Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
i-OntoLearning: Ontological support for rich learning

Many university and college programs have a rich repository of learning resources. These resources could range from multi-media material to simple text documents, from powerpoint slides to web based applets. However, they are created by different authors and are usually accessible by the students registered for the courses taught by these authors. In order to enable students to discover the relationships that exist amongst these resources, we have designed i-OntoLearning, a system based on the Computing Ontology and a Metadata Ontology which we have created. This platform supports learning through the ability to infer relationships within the curricula as well as with the learning resources. As more resources are added to the system, further interesting relationships can be discovered. This paper focuses on the application of semantic web technologies including ontology design and queries on these ontologies.
5 V Compatible Two-Axis PZT Driven MEMS Scanning Mirror with Mechanical Leverage Structure for Miniature LiDAR Application

The MEMS (Micro-Electronical Mechanical System) scanning mirror is an optical MEMS device that can scan laser beams across one or two dimensions. MEMS scanning mirrors can be applied in a variety of applications, such as laser display, bio-medical imaging and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). These commercial applications have recently created a great demand for low-driving-voltage and low-power MEMS mirrors. However, no reported two-axis MEMS scanning mirror is available for usage in a universal supplying voltage such as 5 V. In this paper, we present an ultra-low voltage driven two-axis MEMS scanning mirror which is 5 V compatible. In order to realize low voltage and low power, a two-axis MEMS scanning mirror with mechanical leverage driven by PZT (Lead zirconate titanate) ceramic is designed, modeled, fabricated and characterized. To further decrease the power of the MEMS scanning mirror, a new method of impedance matching for PZT ceramic driven by a two-frequency mixed signal is established. As experimental results show, this MEMS scanning mirror reaches a two-axis scanning angle of 41.9° × 40.3° at a total driving voltage of 4.2 Vpp and total power of 16 mW. The effective diameter of reflection of the mirror is 2 mm and the operating frequencies of two-axis scanning are 947.51 Hz and 1464.66 Hz, respectively.
Combined detrusor instability and stress urinary incontinence: where is the primary pathology?

Thirty-nine patients (from a total of 307 women) with clinical and urodynamic diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence had cystometric findings consistent with detrusor instability. Detailed multichannel urethrocystometry of these 39 patients revealed that urethral relaxation preceded the bladder contraction by 2-5 s. These patients were randomly allocated to either medical treatment (n = 21) by Ditropan 5 mg t.i. d. for 6 weeks prior to the surgical procedure, or to surgical treatment (n = 18) with no attempt to treat the bladder instability prior to surgery. All patients had repeat clinical and urodynamic evaluation at 3-12 months postoperatively. Six of the 39 patients (15%) still had urethral relaxation and bladder contractions on postoperative urethrocystometry. Four of these 6 patients still had stress urinary incontinence and urethral funneling. These 4 were considered surgical failures. Two of the 39 (5%) had postoperative detrusor instability in spite of good surgical results. This series suggests that in women with combined stress urinary incontinence and bladder instability, where bladder contraction is preceded by urethral relaxation, there is a more than 90% chance that bladder instability will disappear after successful operation for stress urinary incontinence.
Homeobox B3 promotes tumor cell proliferation and invasion in glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor in adults with the highest mortality rate. Despite advances achieved in treatment and research, the median survival for patients with GBM remains <1.5 years. This figure prompted the present study to identify novel genes associated with GBM development and progression to ultimately improve GBM treatment. The current study sought to determine the role of homeobox B3 (HOXB3) in GBM cell invasion and proliferation. HOXB3 was highly expressed in GBM tissues and glioma cell lines. To establish in vitro cell models for investigation, U87-MG and U251-MG, two typical GBM cells, were selected to generate corresponding cells lines that constitutively silenced HOXB3 expression using a lentivirus-mediated RNA interference approach. The results of the knockdown revealed that glioma cells stably expressing HOXB3 short hairpin RNA exhibited significantly decreased proliferation levels when compared with untransfected cells. The effect of HOXB3 on glioma cell invasion was also examined. Silencing of HOXB3 resulted in a marked reduction in invasiveness. Furthermore, HOXB3 silencing led to the upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin. Taken together, the findings of the present study indicate that HOXB3 promotes cell proliferation and invasion.
Computing the flow past Vortex Generators: Comparison between RANS Simulations and Experiments

The flow around a wind turbine airfoil equipped with Vortex Generators (VGs) is examined. Predictions from three different Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) solvers with two different turbulence models and two different VG modelling approaches are compared between them and with experimental data. The best results are obtained with the more expensive fully resolved VG approach. The cost efficient BAY model can also provide acceptable results, if grid related numerical diffusion is minimized and only force coefficient polars are considered.
Why and what can we learn from human errors?

: In this paper the traditional paradigm for learning and training of operators in complex systems is discussed and criticised. There is a strong influence (the doctrine of 'mental logic') coming from research carried out in artificial intelligence (AI). The most well known arguments against the AI-approach are presented and discussed in relation to expertise, intuition and implicit knowledge. The importance of faults and errors are discussed in the context of cognitive structures to describe expertise, and how knowledge about unsuccessful behaviour influences the actual decisions.
Strategies for phasing and imputation in a population isolate

In the search for genetic associations with complex traits, population isolates offer the advantage of reduced genetic and environmental heterogeneity. In addition, cost‐efficient next‐generation association approaches have been proposed in these populations where only a subsample of representative individuals is sequenced and then genotypes are imputed into the rest of the population. Gene mapping in such populations thus requires high‐quality genetic imputation and preliminary phasing. To identify an effective study design, we compare by simulation a range of phasing and imputation software and strategies. We simulated 1,115,604 variants on chromosome 10 for 477 members of the large complex pedigree of Campora, a village within the established isolate of Cilento in southern Italy. We assessed the phasing performance of identical by descent based software ALPHAPHASE and SLRP, LD‐based software SHAPEIT2, SHAPEIT3, and BEAGLE, and new software EAGLE that combines both methodologies. For imputation we compared IMPUTE2, IMPUTE4, MINIMAC3, BEAGLE, and new software PBWT. Genotyping errors and missing genotypes were simulated to observe their effects on the performance of each software. Highly accurate phased data were achieved by all software with SHAPEIT2, SHAPEIT3, and EAGLE2 providing the most accurate results. MINIMAC3, IMPUTE4, and IMPUTE2 all performed strongly as imputation software and our study highlights the considerable gain in imputation accuracy provided by a genome sequenced reference panel specific to the population isolate.
Editorial: The Roles of GnIH in Reproductive Function and Behavior

1 Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Brain Research Institute Monash Sunway, Monash University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 2 Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States, 3 Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
Deletion of BMAL1 in Smooth Muscle Cells Protects Mice From Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has high mortality rate when ruptured, but currently, there is no proven pharmacological therapy for AAA because of our poor understanding of its pathogenesis. The current study explored a novel role of smooth muscle cell (SMC) BMAL1 (brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1)-a transcription factor known to regulate circadian rhythm-in AAA development. APPROACH AND RESULTS SMC-selective deletion of BMAL1 potently protected mice from AAA induced by (1) MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) agonist deoxycorticosterone acetate or aldosterone plus high salt intake and (2) angiotensin II infusion in hypercholesterolemia mice. Aortic BMAL1 was upregulated by deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt, and deletion of BMAL1 in SMCs selectively upregulated TIMP4 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4) and suppressed deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) activation and elastin breakages. Moreover, BMAL1 bound to the Timp4 promoter and suppressed Timp4 transcription. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal an important, but previously unexplored, role of SMC BMAL1 in AAA. Moreover, these results identify TIMP4 as a novel target of BMAL1, which may mediate the AAA protective effect of SMC BMAL1 deletion.
Significant locus and metabolic genetic correlations revealed in genome-wide association study of anorexia nervosa.

Objective— To conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of anorexia nervosa and to calculate genetic correlations with a series of psychiatric, educational, and metabolic phenotypes. Method— Following uniform quality control and imputation using the 1000 Genomes Project (phase 3) in 12 case-control cohorts comprising 3,495 anorexia nervosa cases and 10,982 controls, we performed standard association analysis followed by a meta-analysis across cohorts. Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was used to calculate genome-wide common variant heritability [ , partitioned heritability, and genetic correlations (r g )] between anorexia nervosa and other phenotypes. Results— Results were obtained for 10,641,224 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion-deletion variants with minor allele frequency > 1% and imputation quality scores > 0.6. The of anorexia nervosa was 0.20 (SE=0.02), suggesting that a substantial fraction of the twin-based heritability arises from common genetic variation. We identified one genome-wide significant locus on chromosome 12 (rs4622308, p=4.3×10 −9 ) in a region harboring a previously reported type 1 diabetes and autoimmune disorder locus. Significant positive genetic correlations were observed between anorexia nervosa and schizophrenia, neuroticism, educational attainment, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and significant negative genetic correlations between anorexia nervosa and body mass index, insulin, glucose, and lipid phenotypes. Conclusions— Anorexia nervosa is a complex heritable phenotype for which we have found the first genome-wide significant locus. Anorexia nervosa also has large and significant genetic correlations with both psychiatric phenotypes and metabolic traits. Our results encourage a
Topic : State of the Art in the Management of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Aim: The causative role of human papillomavirus (HPV) has been established into the aetiology of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Some authors believe that HPV can determinate the prognosis and module treatment response from this kind of malignancies. Methods: Articles published in the last 10 years, focusing on the role of HPV in the development, molecular biology, prognosis and treatment of OSCC were reviewed. Results: Thirty-nine articles from 252 were selected, highlighting 4 meta-analysis, 3 prospective and 2 retrospective studies. According to its role in the development of cervical cancer, HPV is classified into a high risk for malignant lesions subtype and a low-grade malignant lesions subtype. Epidemiology and prevalence of HPV varies according to the published data: large studies tend to have lower rates of HPV (< 50%) than smaller ones (0-100%). Interestingly, HPV+ patients are usually diagnosed at a younger age, mainly those with oropharyngeal tumours. There is a predilection for the oropharynx and Waldeyer ring tumours. Regarding prognosis, OSCC HPV+ patients tend to have better outcome and treatment response. Conclusion: HPV divides OSCC in two types of tumours with different prognostic and therapeutic implications, with increased survival, better treatment response rates and lower risk of death and recurrences.
Effects of natural antimicrobials with modified atmosphere packaging on the growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes in ravioli at various temperatures

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of cultured sugar/vinegar (CSV) blend and nisin to control the risk of Listeria monocytogenes in ready to cook (RTC) ravioli. Ravioli dough was prepared with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1% CSV blend and 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% nisin. Inoculated spinach or artichoke raviolis with 2.0 ± 0.5 log cfu/g of L. monocytogenes were packed aerobically or using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and then stored at 4, 10, 17, and 24 °C for 60 days. Growth kinetic parameters of the observed data fit well to the Baranyi equation. Ravioli with spinach filling materials yielded a higher risk than that with artichoke. L. monocytogenes was able to survive in ravioli with artichoke, but did not grow. The addition of 1% CSV blend or 0.3% nisin in spinach ravioli with the combination of MAP effectively controlled the growth of L. monocytogenes at the temperature below 10 °C. The organoleptic quality of spinach ravioli was not also affected by the application of 1% CSV blend. Therefore, the CSV blend can be recommended to improve the microbial safety and quality of natural RTC ravioli at retail market. Practical applications The risk of ravioli was affected by the filling materials of ravioli at retail market. Addition of 1% cultured sugar/vinegar blend in dough substantially contributes to the extension of shelf‐life of MAP spinach raviolis. classification and regression tree analysis results indicate that refrigeration temperature is the main control factor to affect lag time and growth rate, while packaging method is critical for maximum population density.
The thalamus as a relay station and gatekeeper: relevance to brain disorders

Abstract Here, we provide a review of behavioural, cognitive, and neural studies of the thalamus, including its role in attention, consciousness, sleep, and motor processes. We further discuss neuropsychological and brain disorders associated with thalamus function, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Korsakoff’s syndrome, and sleep disorders. Importantly, we highlight how thalamus-related processes and disorders can be explained by the role of the thalamus as a relay station.
Genetic determinants of heart failure: facts and numbers

The relevance of gene mutations leading to heart diseases and hence heart failure has become evident. The risk for and the course of heart failure depends on genomic variants and mutations underlying the so‐called genetic predisposition. Genetic contribution to heart failure is highly heterogenous and complex. For any patient with a likely inherited heart failure syndrome, genetic counselling is recommended and important. In the last few years, novel sequencing technologies (named next‐generation sequencing – NGS) have dramatically improved the availability of molecular testing, the efficiency of genetic analyses, and moreover reduced the cost for genetic testing. Due to this development, genetic testing has become increasingly accessible and NGS‐based sequencing is now applied in clinical routine diagnostics. One of the most common reasons of heart failure are cardiomyopathies such as the dilated or the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Nearly 100 disease‐associated genes have been identified for cardiomyopathies. The knowledge of a pathogenic mutation can be used for genetic counselling, risk and prognosis determination, therapy guidance and hence for a more effective treatment. Besides, family cascade screening for a known familial, pathogenic mutation can lead to an early diagnosis in affected individuals. At that timepoint, a preventative intervention could be used to avoid or delay disease onset or delay disease progression. Understanding the cellular basis of genetic heart failure syndromes in more detail may provide new insights into the molecular biology of physiological and impaired cardiac (cell) function. As our understanding of the molecular and genetic pathophysiology of heart failure will increase, this might help to identify novel therapeutic targets and may lead to the development of new and specific treatment options in patients with heart failure.
Genome-Wide Mapping of Collier In Vivo Binding Sites Highlights Its Hierarchical Position in Different Transcription Regulatory Networks

Collier, the single Drosophila COE (Collier/EBF/Olf-1) transcription factor, is required in several developmental processes, including head patterning and specification of muscle and neuron identity during embryogenesis. To identify direct Collier (Col) targets in different cell types, we used ChIP-seq to map Col binding sites throughout the genome, at mid-embryogenesis. In vivo Col binding peaks were associated to 415 potential direct target genes. Gene Ontology analysis revealed a strong enrichment in proteins with DNA binding and/or transcription-regulatory properties. Characterization of a selection of candidates, using transgenic CRM-reporter assays, identified direct Col targets in dorso-lateral somatic muscles and specific neuron types in the central nervous system. These data brought new evidence that Col direct control of the expression of the transcription regulators apterous and eyes-absent (eya) is critical to specifying neuronal identities. They also showed that cross-regulation between col and eya in muscle progenitor cells is required for specification of muscle identity, revealing a new parallel between the myogenic regulatory networks operating in Drosophila and vertebrates. Col regulation of eya, both in specific muscle and neuronal lineages, may illustrate one mechanism behind the evolutionary diversification of Col biological roles.
Next-Generation Vaccines Based on Bacille Calmette–Guérin

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the intracellular bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a major health threat. A live, attenuated mycobacterium known as Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG), derived from the causative agent of cattle TB, Mycobacterium bovis, has been in clinical use as a vaccine for 90 years. The current incidence of TB demonstrates that BCG fails to protect sufficiently against pulmonary TB, the major disease manifestation and source of dissemination. The protective efficacy of BCG is on average 50% but varies substantially with geographical location and is poorer in those with previous exposure to mycobacteria. BCG can also cause adverse reactions in immunocompromised individuals. However, BCG has contributed to reduced infant TB mortality by protecting against extrapulmonary TB. In addition, BCG has been associated with reduced general childhood mortality by stimulating immune responses. In order to improve the efficacy of BCG, two major strategies have been employed. The first involves the development of recombinant live mycobacterial vaccines with improved efficacy and safety. The second strategy is to boost BCG with subunit vaccines containing Mtb antigens. This article reviews recombinant BCG strains that have been tested against TB in animal models. This includes BCG strains that have been engineered to induce increased immune responses by the insertion of genes for Mtb antigens, mammalian cytokines, or host resistance factors, the insertion of bacterial toxin-derived adjuvants, and the manipulation of bacterial genes in order to increase antigen presentation and immune activation. Subunit vaccines for boosting BCG are also briefly discussed.
Microbial composition of biofilm treating wastewater rich in bisphenol A

ABSTRACT Although microbial degradation plays a major role in the removal of bisphenol A (BPA) from water environments, there is little information on the effect of BPA on microorganisms in wastewater treatment systems. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of the microbial communities in biofilm growing on porous ceramic supports in a column up-flow reactor during exposure to BPA at increasing concentrations from 0 to 10 mg L−1. Independent of BPA load, the efficiency of BPA removal was about 90%. Groups of microorganisms that differ in their sensitivity to the presence of BPA in wastewater were identified. The core microbial genera in the biofilm were Acidovorax, Pseudoxanthomonas and Acinetobacter. Arenimonas sp. , Thauera sp. and Acidobacterium sp. were the main components of the biofilm in the absence of BPA in wastewater. Increased abundances of Pseudomonas sp. , Acidovorax sp. and Luteimonas sp. in BPA-exposed biofilm indicate that these genera may have played important roles in BPA biodegradation. A correlation between Pseudomonas sp. abundance and BPA removal efficiency indicates that BPA was used directly as a source of carbon and energy for growth. This study indicates that the use of the biofilm reactor enables effective BPA removal from wastewater and expands knowledge about the microbial structure of communities responsible for BPA degradation.
Preparation of total VOC sensor with sensor-response stability for humidity by noble metal addition to SnO2

Noble metals addition to SnO2 was examined in order to develop high sensitive total volatile organic compounds (T-VOC) sensors with high stability for humidity. The noble metals loaded SnO2 thick films were prepared, and their sensor responses were measured for various kinds of VOC gases and a T-VOC test gas. The results of the measurements for various kinds of VOC gases showed that simultaneous addition of Pt, Pd and Au or simultaneous addition of Pt and Au were useful for sensitization for VOC gases giving a small response for the unloaded SnO2 thick films. These sensors could detect 0.056 ppm of the T-VOC test gas, and the sensor responses increased with increasing the concentration of the T-VOC test gas. The series of additives with Pd was effective to improve the stability for humidity. The sensor loaded with Pt, Pd and Au simultaneously satisfied both high sensitivity to the T-VOC test gas and sensor-response stability for humidity. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the sensor showed that most of loaded palladium exists as PdO. In addition, it was suggested by the shift of binding energy of a Sn3d orbit and an O1s orbit that the electronic sensitization was dominant in the sensor. It was supposed that the electronic sensitization was effective for the sensor response stability for humidity. From these results, the combination of the chemical sensitization by Pt-Au addition and the electronic sensitization by Pd addition gives high sensitivity to the T-VOC test gas and stability for humidity to the Pt-Pd-Au loaded SnO2 thick films, and it is expected that the SnO2 thick film with Pt, Pd and Au will be applicable to T-VOC gas sensor.