Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Post-transplant Kaposi's sarcoma.

The once rare cancer called Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) chiefly causes purple cutaneous niacules, plaques, or nodular infiltrates, although visceral involvement may occur without skin lesions, and primarily affects elderly men in the Mediterranean region and in Eastern Europe. Today, it is no longer a rare disease, and is in fact quite frequent in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients (I ) and in patients given immunosuppressants after an organ transplant (2). In this latter condition, the clinical course of KS can be very aggressive, with a mortality rate of 34% within 32 ± 32.6 months after diagnosis (2). KS is normally more common in men than in women, with a ratio of 4: 1 (3), suggesting that sex hormones are protective for women. The recent discovery of a new sequence of a novel herpes virus (4), isolated from KS lesions in patients with and without AIDS, has considerably advanced current knowledge of this disease. In some 60% of post-transplant patients, KS manifests with nodular lesions limited to the skin or oropharynx, but as many as 40% show more invasive malignant lesions with ulcerating skin, lymphadenopathy, and/or organ involvement (5). Organ localization is a marker of severity of the disease, as in the case of aggressive forms (5-8) with gastrointestinal involvement observed by upper endoscopy but no cutaneous lesions.
Obtaining the magnetic characteristics of an 8/6 switched reluctance machine: from FEM analysis to the experimental tests

This paper describes the procedure for modeling an 8/6 switched reluctance machine (SRM) step-by-step. First, the geometry and mechanical parameters of the machine are established, when a finite-element modeling (FEM) approach is initially developed to obtain the flux linkage/current/rotor position relationship so that the proper and mutual inductances and also its torque and field distribution characteristics can then be computed. Afterward, a series of experimental tests are performed to obtain the magnetic characteristics of the machine, comparing, correcting, and discussing the results with those of FEM analysis.
HOW MANY BASKETS? CLUTCH SIZES THAT MAXIMIZE ANNUAL FECUNDITY OF MULTIPLE-BROODED BIRDS

Abstract We developed deterministic models on the basis of nest survival rates and renesting behavior capable of predicting annual fecundity in birds. The models calculate probabilities of fledging from one to four nests within a discrete breeding season. We used those models to address theoretical issues related to clutch size. In general, birds require at least one day to lay an egg, and many species delay incubation until their entire clutch is laid. Because it takes longer to complete a larger clutch, and fewer such clutches can fit into a limited breeding season, there exists a clutch size for which annual fecundity is maximized. We asked, for a given amount of reproductive effort (i.e. a set number of eggs), does the age-old maxim “don't put all your eggs in one basket” apply? If so, in how many “baskets” should a nesting bird place its eggs? The answer depends on both likelihood of nest predation and length of the breeding season. Those results are consistent with the observed increase in clutch size with latitude (shorter breeding season length) and larger clutch sizes characteristic of cavity-nesting species (with higher nest survival rates). The models also predict that the size of replacement clutches should decrease as the breeding season progresses, and that intraseasonal decline in clutch size should be more pronounced when the breeding season is short.
Conditioned Media from Microvascular Endothelial Cells Cultured in Simulated Microgravity Inhibit Osteoblast Activity

Background and Aims. Gravity contributes to the maintenance of bone integrity. Accordingly, weightlessness conditions during space flight accelerate bone loss and experimental models in real and simulated microgravity show decreased osteoblastic and increased osteoclastic activities. It is well known that the endothelium and bone cells cross-talk and this intercellular communication is vital to regulate bone homeostasis. Because microgravity promotes microvascular endothelial dysfunction, we anticipated that the molecular cross-talk between endothelial cells exposed to simulated microgravity and osteoblasts might be altered. Results. We cultured human microvascular endothelial cells in simulated microgravity using the rotating wall vessel device developed by NASA. Endothelial cells in microgravity show growth inhibition and release higher amounts of matrix metalloproteases type 2 and interleukin-6 than controls. Conditioned media collected from microvascular endothelial cells in simulated microgravity were used to culture human osteoblasts and were shown to retard osteoblast proliferation and inhibit their activity. Discussion. Microvascular endothelial cells in microgravity are growth retarded and release high amounts of matrix metalloproteases type 2 and interleukin-6, which might play a role in retarding the growth of osteoblasts and impairing their osteogenic activity. Conclusions. We demonstrate that since simulated microgravity modulates microvascular endothelial cell function, it indirectly impairs osteoblastic function.
Face Annotation Using Transductive Kernel Fisher Discriminant

Face annotation in images and videos enjoys many potential applications in multimedia information retrieval. Face annotation usually requires many training data labeled by hand in order to build effective classifiers. This is particularly challenging when annotating faces on large-scale collections of media data, in which huge labeling efforts would be very expensive. As a result, traditional supervised face annotation methods often suffer from insufficient training data. To attack this challenge, in this paper, we propose a novel Transductive Kernel Fisher Discriminant (TKFD) scheme for face annotation, which outperforms traditional supervised annotation methods with few training data. The main idea of our approach is to solve the Fisher's discriminant using deformed kernels incorporating the information of both labeled and unlabeled data. To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we have conducted extensive experiments on three types of multimedia testbeds: the FRGC benchmark face dataset, the Yahoo! web image collection, and the TRECVID video data collection. The experimental results show that our TKFD algorithm is more effective than traditional supervised approaches, especially when there are very few training data.
The Cell Shape-determining Csd6 Protein from Helicobacter pylori Constitutes a New Family of l,d-Carboxypeptidase

Background: Csd6 is one of the cell shape-determining proteins in H. pylori. Results: The active site of Csd6 is tailored to function as an l,d-carboxypeptidase in the peptidoglycan-trimming process. Conclusion: Csd6 constitutes a new family of l,d-carboxypeptidase. Significance: The substrate limitation of Csd6 is a strategy that H. pylori uses to regulate its helical cell shape and motility. Helicobacter pylori causes gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric cancer. Its high motility in the viscous gastric mucosa facilitates colonization of the human stomach and depends on the helical cell shape and the flagella. In H. pylori, Csd6 is one of the cell shape-determining proteins that play key roles in alteration of cross-linking or by trimming of peptidoglycan muropeptides. Csd6 is also involved in deglycosylation of the flagellar protein FlaA. To better understand its function, biochemical, biophysical, and structural characterizations were carried out. We show that Csd6 has a three-domain architecture and exists as a dimer in solution. The N-terminal domain plays a key role in dimerization. The middle catalytic domain resembles those of l,d-transpeptidases, but its pocket-shaped active site is uniquely defined by the four loops I to IV, among which loops I and III show the most distinct variations from the known l,d-transpeptidases. Mass analyses confirm that Csd6 functions only as an l,d-carboxypeptidase and not as an l,d-transpeptidase. The d-Ala-complexed structure suggests possible binding modes of both the substrate and product to the catalytic domain. The C-terminal nuclear transport factor 2-like domain possesses a deep pocket for possible binding of pseudaminic acid, and in silico docking supports its role in deglycosylation of flagellin. On the basis of these findings, it is proposed that H. pylori Csd6 and its homologs constitute a new family of l,d-carboxypeptidase. This work provides insights into the function of Csd6 in regulating the helical cell shape and motility of H. pylori.
Please Scroll down for Article New Review of Hypermedia and Multimedia Aspect-oriented Adaptation Specification in Web Information Systems: a Semantics-based Approach Aspect-oriented Adaptation Specification in Web Information Systems: a Semantics-based Approach

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. By tailoring content access, presentation, and functionality to the user's location, device, personal preferences, and needs, Web Information Systems (WISs) have become increasingly user and context-dependent. In order to realize such adaptive behavior, Web engineers are thus faced with an additional challenge: engineering the required adaptation concerns. In this article, we present, in the context of a WIS design method, an adaptation engineering process that is separated from the regular Web design process. Our approach is based on the use of two key elements: (1) aspect-oriented techniques to achieve the separation of (adaptation) concerns; and (2) the exploitation of semantic information and metadata associated with the content, for enhanced expressivity and flexibility. By combining these key elements, we demonstrate a robust, rich, consistent, and flexible way to specify adaptation in WISs.
The nose and OSA: variable nasal obstruction may be more important in pathophysiology than fixed obstruction

The nose is the primary route of breathing in mammals and serves important physiological functions, which include heating, humidification and filtration of the inspired air 1, 2. As a consequence, humans naturally breathe through the nose, particularly during sleep, during which breathing is under automatic control and devoid of conscious influences. In normal subjects, the nasal airway accounts for ≥50% of total airway resistance, with most of this contribution arising from the anterior part of the nose, including the nasal valve 3. The cross-sectional area of the nasal valve is controlled by several dilator muscles. In pathological conditions, nasal resistance may be considerably increased, with the extreme being total obstruction. Nasal resistance typically varies from one side to the other as a consequence of cyclical mucosal changes in the nasal turbinates, and with a cycle frequency of 2–4 h 4. This nasal cycle may play a role in respiratory defence by the generation of plasma exudates 5. Furthermore, nasal resistance diminishes during exercise as a consequence of sympathetically mediated mucosal vasoconstriction 6. In contrast, nasal resistance increases in the supine position as a consequence of mucosal congestion 7. These considerations indicate that the nose is a reactive organ with considerable potential to vary airflow resistance, which may have important implications for breathing, particularly during sleep. Sleep represents a state of naturally increased nasal resistance caused by the supine position and decreased skeletal muscle tone, which may increase the component of nasal resistance that relates to the nasal valve. Nasal breathing has a stimulant effect on breathing and has been reported to be associated with a higher minute ventilation and flow rate compared with mouth breathing 8, 9. This effect appears to be mediated by local nasal reflexes. Ventilatory responses to hypoxia and …
Novel site-specific mast cell subpopulations in the human lung

Background: Lung mast cells are stereotypically divided into connective tissue (MCTC) and mucosal (MCT) mast cells. This study tests the hypothesis that each of these subtypes can be divided further into site-specific populations created by the microenvironment within each anatomical lung compartment. Methods: Surgical resections and bronchial and transbronchial biopsies from non-smoking individuals were obtained to study mast cells under non-inflamed conditions. Morphometric and molecular characteristics of mast cell populations were investigated in multiple lung structures by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Results: MCT and MCTC coexisted in all compartments, with MCT being the prevailing type in bronchi, bronchioles and the alveolar parenchyma and MCTC being more abundant in pulmonary vessels and the pleura. Each of the MCTC and MCT phenotypes could be further differentiated into site-specific populations. MCTC were significantly larger in pulmonary vessels than in small airway walls, while the reverse was observed for MCT. Within each MCTC and MCT population there were also distinct site-specific expression patterns of the IgE receptor, interleukin-9 receptor, renin, histidine decarboxylase, vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene C4 synthase (eg, bronchial MCT consistently expressed more histidine decarboxylase than alveolar MCT). Renin content was high in vascular MCTC but markedly lower in MCTC in other compartments. For both MCTC and MCT, the IgE receptor was highly expressed in conducting airways but virtually absent in alveolar parenchyma. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate novel site-specific subpopulations of lung MCTC and MCT at baseline conditions. This observation may have important implications in the future exploration of mast cells in a number of pulmonary diseases.
An asymptotic model for the deformation of a transversely isotropic, transversely homogeneous biphasic cartilage layer

In the present paper, an asymptotic model is constructed for the short‐time deformation of an articular cartilage layer modeled as transversely isotropic, transversely homogeneous biphasic material. It is assumed that the layer thickness is relatively small compared with the characteristic size of the normal surface load applied to the upper surface of the cartilage layer, while the bottom surface is assumed to be firmly attached to a rigid impermeable substrate. In view of applications to articular contact problems, it is assumed that the interstitial fluid is not allowed to escape through the articular surface. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dementia and social work practice : research and interventions

Part One: Setting the Stage for Social Work 1. Social Work and Dementia Carole Cox 2. Alzheimer's Disease and Non-Alzheimer's Dementias Darby Morhardt and Sandra Weintraub 3. Assessments of Individuals with Dementia Victoria Cottrell 4. Chronic Illness and Dementia Katie Maslow Part Two: The Early Stage and Interventions with Families 5. The Experiences and Needs of People with Early-Stage Dementia Lisa Snyder 6. Helping Families Face the Early Stages of Dementia Daniel Kuhn 7. Family Care and Decision Making Carol J. Whitlatch and Lynn Friss Feinberg 8. Coping with Alzheimer's Disease: Clinical Interventions with Families Cynthia Epstein Part Three: Diversity and Dementia 9. Culture and Dementia Carole Cox 10. Psychoeducational Strategies for Latino Caregivers Maria P. Aranda and Carmen Morano 11. Model Programs for Asian-Americans Nancy Emerson Lombardo 12. Models from Other Countries: Social Work with People with Dementia and their Caregivers Jill Manthorpe and Jo Moriarty.
Recent Themes in Social Networking Service Research

The body of literature addressing the phenomenon related to social networking services (SNSs) has grown rather fast recently. Through a systematic and quantitative approach, this study identifies the recent SNS research themes, which are the issues discussed by a coherent and growing subset of this literature. A set of academic articles retrieved from the Web of Science database is used as the basis for uncovering the recent themes. We begin the analysis by constructing a citation network which is further separated into groups after applying a widely used clustering method. The resulting clusters all consist of articles coherent in citation relationships. This study suggests eight fast growing recent themes. They span widely encompassing politics, romantic relationships, public relations, journalism, and health. Among them, four focus their issues largely on Twitter, three on Facebook, and one generally on both. While discussions on traditional issues in SNSs such as personality, motivations, self-disclosure, narcissism, etc. continue to lead the pack, the proliferation of the highlighted recent themes in the near future is very likely to happen.
Using multiple outcome measures to determine skill level in myoelectric prosthesis use

Most studies on prosthesis usage focus merely on one type of outcome measures, using questionnaires, functional tests, or kinematics. However, a combination of several outcome measures should provide a better picture on prosthesis use (Hill et al. 2009, Lindner et al. 2010, Wright 2009). Using both clinical and more fundamental measures (such as kinematics) would not only provide information about the skill level of a prosthesis user, but would also give insight in the processes from which the level of skill originates. To maximize the insight in the skill level of a prosthesis user the current study gauged a wide range of outcome measures. The aims of this study were 1) to describe prosthetic functioning at different levels of performance; 2) to relate the results of the clinical level to the more fundamental outcome measures; 3) to identify specific parameters in these measures that characterize the level of skill of a user.
A Signal Transducer and Activator of  Transcription (Stat)4-independent Pathway for the Development of  T Helper Type 1 Cells

The differentiation of T helper (Th) cells is regulated by members of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of signaling molecules. We have generated mice lacking both Stat4 and Stat6 to examine the ability of Th cells to develop in the absence of these two transcription factors. Stat4, Stat6 −/− lymphocytes fail to differentiate into interleukin (IL)-4–secreting Th2 cells. However, in contrast to Stat4 −/− lymphocytes, T cells from Stat4, Stat6 −/− mice produce significant amounts of interferon (IFN)-γ when activated in vitro. Although Stat4, Stat6 −/− lymphocytes produce less IFN-γ than IL-12–stimulated control lymphocytes, equivalent numbers of IFN-γ–secreting cells can be generated from cultures of Stat4, Stat6 −/− lymphocytes activated under neutral conditions and control lymphocytes activated under Th1 cell–promoting conditions. Moreover, Stat4, Stat6 −/− mice are able to mount an in vivo Th1 cell–mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity response. These results support a model of Th cell differentiation in which the generation of Th2 cells requires Stat6, whereas a Stat4-independent pathway exists for the development of Th1 cells.
The BioMart community portal: an innovative alternative to large, centralized data repositories

The BioMart Community Portal (www.biomart.org) is a community-driven effort to provide a unified interface to biomedical databases that are distributed worldwide. The portal provides access to numerous database projects supported by 30 scientific organizations. It includes over 800 different biological datasets spanning genomics, proteomics, model organisms, cancer data, ontology information and more. All resources available through the portal are independently administered and funded by their host organizations. The BioMart data federation technology provides a unified interface to all the available data. The latest version of the portal comes with many new databases that have been created by our ever-growing community. It also comes with better support and extensibility for data analysis and visualization tools. A new addition to our toolbox, the enrichment analysis tool is now accessible through graphical and web service interface. The BioMart community portal averages over one million requests per day. Building on this level of service and the wealth of information that has become available, the BioMart Community Portal has introduced a new, more scalable and cheaper alternative to the large data stores maintained by specialized organizations.
An Analysis of Self-actualizing Dimensions of Top and Middle Management Personnel

The purpose of the study was to examine categories of self-actualization and specific biographical and developmental factors from the data on 225 individuals selected from top and middle management by psychologists with Rohrer, Hibler and Replogle, international firm of management consultants. The investigation was designed to determine if differences existed for the two groups.
Loop closure through vanishing points in a line-based monocular SLAM

In this paper, we present a vanishing point-based two-step loop closure method in a line-based monocular simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system. Vanishing points can provide absolute directional landmarks for mobile robots. This guiding ability is important in that the observation of the vanishing points is invariant with respect to the robot pose. In our system, loop closure is performed in two steps: first, the accumulated heading error is reduced using an observation of previously registered vanishing points, and second, the observation of known floor lines allows for further pose correction. In this paper, we apply this method to solve the loop closure problem for a line-based SLAM within a corridor environment where the vanishing points are usually easily detectable. Experimental results show that our method is very efficient in a structured indoor environment.