Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toll‐Like Receptors and Tissue Remodeling: The Pro/Cons Recent Findings

The Toll‐like Receptor (TLR) family ensures prompt response towards pathogens, protecting the host against infections, and guarantees a realistic balance between protective and detrimental activities. Multiple regulating mechanisms characterize TLR activity that is not limited to innate and adaptive antimicrobial immune responses, as observed in the inflammatory (either infective, allergic, or autoimmune) responses associated with tissue remodeling. Following the insult and the arise of inflammatory response, tissue remodeling takes place and might develop in fibrosis, depending on microenvironment as a result of imbalanced fibroblasts (FBs) and myofibroblasts (myoFBs) activation/survival. The process is driven by an epithelial‐fibroblast‐immune cell cross‐talk. While the main FB function is the matrix metabolism for tissue homeostasis or repair, the myoFB differentiation represents a crucial step in attempting repair of injury. FBs/myoFBs provide more than structural support at site of injury, synthesizing and/or reacting to different cytokines, growth factors, neuromediators and soluble/lipid mediators. TLR‐bearing FBs/myoFBs might contribute at the innate immune level, providing a second line of protection/defense as well as being a target/effector cell of tissue remodeling. TLRs might also interfere with acute inflammation as well as with established fibrosis, triggering structural/functional changes in agreement with the genetic background, the site of lesion, the entity of associated infection, the poor blood circulation or the pharmacological treatments, all together strictly influencing tissue repair/remodeling process. This review will focus on the recent findings on TLRs at launch and long‐lasting tissue remodeling process, that strongly suggest TLRs as optional targets for future therapies. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 531–544, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of broadband high-efficiency power amplifier using in-band Class-F−1/F mode-transferring technique

A mode-transferring technique for designing high-frequency high-efficiency broadband power amplifiers is presented in this paper. It is demonstrated, for the first time, that by properly tuning the second and third harmonic impedances, a PA can operate between inverse Class-F and Class-F modes within a 1.5 ∶ 1 bandwidth. A broadband PA is designed by employing this technique with a commercial GaN transistor. The multi-mode PA operation and broadband matching are realized simultaneously using a three-stage, transmission-line-implemented, low-pass network. Simulation and experimental results show that Class-F−1 and Class-F PA modes are successfully performed at 1.8 and 2.8 GHz, respectively, with ≥ 80% measured efficiency. In addition, an overall bandwidth of 1.3–3.3 GHz is achieved by the implemented PA with > 10-dB gain, 60%–85% efficiency, and 10-W output power throughout this band.
Running head : PANGEA PANGEA : Power ANalysis for GEneral Anova designs

155 words) In this paper I present PANGEA (Power ANalysis for GEneral Anova designs; http://jakewestfall.org/pangea/), a user-friendly, open source, web-based power application that can be used for conducting power analyses in general ANOVA designs. A general ANOVA design is any experimental design that can be described by some variety of ANOVA model. Surprisingly, a power analysis program for general ANOVA designs did not exist until now. PANGEA can estimate power for designs that consist of any number of factors, each with any number of levels; any factor can be considered fixed or random; and any possible pattern of nesting or crossing of the factors is allowed. I demonstrate how PANGEA can be used to estimate power for anything from simple betweenand within-subjects designs, to more complicated designs with multiple random factors (e.g., multilevel designs and crossed-randomeffects designs). I document the statistical theory underlying PANGEA and describe some experimental features to be added in the near future.
A Hybrid Intelligent Model for Deterministic and Quantile Regression Approach for Probabilistic Wind Power Forecasting

With rapid increase in wind power penetration into the power grid, wind power forecasting is becoming increasingly important to power system operators and electricity market participants. The majority of the wind forecasting tools available in the literature provide deterministic prediction, but given the variability and uncertainty of wind, such predictions limit the use of the existing tools for decision-making under uncertain conditions. As a result, probabilistic forecasting, which provides information on uncertainty associated with wind power forecasting, is gaining increased attention. This paper presents a novel hybrid intelligent algorithm for deterministic wind power forecasting that utilizes a combination of wavelet transform (WT) and fuzzy ARTMAP (FA) network, which is optimized by using firefly (FF) optimization algorithm. In addition, support vector machine (SVM) classifier is used to minimize the wind power forecast error obtained from WT+FA+FF. The paper also presents a probabilistic wind power forecasting algorithm using quantile regression method. It uses the wind power forecast results obtained from the proposed hybrid deterministic WT+FA+FF+SVM model to evaluate the probabilistic forecasting performance. The performance of the proposed forecasting model is assessed utilizing wind power data from the Cedar Creek wind farm in Colorado.
Simon's Minimax and Optimal and Jung's Admissible Two-stage Designs with or without Curtailment

This article describes a new Stata command called simontwostage, which calculates the critical values and sample sizes for two-stage designs for phase II oncology trials. Options are provided to determine the minimax and optimal designs proposed by Simon (1989, Controlled Clinical Trials 10: 1–10) and admissible designs described by Jung et al. (2004, Statistics in Medicine 23: 561–569). Furthermore, nonstochastic and stochastic curtailment rules can be implemented in both stages of the trial, and the properties of the curtailed designs can be examined.
Outcomes of Pregnancy Beyond 37 Weeks of Gestation

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes by weeks of gestation. A second aim was to assess the outcomes in groups with spontaneous or induced labor. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies delivered after 37 weeks of pregnancy covering a well defined region in Norway from 1990 to 2001 (N = 27,514). Linear regression, &khgr;2 tests, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used. RESULTS: Maternal complications varied with gestational age, and were lowest at 39 weeks and highest postterm (cesarean delivery 12.3–21.6%, operative vaginal delivery 10.7–15.4%, maternal hemorrhage 9.7–14.6%). Poor neonatal outcome varied with gestational age only for spontaneous labors (Apgar at 5 minutes less than 7 1.0–2.3%, pH less than 7.10 3.4–5.2%), whereas induction of labor was a risk factor for delivery complications (odds ratio 1.3–2.8), independent of gestational weeks. CONCLUSION: Poor pregnancy outcomes vary with gestational age. Postterm pregnancy and induced labor are prognostic factors for poor outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2
The CACCC-Binding Protein KLF3/BKLF Represses a Subset of KLF1/EKLF Target Genes and Is Required for Proper Erythroid Maturation In Vivo

ABSTRACT The CACCC-box binding protein erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF/KLF1) is a master regulator that directs the expression of many important erythroid genes. We have previously shown that EKLF drives transcription of the gene for a second KLF, basic Krüppel-like factor, or KLF3. We have now tested the in vivo role of KLF3 in erythroid cells by examining Klf3 knockout mice. KLF3-deficient adults exhibit a mild compensated anemia, including enlarged spleens, increased red pulp, and a higher percentage of erythroid progenitors, together with elevated reticulocytes and abnormal erythrocytes in the peripheral blood. Impaired erythroid maturation is also observed in the fetal liver. We have found that KLF3 levels rise as erythroid cells mature to become TER119+. Consistent with this, microarray analysis of both TER119− and TER119+ erythroid populations revealed that KLF3 is most critical at the later stages of erythroid maturation and is indeed primarily a transcriptional repressor. Notably, many of the genes repressed by KLF3 are also known to be activated by EKLF. However, the majority of these are not currently recognized as erythroid-cell-specific genes. These results reveal the molecular and physiological function of KLF3, defining it as a feedback repressor that counters the activity of EKLF at selected target genes to achieve normal erythropoiesis.
Comparison of Quality Evaluation of Agricultural Distillates Using Prototype of Electronic Nose and Fast/flash Gc

Comparison of Quality Evaluation of Agricultural Distillates Using Prototype of Electronic Nose and Fast/Flash GC Tomasz Dymerski*, Jacek Gębicki, Jacek Namieśnik Department of Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 G. Narutowicza Str. , 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland. Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Chemical Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 G. Narutowicza Str. , 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland. tomasz.dymerski@gmail.com
Immunocytochemical Study of Microtubules in Chromaffin Cells in Culture and Evidence That Tubulin Is Not an Integral Protein of the Chromaffin Granule Membrane

Abstract Bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were maintained in culture in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 20% foetal calf serum and 10 units per ml of Nerve Growth Factor. Under these conditions, chromaffin cells developed up to five neurites per cell. The neurites showed lateral branches and varicosities along their trunk which ended with thick growth cone‐like structures. Cultures of chromaffin cells were stained by indirect immunofluorescence with antibodies against (a) chromogranin A to follow the distribution of chromaffin granules, the catecholamine‐storing organelles, and (b) tubulin, to study the microtubular system during outgrowth of neurites. Chromogranin A antibodies showed a very intensely staining punctate pattern, not randomly distributed but localized in neurites. Chromaffin granules were found to migrate from the cell body to reach neurite endings where they were densely packed. Intense staining was also observed in varicosities; a linear arrangement of granules was evident along neurite trunks. Tubulin antibodies decorated a complex network, clearly visible at the cell periphery and also in the growth cone‐like structures, in the palm region of the growth cone. Colchicine treatment effected retraction of neurites and disappearance of organized microtubule networks; chromaffin granules were found in the perinuclear region of the cell. Some tubulin (0.2% of total membrane proteins) was found in the purified chromaffin granule membrane preparation; however, this tubulin is probably associated with contaminating plasma membranes. By the criteria of morphology and staining with antitubulin antibodies, adult bovine chromaffin cells in culture display characteristics similar to those of sympathetic neurones. In addition, they showed an exaggerated transport of granules. Adult bovine chromaffin cells in culture offer an excellent model for studying the role of microtubules and the contractile apparatus in relation to cell morphological changes and neurosecretion.
Human Performance-Aware Scheduling and Routing of a Multi-Skilled Workforce

Planning human activities within business processes often happens based on the same methods and algorithms as are used in the area of manufacturing systems. However, human behaviour is quite different from machine behaviour. Their performance depends on a number of factors, including workload, stress, personal preferences, etc. In this article we describe an approach for scheduling activities of people that takes into account business rules and dynamic human performance in order to optimise the schedule. We formally describe the scheduling problem we address and discuss how it can be constructed from inputs in the form of business process models and performance measurements. Finally, we discuss and evaluate an implementation for our planning approach to show the impact of considering dynamic human performance in scheduling.
Mantle reflectivity structure beneath oceanic hotspots

SUMMARY This study applies high-resolution Radon transform to a large set of SS precursors and explores the mantle reflectivity structure beneath 17 potentially ‘deep-rooted’ hotspots. The combined reduced time (τ) and ray parameter (p) information effectively constrains the depth, spatial distribution and sharpness of upper-/mid-mantle reflectors. The olivine to wadsleyite phase boundary is deeper than the ocean and global averages and produces a dominant τ–p domain signal. Laterally coherent observations of the deep 410-km seismic discontinuity, thin upper mantle transition zone and weak/absent 520-km reflector beneath hotspots make compelling arguments for large-scale, hot thermal anomalies in the top 400–600 km of the mantle. On the other hand, a relatively ‘flat’ and weak reflector at ∼653 km is inconsistent with ringwoodite to silicate perovskite + magnesiowustite transformation at temperatures greater than 2000 K. The lack of a negative correlation between topography and temperature implies (1) average or below-average temperatures at 600–700 km depths or (2) high temperatures and a dominating majorite garnet to Ca perovskite phase transformation. The proper choice between these two scenarios will directly impact the origin and depth of mantle plumes beneath hotspots. We further identify lower-mantle reflectors at 800–950 and 1100–1350 km depths beneath a number of the hotspots. Their presence implies that the chemistry and thermodynamics of the mid-mantle may be more complex than suggested by seismic tomography.
Cardiac resynchronization efficiency estimation by new ultra-high-frequency ECG dyssynchrony descriptor

The biventricular implantable pacemaker (BiV) is usually recommended for heart failure patients with LVEF ≤ 35% and QRS duration > 120ms. We introduce promising marker evaluating suitability and efficiency of the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) recipients. Data: 12-lead UHF-ECG, 25 kHz sampling, 10 minute resting measurement, 28 CRT subjects, each before BiV and with BiV on, VV delay o. Methods: A new parameter D YS was computed as the time diference between two maxima of UHF envelopes computed from VI and V6 leads in QRS complex in 500-1000Hz frequency band. The values of DYS and QRS width before and after BiV implantation are analysed. The assumption for being responder for BiV is high value of DYS before CRT and significant DYS decrease during biventricular pacing. Subjects with no response on BiV stimulation are under the borderline of DYS = 30ms before stimulation. Thus the D YS parameter can serve as a new marker for the prediction of Bi V pacemaker efficiency. This information cannot be derived from standard QRS width values prior BiV implantation.
Design Science and Actor Network Theory Nexus - A Perspective of Content Development of a Critical Process for Enterprise Architecture Management

Design science in the Information Systems (IS) field is situated at the intersection of behavioural sciences, engineering and social sciences. However, little critical attention is paid to the behavioural aspects in a design process. Specifically, the role of the actors, group dynamics, consensus building and how results are achieved. This paper describes a design-oriented case study on the content development of the Enterprise Architecture Management, one of 32 critical processes (CP) of the Information Technology Capability Maturity Framework (IT-CMF). The case study methodology is an ethnographic exploratory approach tracing the content development of this CP from conception to maturity. We apply the combined principles of design science and Actor Network Theory (ANT). We develop a Translation Model that gives an integrative basis for using these combined principles in order to interpret the content development of this CP. The paper concludes with the validation of the Translation Model model to highlight its dominating
Prospective evaluation of postoperative pain in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy by a midline or flank approach

Twenty entire female cats were randomly assigned to two groups of 10; the cats in one group underwent ovariohysterectomy by a midline approach and the cats in the other group by a flank approach. Cats were assessed for signs of pain and scores were assigned pre- and postoperatively. There was a tendency for the cats neutered by a flank approach to be in more pain postoperatively (P=0·05). The final pain score for cats in either group was equal to or lower than their baseline score.
Antioxidants Reverse Reduction of the Human Hypoxic Ventilatory Response by Subanesthetic Isoflurane

Background: In subanesthetic concentrations, volatile anesthetics reduce the acute hypoxic response (AHR), presumably by a direct action on the carotid bodies but by an unknown molecular mechanism. To examine a possible involvement of reactive oxygen species or changes in redox state in this inhibiting effect, the authors studied the effect of antioxidants on the isoflurane-induced reduction of the AHR in humans. Methods: In 10 volunteers, the authors studied the effect of antioxidants (intravenous ascorbic acid and oral &agr;-tocopherol) on the reduction by isoflurane (0.12% end-tidal concentration) of the AHR on a 3-min isocapnic hypoxic stimulus (hemoglobin oxygen saturation 86 ± 4%). All subjects participated in three separate sessions in which the effects of the antioxidants (session 1), placebo (session 2), and sham isoflurane plus antioxidants (session 3) were tested on the (sham) isoflurane-induced effect on the AHR. Results: Isoflurane reduced the acute hypoxic response from 0.82 ± 0.41 l · min−1 · %−1 to 0.49 ± 0.23 l · min−1 · %−1 and from 0.89 ± 0.43 l · min−1 · %−1 to 0.48 ± 0.28 l · min−1 · %−1 in sessions 1 and 2, respectively (mean ± SD; P < 0.05 vs. control). This reduction of the AHR was completely reversed by antioxidants (AHR = 0.76 ± 0.39 l · min−1 · %−1; not significantly different from control, session 1) but not by placebo in session 2 (AHR = 0.50 ± 0.30 l · min−1 · %−1; P < 005 vs. control). Sham isoflurane or antioxidants per se had no effect on the hypoxic response. Conclusions: The data indicate that isoflurane may depress the AHR by influencing the redox state of oxygen-sensing elements in the carotid bodies. This finding may have clinical implications for patients who are prone to recurrent hypoxic episodes, e.g., due to upper airway obstruction, in the postoperative period when low-dose isoflurane may persist in the body for some time.
An Evaluation of Tracking Methods for Human-Computer Interaction

Tracking methods are evaluated in a real-time feature tracking system used for human-computer interaction (HCI). The Camera Mouse, a HCI system that uses video input to manipulate the mouse cursor, was used as the test platform for this study. The Camera Mouse was developed to assist individuals with severe disabilities in using computers, but the technology may be used as a method for HCI for those without disabilities as well. The initial location of the feature to be tracked is set manually by the user by clicking on a portion of the image window and the system tracks its location in subsequent frames. Tracking methods were evaluated in terms of the best combination of computational efficiency and accuracy. Trackers evaluated include feature matching using normalized correlation coefficients and optical flow, in the form of a Lucas-Kanade tracker. Each tracking algorithm is evaluated both with and without the addition of Kalman Filters. The effects of 2-D (x and y location) 4-D(location and velocity in the x and y directions), and 6-D (location, velocity, and acceleration in the x and y directions) are examined and analyzed. The normalized correlation coefficient tracker, without Kalman Filtering, was found to be the best tracker in terms of suitability to the human-computer interaction system implemented.
Reward-based plasticity of spatial priority maps: Exploiting inter-subject variability to probe the underlying neurobiology

ABSTRACT Recent evidence indicates that the attentional priority of objects and locations is altered by the controlled delivery of reward, reflecting reward-based attentional learning. Here, we take an approach hinging on intersubject variability to probe the neurobiological bases of the reward-driven plasticity of spatial priority maps. Specifically, we ask whether an individual’s susceptibility to the reward-based treatment can be accounted for by specific predictors, notably personality traits that are linked to reward processing (along with more general personality traits), but also gender. Using a visual search protocol, we show that when different target locations are associated with unequal reward probability, different priorities are acquired by the more rewarded relative to the less rewarded locations. However, while males exhibit the expected pattern of results, with greater priority for locations associated with higher reward, females show an opposite trend. Critically, both the extent and the direction of reward-based adjustments are further predicted by personality traits indexing reward sensitivity, indicating that not only male and female brains are differentially sensitive to reward, but also that specific personality traits further contribute to shaping their learning-dependent attentional plasticity. These results contribute to a better understanding of the neurobiology underlying reward-dependent attentional learning and cross-subject variability in this domain.
A lipA (yutB) Mutant, Encoding Lipoic Acid Synthase, Provides Insight into the Interplay between Branched-Chain and Unsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis

ABSTRACT Lipoic acid is an essential cofactor required for the function of key metabolic pathways in most organisms. We report the characterization of a Bacillus subtilis mutant obtained by disruption of the lipA (yutB) gene, which encodes lipoyl synthase (LipA), the enzyme that catalyzes the final step in the de novo biosynthesis of this cofactor. The function of lipA was inferred from the results of genetic and physiological experiments, and this study investigated its role in B. subtilis fatty acid metabolism. Interrupting lipoate-dependent reactions strongly inhibits growth in minimal medium, impairing the generation of branched-chain fatty acids and leading to accumulation of copious amounts of straight-chain saturated fatty acids in B. subtilis membranes. Although depletion of LipA induces the expression of the Δ5 desaturase, controlled by a two-component system that senses changes in membrane properties, the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids is insufficient to support growth in the absence of precursors for branched-chain fatty acids. However, unsaturated fatty acids generated by deregulated overexpression of the Δ5 desaturase functionally replaces lipoic acid-dependent synthesis of branched-chain fatty acids. Furthermore, we show that the cold-sensitive phenotype of a B. subtilis strain deficient in Δ5 desaturase is suppressed by isoleucine only if LipA is present.
Non‐SCN5A Related Brugada Syndromes: Verification of Normal Splicing and Trafficking of SCN5A Without Exonic Mutations

Recently, it has been reported that under 20% of Brugada syndrome cases are linked to SCN5A mutations. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether abnormalities other than exonic mutations, such as splicing disorders, decreased mRNA expression levels, or membrane transport abnormalities of SCN5A, play a role in the pathogenesis of Brugada syndrome.