Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GM-CSF Produced by Nonhematopoietic Cells Is Required for Early Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Repair of Injured Colonic Mucosa

GM-CSF is a growth factor that promotes the survival and activation of macrophages and granulocytes, as well as dendritic cell differentiation and survival in vitro. The mechanism by which exogenous GM-CSF ameliorates the severity of Crohn’s disease in humans and colitis in murine models has mainly been considered to reflect its activity on myeloid cells. We used GM-CSF–deficient (GM-CSF−/−) mice to probe the functional role of endogenous host-produced GM-CSF in a colitis model induced after injury to the colon epithelium. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), at doses that resulted in little epithelial damage and mucosal ulceration in wild type mice, caused marked colon ulceration and delayed ulcer healing in GM-CSF−/− mice. Colon crypt epithelial cell proliferation in vivo was significantly decreased in GM-CSF−/− mice at early times after DSS injury. This was paralleled by decreased expression of crypt epithelial cell genes involved in cell cycle, proliferation, and wound healing. Decreased crypt cell proliferation and delayed ulcer healing in GM-CSF−/− mice were rescued by exogenous GM-CSF, indicating the lack of a developmental abnormality in the epithelial cell proliferative response in those mice. Nonhematopoietic cells, and not myeloid cells, produced the GM-CSF important for colon epithelial proliferation after DSS-induced injury, as revealed by bone marrow chimera and dendritic cell–depletion experiments, with colon epithelial cells being the cellular source of GM-CSF. Endogenous epithelial cell–produced GM-CSF has a novel nonredundant role in facilitating epithelial cell proliferation and ulcer healing in response to injury of the colon crypt epithelium.
A Low-Dimensional Dissimilarity Analysis of Unilateral and Bilateral Stroke-Impacted Hand Trajectories

In this paper, we propose a quantitative approach based on identifying hand trajectory dissimilarities through the use of a multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis. A high-rate motion capture system is used to gather three-dimensional (3D) trajectory data of healthy and stroke-impacted hemiparetic subjects. The mutual dissimilarity between any two trajectories is measured by the area between them. This area is used as a dissimilarity variable to create an MDS map. The map reveals a structure for measuring the difference and variability of individual trajectories and their groups. The results suggest that the recovery of hemiparetic subjects can be quantified by comparing the difference and variability of their individual MDS map points to the points from the cluster of healthy subject trajectories. Within the MDS map, we can identify fully recovered patients, those who are only functionally recovered, and those who are either in an early phase of, or are nonresponsive to the therapy. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4033836]
Robust speech recognition using probabilistic union models

This paper introduces a new statistical approach, namely the probabilistic union model, for speech recognition involving partial, unknown frequency-band corruption. Partial frequency-band corruption accounts for the effect of a family of real-world noises. Previous methods based on the missing feature theory usually require the identity of the noisy bands. This identification can be difficult for unexpected noise with unknown, time-varying band characteristics. The new model combines the local frequency-band information based on the union of random events, to reduce the dependence of the model on information about the noise. This model partially accomplishes the target: offering robustness to partial frequency-band corruption, while requiring no information about the noise. This paper introduces the theory and implementation of the union model, and is focused on several important advances. These new developments include a new algorithm for automatic order selection, a generalization of the modeling principle to accommodate partial feature stream corruption, and a combination of the union model with conventional noise reduction techniques to deal with a mixture of stationary noise and unknown, nonstationary noise. For the evaluation, we used the TIDIGITS database for speaker-independent connected digit recognition. The utterances were corrupted by various types of additive noise, stationary or time-varying, assuming no knowledge about the noise characteristics. The results indicate that the new model offers significantly improved robustness in comparison to other models.
Robustness as a measure of plausibility in models of biochemical networks.

Theory, experiment, and observation suggest that biochemical networks which are conserved across species are robust to variations in concentrations and kinetic parameters. Here, we exploit this expectation to propose an approach to model building and selection. We represent a model as a mapping from parameter space to behavior space, and utilize bifurcation analysis to study the robustness of each region of steady-state behavior to parameter variations. The hypothesis that potential errors in models will result in parameter sensitivities is tested by analysis of two models of the biochemical oscillator underlying the Xenopus cell cycle. Our analysis successfully identifies known weaknesses in the older model and suggests areas for further investigation in the more recent, more plausible model. It also correctly highlights why the more recent model is more plausible.
Reducing the cogging torque in brushless DC motors by using conformal mappings

We present an exact model for determining the cogging torque in a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. It is based on the conformal mapping (CM) method, by which the motor configuration is transformed to a configuration where the magnetic field can be determined. Then, by integrating the field over the stator surface, the cogging torque is determined. By varying some motor parameters, which is easy to do, an optimal configuration with the minimal cogging torque is obtained. We have confirmed the results by the finite-element method (FEM). The model produces results much faster than FEM alone.
Evidence for adaptive plasticity in elderly monaural hearing aid users

Hearing aids can induce perceptual changes in some elderly listeners but few studies have investigated physiological changes in this population. Loudness discomfort levels and acoustic reflex thresholds were measured in long-term users of a single hearing aid. The results show an asymmetry of +2 to +9 dB between ears in the sound level that (i) causes loudness discomfort and (ii) elicits a reflex contraction of the middle ear muscles. The elevation of the acoustic reflex threshold occurs in the ear with hearing aid experience, irrespective of the ear of stimulation. Therefore, there is evidence of adaptive plasticity and this can be measured at the level of the auditory brainstem.
Dynamics analysis of the Gough-Stewart platform manipulator

A novel derivation of the forward dynamic equations for the Gough-Stewart platform manipulator based on Kane's equation is proposed. In this method, each leg of the Gough-Stewart platform manipulator is treated as an independent substructure, the system dynamic equations are composed of the equations of legs and platform according to the constraints among substructures. The formulation has been implemented in MATLAB routines, and simulation results have been given to show the validation of the new approach. Compared with the traditional Newton-Euler method and Lagrange formulation, the modeling process proposed in the paper is more straightforward and systematic, and the final dynamic equations are very concise.
Enhancement of Diphtheria Toxin Potency by Replacement of the Receptor Binding Domain with Tetanus Toxin C‐Fragment

Abstract: This study describes the expression, purification, and characterization of a recombinant fusion toxin, DAB389TTC, composed of the catalytic and membrane translocation domains of diphtheria toxin (DAB389) linked to the receptor binding fragment of tetanus toxin (C‐fragment). As determined by its ability to inhibit cellular protein synthesis in primary neuron cultures, DAB389TTC was ∼ 1,000‐fold more cytotoxic than native diphtheria toxin or the previously described fusion toxin, DAB389MSH. The cytotoxic effect of DAB389TTC on cultured cells was specific toward neuronal‐type cells and was blocked by coincubation of the chimeric toxin with tetanus antitoxin. The toxicity of DAB389TTC, like that of diphtheria toxin, was dependent on passage through an acidic compartment and ADP‐ribosyltransferase activity of the DAB389 catalytic fragment. These results suggest that a catalytically inactive form of DAB389TTC may be useful as a nonviral vehicle to deliver exogenous proteins to the cytosolic compartment of neurons.
Approximating the Minimum-Degree Steiner Tree to within One of Optimal

Abstract The problem of constructing a spanning tree for a graph G = (V, E) with n vertices whose maximal degree is the smallest among all spanning trees of G is considered. This problem is easily shown to be NP-hard. In the Steiner version of this problem, along with the input graph, a set of distinguished vertices D ⊆ V is given. A minimum-degree Steiner tree is a tree of minimum degree which spans at least the set D. Iterative polynomial time approximation algorithms for the problems are given. The algorithms compute trees whose maximal degree is at most Δ* + 1, where Δ* is the degree of some optimal tree for the respective problems. Unless P = NP, this is the best bound achievable in polynomial time.
The Sphere Is Not Flat

The circumstance announced in our title explains why it is impossible to construct (plane) maps of the (ideal, spherical) Earth in which distances are faithfully repre sented. More technically, each sphere S carries a metric under which the distance between points P and Q of S is the length of the (shorter) great circular arc PQ. The theorem of our title asserts that there is no isometric (that is, distance-preserving) function from S (or indeed from any of its nonempty open subsets) to the Euclidean plane; more generally, there is no isometry to any Euclidean space. This theorem may be traced back to Euler, in his De repraesentatione superficiel sphaericae super piano of 1778. A relatively sophisticated proof of this result involves regarding S as a Rie mannian manifold and verifying that its curvature does not vanish; a more elementary proof compares areas of plane triangles and spherical triangles. Here we offer a proof that is more fundamental (in referring only to distances) and is still elementary (in using only trigonometry and calculus). We begin our proof by considering the problem of isometrically embedding finite metric spaces in Euclidean spaces. It is immediately evident that any two-point metric space embeds isometrically in the real line with its standard Euclidean metric. It is slightly less evident (but becomes clear upon inspecting the triangle inequality) that any three-point metric space embeds isometrically in the Euclidean plane. In view of this geometrically rather seductive progression, it is perhaps surprising that there exist four-point metric spaces that admit no isometric embeddings into Euclidean R3 or indeed into Euclidean space of any dimension. To construct a simple example of such a space, we start from a three-point space Y = [n, p, q] with metric given by d(n, p) ? d(n, q) = d(p, q) = 2L > 0; the im age of Y under any isometric embedding in a Euclidean space comprises the vertices of an equilateral triangle with 2L as side. Now add to Y a point t so as to obtain X = {n, p, q, t} and extend the metric d to X by declaring that d(p, t) = d(q, t) = L but leaving d(n,t) temporarily unspecified. Any isometric embedding / from X into a Euclidean space necessarily maps t to the midpoint T of the line joining P = f(p) and Q = f(q). As the Euclidean distance between N = f(n) and T is \/3L, it fol lows that the isometric nature of / forces d(n,t) = */3L as well. Accordingly, in order to ensure that X admits no isometric embedding into any Euclidean space we need arrange only that d(n,t) have a different value, for example, as follows:
Synthesis, Cytotoxic, and Antitumor Activities of 2‐Pyridylhydrazones Derived from 3‐Benzoylpyridazines

A series of 2‐pyridylhydrazones derived from phenyl‐pyridazin‐3‐yl‐methanones were prepared in search for potential novel antitumor agents. The stereochemistry of these compounds was established by means of NMR spectroscopy. Whereas hydrazones derived from 3‐benzoylpyridazines (IC50 = 0.99–8.74 µM) inhibited the proliferation of the tumor cell lines tested, the non‐fully aromatic 3‐benzoylpyridazinone hydrazones (IC50 > 10 µM) turned out to be inactive. Compounds E‐1b (IC50 = 0.12 µM) and E‐1d (IC50 = 0.18 µM) exert high cytotoxic activities in clonogenic assays involving human tumor cells of different tissue origins. In vivo application of compound E‐1b (300 mg/kg/day) resulted in a 66% reduction in tumor burden.
Meta‐analysis of the comparative efficacy and safety of pitavastatin and atorvastatin in patients with dyslipidaemia

What is known and Objective: Pitavastatin is the latest available statin. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of dyslipidaemia. This meta‐analysis was aimed at evaluating the effects of pitavastatin on lipid profiles in patients with dyslipidaemia compared with atorvastatin.
Serum and Glucocorticoid–Regulated Kinase 1 Regulates Neutrophil Clearance during Inflammation Resolution

The inflammatory response is integral to maintaining health by functioning to resist microbial infection and repair tissue damage. Large numbers of neutrophils are recruited to inflammatory sites to neutralize invading bacteria through phagocytosis and the release of proteases and reactive oxygen species into the extracellular environment. Removal of the original inflammatory stimulus must be accompanied by resolution of the inflammatory response, including neutrophil clearance, to prevent inadvertent tissue damage. Neutrophil apoptosis and its temporary inhibition by survival signals provides a target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics, making it essential to better understand this process. GM-CSF, a neutrophil survival factor, causes a significant increase in mRNA levels for the known anti-apoptotic protein serum and glucocorticoid–regulated kinase 1 (SGK1). We have characterized the expression patterns and regulation of SGK family members in human neutrophils and shown that inhibition of SGK activity completely abrogates the antiapoptotic effect of GM-CSF. Using a transgenic zebrafish model, we have disrupted sgk1 gene function and shown this specifically delays inflammation resolution, without altering neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory sites in vivo. These data suggest SGK1 plays a key role in regulating neutrophil survival signaling and thus may prove a valuable therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory disease.
Effect of Combined Bevacizumab and Temozolomide Treatment on Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor

Study Design. C6 glioma cells and an intramedullary spinal cord tumor model were used to evaluate the effect of bevacizumab (Avastin) or temozolomide (TMZ). Objective. In this study, we hypothesized that treatment with bevacizumab accelerates the therapeutic effect of TMZ on intramedullary gliomas in an animal model. Summary of Background Data. Recently therapies for the management of intramedullary malignant gliomas include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Concurrent or adjuvant TMZ has been considered an emerging new treatment for intramedullary malignant gliomas; however, high-dose application of TMZ has limitation of side effect. Methods. C6 glioma cells were injected into the T5 level of the spinal cord, and TMZ and bevacizumab were administered 5 days after C6 inoculation (n = 7 for each group). Tumor size was analyzed using histology and magnetic resonance imaging at 13 days after tumor inoculation. Results. Histological analyses and magnetic resonance imaging findings showed that combined treatment with TMZ and bevacizumab reduced tumor mass. The tumor volume of control group was 2.8-fold higher than combined therapy (P < 0.05). Neurological outcomes demonstrated that combined therapy improved hind limb function more than TMZ-alone group or control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. This study shows that bevacizumab could be useful in combination with TMZ to increase the therapeutic benefits of TMZ for intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Level of Evidence: N/A
Using Basic Number Processing Tasks in Determining Students with Mathematics Disorder Risk

Using basic number processing tasks in determining students with mathematics disorder risk Objective: This study investigated whether it was possible to determine the risk of having mathematics disorder with a simple screening tool containing four types of basic number processing tasks. Method: Mathematics Achievement Tests (MAT) and Basic Number Processing Tests (BNPT) were administered to a total of 487 students from first through fourth grade of 12 different elementary schools in Ankara, Turkey. Students with a general learning disorder, mainstreamed students, and students with diagnosis of attention deficit were excluded from the study. Random dot enumeration, canonic dot enumeration, symbolic number comparison and mental number line estimation tasks were used in Basic Number Processing Tests. Based on Mathematics Achievement Test scores, students were grouped into mathematics disorder risk, low achievement, and typical achievement. Students’ Basic Number Processing Tests scores were analyzed one by one in comparison to grade level averages. Results: Based on these comparisons we found that in all four grade levels, students with mathematics disorder risk got scores lower than grade level mean at least in one Basic Number Processing Test. Conclusion: These results showed that the developed screening tool has a potential in effectively determining students with mathematics disorder risks. The tool might also be helpful in early diagnosis and intervention of students with mathematics disorder risk.
Design and fabrication of fluidic patch antenna based liquid metal alloy (EGaIn) and single wall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

This letter describes the design and fabrication of fluidic patch antenna that incorporates a liquid metal alloy (EGaIn) and single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) nanocomposites and operates at 4 GHz frequency. Based on our simulations results, we have first used our recently developed UV-assisted direct-writing technology to design the patch antenna onto a polydimethylsiloxane substrate, followed by embedding the EGaIn/SWNT nanocomposites. The fabricated prototypes exhibited excellent antanna performances, in total agreement with simulations, showing an increase in the composite electrical conductivity and reflection coefficients with respect to SWNTs concentration. The effect of the SWNTs on the long-term stability of mechanical properties of the fabricated specimen was also demonstrated.
Early onset and high prevalence of gestational diabetes in PCOS and insulin resistant women before and after assisted reproduction.

OBJECTIVES Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and/or insulin resistance (IR) are frequent conditions in women choosing assisted reproduction techniques (ART). However, infertility work-up has to include testing of insulin sensitivity to diagnose IR. It was the aim of the study to analyze the frequency of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or gestational diabetes (GD) in the first weeks of gestation after ART in women receiving metformin. DESIGN AND METHODS This study included 107 women who were seeking ART under the pretreatment of metformin for PCOS, confirmed IR, recurrent spontaneous miscarriages (RSA) or other fertility disorders. They were examined for prepregnancy health parameters (weight, glucose tolerance). When pregnancy was confirmed a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted between the 5(th) and 7(th) week of gestation. RESULTS A high rate of GD or IGT already was observed in the first weeks of pregnancy in our cohort under metformin treatment. The predominant risk factor for diagnosed early onset of IGT or GD (58 cases) was PCOS (p=0.014). The frequency of GD was the highest in the subgroup with prepregnancy confirmed IR not fulfilling the criteria of PCOS (55%); it was 40.6% in PCOS women and 26.1% in women neither exhibiting IR nor PCOS. CONCLUSIONS Women seeking ART and being treated with metformin still show a very high rate of GD or IGT after achieving pregnancy by ART. Therefore in women undergoing ART screening for GD should be performed as soon as pregnancy is confirmed to avoid miscarriages due to overlooked uncontrolled glucose metabolism.
Sustaining a problematic innovation: A ‘grounds-eye’ view of video conferencing through teachers’ experiences

This paper reports on a study that explored the engagement of 17 academic staff with video conferencing technology in four large first-year classes in higher education during 2011. While the video conferencing brought a number of benefits, its implementation was far from straightforward, raising many issues about whether it should endure, and if so, in what form. Using an insider research approach, this paper considers „grounds-eye‟ perspectives from teachers involved with the video conferencing. The findings identify three key issues that affected the sustainability of the video conferencing: a lack of synergy between individual, pedagogical, and organisational levels; the adoption of „safe‟ practices by teachers when faced with uncertain learning settings; and the endurance of the video conferencing in an altered form. The paper casts some doubt on the positioning of teachers as „future makers‟, showing how teachers can retreat into established practices when technology creates uncertainty in an educational context.
Network Security in Cloud Computing with Elliptic Curve Cryptography

This paper researches on cloud computing based-on authentication for the security verification using Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA). The study structure simply focuses on the communication interaction of the Cloud providing communities and a pictured Smartphone user. The Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem is envisioned as the basic framework for data transmission security in the paper that proffers solution. We reviewed various literatures on the elliptic curves and applied the cyclic elliptic curve group based-on finite field modulo q. With the theory established, we applied the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm as developed by ElGamal to carry out some exemplified computational sequences. The detail of the computational algorithm was done in Mathematica as given by (Jouko, 2011) with no modifications except in its translational interpretation to fit into cloud computing security environment as maybe applied by the cloud providing communities to accelerate and meeting the needs of the users on-demand as a service with embedding security consideration. Our contribution to the cloud computing environment is brought about through computational experimental activities as exemplified in this field for interactive security awareness through digital signature authenticating mechanism.