Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Fos-Related Antigen 1–JUNB/Activator Protein 1 Transcription Complex, a Downstream Target of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3, Induces T Helper 17 Differentiation and Promotes Experimental Autoimmune Arthritis

Dysfunction of T helper 17 (Th17) cells leads to chronic inflammatory disorders. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) orchestrates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and pathogenic cell differentiation from interleukin (IL)-17-producing Th17 cells. However, the pathways mediated by STAT3 signaling are not fully understood. Here, we observed that Fos-related antigen 1 (FRA1) and JUNB are directly involved in STAT3 binding to sites in the promoters of Fosl1 and Junb. Promoter binding increased expression of IL-17 and the development of Th17 cells. Overexpression of Fra1 and Junb in mice resulted in susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis and an increase in Th17 cell numbers and inflammatory cytokine production. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, FRA1 and JUNB were colocalized with STAT3 in the inflamed synovium. These observations suggest that FRA1 and JUNB are associated closely with STAT3 activation, and that this activation leads to Th17 cell differentiation in autoimmune diseases and inflammation.
Rapid Vacuum Infusion and Curing of Epoxy Composites with a Rubber-Cushioned Mold Design

ABSTRACT Vacuum resin infusion has been developed as a low-cost process for manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites with high fiber loading. However, it is an extremely slow process due to the long time required to prepare a vacuum-tight mold and further to cure the resin at room temperature. In this work, a new mold with a rubber cushion suitable for rapid infusion and rapid curing under complete negative pressure was designed and fabricated. Experimental results demonstrated that the new mold is suitable for rapid heating and withstand dynamic loading under complete vacuum force. Composite plaques can be produced with a short cycle time of several minutes while desired mechanical properties are still achieved. Thermal analysis and rheological measurements were performed to study epoxy curing at elevated temperatures and define an optimal process window for rapid vacuum infusion. This study leads to the development of a completely vacuum-based liquid molding process that uses simple tooling, yet is suitable for rapid production. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Atomic-level Stress Calculation and Continuum-Molecular System Equivalence

An atomistic level stress tensor is defined with physical clarity, based on the SPH method. This stress tensor rigorously satisfies the conservation of linear momentum, and is appropriate for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous deformations. The formulation is easier to implement than other stress tensors that have been widely used in atomistic analysis, and is validated by numerical examples. The present formulation is very robust and accurate, and will play an important role in the multiscale simulation, and in molecular dynamics. An equivalent continuum is also defined for the molecular dynamics system, based on the developed definition of atomistic stress and in conjunction with the SPH technique. The process is simple and easy to implement, and the fields are with high-order continuity. This equivalent continuum maintains the physical attributes of the atomistic system. This development provides a systematic approach to the continuum analysis of the discrete atomic systems. keyword: Atomistic analysis, stress, SPH, continuum.
microRNA-302c-3p inhibits renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation by targeting Grb2-associated binding 2 (Gab2)

The expression and biological function of Grb2-associated binding 2 (Gab2) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells was tested here. We showed that Gab2 expression was significantly elevated in human RCC tissues and RCC cells. It was correlated with over-activation of Akt and downregulation of microRNA-302c-3p (“miR-302c-3p”), a putative Gab2-targeting microRNA. Knockdown of Gab2 inhibited Akt activation and 786-O RCC cell proliferation. Reversely, forced over-expression of Gab2 led to Akt hyper-activation to facilitate 786-O cell proliferation. Exogenous expression of miR-302c caused Gab2 downregulation, Akt inhibition and 786-O cell proliferation inhibition. On the other hand, miR-302c-3p depletion by expressing its anti-sense (“antagomiR-302c”) led to Gab2 upregulation, Akt activation and increased 786-O cell proliferation. Significantly, miR-302c-3p failed to affect the proliferation of 786-O cells with shRNA-depleted Gab2. Together, we suggest that miR-302c-3p depletion in human RCC cells leads to Gab2 over-expression, Akt hyper-activation and cell proliferation.
What Role Do Local Grocery Stores Play in Urban Food Environments? A Case Study of Hartford-Connecticut

Introduction Research on urban food environments emphasizes limited access to healthy food, with fewer large supermarkets and higher food prices. Many residents of Hartford, Connecticut, which is often considered a food desert, buy most of their food from small and medium-sized grocery stores. We examined the food environment in greater Hartford, comparing stores in Hartford to those in the surrounding suburbs, and by store size (small, medium, and large). Methods We surveyed all small (over 1,000 ft2), medium, and large-sized supermarkets within a 2-mile radius of Hartford (36 total stores). We measured the distance to stores, availability, price and quality of a market basket of 25 items, and rated each store on internal and external appearance. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used for mapping distance to the stores and variation of food availability, quality, and appearance. Results Contrary to common literature, no significant differences were found in food availability and price between Hartford and suburban stores. However, produce quality, internal, and external store appearance were significantly lower in Hartford compared to suburban stores (all p<0.05). Medium-sized stores had significantly lower prices than small or large supermarkets (p<0.05). Large stores had better scores for internal (p<0.05), external, and produce quality (p<0.01). Most Hartford residents live within 0.5 to 1 mile distance to a grocery store. Discussion Classifying urban areas with few large supermarkets as ‘food deserts’ may overlook the availability of healthy foods and low prices that exist within small and medium-sized groceries common in inner cities. Improving produce quality and store appearance can potentially impact the food purchasing decisions of low-income residents in Hartford.
Suicide Among Soldiers: A Review of Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors

Suicide is difficult to predict and prevent and remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Although soldiers historically have had a suicide rate well below that of the general population, the suicide rate among members of the U.S. Army has increased markedly over the past several years and now exceeds that of the general population. This paper reviews psychosocial factors known to be associated with the increased risk of suicidal behavior in general and describes how some of these factors may be especially important in understanding suicide among soldiers. Moving forward, the prevention of suicide requires additional research aimed at: (a) better describing when, where, and among whom suicidal behavior occurs, (b) using exploratory studies to discover new risk and protective factors, (c) developing new methods of predicting suicidal behavior that synthesize information about modifiable risk and protective factors from multiple domains, and (d) understanding the mechanisms and pathways through which suicidal behavior develops. Although the scope and severity of this problem is daunting, the increasing attention and dedication to this issue by the Armed Forces, scientists, and society provide hope for our ability to better predict and prevent these tragic outcomes in the future.
Interactive comment on “Intercomparison of carbonate chemistry measurements on a cruise in northwestern European shelf seas” by M. Ribas-Ribas et al

The authors present an extensive carbonate chemistry dataset acquired during a cruise in the northwestern European shelf seas, during which the carbonate system was overdetermined by measurements of pCO2, pH, AT and CT. Overall, measurements compare surprisingly well with each other and the authors are to be congratulated for the high quality of the dataset. While I greatly appreciate the efforts to unravel systematic discrepancies between different methods to characterise marine carbonate chemistry and the explanations provided for the remaining discrepancies, the manuscript currently still has some major deficits that should be fixed before final publication in BG.
The handaxe reconsidered

The Acheulean handaxe is one of the longest‐known and longest‐surviving artifacts of the Palaeolithic and, despite its experimentally tested functionality, is often regarded as puzzling. It is unnecessary to invoke a unique‐for‐mammals genetic mechanism to explain the handaxe phenomenon. Instead, we propose that two nongenetic processes are sufficient. The first is a set of ergonomic design principles linked to the production of sturdy, hand‐held cutting tools in the context of a knapped‐stone technology that lacked hafting. The second is an esthetic preference for regular forms with gradual curves and pleasing proportions. Neither process is a cultural meme but, operating together in a cultural context, they can account for all of the supposedly puzzling time‐space patterns presented by handaxes.
Interval Neutrosophic Sets and Their Application in Multicriteria Decision Making Problems

As a generalization of fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets, neutrosophic sets have been developed to represent uncertain, imprecise, incomplete, and inconsistent information existing in the real world. And interval neutrosophic sets (INSs) have been proposed exactly to address issues with a set of numbers in the real unit interval, not just a specific number. However, there are fewer reliable operations for INSs, as well as the INS aggregation operators and decision making method. For this purpose, the operations for INSs are defined and a comparison approach is put forward based on the related research of interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFSs) in this paper. On the basis of the operations and comparison approach, two interval neutrosophic number aggregation operators are developed. Then, a method for multicriteria decision making problems is explored applying the aggregation operators. In addition, an example is provided to illustrate the application of the proposed method.
Improving efficiency in cluster-randomized study design and implementation: Taking advantage of a crossover

License. The full terms of the License are available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. Permissions beyond the scope of the License are administered by Dove Medical Press Limited. Information on how to request permission may be found at: http://www.dovepress. com/permissions.php Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials 2014:6 11–15 Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials Dovepress
Indentation of aluminium foam at low velocity

The indentation behaviour of aluminium foams at low velocity (10 m/s ∼ 30 m/s) was investigated both in experiments and numerical simulation in this paper. A flat-ended indenter was used and the force-displacement history was recorded. The Split Hopkinson Pressure bar was used to obtain the indentation velocity and forces in the dynamic experiments. Because of the low strength of the aluminium foam, PMMA bar was used, and the experimental data were corrected using Bacon's method. The energy absorption characteristics varying with impact velocity were then obtained. It was found that the energy absorption ability of aluminium foam gradually increases in the quasi-static regime and shows a significant increase at ∼10 m/s velocity. Numerical simulation was also conducted to investigate this process. A 3D Voronoi model was used and models with different relative densities were investigated as well as those with different failure strain. The indentation energy increases with both the relative density and failure strain. The analysis of the FE model implies that the significant change in energy absorption ability of aluminium foam in indentation at ∼10 m/s velocity may be caused by plastic wave effect.
Insurers as Asset Managers and Systemic Risk

Financial intermediaries often provide guarantees resembling out-of-the-money put options, exposing them to undiversifiable tail risk. We present a model in the context of the U.S. life insurance industry in which the regulatory framework incentivizes value-maximizing insurers to hedge variable annuity (VA) guarantees, though imperfectly, and shifts risks into high-risk and illiquid bonds. We calibrate the model to insurer-level data and identify the VA-induced changes in insurers’ risk exposures. In the event of major asset and guarantee shocks and absent regulatory intervention, these shared exposures exacerbate system-wide fire sales to maintain capital ratios, plausibly erasing over half of insurers’ equity capital.
Future prospects for gene delivery systems

ABSTRACT Introduction: Gene therapy is the challenging area of biotechnology. Despite its promise for critical diseases, it has serious safety and efficiency issues, particularly with regards to gene transfer systems. Areas covered: We examined the current situation with gene transfer systems and addressed problems this technology. We then searched patent applications about in the area from the Patentscope online system, the international patent database. We analyzed the data obtained to get a general idea about gene delivery systems designed for future use and assessed approaches for more efficient, safer and valid delivery systems. Expert opinion: When quality assurance terms are fulfilled, some of these issues (genetic changes, mutations) could be minimized during the production process. Modification of vectors for improving their efficiency and safety or development of alternative transfer systems could be the solutions for these problems. Gene transfer technologies are important for gene therapy and should demonstrate effective, target-specific and acceptable safety profiles. For this reason, searching for alternatives to current systems is a necessity.
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Risk of Stroke and Cardiac Events in Heart Failure: Data From the Warfarin Versus Aspirin in Reduced Ejection Fraction Trial

Background and Purpose— In heart failure (HF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is inversely associated with mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. Its relationship with stroke is controversial, as is the effect of antithrombotic treatment. We studied the relationship of LVEF with stroke and cardiovascular events in patients with HF and the effect of different antithrombotic treatments. Methods— In the Warfarin Versus Aspirin in Reduced Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) trial, 2305 patients with systolic HF (LVEF⩽35%) and sinus rhythm were randomized to warfarin or aspirin and followed for 3.5±1.8 years. Although no differences between treatments were observed on primary outcome (death, stroke, or intracerebral hemorrhage), warfarin decreased the stroke risk. The present report compares the incidence of stroke and cardiovascular events across different LVEF and treatment subgroups. Results— Baseline LVEF was inversely and linearly associated with primary outcome, mortality and its components (sudden and cardiovascular death), and HF hospitalization, but not myocardial infarction. A relationship with stroke was only observed for LVEF of <15% (incidence rates: 2.04 versus 0.95/100 patient-years; P=0.009), which more than doubled the adjusted stroke risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.125; 95% CI, 1.182–3.818; P=0.012). In warfarin-treated patients, each 5% LVEF decrement significantly increased the stroke risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.346; 95% CI, 1.044–1.737; P=0.022; P value for interaction=0.04). Conclusions— In patients with systolic HF and sinus rhythm, LVEF is inversely associated with death and its components, whereas an association with stroke exists for very low LVEF values. An interaction with warfarin treatment on stroke risk may exist. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00041938.
Developmental toxicity of deltamethrin and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid in embryo–larval stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract Synthetic pyrethroids are the major insecticides used widely in agriculture and household pest control. Deltamethrin (DM), a widely used type II pyrethroid insecticide, is a relatively potent neurotoxicant. 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA) is the major metabolite formed due to metabolism of DM. In order to illustrate the toxic response of zebrafish embryos/larvae to DM and PBA the present research was carried out. For this 4hpf embryos were treated with two concentrations of DM (100 and 200 μg/L) for 48 h and PBA (1000 and 2000 μg/L) for 96 h or 99.9% ethanol (solvent control). Early life stage parameters were observed at specified time points. DM-treated embryo/larvae exhibited increased mortality, delay in hatching time, decrease in percentage of hatched embryos, increase of heartbeat rate and decrease in blood flow; lightening of body and eye pigmentation in a dose dependent manner. Pericardial and yolk sac edema along with were also caused by DM. Along with these crooked notochord, tail deformation was noticed in hatched and unhatched embryos. In case of PBA treated embryos and larvae, increased embryos/larvae length and yolk sac size were observed. Other abnormalities like edema (yolk sac and pericardial), decreased eye and body pigmentation were also observed but in some embryos only. These were not as severe as observed in parental compound indicating that DM is more toxic than its metabolite PBA. The data contributes to a better understanding of the potential consequences of fish exposed to DM and PBA.
Battery Storage for the Utility-Scale Distributed Photovoltaic Generations

Batteries are essential for efficiently utilizing the energy from the photovoltaic (PV) modules. However, integration of batteries with PV plants at large scale needs more attention in terms of size, location, and times for the charging and discharging of the batteries. This paper addresses these aspects. It presents a mixed integer optimization using genetic algorithm for determining the optimum size and placement of battery-sourced distributed PV generation (B-SDPVG) in distribution networks. The total energy loss index is formulated as the main objective function and simultaneously, the bus voltage deviations and penetrations of the B-SDPVG are calculated. The yields from the PV plants are estimated using 15 years of weather data modeled with the aid of beta probability density function. Furthermore, a novel charge–discharge control model is developed for determining the choice of the charging and discharging of batteries at each hour. By considering different time varying voltage-dependent load models, the proposed algorithm is applied on the IEEE 33 bus and the IEEE 69 bus test distribution networks. The numerical results of two distribution networks with time-varying loads show the advantages of the proposed methodology. It was revealed that integration of battery storage and intelligent scheduling for charging and discharging of batteries produced much better results and improved the quality of distribution networks. The supply of power from the B-SDPVG during the peak load hours and at night was made possible for each load model. The proposed charge–discharge control model for scheduling the charging and discharging of the batteries was found dynamic. Results of this paper can be of potential importance in planning for the integration of battery storage in distribution networks.
Centralities of Nodes and Influences of Layers in Large Multiplex Networks

We formulate and propose an algorithm (MultiRank) for the ranking of nodes and layers in large multiplex networks. MultiRank takes into account the full multiplex network structure of the data and exploits the dual nature of the network in terms of nodes and layers. The proposed centrality of the layers (influences) and the centrality of the nodes are determined by a coupled set of equations. The basic idea consists in assigning more centrality to nodes that receive links from highly influential layers and from already central nodes. The layers are more influential if highly central nodes are active in them. The algorithm applies to directed/undirected as well as to weighted/unweighted multiplex networks. We discuss the application of MultiRank to three major examples of multiplex network datasets: the European Air Transportation Multiplex Network, the Pierre Auger Multiplex Collaboration Network and the FAO Multiplex Trade Network.
An effective single image depth estimating algorithm

Depth estimating from image is a essentially important work in many situations. However, traditional methods always extract depth information from binocular image pairs. Estimating depth information from a single image is much harder because single image lake the relationship between global and local coordinate. This paper proposes a single image depth estimating method by the segmentation convolutional neural network method. Our method aimed at getting the depth map from a single image with high revolution and high speed. The proposed method include three components: segmentation, coarse estimating and high revolution refine. Experiment results show the method can get high quality results. We compare our method with other methods on the accuracy and processing time to show the advantages.
Embedded Real-Time Simulation Platform for Power Distribution Systems

The inclusion of distributed renewable energy sources, new goals of efficiency and reliability, and the technological advancement of the power grid has led to a significant increase in the complexity of distribution systems. Although multiple devices can be controlled to achieve these objectives during smart grid operation, many proposed algorithms are based on ideal scenarios where the complex distribution system is assumed to be fully observable or measurable. As this condition obstructs many advanced applications, it is necessary to implement novel alternatives that provide support and validation in the field. In this paper, we show that embedded simulation is capable of providing accurate results of the system real-time condition. The designed platform exploits the technological development of mobile devices, a specific purpose solver, and concurrent processing to embed the power systems simulation into small, flexible, and affordable devices. Simulation results demonstrate the accuracy and timeliness of the proposed real-time simulation based on the IEEE 37 bus test feeder emulation and other large-scale scenarios such as the IEEE 8500 node test feeder. We anticipate that this simulation approach will be useful for applications covering advanced protection relaying, volt–var control, topological reconfiguration, distributed generation management, storage control, and cyber security assessment among others.