Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Interior Designers’ Research Utilization Strategies and Information–Seeking Behaviors

Research findings that remain unknown to design practitioners stand little chance of improving their design processes or project outcomes. The research utilization gap is evident from both the perspectives of scholars and design practitioners. While design scholars have long lamented practitioners’ apparent indifference toward scholarly research, some interior designers and architects attribute their apathy to irrelevance. The few strategies that have been offered to reconcile this divide largely remain untested. Consequently, little is known about practitioner motivations for seeking information and their patterns of behavior while doing so. This study used Pelz's Research Utilization Strategies and Hëinstrom's Information–Seeking Behaviors to gain a contemporary understanding of interior designers’ information preferences (i.e., their motivations for seeking information and their activities while doing so). Findings stemming from 104 commercial interior designers and managers suggest that designers value information, often seeking sources for their general enlightenment. However, analysis revealed a statistically significant preference for rapid reviewing processes. Differences were also revealed between information preferences and the age and experience of respondents, such that inexperienced designers were more likely to use information to confirm beliefs rather than explore a problem. The apparent dichotomy between interior designers’ desire to seek information and their often cursory behaviors while reviewing it, suggests that scholars who aim to share their findings with practitioner audiences may need to reexamine their dissemination strategies. Findings suggest confusion surrounding the ethical and appropriate application of information within project settings and design educators may wish to emphasize the application of research in studio settings.
Relationships between visual cycle retinoids, rhodopsin phosphorylation and phototransduction in mouse eyes during light and dark-adaptation

Phosphorylation and regeneration of rhodopsin, the prototypical G-Protein Coupled Receptor, each can influence light- and dark-adaptation. To evaluate their relative contributions we quantified rhodopsin, retinoids, phosphorylation and photosensitivity in mice during 90 minutes of illumination followed by dark-adaptation. During illumination, all-trans retinyl esters and, to a lesser extent, all-trans retinal, accumulate and reach steady state within an hour. Each major phosphorylation site on rhodopsin reaches a steady state level of phosphorylation at a different time during illumination. The dominant factor that limits dark adaptation is isomerisation of retinal. During dark adaptation dephosphorylation of rhodopsin occurs in two phases. The faster phase corresponds to rapid dephosphorylation of regenerated rhodopsin present at the end of the illumination period. The slower phase corresponds to dephosphorylation of rhodopsin as it forms by regeneration. We conclude that rhodopsin phosphorylation has three physiological functions, it quenches phototransduction, it reduces sensitivity during light-adaptation and it suppresses bleached rhodopsin activity during dark adaptation. The temporal demands of vision require that photo-activated rhodopsin be inactivated quickly.
b -Catenin Dysregulation in Thyroid Neoplasms Down-Regulation, Aberrant Nuclear Expression, and CTNNB1 Exon 3 Mutations Are Markers for Aggressive Tumor Phenotypes and Poor Prognosis

b -catenin has a role in cell adhesion and Wnt signaling. It is mutated or otherwise dysregulated in a variety of human cancers. In this study we assess b -cate-nin alteration in 145 thyroid tumors samples from 127 patients. b -catenin was localized using immunofluorescence and mutational analysis was performed by single-strand conformational polymorphism. Membrane b -catenin expression was decreased in eight of 12 (66%) adenomas and in all 115 carcinomas ( P < 0.0001). Among carcinomas, reduced membrane b -catenin was associated with progressive loss of tumor differentiation ( P < 0.0001). CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations and nuclear b -catenin localization were re-stricted to poorly differentiated [7 of 28 (25%) and 6 of 28 cases (21.4%), respectively] or undifferentiated carcinomas [19 of 29 (65.5%) and 14 of 29 (48.3%) cases, respectively]. Poorly differentiated tumors always featured mutations involving Ser and Thr residues and were characterized by Thr to Ile amino acid substitutions ( P 5 0.0283). The association between CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations and aberrant nuclear immunoreactivity ( P 5 0.0020) is consistent with Wnt activation because of stabilizing b -catenin mutations. Low membrane b -catenin expression as well as its nuclear localization or CTNNB1 exon 3 b -catenin dysregulation in thyroid neoplasia is primarily unknown. We have previously shown that activating b -catenin mutations are very common among undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinoma, a rare but highly lethal form of thyroid cancer. 10 In this report we analyze b -catenin expression in a series of 145 thyroid tumor samples covering the entire spectrum of tumor differentiation and we study its relationship with b -catenin gene ( CTNNB1 ) mutation, clinicopathological features, and patient survival.
Clustering and Spatial Arrangement of β -Sheet Sequence, but not Order, Govern α -Synuclein Fibrillogenesis

The intrinsically unstructured protein α -synuclein (aS) is prone to misfold into cytotoxic β -sheet-rich oligomers and amyloid fibrils that underlie the pathogenesis of Lewy body diseases such as Parkinson's disease. An important, recognized fibrillogenesis parameter is amino acid content, whereas the influence of amino acid sequence distribution is not as well understood. The fibril core of aS encompasses five regions of high β -sheet propensity, termed β 1- β 5. Using four aS variants with identical amino acid composition but rearranged pseudorepeat motifs, we show that β 2- β 5 sequence clustering, but not order, is important for efficient fibrillogenesis. For molecular species progressing towards the fibrillar state, order invariably increases; i.e., the spatial arrangement of sequence elements becomes restricted. By introducing disulfide bonds in a fibril structure-based manner, it is demonstrated that a successful protofibril-to-fibril conversion is dependent upon the spatial arrangement of sequence elements of high β -sheet propensity. Moreover, a disulfide-linked aS dimer is shown to fibrillize rapidly. We propose that a conformational search underlies the emergence of a fibrillar aS nucleus that is directed by gaps in sequence between β -sheet regions and the accessible range of spatial β -sheet arrangements in soluble, prefibrillar oligomers. Based on the universal cross- β sheet structure of amyloid fibrils, these principles are expected to apply to a wide range of amyloidogenic proteins.
Seafood consumption, toenail mercury and selenium with cognitive function among American adults -- 25 years of follow-up

Objectives: To examine the longitudinal association between seafood as well as long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC ω −3PUFA) intake and cognitive function and to explore the possible effect modifications by mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) levels. Methods: Participants (n=3,231) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study underwent baseline examination and were re-examined in 8 follow-ups. Diet was assessed at baseline, exam years 7 and 20. Toenail Hg and Se were measured at exam year 2. Cognitive function was measured at exam year 25 using 3 tests: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Stroop Test. The general linear regression model was used to examine cumulative average intakes of LC ω −3PUFA and seafood in relation to the cognitive test scores; and to explore the possible effect modifications by Hg and Se. Results: LC ω −3PUFA intake was significantly associated with better performance in the DSST test [quintile 5 vs. quintile 1; mean difference = 1.74; 95% CI = (0.19, 3.29); P for trend = 0.048], but not in the RAVLT and Stroop tests. Similar results were observed for intakes of EPA, DHA, and non-fried seafood. The observed associations were more pronounced in participants with body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 , but not materially modified by toenail Hg or Se. Conclusion: This longitudinal study supports the hypothesis that LC ω −3PUFA or non-fried seafood intake is associated with better cognitive performance in psychomotor speed among American adults, especially in overweight and obese individuals.
Molecular cloning of two C/EBP-related proteins that bind to the promoter and the enhancer of the o!1-fetoprotein gene. Further analysis of C/EBPfl and CIEBPy

In an attempt to identify proteins that may regulate ai1-fetoprotein (AFP) gene expression, we screened a cDNA expression library from neonatal rat liver with two essential cis-elements of the AFP promoter and enhancer. We isolated two cDNAs which were found to correspond to leucine zipper proteins of the CC-AAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family: C/EBP3 and C/EBPy. The three related proteins C/EBP a, 3 and y bind with indistinguishable specificity to multiple DNA sites in the promoter and the enhancer of the AFP gene. In addition, C/EBPj and C/EBPy readily heterodimerize with each other as well as with C/EBPa. The mRNAs coding for C/EBPO and C/EBPy are expressed in a wider variety of rat tissues than C/EBPa mRNA, including yolk sac and fetal liver. The steady-state levels of C/EBP a, 13 and ey mRNAs increase during liver development, in parallel with their respective gene transcriptional rates. The high levels of C/EBP 3 and -y mRNAs in rat yolk sac and fetal liver, where C/EBPa is poorly expressed, suggest that C/EBP 1 and/or -y could be preponderant or early regulators of the AFP gene in these tissues.
Statistical Analysis of the Railway Accidents Causes in Iran (TECHNICAL NOTE)

The occurrences of accidents on the railways are inevitable in today’s world and the factors which may cause it, except the atmospheric and accidental ones, are identified and preventable as well. Therefore, these factors can be investigated and useful actions can be performed in order to reduce these accidents. The main impetus of the present research is the statistical analysis of the causes of railway accidents in Iran. Our achievement illustrates that except the train collision accidents with vehicles, all the accidents vary upon a sixth order curve which means the instability and unpredictability of the railway accidents during the last years. According to the performed studies, it is clarified that the railway accidents during the 10 years from 2000 to 2010 have not had a stable flow and have been under fluctuations and each of the kinds and causes of the accidents has its own contribution to the occurrence of these railway related happenings. Based on the analyses, derailment is the major factor of the various railway accidents and it includes about 55% of these accidents. Damage to people and collisions with non-rail vehicles are placed in the second category. Hereupon, efforts must be made by providing the necessary equipment for the simple access of the people beyond the lines such as pedestrian bridges in order to reduce the railway accidents.
Robot Control for Remote Ophthalmology and Pediatric Physical Rehabilitation

OF THE DISSERTATION ROBOT CONTROL FOR REMOTE OPHTHALMOLOGY AND PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL REHABILITATION by Melissa Morris Florida International University, 2017 Miami, Florida Professor Sabri Tosunoglu, Major Professor The development of a robotic slit-lamp for remote ophthalmology is the primary purpose of this work. In addition to novel mechanical designs and implementation, it was also a goal to develop a control system that was flexible enough to be adapted with minimal user adjustment to various styles and configurations of slit-lamps. The system was developed with intentions of commercialization, so common hardware was used for all components to minimize the costs. In order to improve performance using this low-cost hardware, investigations were made to attempt to achieve better performance by applying control theory algorithms in the system software. Ultimately, the controller was to be flexible enough to be applied to other areas of human-robot interaction including pediatric rehabilitation via the use of humanoid robotic aids. This application especially requires a robust controller to facilitate safe interaction. Though all of the prototypes were successfully developed and made to work sufficiently with the control hardware, the application of advanced control did not yield notable gains as was hoped. Further investigations were made
Shipborne Missile Weapon Assignment Study

Suppose that shipborne missile weapon uses semi-active radar homing, the assignment for the system is to assign the illumination radars of the system to the arriving targets. The shipborne missile fire effect is affected by the solution quality of the assignment scheme. The assignment is a typical integer programming problem and belongs to 0-1 Programming problem. Genetic algorithm a searching arithmetic of global optimization (Mitchell Melanie, 1999), based on principles inspired by natural genetics “survival of the fittest, excellent win and inferior discard”, can be used to solve the assignment. Previous work used standard genetic algorithm to solve the optimization problem of the assignment for the system (Youtang Tong, 2009). However, standard genetic algorithm is of insufficient local optimization, in contrast to hill climbing (Kenekayoro Patrick, 2012), and the two methods can be combined with each other to form hybrid genetic algorithm that can be proposed to get global optimization results.
Increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress genes in patients with limited cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Objective— Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a common complication of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc), is associated with alterations of markers of inflammation and vascular damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) have been implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The goal of this study was to assess whether markers of ER stress/UPR are present in PBMCs from lcSSc-PAH patients. Methods— PBMCs were purified from healthy controls (HC, n=36) and lcSSc patients, with and without PAH (lcSSc-PAH, n=32; lcSSc-NoPAH, n=34). Gene expression in HC PBMCs stimulated with thapsigargin (TG) was analyzed by DNA microarray. Genes were validated by qPCR in HC and lcSSc PBMCs. Results— Several ER stress/UPR genes, including Immunoglobulin-heavy-chain binding protein (BiP), Activating Transcription Factor-4 and -6 (ATF4 and ATF6) and a spliced form of X-box binding protein (XBP1) were upregulated in lcSSc PBMCs, with the highest levels in patients with PAH. TG upregulated Heat shock proteins (HSP) and Interferon-regulated genes in control PBMCs. Selected HSP genes, particularly DNAJB1, and IFN-related genes were also found at significantly elevated levels in PBMCs from lcSSc patients, while IRF4 was significantly decreased. There was a positive correlation between DNAJB1 and severity of PAH disease (PAP) (r = 0.56, p<0.05) and between ER stress markers and IL-6 levels (r = 0.53, p< 0.0001) in lcSSc PBMCs. Conclusion— This study demonstrates association between select ER stress/UPR markers and lcSSc-PAH suggesting that ER stress/UPR may contribute to the altered function of circulating immune cells in lcSSc.
Coronary Artery Calcium and Incident Cerebrovascular Events in an Asymptomatic Multi Ethnic Cohort. MESA

Objective— We assessed the predictive value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for CVA events in an asymptomatic multi-ethnic cohort. Background— The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, a measure of atherosclerotic burden, has been shown to improve prediction of coronary heart disease events. However, the predictive value of CAC for cerebrovascular (CVA) events is unclear. Methods— CAC was measured at baseline exam of participants (N=6779) of the Multi Ethnic Study of atherosclerosis (MESA) and then followed for an average of 9.5(2.4) years for the diagnosis of incident CVA defined as all strokes or TIAs. Results— During the follow up 234(3.5%) adjudicated CVA events occurred. In Kaplan Meier analysis the presence of CAC was associated with a lower CVA event - free survival versus CAC absent (Log rank χ 2 = 59.8, p<0.0001). Log transformed CAC was associated with increased risk for CVA after adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL-C, cigarette smoking status, blood pressure medication use, statin use and interim atrial fibrillation[hazard 1.70(1.24–2.35),p=0.001 and 1.59(1.11–2.27), p=0.01 respectively]. CAC was an independent predictor of CVA when analysis was stratified by gender or race/ethnicity, and improved discrimination for CVA when added to the full model (c statistic: 0.744 vs. 0.755). CAC also improved the discriminative ability of the Framingham stroke risk score for CVA. Conclusion— CAC is an independent predictor of CVA events, and improves the discrimination afforded by current stroke risk factors or the Framingham stroke risk score for incident CVA in an initially asymptomatic multi-ethnic adult cohort.
New Insights into Wnt–Lrp5/6–β-Catenin Signaling in Mechanotransduction

*Correspondence: Alexander G. Robling, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS 5035, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA e-mail: arobling@iupui.edu Mechanical loading is essential to maintain normal bone metabolism and the balance between bone formation and resorption. The cellular mechanisms that control mechanotransduction are not fully defined, but several key pathways have been identified. We discuss the roles of several components of the Wnt signaling cascade, namely Lrp5, Lrp6, and β-catenin in mechanical loading-induced bone formation. Lrp5 is an important Wnt co-receptor for regulating bone mass and mechanotransduction, and appears to function principally by augmenting bone formation. Lrp6 also regulates bone mass but its action might involve resorption as well as formation. The role of Lrp6 in mechanotransduction is unclear. Studies addressing the role of β-catenin in bone metabolism and mechanotransduction highlight the uncertainties in downstream modulators of Lrp5 and Lrp6. Taken together, these data indicate that mechanical loading might affect bone regulation triggering the canonical Wnt signaling (and perhaps other pathways) not only via Lrp5 but also via Lrp6. Further work is needed to clarify the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in Lrp5 and/or Lrp6-mediated mechanotransduction, which could eventually lead to powerful therapeutic agents that might mimic the anabolic effects of mechanical stimulation.
Tissue-specific expression of the rat /3-casein gene in transgenic mice

The rat 8-casein gene is a member of a small gene family, encoding the principal milk proteins. In order to understand the mechanisms by which its stage- and tissue-specific expression are regulated, initially, a 14 kb genomic clone containing the entire 7.5 kb rat 8-casein gene with 3.5 kb of 5' and 3.0 kb of 3' flanking DNA was microinjected into the germline of mice. Eight Fo transgenic mice were generated with copy numbers ranging from 1-10; five transmitted the transgene to their offspring in a Mendelian pattern. A specific RNase protection assay was developed to quantitate the level of expression of the rat B-casein transgene as compared to the endogenous mouse B-casein gene. Using this assay expression was demonstrated predominantly in the lactating mammary gland of transgenic mice at a level of 0.01-1% of the endogenous mouse 8-casein gene. The transgene employed the authentic tran- scription initiation site observed previously in the analogous rat 8-casein gene. In one line, a reduced level of expression of the transgene was also observed in the brain. The site of integration, therefore, plays an important role in influencing the level of expression of the transgene, but not its general pattern of tissue-specificity. The transgene appears to be developmentally-regulated in accordance with the endogenous mouse B-casein gene. These lines of mice generated carrying the rat 8-casein transgene should provide useful models for studying the developmental and hormonal regulation of milk protein gene expression.
Alternative A β Immunotherapy Approaches for Alzheimer’s Disease

In a seminal report in 1999, Schenk and colleagues demonstrated that vaccination of a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with amyloid- β 1–42 peptide (A β 1–42 ) and adjuvant resulted in striking mitigation of AD-like pathology – giving rise to the field of AD immunotherapy. Later studies confirmed this result in other mouse models of AD and additionally showed cognitive improvement after A β vaccination. Based on these results, early developmental clinical trials ensued to immunize AD patients with A β 1–42 plus adjuvant (so-called “active” A β immunotherapy; trade name AN-1792; Elan Pharmaceuticals, Dublin, Ireland). However, the phase IIa trial was halted after 6 % of patients developed aseptic meningoencephalitis. Despite occurrence of this adverse event, many individuals demonstrated high serum antibody titres to A β and histological evidence of clearance of the hallmark AD pathology, β -amyloid plaques. While raising justifiable safety concerns, these important results nonetheless demonstrated the feasibility of the active A β immunotherapy approach. This review focuses on alternative approaches to active A β vaccination that are currently in various stages of development – from pre-clinical studies in animal models to current clinical trials. Specifically, the focus is on those strategies that target inflammatory and immune aspects of AD, and can therefore be classified as immunotherapeutic in a broad sense.
This Old Plant Still Flies

This paper describes the process of rehabilitating Stewart Field Water Filtration Plant, a 57 year old diatomaceous earth system located at Stewart Air Force Base in New Windsor, New York. Pumps and monitors were replaced, the microflocculation upflow absorption clarifier was adjusted by moving the aluminum sulfate injection point back as far as it would go and adding an inline flash mixer to the setup, a submersible pump was installed in one of the holding wells to reduce holes and tears from monthly manual acid washes, and the diatomaceous slurry feed line injection points were relocated.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of Solar PV System and DC-DC Converters

This paper explains the modeling of solar Photo Voltaic (PV) panel model and the simulation of the circuit has been carried out using MATLAB/Simulink. The working performance of solar PV module is completely depends solar irradiation (G) and cell temperature (Tc). To develop the equivalent circuit model of the photovoltaic cell, the single diode equivalent circuit cell model is developed using embedded MATLAB function for deciding the equivalent circuit parameters and study the characteristics curves of the PV cell module and also evaluate the impact of parameters of solar cell on the I-V and P-V characteristics curve. The attained results are compared with the data in the manufactures data. And the 250W solar panel is connected with the Interleaved Boost Converter (IBC) and conventional Boost Converter (BC) and the performance of converters are also evaluated.