Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of three internal feeders from Korla fragrant pears by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction

Abstract Cydia pomonella, Euzophera pyriella Yang, and Grapholitha molesta are destructive pest species of Korla fragrant pears in Xinjiang. They are also quarantine pests of concern in a number of countries. Identification of these small pest larvae by morphological characters is difficult, and misidentifications will influence appropriate quarantine decisions. Here, a 520 bp fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was first amplified and sequenced from each species, and a diagnostic region was observed. Subsequently, the species-specific primer and probe sets of quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were designed, which amplified a 114–116 bp fragment of COI genes. This method was validated by amplification DNA extracted from single, multiple, and mixed pest samples. Results indicated that this method allows rapid discrimination and reliable identification of larvae, pupae, and adult specimens of all three species, which could help the international export trading of Korla fragrant pears and related products.
Induction of Early B Cell Factor (EBF) and Multiple B Lineage Genes by the Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor E12

The transcription factors encoded by the E2A and early B cell factor (EBF) genes are required for the proper development of B lymphocytes. However, the absence of B lineage cells in E2A- and EBF-deficient mice has made it difficult to determine the function or relationship between these proteins. We report the identification of a novel model system in which the role of E2A and EBF in the regulation of multiple B lineage traits can be studied. We found that the conversion of 70Z/3 pre-B lymphocytes to cells with a macrophage-like phenotype is associated with the loss of E2A and EBF. Moreover, we show that ectopic expression of the E2A protein E12 in this macrophage line results in the induction of many B lineage genes, including EBF, IL7Rα, λ5, and Rag-1, and the ability to induce κ light chain in response to mitogen. Activation of EBF may be one of the critical functions of E12 in regulating the B lineage phenotype since expression of EBF alone leads to the activation of a subset of E12-inducible traits. Our data demonstrate that, in the context of this macrophage line, E12 induces expression of EBF and together these transcription factors coordinately regulate numerous B lineage–associated genes.
Single scan parameterization of space-variant point spread functions in image space via a printed array: the impact for two PET/CT scanners

Incorporation of a resolution model during statistical image reconstruction often produces images of improved resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. A novel and practical methodology to rapidly and accurately determine the overall emission and detection blurring component of the system matrix using a printed point source array within a custom-made Perspex phantom is presented. The array was scanned at different positions and orientations within the field of view (FOV) to examine the feasibility of extrapolating the measured point source blurring to other locations in the FOV and the robustness of measurements from a single point source array scan. We measured the spatially-variant image-based blurring on two PET/CT scanners, the B-Hi-Rez and the TruePoint TrueV. These measured spatially-variant kernels and the spatially-invariant kernel at the FOV centre were then incorporated within an ordinary Poisson ordered subset expectation maximization (OP-OSEM) algorithm and compared to the manufacturer's implementation using projection space resolution modelling (RM). Comparisons were based on a point source array, the NEMA IEC image quality phantom, the Cologne resolution phantom and two clinical studies (carbon-11 labelled anti-sense oligonucleotide [11C]-ASO and fluorine-18 labelled fluoro-l-thymidine [18F]-FLT). Robust and accurate measurements of spatially-variant image blurring were successfully obtained from a single scan. Spatially-variant resolution modelling resulted in notable resolution improvements away from the centre of the FOV. Comparison between spatially-variant image-space methods and the projection-space approach (the first such report, using a range of studies) demonstrated very similar performance with our image-based implementation producing slightly better contrast recovery (CR) for the same level of image roughness (IR). These results demonstrate that image-based resolution modelling within reconstruction is a valid alternative to projection-based modelling, and that, when using the proposed practical methodology, the necessary resolution measurements can be obtained from a single scan. This approach avoids the relatively time-consuming and involved procedures previously proposed in the literature.
プロダクトデザイナーの為のデジタルデザインスケッチ Digital Design Sketch for Product Designers �錫亨

So far the effort of digitalizing product-styling tools for the early design development stage has mainly focused on using raster-type graphics S/Ws. However, it has become a new obstacle to concurrent engineering because resultants of these S/Ws are no more than images, which can be hardly converted to digital forms required by downstream process. For resolving this problem, this paper suggests the digital design sketch based on the observation and analysis of design-sketch elements and behaviors. The proposed method not only allows designers to perform their creative work sensually by adopting user-friendly interface based on their traditional design sketch, but also provides a digital connectivity with downstream process by handling strokes as vector-type data.
Sequence occurrence and structural uniqueness of a G-quadruplex in the human c-kit promoter

The 22-nt c-kit87 promoter sequence is unique within the human genome. Its fold and tertiary structure have recently been determined by NMR methods [Phan,A.T. , Kuryavyi,V. , Burge,S. , Neidle,S. and Patel,D.J. (2007) Structure of an unprecedented G-quadruplex scaffold in the c-kit promoter. J. Am. Chem. Soc. , 129, 4386–4392], and does not have precedent among known DNA quadruplexes. We show here using bioinformatics and molecular dynamics simulations methods that (i) none of the closely related sequences (encompassing all nucleotides not involved in the maintenance of structural integrity) occur immediately upstream (<100 nt) of a transcription start site, and (ii) that all of these sequences correspond to the same stable tertiary structure. It is concluded that the c-kit87 tertiary structure may also be formed in a very small number of other loci in the human genome, but the likelihood of these playing a significant role in the expression of particular genes is very low. The c-kit87 quadruplex thus fulfils a fundamental criterion of a ‘good’ drug target, in that it possesses distinctive three-dimensional structural features that are only present in at most a handful of other genes.
Continuous Close-Proximity RSSI-Based Tracking in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper we develop a continuous high-precision tracking system based on Received Signal Strength Indicator(RSSI) measurements for small ranges. The proposed system uses minimal number of sensor nodes with RSSI capabilities to track a moving object in close-proximity and high transmission rate. The close-proximity enables conversion of RSSI measurements to range estimates and the high transmission rate enables continuous tracking of the moving object. The RSSI-based tracking system includes calibration, range estimation, location estimation and refinement. We use advanced statistical and signal processing methods to mitigate channel distortion and packet loss. The system is evaluated in indoor settings and achieves tracking resolution of few centimeters. Therefore, it becomes the motion trackers of notice in many applications.
Bifurcation and Stability Analysis of an SEIR Epidemic Model with Holling Type II Incidence Function

1 | P a g e ISSN: 2394-3122 (Online) Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2016 SK International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Hub Journal for all Subjects Research Article / Survey Paper / Case Study Published By: SK Publisher (www.skpublisher.com) Bifurcation and Stability Analysis of an SEIR Epidemic Model with Holling Type II Incidence Function Prof. Dr. Sumit Kumar Banerjee Professor & Dean (Research & Development) Dhirajlala Gandhi College of Technology (DGCT) Salem-636309, Tamil Nadu, India
Dysfunction of calcium handling by smooth muscle in hypertension.

Dysfunction of ion handling, including binding and fluxes (passive and active transport) of physiologically important ions such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, by vascular smooth muscle cell membranes has repeatedly been reported to be associated with the pathophysiology of hypertension. The specific purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate the evidence for alterations of calcium ion (Ca2+) handling by vascular smooth muscle in various forms of hypertension in the animal model on the basis that regulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration is a complex and yet vitally important process for a normal function of vascular smooth muscle and that derangement of such a regulation may result in excessive retention of cytoplasmic Ca2+, contribute toward increase of total peripheral resistance, and ultimately lead to elevation of blood pressure. Emphasis is placed upon the consideration of the usefulness of the subcellular membrane fractionation technique in studies of binding and transport of Ca2+ by vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle membranes from genetic as well as experimental hypertensive rats. The limitations of the interpretation of data using such an approach are also considered. Decreased active transport of Ca2+ across isolated plasma membrane vesicles from large and small arteries occurs in several but not all forms of hypertension. This membrane abnormality also occurs in nonvascular smooth muscles and other tissues or cells not confined to the cardiovascular system in genetic hypertension, but not in experimental hypertension. A hypothesis of general membrane defects in spontaneous hypertension is proposed. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Socioeconomic position, lifestyle factors and age at natural menopause: a systematic review and meta-analyses of studies across six continents

Background: Age at natural menopause (ANM) is considered a marker of biological ageing and is increasingly recognized as a sentinel for chronic disease risk in later life. Socioeconomic position (SEP) and lifestyle factors are thought to be associated with ANM. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analyses to determine the overall mean ANM, and the effect of SEP and lifestyle factors on ANM by calculating the weighted mean difference (WMD) and pooling adjusted hazard ratios. We explored heterogeneity using meta-regression and also included unpublished findings from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Results: We identified 46 studies across 24 countries. Mean ANM was 48.8 years [95% confidence interval (CI): 48.3, 49.2], with between-study heterogeneity partly explained by geographical region. ANM was lowest among African, Latin American, Asian and Middle Eastern countries and highest in Europe and Australia, followed by the USA. Education was associated with later ANM (WMD middle vs low education 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.51; high vs low education 0.64, 95% CI 0.26, 1.02). A similar dose-response relationship was also observed for occupation. Smoking was associated with a 1-year reduction of ANM (WMD: -0.91, 95% CI: –1.34, –0.48). Being overweight and moderate/high physical activity were modestly associated with later ANM, but findings were less conclusive. Conclusions: ANM varies across populations, partly due to differences across geographical regions. SEP and some lifestyle factors are associated with ANM, but further research is needed to examine the impact of the associations between risk factors and ANM on future health outcomes.
Enhancing the Performance of Gallium Nitride Devices by Using Polarization Effect

In GaN p-n junction diode the spontaneous polarization is zero at the interface of p-GaN and nGaN layers but dominant across the outer surfaces. This surface electric field degrades the performance of gallium nitride homo-junction devices by increasing the required value of the operating voltage (forward bias voltage). In this paper a new technique has been reported to minimize the polarization induced surface electric field across the p-n junction diode. In this technique a layer of InGaN is grown on the p-GaN layer and a simple mathematical expression has been derived in terms of the thickness of InGaN layer (d) and indium composition (x) at which resultant surface electric field across the device is zero. This technique provides the dual advantages; one is to reduce the surface electric field across the GaN p-n junction diode and second is to reduce the resistance of pGaN metal contact. This technique may be useful for improving the performance of GaN based devices such as laser diode, light emitting diode, photodetector, solar cell etc.
A Methodology for Constraint-Driven Synthesis of On-Chip Communications

We present a methodology and an optimization framework for the synthesis of on-chip communication through the assembly of components such as interfaces, routers, buses, and links, from a target library. Models for functionality, cost, and performance of each element are captured in the library together with their composition rules. We develop a mathematical framework to model communication at different levels of abstraction from the point-to-point input specification to the library elements and the final implementation.
13 Natriuretic Peptides in Severe Aortic Stenosis-Role in Predicting Outcomes and Assessment for Early Aortic Valve Replacement

The natriuretic peptides are a group of endogenous, structurally related hormones with natriuretic, diuretic and peripheral vasodilatory actions. (Hunt, 1997; Yandle, 1986; Yandle, 1993) They serve an important regulatory role in response to acute increases in ventricular wall stress. A large number of cardiac conditions may cause an elevation of plasma levels of natriuretic peptides. Clinically, natriuretic peptides are of value in ruling out heart failure in patients presenting acutely to the emergency department with dyspnoea. (Maisel et al., 2002). Natriuretic peptides could also be useful in evaluating the severity and prognosis of patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Severe AS causes an increase in afterload and end-systolic left ventricular (LV) wall stress that, over time, leads to concentric myocardial hypertrophy. (Wachtell, 2008) This anatomical change of the LV is characterized at the molecular level by the re-expression of fetal isogenes, including increased gene expression of natriuretic peptides in the ventricular cardiomyocytes. (Sadoshima, 1992; Cameron, 1996) This chapter reviews the existing data on natriuretic peptide measurement in AS, to summarize how these biomarkers can be utilized in clinical practice, and to explore their therapeutic implication concerning the optimal timing of aortic valve replacement in the setting of severe AS.
Proteoglycans/Glycosaminoglycans: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice

Extracellular matrices (ECM) represent a complex network of proteins and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) constituting the cell microenvironment including elastin, laminins, fibronectin, and GAG decorated proteoglycans (PGs). PGs are composed of independent structural domains, the sequences and arrangements of which are highly conserved and discretely glycosylated, thus determining a varying degree of matrices organization. On the other hand, both bound GAG chains and free GAGs such as hyaluronan (HA) bestow voluminosity to the ECM, due to negative charges they carry and their subsequent water binding ability. Therefore these molecules participate in maintaining the bulk, shape, and strength of tissues in vivo. However, PGs/GAGs provide much more than just mechanical and structural support but are critically important for cell growth, survival, and differentiation [1, 2]. Moreover, these molecules are key participants of various disease processes including inflammation, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer [3–5]. Importantly, GAG/PG effects are clearly dependent on the specific correlation among their abundance, distribution, and disease type/stage. The evidence that PGs/GAGs have a key role in various pathological conditions has led to the conclusion that understanding the changes in PG/GAG expression and fine structure that occur in disease may lead to opportunities to develop innovative and selective therapies. We invited authors to submit original research and review articles that seek to designate discrete roles for GAGs/PGs as diagnostic markers and/or therapy targets for specific disease types and grades. Therefore, the submissions for this special issue focused on the utilization of pluripotent characteristics of PGs/GAGs and their synthesizing and/or degrading enzymes in the ongoing battle against disease. The topics discussed in depth by experts in the field and published in this special issue include the following: mechanisms of GAG/PG action and their potential application, development of novel disease markers, roles of PGs/GAGs in wound healing (therapeutical aspects), development of immunotherapeutic strategies involving GAGs/PGs, roles of PGs/GAGs in tissue engineering, potential application of PGs/GAGs in axon regeneration, roles of PGs/GAGs in cartilage regeneration, synthesis of reliable carriers specifically designed to deliver discrete GAGs/PGs to target disease tissues, utilization of GAGs/PGs as carriers for targeted therapy delivery. We hope that readers will find that this special issue highlights the important advances that are presently being accomplished in the preclinical and clinical applications in the rapidly growing PG/GAG field. Hopefully, the highlighted advances will encourage the application of novel drug development for elevating disease states. George Tzanakakis Ilona Kovalszky Paraskevi Heldin Dragana Nikitovic
Addition of gemtuzumab ozogamicin to induction chemotherapy improves survival in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

PURPOSE There has been little survival improvement in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the last two decades. Improving induction treatment may improve the rate and quality of remission and consequently survival. In our previous trial, in younger patients, we showed improved survival for the majority of patients when adding gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) to induction chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Untreated patients with AML or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (median age, 67 years; range, 51 to 84 years) were randomly assigned to receive induction chemotherapy with either daunorubicin/ara-C or daunorubicin/clofarabine, with (n = 559) or without (n = 556) GO 3 mg/m(2) on day 1 of course one of therapy. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). RESULTS The overall response rate was 69% (complete remission [CR], 60%; CR with incomplete recovery [CRi], 9%), with no difference between GO (70%) and no GO (68%) arms. There was no difference in 30- or 60-day mortality and no major increase in toxicity with GO. With median follow-up of 30 months (range, 5.5 to 54.6 months), 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse was significantly lower with GO (68% v 76%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.93; P = .007), and 3-year survival was significantly better (25% v 20%; HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.00; P = .05). The benefit was apparent across subgroups. There was no interaction with other treatment interventions. A meta-analysis of 2,228 patients in two United Kingdom National Cancer Research Institute trials showed significant improvements in relapse (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.93; P = .002) and OS (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.98; P = .02). CONCLUSION Adding GO (3 mg/m(2)) to induction chemotherapy reduces relapse risk and improves survival with little increase in toxicity.
Predictors and pathways of language and motor development in four prospective cohorts of young children in Ghana, Malawi, and Burkina Faso

Background Previous reviews have identified 44 risk factors for poor early child development (ECD) in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Further understanding of their relative influence and pathways is needed to inform the design of interventions targeting ECD. Methods We conducted path analyses of factors associated with 18‐month language and motor development in four prospective cohorts of children who participated in trials conducted as part of the International Lipid‐Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS) Project in Ghana (n = 1,023), Malawi (n = 675 and 1,385), and Burkina Faso (n = 1,122). In two cohorts, women were enrolled during pregnancy. In two cohorts, infants were enrolled at 6 or 9 months. In multiple linear regression and structural equation models (SEM), we examined 22 out of 44 factors identified in previous reviews, plus 12 additional factors expected to be associated with ECD. Results Out of 42 indicators of the 34 factors examined, 6 were associated with 18‐month language and/or motor development in 3 or 4 cohorts: child linear and ponderal growth, variety of play materials, activities with caregivers, dietary diversity, and child hemoglobin/iron status. Factors that were not associated with child development were indicators of maternal Hb/iron status, maternal illness and inflammation during pregnancy, maternal perceived stress and depression, exclusive breastfeeding during 6 months postpartum, and child diarrhea, fever, malaria, and acute respiratory infections. Associations between socioeconomic status and language development were consistently mediated to a greater extent by caregiving practices than by maternal or child biomedical conditions, while this pattern for motor development was not consistent across cohorts. Conclusions Key elements of interventions to ensure quality ECD are likely to be promotion of caregiver activities with children, a variety of play materials, and a diverse diet, and prevention of faltering in linear and ponderal growth and improvement in child hemoglobin/iron status.
Traffic jams without bottlenecks—experimental evidence for the physical mechanism of the formation of a jam

A traffic jam on a highway is a very familiar phenomenon. From the physical viewpoint, the system of vehicular flow is a non-equilibrium system of interacting particles (vehicles). The collective effect of the many-particle system induces the instability of a free flow state caused by the enhancement of fluctuations, and the transition to a jamming state occurs spontaneously if the average vehicle density exceeds a certain critical value. Thus, a bottleneck is only a trigger and not the essential origin of a traffic jam. In this paper, we present the first experimental evidence that the emergence of a traffic jam is a collective phenomenon like ‘dynamical’ phase transitions and pattern formation in a non-equilibrium system. We have performed an experiment on a circuit to show the emergence of a jam with no bottleneck. In the initial condition, all the vehicles are moving, homogeneously distributed on the circular road, with the same velocity. The average density of the vehicles is prepared for the onset of the instability. Even a tiny fluctuation grows larger and then the homogeneous movement cannot be maintained. Finally, a jam cluster appears and propagates backward like a solitary wave with the same speed as that of a jam cluster on a highway.