Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of regulatory cells by helminth parasites: exploitation for the treatment of inflammatory diseases

Helminth parasites are highly successful pathogens, chronically infecting a quarter of the world's population, causing significant morbidity but rarely causing death. Protective immunity and expulsion of helminths is mediated by T‐helper 2 (Th2) cells, type 2 (M2) macrophages, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, and eosinophils. Failure to mount these type 2 immune responses can result in immunopathology mediated by Th1 or Th17 cells. Helminths have evolved a wide variety of approaches for immune suppression, especially the generation of regulatory T cells and anti‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β. This is a very effective strategy for subverting protective immune responses to prolong their survival in the host but has the bystander effect of modulating immune responses to unrelated antigens. Epidemiological studies in humans have shown that infection with helminth parasites is associated with a low incidence of allergy/asthma and autoimmunity in developing countries. Experimental studies in mice have demonstrated that regulatory immune responses induced by helminth can suppress Th2 and Th1/Th17 responses that mediate allergy and autoimmunity, respectively. This has provided a rational explanation of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ and has also led to the exploitation of helminths or their immunomodulatory products in the development of new immunosuppressive therapies for inflammatory diseases in humans.
Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Inhibits Insulin Signaling in Adipocytes by Inducing Proinflammatory Cytokines in Macrophages through a c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase- and Toll-Like Receptor 4-Dependent and Retinol-Independent Mechanism

ABSTRACT Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), the sole retinol transporter in blood, is secreted from adipocytes and liver. Serum RBP4 levels correlate highly with insulin resistance, other metabolic syndrome factors, and cardiovascular disease. Elevated serum RBP4 causes insulin resistance, but the molecular mechanisms are unknown. Here we show that RBP4 induces expression of proinflammatory cytokines in mouse and human macrophages and thereby indirectly inhibits insulin signaling in cocultured adipocytes. This occurs through activation of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways independent of the RBP4 receptor, STRA6. RBP4 effects are markedly attenuated in JNK1−/− JNK2−/− macrophages and TLR4−/− macrophages. Because RBP4 is a retinol-binding protein, we investigated whether these effects are retinol dependent. Unexpectedly, retinol-free RBP4 (apo-RBP4) is as potent as retinol-bound RBP4 (holo-RBP4) in inducing proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Apo-RBP4 is likely to be physiologically significant since RBP4/retinol ratios are increased in serum of lean and obese insulin-resistant humans compared to ratios in insulin-sensitive humans, indicating that higher apo-RBP4 is associated with insulin resistance independent of obesity. Thus, RBP4 may cause insulin resistance by contributing to the development of an inflammatory state in adipose tissue through activation of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. This process reveals a novel JNK- and TLR4-dependent and retinol- and STRA6-independent mechanism of action for RBP4.
Synthesis, Characterization and Effect of Increasing NitrogenConcentration on the Growth of ZnO Nanoparticles

Highly crystalline ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a co-precipitation method by reaction of Zinc acetate with ammonium hydroxide in the presence of urea to obtain N-doped ZnO nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction studies showed the formation of crystalline hexagonal nitrogen incorporated ZnO. SEM result shows the morphology of the quasi-spherical particles with the average size of 90 nm. UV-Visible and Photoluminescence were carried out to check the luminescent behavior of the synthesized nanoparticles. FTIR studies were carried out to take information about different bonds. Our study showed that with the increase in the concentration of urea not only the Nitrogen gets doped into the ZnO nanoparticles but also it acts like a capping agent by decreasing the particle size with increase in concentration.
Cleft lip and palate and related factors: A 10 years study in university hospitalised patients at Mashhad — Iran

Background: Oral-facial clefts including cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital malformations of the head and neck. Environmental factors such as maternal hormonal disorders, use of psychiatric medications, vitamin and folic acid deficiency, hypoxia, cigarette smoking and maternal obesity and overweight can affect the incidence of these disorders. In Iran, one of the associated problems is a lack of accurate statistics regarding the present status of the patients, which can cause a disturbance in the health programmes of Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The aim of this study was to report the status of 398 cases of cleft lip and palate in Sheikh and Imam Reza Hospitals of Mashhad over a 10-year period. Materials and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was performed using data collection method and included the evaluation of the recorded files and completing the data forms. In this study, the file records of 398 patients referring to Mashhad Sheikh and Imam Reza (P.U.H) Hospitals were studied, from the beginning of 2002 to the end of 2011; the obtained data from the files were collected and classified. Results: The highest frequency was related to cleft palate alone (40.7%); frequencies were lower regarding the cleft lip and palate and cleft lip alone (34.41% and 24.87%, respectively). Approximately, half of the patients were from rural areas of the city and had articulation disorders. Most of the patients were the first-born children of the family and their parents were consanguineously married; about one-third of the patients had a family history of the disease. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, cleft lip is more frequent in males and cleft palate is more prevalent in females; the obtained results are consistent with the global statistics.
Moving targets tracking and observing in a distributed mobile sensor network

Tracking and observing multiple dynamic targets is an important task in mobile sensor networks. This paper presents a novel approach to the problem of sensor splitting/ merging for a mobile sensor network to track and observe multiple targets in a dynamic fashion. In this approach, a seed growing graph partition (SGGP) algorithm is proposed to solve the splitting/merging problem. Furthermore, during the process of tracking, collision avoidance and velocity matching among mobile sensors are guaranteed. To demonstrate the benefit of the SGGP algorithm in term of the total energy and time consumption when sensors split, we compare the SGGP with a random selection (RS) algorithm. Numerical experimental tests validate our theoretical results.
Design and Implementation of a Prototype Smart PARKing (SPARK) System Using Wireless Sensor Networks

With the rapid proliferation of vehicle availability and usage in recent years, finding a vacant car parking space is becoming more and more difficult, resulting in a number of practical conflicts. Parking problems are becoming ubiquitous and ever growing at an alarming rate in every major city. Lot of research and development is being done all over the world to implement better and smarter parking management mechanisms. Widespread use of wireless technologies paired with the recent advances in wireless applications for parking, manifests that digital data dissemination could be the key to solve emerging parking problems. Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology has attracted increased attention and is rapidly emerging due to their enormous application potential in diverse fields. This buoyant field is expected to provide an efficient and cost-effective solution to the effluent car parking problems. This paper proposes a Smart Parking (SPARK) Management System based on wireless sensor network technology which provides advanced features like remote parking monitoring, automated guidance, and parking reservation mechanism. The paper describes the overall system architecture of SPARK from hardware to software implementation in the view point of sensor networks. We implemented a full-fledged prototype system for parking management to realize the design functionalities and features mentioned. Our preliminary test results show that the performance of this WSN based system can effectively satisfy the needs and requirements of existing parking hassles thereby minimizing the time consumed to find vacant parking lot, real-time information rendering, and smart reservation mechanisms.
The molecular physiology of activity‐dependent bulk endocytosis of synaptic vesicles

Central nerve terminals release neurotransmitter in response to a wide variety of stimuli. Because maintenance of neurotransmitter release is dependent on the continual supply of synaptic vesicles (SVs), nerve terminals possess an array of endocytosis modes to retrieve and recycle SV membrane and proteins. During mild stimulation conditions, single SV retrieval modes such as clathrin‐mediated endocytosis predominate. However, during increased neuronal activity, additional SV retrieval capacity is required, which is provided by activity‐dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE). ADBE is the dominant SV retrieval mechanism during elevated neuronal activity. It is a high capacity SV retrieval mode that is immediately triggered during such stimulation conditions. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism of ADBE, including molecules required for its triggering and subsequent steps, including SV budding from bulk endosomes. The molecular relationship between ADBE and the SV reserve pool will also be discussed. It is becoming clear that an understanding of the molecular physiology of ADBE will be of critical importance in attempts to modulate both normal and abnormal synaptic function during intense neuronal activity.
The Danish EDI bandwagon gaining momentum

This paper explores the diffusion of electronic data interchange in Denmark. EDI forms a complex and interorganizational innovation and therefore a multitheoretical framework is suggested to study its diffusion. The framework takes into account institutional, industry specific and organizational factors and thus extends the analysis beyond organizational borders. The framework delivers an account of EDI diffusion in Denmark based on field study data. The field study covers three industries in Denmark; the finance, the retail and the transportation sector. The study clarifies how organizational, industry and environmental factors simultaneously are brought to bear to understand the diffusion process. The content analysis distinguishes six diffusion patterns and associated mechanisms that mould diffusion patterns in three diffusion arenas: local dyadic relationships, industry networks, and national initiatives. The analysis demonstrates that EDI diffusion is a complex interplay of organizational, industry and institutional factors. On the theory plane the study calls for the need to orchestrate multitheoretical approaches to study the diffusion of complex, and networked technologies.
Is Daily Mortality Associated Specifically with Fine Particles?

Recent epidemiologic studies have consistently reported increased daily mortality associated with exposures to particulate air pollution. Currently, particulate mass is measured as particles smaller than 10 \im (PM10). Fine (PM2 s) and coarse (PM10 - PM2 s) mass and sulfate particle concentrations were measured in six eastern U.S. cities for eight years, and aerosol acidity concentrations were measured for approximately one year. Daily mortality for these metropolitan areas was combined with particulate air pollution and weather measurements. City-specific associations with each measure of particle pollution were estimated by Poisson regression, adjusting for time trends and weather by nonparametric methods. Combined effect estimates were calculated as the inverse variance weighted mean of the city-specific estimates. PM10, PM2 5, and SO4= were each significantly associated with increased daily mortality, while no associations were found with coarse mass nor with aerosol acidity (H+) concentrations. The strongest association was found with PM2 5. A10 (ig/m3 increase in two-day mean PM2S was associated with a 1.5% (95% CI 1.1% to 1.9%) increase in total daily mortality. Somewhat larger increases were found for deaths caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (+3.3%) and by ischemic heart disease (+2.1%). These data suggest that increased daily mortality is specifically associated with particle mass constituents found in the aerodynamic diameter size range under 2.5 urn, that is, with combustion-related particles.
Appropriateness of foot interaction for non-accurate spatial tasks

This paper describes alternative methods for manipulating graphical user interfaces with a foot. Feet are used in many real world tasks together with the rest of the body, but in computer environments they are almost completely put aside as an interaction possibility. One of the major problems in choosing input methods for different tasks in user interfaces is determining what kind of method is appropriate for a certain task. Feet could easily be used as a supportive input method in interaction with computers together with the traditional mouse. In this paper, we discuss the possibility of using foot input in different non-accurate spatial tasks, and the efficiency and usability experience the users have of foot interaction compared with a traditional hand-based interface with the same input device. The aim is to find out how well foot interaction suits for non-accurate spatial tasks.
New statement of the European Society of Cardiology on diagnosing diastolic heart failure: what are the key messages.

In October 2007, Heart Failure and Echocardiography Associations of the European Society of Cardiology jointly published an updated set of criteria to diagnose diastolic heart failure [1]. A reappraisal of the previous criteria was necessary [2], as new cardiac imaging techniques like tissue Doppler, and novel heart failure biomarkers like brain natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) have become commonly used diagnostic techniques. In the past decades, the prevalence of diastolic heart failure has increased, currently accounting for more than 50% of all heart failure patients in western societies [3]. Predisposing factors for diastolic heart failure are older age, female gender, diabetes, obesity, arterial hypertension and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. The prognosis of patients suffering from diastolic heart failure is at least as ominous as the prognosis of patients suffering from systolic heart failure [4]. While the significance of diastolic heart failure is clearly recognized, the debate continues whether diastolic heart failure is a distinct clinical entity differing from systolic heart failure, or that the two are just successive phenotypes of the same heart failure syndrome. The latter is implied by the use of the terms “heart failure with a normal ejection fraction” (HFNEF) or “heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction” (HFREF) to indicate respectively diastolic and systolic heart failure. For clarity, the terms HFNEF and HFREF will be used throughout this editorial. This use of HFNEF and HFREF does not imply that the issue of heart failure presenting as one or two syndromes is resolved. This summary discusses the newly proposed diagnostic strategy on “how to diagnose HFNEF” or on “how to exclude HFNEF”. How to diagnose HFNEF?
Does Nurse Case Management Improve Implementation of Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction?

Background and Objective: Over the last 5 decades, research has demonstrated that cardiovascular risk reduction mediated through medical and surgical therapies, as well as lifestyle change, reduces morbidity and mortality from diseases of the vascular system. Based on this extensive research, government and professional organizations publish evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with, or at risk of developing, cardiovascular disease. However, recommended interventions are frequently neither initiated nor adhered to, and when appropriate therapies are initiated, patient adherence is poor. This review sought to evaluate how nurse-based case management (NCM) according to recommended guidelines improves patient outcomes and enhances cardiovascular risk reduction. Methods: English-language articles (1950 to January 2009) were identified using a combination of the following terms: (case) management; nurse(-led) or nursing; guideline and/or implement or implementation; cardiovascular (disease) (risk); hypertension or dyslipidemia, or diabetes, or smoking (cessation), or nutritionist, or cardiac rehabilitation. Primary articles were reviewed for focus on modifiable risk factor management involving a nurse acting as a "case manager," having a prominent role within the management of a patient's cardiovascular health, and following scientifically based, published guidelines. Findings and Conclusion: From the Stanford Coronary Risk Intervention Project in the 1990s to EUROACTION published 2008, NCM has appreciably evolved. The studies summarized demonstrate that individualized, systematic, and guideline-based NCM can translate into clinically meaningful reductions in cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the NCM model was effective for hospitalized patients, especially during the postdischarge period, in primary care, low-income clinics, and in the community including the workplace. Providing NCM for those at risk of or with cardiovascular disease may help toward reducing the related loss of productive lives and the enormous costs to society.
Architectural Approaches for the Integration of Service Plane and Control Plane on Optical Networks

– This paper presents some instantiations of novel application-aware network architectures for emerging IT services and future Internet applications. It proposes and analyses network architectures where the Control and Service Planes are closely and seamlessly interacting with the applications. In one instantiation, the Grid-GMPLS (G 2 MPLS, as defined by the PHOSPHORUS project) is presented, which implements Network Control Plane (NCP) architecture for the support of Grid Network Services (GNS). The GNS allows the provisioning of network and HPC/Grid resources in a single-step through a set of seamlessly integrated procedures. In a second example of instantiation, a quite popular application signalling, i.e. the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), is integrated with Optical Burst Switched (OBS) network technology. The SIP-enabled OBS network can be used to manage application sessions and provide network and IT services according to the application requirements. This paper investigates on the requirements that these new integrated architectures poses on supporting network Control and Service Planes, and technologies, and discusses their possible implementations.
Applying IC-Scheduling Theory to Familiar Classes of Computations

Earlier work has developed the underpinnings of IC-scheduling theory, an algorithmic framework for scheduling computations having intertask dependencies for Internet-based computing (IC). The theory aims to produce schedules that render tasks eligible for execution at the maximum possible rate, so as to: (a) utilize remote clients' computational resources well, by always having work available for allocation; (b) lessen the likelihood that a computation can stall for lack of tasks that are eligible for execution. The current paper reconnects the theory, which models computations abstractly, with a variety of significant real computations and computational paradigms, by illustrating how to schedule these computations optimally.
The effects of presynaptic polarization on the spontaneous activity at the mammalian neuromuscular junction

Recent investigations (Boyd & Martin, 1956b; Liley, 1956b) have shown that the mammalian end-plate potential (e.p.p.) is generated by the synchronous release of quanta of transmitter whose individual spontaneous liberation gives rise to the miniature potentials. These observations immediately raise the question of the mechanism by which a co-ordinated discharge of the quanta is produced by an impulse arriving at the motor nerve terminals. Del Castillo & Katz (1954b) have investigated a similar problem at the frog myoneural junction. In the present investigation a study has been made by intracellular recordings in the rat diaphragm of the relation between the frequency of the miniature discharge and electrotonic polarization of the motor nerve terminals. A study has been made also of the effects of potassium concentration on the frequency of the miniature potentials.
Graphene as thin film infrared optoelectronic sensor

We present the conductometric behavior of a single atomic carbon nanostructure (graphene) that could be promising to infrared optoelectronic applications. A graphene nanomanipulation system with focused infrared laser source for optoelectronic property characterizations is implemented. The feasibility of mechanical and electrical probing manipulations on two-dimensional thin film nanostructures is studied. Using this system, we revealed the infrared optoelectronic properties of mono- and multilayer graphene. The obtained optoelectronic parameters are compared to the single- and multi-walled nanotubes. A graphene infrared sensor is prototyped by direct writing of electrodes using gold nanoink fountain-pen method and is analyzed by electrical probing. Results show that graphene could be a promising building block for thin film optoelectronic devices.
Balance Control of Humanoid Robot with Foot Rotation

Balance maintenance under unexpected environment is a key requirement for safe and successful coexistence of humanoid robots in normal human environments. The motion of a humanoid robot includes a phase where the stance foot rotates about the stance toe when the humanoid robot comes to a small object on the ground. The equation of motion has the form of an underactuated system in this phase. The objective of this study is to propose a control strategy for preventing the humanoid robot from tipping over. First, the dynamical model of robot in the sagittal plane is employed and the controllability of the robot is analyzed. Then, the controller can be designed based on Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) optimal control theory. Simulation result shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.