Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the Evolution of the Allatostatin-Type A, KISS and Galanin Peptide-Receptor Gene Families in Bilaterians: Insights from Anopheles Mosquitoes

Allatostatin type A receptors (AST-ARs) are a group of G-protein coupled receptors activated by members of the FGL-amide (AST-A) peptide family that inhibit food intake and development in arthropods. Despite their physiological importance the evolution of the AST-A system is poorly described and relatively few receptors have been isolated and functionally characterised in insects. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the origin and comparative evolution of the AST-A system. To determine how evolution and feeding modified the function of AST-AR the duplicate receptors in Anopheles mosquitoes, were characterised. Phylogeny and gene synteny suggested that invertebrate AST-A receptors and peptide genes shared a common evolutionary origin with KISS/GAL receptors and ligands. AST-ARs and KISSR emerged from a common gene ancestor after the divergence of GALRs in the bilaterian genome. In arthropods, the AST-A system evolved through lineage-specific events and the maintenance of two receptors in the flies and mosquitoes (Diptera) was the result of a gene duplication event. Speciation of Anopheles mosquitoes affected receptor gene organisation and characterisation of AST-AR duplicates (GPRALS1 and 2) revealed that in common with other insects, the mosquito receptors were activated by insect AST-A peptides and the iCa2+-signalling pathway was stimulated. GPRALS1 and 2 were expressed mainly in mosquito midgut and ovaries and transcript abundance of both receptors was modified by feeding. A blood meal strongly up-regulated expression of both GPRALS in the midgut (p < 0.05) compared to glucose fed females. Based on the results we hypothesise that the AST-A system in insects shared a common origin with the vertebrate KISS system and may also share a common function as an integrator of metabolism and reproduction. Highlights: AST-A and KISS/GAL receptors and ligands shared common ancestry prior to the protostome-deuterostome divergence. Phylogeny and gene synteny revealed that AST-AR and KISSR emerged after GALR gene divergence. AST-AR genes were present in the hemichordates but were lost from the chordates. In protostomes, AST-ARs persisted and evolved through lineage-specific events and duplicated in the arthropod radiation. Diptera acquired and maintained functionally divergent duplicate AST-AR genes.
Design optimisation of cyber-physical distributed systems using IEEE time-sensitive networks

In this study the authors are interested in safety-critical real-time applications implemented on distributed architectures supporting the time-sensitive networking (TSN) standard. The on-going standardisation of TSN is an IEEE effort to bring deterministic real-time capabilities into the IEEE 802.1 Ethernet standard supporting safety-critical systems and guaranteed quality-of-service. TSN will support time-triggered (TT) communication based on schedule tables, audio-video-bridging (AVB) flows with bounded end-to-end latency as well as best-effort messages. The authors first present a survey of research related to the optimisation of distributed cyber-physical systems using real-time Ethernet for communication. Then, the authors formulate two novel optimisation problems related to the scheduling and routing of TT and AVB traffic in TSN. Thus, the authors consider that they know the topology of the network as well as the set of TT and AVB flows. The authors are interested to determine the routing of both TT and AVB flows as well as the scheduling of the TT flows such that all frames are schedulable and the AVB worst-case end-to-end delay is minimised. The authors have proposed an integer linear programming formulation for the scheduling problem and a greedy randomised adaptive search procedure-based heuristic for the routing problem. The proposed approaches have been evaluated using several test cases.
A 1 V bulk-controlled gm-boosted CMOS mixer for LTE-A applications

A 1 V 1.4 ~ 3.6 GHz high linearity CMOS mixer for LTE-A applications is presented. The transconductor stage of the mixer adopts bulk-controlled, gm-boosted, and current-reuse techniques to improve the conversion gain and linearity for low voltage operation. The mixer features the maximum power conversion gain of 12.3 dB, input third-order intercept point of 4.8 dBm, and the minimum single sideband noise figure of 16.9 dB. The DC supply voltage can be scaled down to 1 V with the mixer core current consumption of 4.6 mA.
The Swede Score: Evaluation of a Scoring System Designed to Improve the Predictive Value of Colposcopy

Objective: It has been suggested that the accuracy of colposcopy is less reliable than once presumed. The Reid colposcopic index is the most well-known scoring system designed to standardize colposcopic assessment and assist in the prediction of histological diagnosis. Strander et al. have devised a new scoring system, the Swede score, which includes lesion size as a variable. This evaluation aimed to validate the Swede score within a London teaching hospital colposcopy unit. Methods: An evaluation was carried out of women undergoing colposcopy at the Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. For 4 months, 200 women attending diagnostic colposcopy clinics or undergoing inpatient treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were included. Participating colposcopists comprised both trained and trainee colposcopists. Swede scores were calculated at the time of colposcopy and recorded; they were compared with the final histological diagnosis after either directed or excisional cervical biopsy. Because this was an evaluation and not a research study, the Swede score was not used to influence the patient management in anyway. Results: Swede scores of 8 or more had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 38%, 95%, 83%, and 70%, respectively, for lesions where the final diagnosis was CIN 2 or higher. Using the same cutoff score of 8 or higher, the first 100 examinations had similar results compared with the second set, showing that no major learning curve existed when using the Swede score. Conclusions: Because the specificity when scoring 8 or higher was 95%, it is possible that higher scores within this system might be used to more accurately predict CIN 2 or higher. There was no obvious learning curve, and trainees showed comparable results compared with their trained colleagues.
Novel Approach to Creation of Portable Self-Propelled Autonomous Massage Robots with Triangular and Octahedral Parallel Structures

In this paper, a novel approach to a creation of self-propelled autonomous portable massage robots based on original 2D and 3D parallel mechanisms is presented. A 2D massage robot based on a triangular parallel structure with 3 d.o. f. , called a Triangle, is designed for a sliding cupping-glass massage of back and chest. A 3D massage robot based on an octahedral parallel structure with 12 d.o. f. , called an Octahedral dodekapod, is designed for a massage of neck, upper and lower extremities, including knee and elbow joints. Benefits of the Triangle and the Octahedral dodekapod with respect to anthropomorphic robots with one or two arms are outlined, along with possible applications for an autonomous massage.
Exploring the relationship between physical health, depressive symptoms, and depression diagnoses in Hispanic dementia caregivers

Objectives: The present study examined the relationship between self-reported physical health, depressive symptoms, and the occurrence of depression diagnosis in Hispanic female dementia caregivers. Participants: Participants were 89 Hispanic female dementia caregivers. Design: This study used a cross-sectional design. Baseline depression and physical health data were collected from participants enrolled in the ‘Reducing Stress in Hispanic Anglo Dementia Caregivers’ study sponsored by the National Institute on Aging. Measurements: Physical health was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), a one-item self-report health rating, body mass index, and the presence or history of self-reported physical illness. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression Scale (CES-D). The occurrence of depression diagnosis was assessed using the Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID). Analysis: Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis was used to examine the extent to which indices of physical health and depressive symptoms accounted for variance in participants’ depressive symptoms and depressive diagnoses. Results. Self-reported indices of health (e.g., SF-36) accounted for a significant portion of variance in both CES-D scores and SCID diagnoses. Caregivers who reported worsened health tended to report increased symptoms of depression on the CES-D and increased likelihood of an SCID diagnosis of a depressive disorder. Conclusion. Self-reported health indices are helpful in identifying Hispanic dementia caregivers at risk for clinical levels of depression.
Functional proteogenomics reveals biomarkers and therapeutic targets in lymphomas

Significance An important goal in precision oncology is the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We identified and annotated a compendium of N-glycoproteins from diverse human lymphoid neoplasia, an attractive class of proteins with potential to serve as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), integration of N-glycoproteomics and transcriptome sequencing revealed an underappreciated and targetable ALK-regulated cytokine/receptor signaling network highlighting the utility of functional proteogenomics for discovery of cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets is a critical goal of precision medicine. N-glycoproteins are a particularly attractive class of proteins that constitute potential cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets for small molecules, antibodies, and cellular therapies. Using mass spectrometry (MS), we generated a compendium of 1,091 N-glycoproteins (from 40 human primary lymphomas and cell lines). Hierarchical clustering revealed distinct subtype signatures that included several subtype-specific biomarkers. Orthogonal immunological studies in 671 primary lymphoma tissue biopsies and 32 lymphoma-derived cell lines corroborated MS data. In anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), integration of N-glycoproteomics and transcriptome sequencing revealed an ALK-regulated cytokine/receptor signaling network, including vulnerabilities corroborated by a genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic screen. Functional targeting of IL-31 receptor β, an ALCL-enriched and ALK-regulated N-glycoprotein in this network, abrogated ALK+ALCL growth in vitro and in vivo. Our results highlight the utility of functional proteogenomic approaches for discovery of cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Partnerships in on-line learning: development of an on-line curriculum for application in a for profit firm and an undergraduate human resource degree program

This study describes the process of developing a partnership among a business firm and two separate departments within a public university. This research examines the multiple rationales for developing this partnership and the anticipated outcomes. Not only is the process of successful partnership development identified, the impact of the project outcomes is discussed, as are lessons learned.
Redistribution of microtubules and Golgi apparatus in herpes simplex virus-infected cells and their role in viral exocytosis

Earlier studies have shown that the Golgi apparatus was fragmented and dispersed in herpes simplex virus 1-infected Vero and HEp-2 cells but not in human 143TK- cells, that the fragmentation and dispersal required viral functions expressed concurrently with or after the onset of DNA synthesis (G. Campadelli-Fiume, R. Brandimarti, C. Di Lazzaro, P. L. Ward, B. Roizman, and M. R. Torrisi, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:2798-2802, 1993), and that in 143TK- cells, but not Vero or HEp-2 cells, infected with viral mutants lacking the UL20 gene virions were glycosylated and transported to extracellular space (J. D. Baines, P. L. Ward, G. Campadelli-Fiume, and B. Roizman, J. Virol. 65:6414-6424, 1991; E. Avitabile, P. L. Ward, C. Di Lazzaro, M. R. Torrisi, B. Roizman, and G. Campadelli-Fiume, J. Virol. 68:7397-7405, 1994). Experiments designed to elucidate the role of the microtubules and of intact or fragmented Golgi apparatus in the exocytosis of virions showed the following. (i) In all cell lines tested (Vero, 143TK-, BHK, and Hep-2) microtubules underwent fragmentation particularly evident at the cell periphery and then reorganized into bundles which circumvent the nucleus. This event was not affected by inhibitors of viral DNA synthesis. We conclude that redistribution of microtubules may be required but is not sufficient for the fragmentation and dispersal of the Golgi apparatus. (ii) In all infected cell lines tested, nocodazole caused fragmentation and dispersal of the Golgi and a far more extensive depolymerization of the microtubules than was seen in untreated, infected Vero or HEp-2 cells. Taxol precluded the depolymerization of the microtubules and fragmentation of the Golgi in both infected cell lines. Neither nocodazole nor taxol affected the exocytosis of infectious virus from Vero, HEp-2, or 143TK- cells infected with wild-type virus. We conclude that the effects of nocodazole or of taxol are dominant over the effects of viral infection in the cell lines tested and that viral exocytosis is independent of the organization of microtubules or of the integrity of the Golgi apparatus. Lastly, the data suggest that herpes simplex viruses have evolved an exocytic pathway for which the UL20 protein is a component required in some cells but not others and in which this protein does not merely compensate for the fragmentation and dispersal of the Golgi apparatus.
Evaluation of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema using optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose: To compare the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) findings of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) in eyes with pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) with those of fluorescein angiography (FA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to compare PCME vascular density values of the SCP and DCP with those of healthy eyes. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 13 eyes (12 patients) with PCME underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations including visual acuity, FA, SD-OCT, and OCT-A. The vascular density of the SCP and DCP were measured using AngioAnalytics software in all PCME eyes and compared with 46 healthy eyes of 25 subjects. Results: In patients with PCME, at the level of SCP, the mean vascular density in the whole en face image was 44.48 ± 3.61% while it was 50.27 ± 5.30% at the level of the DCP. In contrast, the vascular density in the whole en face image was 50.35 ± 3.22 at the level of SCP while it was 56.15 ± 3.28 at the level of DCP in 46 healthy eyes of 25 subjects. The vascular density of patients with PCME was significantly lower than in healthy subjects at the SCP (p<0.0001) and at the DCP (p<0.0001). Conclusion: We report the OCT-A appearance of PCME and vascular density map with values that can be easily interpreted for quantitative evaluation of retina perfusion status using OCT-A. This approach might be the first step in helping us fully understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying PCME.
Methodological framework for the allocation of work packages in global software development

Global software development in software development industry is a new aspect for many software project managers. In this scenario, the allocation of work packages among project participants is not a simple task. This allocation was traditionally determined by availability and competence but this new trend introduces complexity in an already complex process. Given the need to define new models to guide managers in these operations, this paper presents a framework to allocate work packages among project participants. Apart from the introduction of the framework itself, the results of its implementation are presented. These results show a notable output of the implementation in terms of accuracy of task execution to planning, effect introduction and overall satisfaction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of coping skills intervention with family caregivers of hospice patients with cancer

Family caregivers for cancer patients experience high levels of stress and burden and diminished quality of life (QOL). Interventions to improve coping skills of caregivers have been shown to be effective with other populations, but their impact has not been assessed in the difficult context of hospice care. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hospice plus a coping skill training intervention improved family caregivers' QOL, burden, coping, and mastery, compared with hospice plus emotional support, and usual hospice care.
On the simultaneous association analysis of large genomic regions: a massive multi-locus association test

MOTIVATION For samples of unrelated individuals, we propose a general analysis framework in which hundred thousands of genetic loci can be tested simultaneously for association with complex phenotypes. The approach is built on spatial-clustering methodology, assuming that genetic loci that are associated with the target phenotype cluster in certain genomic regions. In contrast to standard methodology for multilocus analysis, which has focused on the dimension reduction of the data, our multilocus association-clustering test profits from the availability of large numbers of genetic loci by detecting clusters of loci that are associated with the phenotype. RESULTS The approach is computationally fast and powerful, enabling the simultaneous association testing of large genomic regions. Even the entire genome or certain chromosomes can be tested simultaneously. Using simulation studies, the properties of the approach are evaluated. In an application to a genome-wide association study for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we illustrate the practical relevance of the proposed method by simultaneously testing all genotyped loci of the genome-wide association study and by testing each chromosome individually. Our findings suggest that statistical methodology that incorporates spatial-clustering information will be especially useful in whole-genome sequencing studies in which millions or billions of base pairs are recorded and grouped by genomic regions or genes, and are tested jointly for association. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Implementation of the approach is available upon request.
The Behavior of Worker Cooperatives: The Plywood Companies of the Pacific Northwest

Using data collected by the authors on the largest and most durable of worker-owned firms in U.S. manufacturing, this paper is addressed to two questions. First, are the responses of cooperatives to changes in their economic environment different from those of conventional firms? It appears that cooperatives are more inclined to adjust pay than employment. Second, how profitable has membership in the cooperatives been? Using information on share prices, the authors find membership to have been extremely profitable and, in this sense, the prices of co-ops' shares have been underpriced. The riskiness of cooperative memberships is discussed. Copyright 1992 by American Economic Association.
Dual current control scheme for PWM converter under unbalanced input voltage conditions

Voltage unbalance in a three-phase system causes performance deterioration of PWM power converters by producing 120 Hz voltage ripples in the DC link and by increasing the reactive power. To eliminate the DC link voltage ripple and the DC component of the reactive power, both positive- and negative-sequence currents should be controlled simultaneously, according to the paper by Rioual et al (1996). The authors used two synchronous reference frames: a positive-sequence current regulated by a proportional integral (PI) controller in a positive synchronous reference frame (SRF); and a negative-sequence current regulated by a PI controller in a negative SRF. In the positive SRF, which rotates counterclockwise, the positive sequence appears as DC, while the negative sequence appears as 120 Hz. In contrast, in the negative SRF, which rotates clockwise, the negative sequence appears as DC, while the positive sequence appears as 120 Hz. By deleting 120 Hz components using a notch filter in each SRF, one can measure positive- and negative-sequence currents separately, and use them for constructing two feedback controllers. Since the negative-sequence current is also controlled in its own SRF by a DC command, this approach yields better performance without increasing the control gain. Note that, since the controller is implemented by a software routine in the digital signal professor chip, using two SRFs does not require additional hardware. The authors demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme by using computer simulation and experiments.
A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, phase IV trial of oros-methylphenidate (CONCERTA®) and generic novo-methylphenidate ER-C (NOVO-generic)

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder with onset during childhood. Multiple aspects of a child’s development are hindered, in both home and school settings, with negative impacts on social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. If left untreated, ADHD is commonly associated with poor academic achievement and low occupational status, as well as increased risk of substance abuse and delinquency. The objective of this study was to evaluate adult ADHD subject reported outcomes when switched from a stable dose of CONCERTA® to the same dose of generic Novo-methylphenidate ER-C®. Methods: Randomized, double-blind, cross-over, phase IV trial consisted of two phases in which participants with a primary diagnosis of ADHD were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to 3 weeks of treatment with CONCERTA or generic Novo-Methylphenidate ER-C. Following 3 weeks of treatment, participants were crossed-over to receive the other treatment for an additional 3 weeks. Primary efficacy was assessed through the use of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication, Version II (TSQM-II). Results: Participants with ADHD treated with CONCERTA were more satisfied in terms of efficacy and side effects compared to those receiving an equivalent dose of generic Novo-Methylphenidate ER-C. All participants chose to continue with CONCERTA treatment at the conclusion of the study. Conclusion: Although CONCERTA and generic Novo-Methylphenidate ER-C have been deemed bioequivalent, however the present findings demonstrate clinically and statistically significant differences between generic and branded CONCERTA. Further investigation of these differences is warranted.