functions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, thus raising the question of how it may function in the trypanosome with cytokinesis dissociated from mitosis. Depletion of TbPLK in the procyclic form of T. brucei by RNA interference resulted in growth arrest with accumulation of multiple nuclei, kinetoplasts, basal bodies, and flagella in approximately equal numbers among individual cells. There were, however, few zoids detectable, indicating inhibited cytokinesis with unblocked mitosis and kinetoplast segregation. TbPLK is thus apparently involved only in initiating cytokinesis in T. brucei. Overexpression of TbPLK in the trypanosome did not affect cell growth, but 13% of the resulting population was in the zoid form, suggesting runaway cytokinesis. An immunofluorescence assay indicated that TbPLK was localized in a chain of likely flagellum attachment zones in the cytoskeleton. In a dividing cell, a new line of such zones appeared closely paralleling the existing one, which could constitute the cleavage furrow. An exposed region of TbPLK at the anterior tip of the cell may provide the trigger of cytokinesis. Taken together, our results revealed a novel mechanism of cytokinesis initiation in the trypanosome that may serve as a useful model for further in-depth investigations.
Metamaterial-loaded waveguides for accelerator applications

Metamaterials (MTM) are artificial periodic structures made of small elements and designed to obtain specific electromagnetic properties. As long as the periodicity and the size of the elements are much smaller than the wavelength of interest, an artificial structure can be described by a permittivity and permeability, just like natural materials. Metamaterials can be customized to have the permittivity and permeability desired for a particular application. Waveguides loaded with metamaterials are of interest because the metamaterials can change the dispersion relation of the waveguide significantly. Slow backward waves, for example, can be produced in an LHM-loaded waveguide without corrugations. In this paper we present theoretical studies and computer modeling of waveguides loaded with 2D anisotropic metamaterials, including the dispersion relation for a MTM-loaded waveguide. The dispersion relation of a MTM-loaded waveguide has several interesting frequency bands which are described. It is shown theoretically that dipole mode suppression may be possible. Therefore, metamaterials can be used to suppress wakefields in accelerating structures.
ASYMPTOTIC THEORY FOR MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATION OF THE MEMORY PARAMETER IN STATIONARY GAUSSIAN PROCESSES

Consistency, asymptotic normality, and efficiency of the maximum likelihood estimator for stationary Gaussian time series were shown to hold in the short memory case by Hannan (1973, Journal of Applied Probability 10, 130–145) and in the long memory case by Dahlhaus (1989, Annals of Statistics 34, 1045–1047). In this paper we extend these results to the entire stationarity region, including the case of antipersistence and noninvertibility.
Performance analysis of trellis coded beamforming schemes for MIMO channels

This paper presents the trellis coded beamforming schemes for MIMO fading channels. We propose that if the channel state information is available at the transmitter and the coded signals are weighted with the relevant channel information before transmission, the system can actually achieve full transmit diversity and coding gain without the complex design of space-time codes. The error performances of such schemes over fast and slow Rayleigh fading channels are derived. It is shown that on fast Rayleigh fading channel, the code effective length and the product distances should be maximized to achieve higher performance gain, while on slow Rayleigh fading channel, the minimum squared Euclidean distance between the pairwise sequences should be maximized. Furthermore, we show that this trellis coded beamforming scheme outperforms the space-time trellis coded beamforming schemes. Simulation on slow Rayleigh fading channels has been conducted to verify the performance analysis
Automated Mapping of Montane Snow Cover at Subpixel Resolution from the Landsat Thematic Mapper

A fully automated method uses Landsat Thematic Mapper data to map snow cover in the Sierra Nevada and make quantitative estimates of the fractional snow-covered area within each pixel. We model winter and spring reference scenes as linear mixtures of image end member spectra to produce the response variables for tree-based regression and classification models. Decision trees identify cloud cover and fractional snow-covered area. We test the algorithm on a different Thematic Mapper scene and verify with high- resolution, large-format, color aerial photography. The accuracy of the automated classification of Thematic Mapper data equals that obtainable from the aerial photographs but is faster, cheaper, and covers a vastly larger area. The mapping method is insensitive to the choice of lithologic or vegetation end members, the water equivalent of the snow pack, snow grain size, or local illumination angle.
Optimization of inductor for pre- and post-heating metal parts during their edge laser welding

The shape of an inductor for pre-heating and/or post-heating metal parts is optimized with the aim to reach the prescribed pattern of temperature along the place to be consequently welded by laser beam. The task represents a nonlinear inverse multi-parametric problem that is solved for a given range of field current frequencies. While the direct part of the problem is solved by a fully adaptive higher-order finite element method using own code, the inverse part is solved by selected genetic algorithms. Tested is also the influence of frequency of the field current. The methodology is illustrated with a typical example.
Reoperation for Recurrent Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Population-Based Studies

Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. This study aimed to assess the role of surgery in the clinical management of recurrent ACC. Methods The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and the hazard ratios were pooled. Results Patients who underwent resection for recurrence had significantly better OS or OS after recurrence than those who received only nonsurgical treatments (HR 0.34, p < 0.001). Prognostic factors were associated with decreased OS after recurrence, including multiple recurrence (HR 3.23, p = 0.001), shorter disease-free interval (HR 2.94, p < 0.001), stage III-IV of the original tumor (HR 6.17, p = 0.001), sex of male (HR 1.35, p = 0.04), and initial non-R0 resection (HR 2.13, p = 0.001). Prolonged OS after recurrence was observed in those who experienced incomplete resection (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.31–0.52, I2 = 53%) compared with patients who only received nonsurgical treatments. In the reoperated group, patients who underwent complete resection of recurrence had a prolonged OS after recurrence compared with those who underwent incomplete resection (HR 0.23, p = 0.004). Conclusions We confirmed the role of reoperation in the clinical management of recurrent ACC. Select patients might benefit from debulking surgery. The preoperative evaluation of the complete resection of the recurrence is the key means to decide whether patients should undergo surgery. Other prognostic factors associated with prolonged OS include single recurrence site, relatively longer disease-free interval, stage I-II of the original tumor, and female sex.
Design of broadband and low-loss double negative electromagnetic metameterials with solid-state arrangement

Split-ring resonators (SRRs) and continuous metallic wires were used to realize double negative materials (DNGs). In this paper, we discuss two kinds of DNG structures with different periodic arrangement. One is the conventional model with air separation, and the other is the solid-state structure. Full-wave simulations are used to analyze the effective medium characteristics and the figure of merit (FOM). Numerical simulation results show that the solid-state DNG metamaterials have the advantages of broadband and low-loss, which make them useful in industrial applications.
A Snapshot on the Distribution of Coastal Phytoplankton Communities in Five HAB-Affected Bays in Eastern Visayas, Philippines

In recent years, harmful algal blooms (HABs), commonly known as red tide, have started to occur year-round in the warm tropical marine waters of Eastern Visayas, Philippines. These are a threat to public safety and cause enormous loss in industries relying on marine resources. The first step in solving this problem is to establish the distribution and succession of phytoplankton communities and harmful microalgae that exist in the region. For the first time, simultaneous monthly monitoring of the phytoplankton community was conducted in five HAB-affected bays of Leyte and Samar islands. We observed spatial differences on the environmental profiles between the five bays in the two islands and these differences may, in part, influence the distribution and abundance of the phytoplankton community residing within these areas. Diatom associated groups were prevalent in all sampling sites, however, HAB causative species were abundant in the bays in Samar during the sampling period. Five (5) genera and nine (9) species that may cause HAB were identified in all five bays. These are potential vectors for paralytic shellfish poisoning, amnesic shellfish poisoning, diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, and fish kill due to hypoxia. The correlation analysis confirmed that the majority of potential HAB vectors correlated with temperature, dissolved oxygen, rainfall, nitrate, and phosphate. The abundance of Pyrodinium bahamense observed in October to November in Samar coincided with several red tide alerts announced by the region’s fishery agency. This however, was never observed to dominate the phytoplankton community. Instead, the following diatoms dominated the five bays; Skeletonema, Pseudo-nitzschia, Bacteriastrum, Chaetoceros, Rhizosolenia and Thalassionema. This is a pioneering study that shows a simultaneous snapshot on the community structure and environmental profiles in these five bays in Eastern Visayas in 2020–2021. It discusses the effects of mariculture to its phytoplankton community and vice versa. Relationships between different phytoplankton species were further observed. This contributes to the knowledge of phytoplankton ecology in warm waters which is necessary to understand future phytoplankton ecosystems affected by sea temperature rise due to climate change.
Motivations, Outcomes, and Characteristics of Unspecified (Nondirected Altruistic) Kidney Donors in the United Kingdom

Background Unspecified (nondirected altruistic) kidney donation is becoming increasingly common in the United Kingdom. Questions regarding motivation and characteristics of these donors persist, alongside concerns about regret and long-term psychosocial outcomes. The aims of this study were to compare psychosocial and physical outcomes in unspecified kidney donors (UKDs) versus specified kidney donors (SKDs). Methods We performed a cross-sectional study, in which a detailed assessment of psychosocial outcomes was made using validated questionnaires. Additional questions specific to donation were also asked, including questions regarding motivation, regret, and anonymity. Results One hundred ninety responses were received from 296 participants studied (110 UKDs [74.3%] vs. 80 SKDs [54.1%], P<0.001). Unspecified kidney donors were older (54 years vs. 44 years; P<0.001), predominantly white (99.1% vs. 78.5%; P<0.001), and donated more recently (1.3 years vs. 2.6 years; P<0.001). There was no difference in psychiatric history or personality type, or current depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, or well-being between the groups (P>0.05). Unspecified kidney donors were more engaged in other altruistic behaviours (P<0.001). There was no difference in physical outcomes, although UKDs recovered quicker (P<0.001). Regret was low (3.7% UKDs vs. 7.5% SKDs; P=0.078). Conclusion This study has demonstrated that UKDs have comparable physical and psychosocial outcomes to SKDs. These favorable outcomes may be, in part, because of the rigorous evaluation process which currently includes a mental health assessment. We conclude that the program can continue to expand safely across the United Kingdom.
Map-Based Cloning and Characterization of Br-dyp1, a Gene Conferring Dark Yellow Petal Color Trait in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)

Flower color is an important trait in Brassica species. However, genes responsible for the dark yellow flower trait in Chinese cabbage have not been reported. In this study, we identified a dark-yellow-flowered Chinese cabbage line SD369. Genetic analysis indicated that the dark yellow flower trait in SD369 was controlled by a single recessive locus, Br-dyp1 (dark yellow petal color 1 in Brassica rapa). Using bulked segregant RNA sequencing and kompetitive allele-specific PCR assays, Br-dyp1 was fine-mapped to an interval of 53.6 kb on chromosome A09. Functional annotation analysis, expression analysis, and sequence variation analysis revealed that Bra037130 (BraA09.ZEP), which encodes a zeaxanthin epoxidase, was the most likely candidate gene for Br-dyp1. Carotenoid profile analysis suggested that Bra037130 (BraA09.ZEP) might participate in the epoxidation from zeaxanthin to violaxanthin. The 679 bp insertion in dark yellow petal caused premature stop codon, thus caused the loss-of-function of the enzyme zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), which disturbed the carotenoid metabolism, and caused the increased accumulation of total carotenoid, and finally converted the flower color from yellow to dark yellow. Comparative transcriptome analysis also showed that the “carotenoid biosynthesis” pathway was significantly enriched, and genes involved in carotenoid degradation and abscisic acid biosynthesis and metabolism were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, we developed and validated the functional marker Br-dyp1-InDel for Br-dyp1. Overall, these results provide insight into the molecular basis of carotenoid-based flower coloration in B. rapa and reveal valuable information for marker-assisted selection breeding in Chinese cabbage.
MYELINATION IN RAT BRAIN: METHOD OF MYELIN ISOLATION 1

Abstract— A procedure is described for the preparation from rat brain of myelin having the same degree of purity at all ages. Such a procedure is essential for the study of myelin composition during development. Microsomal contamination was successfully eliminated by adjusting the method to maintain a constant amount of brain per unit volume in the initial density gradient step, and by including two osmotic shocks and two low‐speed centrifugation steps. Myelin prepared in this way from animals ranging from 15 days to 14months of age had a total ATPase activity of 0.3‐2.0 μmol of Pi.h−1.mg−1 dry wt of myelin, representing 0.1‐1.2 per cent recovery of the total homogenate activity; a Na+, K+‐ ATPase activity of 0.1‐1.6 μfnol of Pi.h−1.mg−1 dry wt, representing 0.04‐1.5 per cent recovery; a nucleic acid content of 0.2‐0.7 per cent of myelin dry wt, representing 0.2‐2.0 per cent recovery; and a ganglioside NANA content of 0.04‐0.07 per cent of myelin dry wt. representing 0.2‐4.6 per cent recovery. The myelin prepared from 20‐day animals had the highest content of the first three constituents; otherwise the values of the four constituents were relatively constant per unit weight of myelin. The amounts of nucleic acid and ganglioside recovered in the myelin fractions increased with increasing age and myelin yield.
Entwicklung eines Reputationssystems für cyber-physikalische Systeme am Beispiel des inHMotion Forschungsprojektes

Through the continued progress and advances of networking technology and also through efforts like Industry 4.0, SmartGrid, SmartCities, systems, that have been self-sustaining for the most part are now forming networked Cyber-physical Systems (CPS). Networking does not only have undoubtely benefits but also increase the often overlooked attack surface of these systems. A basic problem in information technology systems is building and sustaining trust. This work looks at the usage of reputation systems in the field of CPS and whether they could be used to assert the trustworthyness of communication partners. This is done in context of a research project inHMotion of the University of applied Sciences Munich, which is in the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). A risk based analysis is performed for this project. Based on solicited threats mitigations are proposed. A possible solution might be the usage of a reputation system, which is designed and a prototype implementation for a simulation ist done. The concept of a meta reputation system, which combines different reputation systems and verification systems can achieve promising results in a simple simulation. In a concluding discussion criticism and possible improvements are given.
Applied nutrition.

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Decentralized Multiarea Robust Generation Unit and Tie-Line Scheduling Under Wind Power Uncertainty

The growing interconnections of regional power systems and the large-scale integration of wind energy bring about the critical need to coordinate multiarea generation unit and tie-line scheduling (MAUTS). It is recognized that because of the limitations on private data exchange and model management, it is suitable to address the multiarea power scheduling problem in a decentralized way. In this paper, the MAUTS problem is formulated using the adaptive robust optimization (RO) scheme to account for uncertain wind energy. Our model is decomposed into regional subproblems by augmented Lagrangian decomposition (ALD), which enables a fully distributed computation within an alternating direction multiplier method framework. To address the nonconvexity issue, a tractable alternating optimization procedure (AOP) is developed to obtain high-quality solutions with finite convergence for the nonconvex mixed-integer problem. Simulations on different test systems are conducted to show the computational performance, the solution quality, and scalability of the proposed method.
Mixing Immiscible Fluids in a Microchannel Through Surface Modifications

We present a fluidic concept for the guiding of two immiscible solvents through a PMMA- micro channel only by means of surface forces. The liquids do not flow in parallel through the channel, but cross each other, induced by spatial variations of the surface chemistry. This leads to a temporary mixing of the fluids, followed by separation like in a macroscopic separatory funnel. The surface modification is prepared by thin films of statistical copolymers composed of either acrylic acid as hydrophilic or n-butyl acrylate as hydrophobic polymer and a photo reactive monomer. UV illumination simultaneously cross-links and chemically links the layer to the cover surface. The thus modified cover is then solvent bonded to the microfluidic chip.
Assessing Agency-Level Performance Evaluation Reform in China: Can It Truly Serve as a Management Innovation?

As in many other countries, performance management has received wide attention in China in order to increase government efficiency and accountability. However, agency-level performance management reforms have been largely overlooked in the existing literature, with regard to the process of developing performance measures, stakeholder involvement, and the assessment of these measures. By investigating a provincial departmental case, this article reveals that the latest development of China's performance management reform has become increasingly sophisticated, with consideration for both political legitimacy and management efficiency. However, significant challenges remain before such efforts can be fully implemented as management innovations to truly improve government performance and accountability.