Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T‐cell subset‐specific expression of the IL‐4 gene is regulated by a silencer element and STAT6

During development of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the periphery, differential expression of cytokine genes, such as those of interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐4, occurs in distinct T‐cell subsets. IL‐4 is a cytokine produced by T‐helper 2 (Th2) cells, and the IL‐4 receptor (IL‐4R)‐mediated signaling pathway is thought to be required for commitment to the Th2 phenotype. However, the molecular basis for development of the Th subset‐specific production of IL‐4 remains unclear. We demonstrate here that the IL‐4 promoter is functional in Th1 and B cells which do not normally form IL‐4 transcripts as well as in IL‐4‐producing T cells. Based on studies of the effect of several different upstream and downstream regions of the IL‐4 gene on IL‐4 promoter activity, a Th1‐specific IL‐4 silencer element was identified in the 3′‐untranslated region. The silencer region contained a consensus sequence for a transcriptional factor that is normally regulated by the IL‐4 R signaling pathway, STAT6. Nuclear expression of STAT6 protein, which was shown to bind to the silencer region, was observed in Th2 cells but not in Th1 cells. Deletion of the STAT6‐binding site from the silencer region and inhibition of STAT6 function resulted in the appearance of silencing function even in Th2 cells. These results provide evidence that the silencer element, and the binding of STAT6 to this element, play a permissive role in determining the commitment into Th2 phenotype.
Comparison of the outcomes of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from partially mismatched related donors, matched sibling donors, and matched unrelated donors in Japanese pediatric patients: A single center result

Abstract: Human leukocyte antigen‐disparity is an essential factor in selecting a suitable donor for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), and selection criteria may differ between countries or races and between adults and children. We investigated the usefulness of partially mismatched related donors (PMRD) for Japanese children in comparison with matched sibling donors (MSD) and matched unrelated donors (MUD). Eighteen patients were transplanted from PMRD, who consisted of 12 parents, five siblings, and one cousin. Five of these 18 patient–donor pairs were serologically two‐loci mismatched and 13 were one‐locus mismatched. The probability of engraftment from PMRD was not different from that using BMT from MSD (n = 59) or MUD (n = 28). Severe acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) (≥grade III) developed more frequently in PMRD (25.5 ± 11.0%) than in MSD (0.0%), but was seen just as often as in MUD (21.9 ± 7.9%). The probabilities of chronic GVHD in PMRD (56.7 ± 14.3%) and MUD (41.7 ± 11.4%) were significantly higher than that in MSD (18.7 ± 5.7%, p = 0.01). However, there was no difference in the probability of event‐free survival among the three groups. We conclude that PMRD (up to two‐loci mismatch) could become suitable donors in BMT to the same extent as MUD for pediatric patients in Japan.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy for children and adolescents: a critical review of the evidence base

For many years psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies have been considered to lack a credible evidence-base and have consistently failed to appear in lists of ‘empirically supported treatments’. This study systematically reviews the research evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of psychodynamic psychotherapy for children and young people. The researchers identified 34 separate studies that met criteria for inclusion, including nine randomised controlled trials. While many of the studies reported are limited by sample size and lack of control groups, the review indicates that there is increasing evidence to suggest the effectiveness of psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children and adolescents. The article aims to provide as complete a picture as possible of the existing evidence base, thereby enabling more refined questions to be asked regarding the nature of the current evidence and gaps requiring further exploration.
Genetic variation in the HSD3B1 gene and recurrent spontaneous abortions

Objective. HSD3B1 gene encodes the 3β-hydroxysteroid deydrogenases/isomerase (3β-HSD) enzyme, which plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of all hormonal steroids. The aim of this study was to examine the potential impact of a T → C substitution at codon Leu338 of HSD3B1 gene on pregnancy outcome. Methods. In this prospective case-control study, 162 patients and 139 healthy controls were investigated for the possible association between the HSD3B1 T/C polymorphism and the risk of recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA). The polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method was used in order to genotype the subjects. Results. The frequencies of TT, TC, and CC genotypes were 0.20, 0.51, and 0.29, respectively, in the patient group and 0.20, 0.45, and 0.35, respectively, in the control group. The allele frequencies were 0.456 and 0.428 for T allele for the patient group and control group, respectively and 0.543 and 0.572 for C allele for the patient and control group, respectively. The data between the two groups were analyzed by chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Our results showed that there are no significant differences in genotype (P = 0.56) or in allele frequencies (P = 0.51) between the patient and the control group. Conclusion. The HSD3B1 T/C polymorphism cannot be used as genetic marker for the risk for RSA in our Caucasian population.
A Fair-Exchange E-Payment Protocol For Digital Products With Customer Unlinkability

Along with the development of Information Technology, online transactions through Internet have become more popular for the reasons of convenience and efficiency. In order to provide secure and reliable online transactions, an effective electronic payment protocol is crucial. In this paper, we propose a novel electronic payment protocol for digital product transactions with an offline arbiter to achieve fair exchange, automated dispute resolution, customer anonymity, and customer unlinkability. In our protocol a product token is adopted to eliminate the need of key management for digital product decryption in the offline arbiter. In addition, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)-based self-certified public key is utilized to further reduce computing overheads. According to our analysis, the efficiency of our protocol can be greatly increased in comparison with previous literatures.
Plasmodium falciparum Protein Microarray Antibody Profiles Correlate With Protection From Symptomatic Malaria in Kenya.

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin G antibodies (Abs) to Plasmodium falciparum antigens have been associated with naturally acquired immunity to symptomatic malaria. METHODS We probed protein microarrays covering 824 unique P. falciparum protein features with plasma from residents of a community in Kenya monitored for 12 weeks for (re)infection and symptomatic malaria after administration of antimalarial drugs. P. falciparum proteins recognized by Abs from 88 children (aged 1-14 years) and 86 adults (aged ≥ 18 years), measured at the beginning of the observation period, were ranked by Ab signal intensity. RESULTS Abs from immune adults reacted with a total 163 of 824 P. falciparum proteins. Children gradually acquired Abs to the full repertoire of antigens recognized by adults. Abs to some antigens showed high seroconversion rates, reaching maximal levels early in childhood, whereas others did not reach adult levels until adolescence. No correlation between Ab signal intensity and time to (re)infection was observed. In contrast, Ab levels to 106 antigens were significantly higher in children who were protected from symptomatic malaria compared with those who were not. Abs to antigens predictive of protection included P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1, merozoite surface protein (MSP) 10, MSP2, liver-stage antigen 3, PF70, MSP7, and Plasmodium helical interspersed subtelomeric domain protein. CONCLUSIONS Protein microarrays may be useful in the search for malaria antigens associated with protective immunity.
Endocrine complications of bone marrow transplantation in children

Abstract: Eighty‐seven patients had a bone marrow transplantation (BMT) at our institution between 1980 and 1992. We wished to study the endocrine complications that accompany this procedure as long‐term survival is now much more common. Forty‐three patients were retrospectively available for review and their records were examined for evidence of thyroid, pubertal, and growth complications. Fifteen per cent of the patients showed evidence of thyroid involvement. Pubertal delay or gonadal damage was almost universal in pubertal‐aged girls treated with busulfan/cyclophosphamide. Gonadal involvement was more frequent in girls than in boys (70% vs. 47%). Sixty per cent of children were shorter or grew at a slower rate. Sixty‐five per cent of the children presented with one or more endocrine complications. These are the combined effects of different treatment regimens (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, combined therapy). It is essential to know the natural history of these patients in order to offer proper guidance and treatment as survival rates are increasing.
Interleukin-17/Interleukin-17 Receptor-Mediated Signaling Is Important for Generation of an Optimal Polymorphonuclear Response against Toxoplasma gondii Infection

ABSTRACT We investigated the role of interleukin-17 (IL-17)/IL-17 receptor (IL-17R)-mediated signaling in the protective immunity against Toxoplasma gondii. IL-17R−/− mice developed a normal adaptive immunity against the parasite. However, increased mortality in the knockout animals can be attributed to a defect in the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to infected sites during early infection.
Improved Component Carrier Selection Method for Non-Continuous Carrier Aggregation in LTE-Advanced Systems

In order to meet the requirement of wider bandwidth in IMT-Advanced, carrier aggregation (CA) is introduced by 3GPP to support bandwidth up to 100MHz in its LTE-Advanced standards. An LTE Rel.10 UE can aggregate up to 5 component carriers (CCs) simultaneously, but may be assigned only part of the total available CCs depending on its capability or traffic load. Thus, a proper CC selection method is necessary. First, two traditional CC selection methods respectively named Random and Round Robin CC selection are investigated, which can well balance the load across different CCs. However, neither of them is suitable for non-continuous CA scenarios through our analysis. To solve this problem, an improved CC selection method for non-continuous CA is proposed in this paper. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms both of the traditional ones.
Filtering for improved gene selection on microarray data

Many genes and a small number of samples are problematic characteristics of microarray datasets. We investigated the impact on classification accuracy of gene selection approaches on filtered-to-200-gene datasets. Four datasets were used with 3 filters: Student's t-test, information gain, and reliefF. We applied Iterative Feature Perturbation (IFP) and Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) for further gene selection. Both approaches resulted in accuracy improvement when used with the t-test-filtered datasets, but not when information gain or reliefF were used. An AUC analysis of the IFP and SVM-RFE accuracy curves indicated that both methods reached the highest AUC values after t-test filtering. A statistical analysis of accuracy across the best 50 genes using the Friedman/Holm test showed that IFP and SVM-RFE were significantly more accurate more often when applied to the t-test-filtered gene sets. Surprisingly, the simple t-test, applied as a filter, results in the best overall SVM accuracy and is at least as accurate as the other, more complicated filter methods.
On the Joint Distribution of Aggregate Interference at Multiple Wireless Receivers

In this paper, we investigate the joint distribution of the aggregate interference at multiple wireless receivers. We consider a wireless system that combines the received signals from spatially distant multiple wireless receivers. In such a system, the aggregate interference at each receiver correlates with those at other receivers, making it important to study the joint distribution of the aggregate interference at multiple receivers. We first derive the multivariate cumulant of the joint distribution of the aggregate interference and investigate the correlation and skewness of the distribution. Based on the cumulant, the joint distribution is approximated by the multivariate log-normal and the shifted log-normal distributions and the Edgeworth expansion. We show that these approximations well match the distribution obtained by a Monte Carlo simulation.
Optimal Adaptive Solution to Powersplit Problem in Vehicles with Integrated Starter/Generator

The implementation of an integrated starter/generator into vehicles with a conventional drive train is an effective way to create a hybrid electric vehicle. These vehicle configurations offer a high potential in fuel reduction, but they require a suitable energy management (EM) strategy. This paper shows that typical vehicle characteristics determine the general behavior of the EM algorithm. Furthermore, it is shown that an optimal strategy exists without predicting the future vehicle speed. This strategy is directly suitable for on-line vehicle implementation. Simulation results illustrate the correctness of the strategy and provide insight into the expected fuel profits
Complete mitochondrial genome of the freshwater gudgeon, Microphysogobio koreensis (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced from the freshwater cyprinid fish, Microphysogobio koreensis. The genome sequence was 16,606 bp in size, and the gene order and contents were identical with other cyprinid species. Of 13 protein-coding genes (PGCs), three genes (CO2, CO3, Cytb) had an incomplete stop codon as shown in other cyprinid fishes. The base composition of M. koreensis showed anti-G bias (13.79% and 10.16%) on the second and third positions of PCGs.
An Improved Magnetic Equivalent Circuit Model for Iron-Core Linear Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motors

The aim of this work is to establish an accurate yet simple method for predicting flux density distribution and iron losses in linear permanent-magnet synchronous motors (LPMSMs) for iterative design procedures. For this purpose, an improved magnetic equivalent circuit for calculation of the teeth and yoke flux densities in the LPMSMs is presented. The magnetic saturation of iron core is considered by nonlinear elements and an iterative procedure is used to update these elements. The armature reaction is also taken into account in the modeling by flux sources located on the teeth of motors. These sources are time dependent and can model every winding configuration. The relative motion between the motor primary and secondary is considered by wisely designing air gap elements simplifying the permeance network construction and preventing permeance matrix distortion during primary motion. Flux densities in different load conditions are calculated by means of the proposed model. The effects of saturation and armature reaction on the flux density distribution are shown in detail. Using these flux densities, iron losses in the motor are examined and its variations versus motor parameters are then studied. All results obtained by proposed model are verified by finite-element method based on an extensive analysis.
A neuro-fuzzy hybrid scheme for design and simulation of human machine systems

In this article, a new neuro-fuzzy hybrid approach to human workplace design and simulation is proposed. Problems related to human workplace design such as human-machine modeling, measurement and analysis, workplace layout design and planning, workplace evaluation and simulation are discussed in detail. The complex human-machine interactions in workplace design are described with human and workstation parameters within a comprehensive human-machine system model. Based on this model, procedures and algorithms for workplace design, ergonomic evaluation, and optimization are presented in an integrated framework. With a combination of individual neural and fuzzy techniques, the neuro-fuzzy hybrid scheme implements fuzzy if-then rules block for workplace design and evaluation by trainable neural network architectures. For training and test purposes, simulated assembly tasks are carried out on a self-built multiadjustable laboratory workstation with a flexible PEAK Motus motion measurement and analysis system. The trained fuzzy neural networks are capable of predicting the operator's posture and joint angles of motion associated with a range of workstation configurations. They can also be used for design/layout and adjustment of manual assembly workstations. The developed system provides a unified, intelligent computational framework for human-machine system design and simulation. In the end, case studies for workplace design and simulation are presented to validate and illustrate the developed neuro-fuzzy design scheme and system.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaeon, “Candidatus Nitrosopumilus koreensis” AR1, from Marine Sediment

ABSTRACT Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are ubiquitous in various marine environments and play important roles in the global nitrogen and carbon cycles. We here present a high-quality draft genome sequence of an ammonia-oxidizing archaeon, “Candidatus Nitrosopumilus koreensis” AR1, which was found to dominate an ammonia-oxidizing enrichment culture in marine sediment off Svalbard, the Arctic Circle. Despite a significant number of nonoverlapping genes (ca. 30%), similarities of this strain to “Candidatus Nitrosopumilus maritimus” were revealed by core genes for archaeal ammonia oxidation and carbon fixation, G+C content, and extensive synteny conservation.
Economic evaluation and budget impact analysis of the surveillance program for hepatocellular carcinoma in Thai chronic hepatitis B patients.

BACKGROUND The incidence rate and the treatment costs of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are high, especially in Thailand. Previous studies indicated that early detection by a surveillance program could help by down-staging. This study aimed to compare the costs and health outcomes associated with the introduction of a HCC surveillance program with no program and to estimate the budget impact if the HCC surveillance program were implemented. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cost utility analysis using a decision tree and Markov models was used to compare costs and outcomes during the lifetime period based on a societal perspective between alternative HCC surveillance strategies with no program. Costs included direct medical, direct non-medical, and indirect costs. Health outcomes were measured as life years (LYs), and quality adjusted life years (QALYs). The results were presented in terms of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in Thai THB per QALY gained. One- way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were applied to investigate parameter uncertainties. Budget impact analysis (BIA) was performed based on the governmental perspective. RESULTS Semi-annual ultrasonography (US) and semi-annual ultrasonography plus alpha-fetoprotein (US plus AFP) as the first screening for HCC surveillance would be cost-effective options at the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of 160,000 THB per QALY gained compared with no surveillance program (ICER=118,796 and ICER=123,451 THB/QALY), respectively. The semi-annual US plus AFP yielded more net monetary benefit, but caused a substantially higher budget (237 to 502 million THB) than semi-annual US (81 to 201 million THB) during the next ten fiscal years. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that a semi-annual US program should be used as the first screening for HCC surveillance and included in the benefit package of Thai health insurance schemes for both chronic hepatitis B males and females aged between 40-50 years. In addition, policy makers considered the program could be feasible, but additional evidence is needed to support the whole prevention system before the implementation of a strategic plan.
Two new message authentication codes based on APN functions and stream ciphers

After the concept of the active wiretapper was proposed, integrity protection became more important than ever before. Therefore, message authentication code, a method that protects the message from being modified in an undetectable way, attracts more attention nowadays. In this paper, we propose two new message authentication codes based on almost perfect nonlinear functions and stream ciphers. The security of both new constructions is proved by giving upper bounds of the probability of the successful substitution forgery attacks against our new message authentication codes, and these upper bounds are negligible. We implement our algorithms and compare their time consumption with the time consumption of EIA1, the message authentication code used in the 4G LTE system. The results show that our algorithms are overwhelmingly faster than EIA1. Moreover, our new constructions are resistant to cycling and linear forgery attacks, which can be applied to EIA1. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Locus Oriented Adaptive Genetic Algorithm: Application to the Zero/One Knapsack Problem

The biological observation of the difference in the mutation rates of allele on different loci is implemented in genetic algorithm so that the mutation rate is both time and locus dependent. The performance of this new locus oriented adaptive genetic algorithm (LOAGA) is evaluated on the test problem of zero/one knapsack for various sizes. It is found that LOAGA can solve the single constraint zero/one knapsack with high speed, high success rate, and small memory requirement. A heuristic argument is given to show how the statistical information inside the population can be used to tune the mutation rate at individual locus, resulting in higher overall performance.
Blood pyruvate and ventilation in heavy work.

Summary. It was found that the pyruvate (and lactate) content of the blood during work could vary considerably without any resulting effect on the ventilation, and further that the injection of 40 mg of pyruvic acid into the veins of a dog weighing 12 kg had no effect on its ventilation. It is concluded that pyruvic acid is not the substance that during work in partly anaerobic conditions causes the increase in ventilation.