Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression in the tissues of patients with chronic venous insufficiency

Objective: Immunohistochemical techniques have revealed the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the epidermis of patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). Our objective was to perform a quantitative analysis of the VEGF gene transcription in tissues that are potential sources of this factor (skin, varicose veins [VV] and great saphenous vein [GSV]) in patients with CVD. Methods: In all, 212 skin and venous tissue samples were collected from patients diagnosed with CVD and controls. The VEGF gene expression was analysed using quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The skin VEGF expression was lower in the CVD group than in the control group (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences between the insufficient GSV of the CVD group and the control healthy vein (P = 0.22). There was a greater expression of VEGF in the VV of the CVD group than in the control healthy vein (P = 0.03). Comparison of the VEGF expression between the different tissue types in the CVD group revealed significant differences between the skin and GSV (P = 0.02) and between the skin and the VV (P = 0.004), and between the VV and the GSV (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The results of the present study show an over-expression of VEGF gene in the VV tissue of patients with CVD. Based on the data in patients with C2 disease, the VVs appear to be the source of increased VEGF expression.
An Identity-Based Data Aggregation Protocol for the Smart Grid

The smart grid significantly improves the reliability, efficiency, security, and sustainability of electricity services. It plays an important role in modern energy infrastructure. A drawback of this new technique, however, is that the fine-grained metering data may leak private customer information. Thus, various public-key based data aggregation protocols for privacy protection have been proposed. However, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has recommended not using public-key based cryptography in the smart grid, since maintaining the public-key infrastructure is a heavy cost. In this paper, we propose an identity-based data aggregation protocol for the smart grid, which cannot only prevent unauthorized reading and fine-grained analyzing but can also protect against unintentional errors and maliciously altered messages. The basic building block of our protocol is an identity-based encryption and signature scheme in which an identity-based encryption scheme is combined with an identity-based signature scheme. They share the same private/public parameters, which greatly reduces the complexity of the protocol in the smart grid. Security analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of our protocol in the context of six typical attacks against the smart grid. A prototype implementation based on the Intel Edison platform shows that our protocol is efficient enough for physically constrained smart grid operators, such as smart meters.
Estimating Time Varying Risk Premia in the Term Structure: The Arch-M Model

The expectati on of the excess holding yield on a long bond is postulated to depend upon its conditional variance. Engle's ARCH model is extended to allow the conditional variance to be a determinant of the mean and is called ARCH-M. Estimation and infer ence procedures are proposed, and the model is applied to three interest rate data sets. In most cases the ARCH process and the time varying risk premium are highly significant. A collection of LM diagnostic tests reveals the robustness of the model to various specification changes such as alternative volatility or ARCH measures, regime changes, and interest rate formulations. The model explains and interprets the recent econometric failures of the expectations hypothesis of the term structure. Copyright 1987 by The Econometric Society.
Uncertain Futures: Young People in and Out of Employment Since 1940

In Britain, the period between the end of World War II and the mid 1970s witnessed an employment market which was relatively stable. Young people seeking entry into employment managed to do so with relative ease. There was a demand for labour which exceeded the supply. This stability allowed young people to be able to predict, to some extent, what sort of employment they were likely to attain. At one level it meant that the majority of young men could predict that they would become employed on a full-time basis. At another level, young people were even socialised into expecting particular types of work, for example young working class boys expected to get jobs typically done by members of the working class. Since the 1970s, however, the labour market has changed significantly. The extent to which young people can predict their future employment status has declined as the demand for full-time employment has, in many instances, been overtaken by the supply of those looking for it. Many young people today are thus in a more uncertain position. This uncertainty relates to how these young people will fare in the labour market: for young men, that of not becoming an established member of the full-time employed labour force; for young women, the uncertainty relates to changes in forms of labour market participation, but also to a decline, or at least the deferring of leaving the labour market to raise a family.
Mechanical Factors in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

We performed three-dimensional force analyses on the hips of 50 normal patients and 50 patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis to determine if mechanical factors alone could account for slips. We found that slipped epiphysis patients have reduced resistance to shear because of increased body weight and a decreased neck shaft-plate shaft angle. Slipped epiphysis patients have relative retroversion, and this generates increased sagittal plane shear stress at the proximal femoral growth plate. We suggest that, during running, these mechanical factors cause shear failure of the growth plate in obese adolescencts.
Pseudopalisades in Glioblastoma Are Hypoxic, Express Extracellular Matrix Proteases, and Are Formed by an Actively Migrating Cell Population

Necrosis and vascular proliferation are the pathologic features that distinguish the most malignant infiltrative astrocytoma, glioblastoma (GBM), from those of lower grades. In GBM, hypercellular zones called pseudopalisades typically surround necrotic foci. Although these cells are known to secrete high levels of proangiogenic factors that promote tumor growth, their origins are ill defined. We propose that pseudopalisades represent differing stages and histologic samplings of astrocytoma cells migrating away from a hypoxic/anoxic focus, often triggered by a central vaso-occlusive event. This proposition is based on our findings that pseudopalisading cells are 5–50% less proliferative and 6–20 times more apoptotic than adjacent astrocytoma, indicating that cell accumulation does not result from increased proliferation or resistance to apoptosis. Coexisting inflammatory cells account for <2% of pseudopalisading cells and cannot account for hypercellularity. Pseudopalisading cells show nuclear expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, consistent with their hypoxic nature, and hypoxia induces a 20–60% increase in glioma cell migration in vitro. Hypoxic cells in vitro and pseudopalisades in GBM specimens show enhanced gelatinase activity, typical of an invasive phenotype. These results suggest that pseudopalisading cells are migrating at the periphery of a hypoxic center. To uncover a potential source of hypoxia and sequence of structural events leading to pseudopalisade formation, we performed a morphometric analysis of 234 pseudopalisades from 85 pretreatment GBMs. We found distorted, degenerating, or thrombosed blood vessels within the center of more than half the pseudopalisades, suggesting that at least a subset of pseudopalisades are two-dimensional histologic representations of tumor cells migrating away from a vaso-occlusive event.
Specification of Real-Time Broadcast Networks

The authors present a model for specifying real-time protocols that execute on broadcast bus networks. Protocol entities interact by sending and receiving binary signals on buses. The actual propagation of these signals is captured in the proposed model by a set of channel axioms. Protocol entities are specified by sequential programs. The semantics of a set of programming constructs, including two level wait constructs, are defined. To illustrate the model and verification method, the authors present a specification of the Expressnet protocol which was designed for collision-free access to a unidirectional bus. A scenario in which collisions can occur in the original Expressnet was discovered. To guarantee collision-freedom, a modification to the protocol is given. The modified protocol is shown to be collision-free. A bound for its access delay is also derived. >
Intracellular Localization and Preassembly of the NADPH Oxidase Complex in Cultured Endothelial Cells*

The phagocyte-type NADPH oxidase expressed in endothelial cells differs from the neutrophil enzyme in that it exhibits low level activity even in the absence of agonist stimulation, and it generates intracellular reactive oxygen species. The mechanisms underlying these differences are unknown. We studied the subcellular location of (a) oxidase subunits and (b) functionally active enzyme in unstimulated endothelial cells. Confocal microscopy revealed co-localization of the major oxidase subunits,i.e. gp91 phox , p22 phox , p47 phox , and p67 phox , in a mainly perinuclear distribution. Plasma membrane biotinylation experiments confirmed the predominantly (>90%) intracellular distribution of gp91 phox and p22 phox . After subcellular protein fractionation, ∼50% of the gp91 phox (91-kDa band), p22 phox , p67 phox , and p40 phox pools and ∼30% of the p47 phox were present in the 1475 × g (“nucleus-rich”) fraction. Likewise, ∼50% of total NADPH-dependent O 2 ⨪ production (assessed by lucigenin (5 μm) chemiluminescence) was found in the 1475 × gfraction. Co-immunoprecipitation studies and measurement of NADPH-dependent reactive oxygen species production (cytochromec reduction assay) demonstrated that p22 phox , gp91 phox , p47 phox , p67 phox , and p40 phox existed as a functional complex in the cytoskeletal fraction. These results indicate that, in contrast to the neutrophil enzyme, a substantial proportion of the NADPH oxidase in unstimulated endothelial cells exists as a preassembled intracellular complex associated with the cytoskeleton.
Characterization of a Xyloglucan Endotransglucosylase Gene That Is Up-Regulated by Gibberellin in Rice1[w]

Xyloglucan endotransglucosylases/hydrolases (XTHs) that mediate cleavage and rejoining of the β (1-4)-xyloglucans of the primary cell wall are considered to play an important role in the construction and restructuring of xyloglucan cross-links. A novel rice (Oryza sativa) XTH-related gene, OsXTH8, was cloned and characterized after being identified by cDNA microarray analysis of gibberellin-induced changes in gene expression in rice seedlings. OsXTH8 was a single copy gene; its full-length cDNA was 1,298 bp encoding a predicted protein of 290 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that OsXTH8 falls outside of the three established subfamilies of XTH-related genes. OsXTH8 was preferentially expressed in rice leaf sheath in response to gibberellic acid. In situ hybridization and OsXTH8 promoter GUS fusion analysis revealed that OsXTH8 was highly expressed in vascular bundles of leaf sheath and young nodal roots where the cells are actively undergoing elongation and differentiation. OsXTH8 gene expression was up-regulated by gibberellic acid and there was very little effect of other hormones. In two genetic mutants of rice with abnormal height, the expression of OsXTH8 positively correlated with the height of the mutants. Transgenic rice expressing an RNAi construct of OsXTH8 exhibited repressed growth. These results indicate that OsXTH8 is differentially expressed in rice leaf sheath in relation to gibberellin and potentially involved in cell elongation processes.
Envelope Following Responses to Natural Vowels

Envelope following responses to natural vowels were recorded in 10 normal hearing people. Responses were recorded to individual vowels (/ɑ/, /i/, /u/) with a relatively steady pitch, to /∧/ with a variable and steady pitch, and to a multivowel stimulus (/∧ui/) with a steady pitch. Responses were analyzed using a Fourier analyzer, so that recorded responses could follow the changes in the pitch. Significant responses were detected for all subjects to /ɑ/, /i/ and /u/ with the time required to detect a significant response ranging from 6 to 66 s (average time: 19 s). Responses to /∧/ and /∧ui/ were detected in all subjects, but took longer to demonstrate (average time: 73 s). These results support the use of a Fourier analyzer to measure envelope following responses to natural speech.
Evaluating sweep noisy barrage jamming effect on tracking radar based on functioning destruction time

In this paper a new method is introduced for evaluating effect of sweep noisy barrage jammer on tracking radars. In this method, jammer interfering energy that injected in radar receiver bandwidth is calculated during jammer scan period, then according to the minimum signal to jammer power ratio that is required for receiver proper functioning (kJα), ratio of receiver proper functioning time to the jamming scan period or ratio of receiver destruction time to the jammer scan period is determined. These parameters are more important than only presence of jammer in receiver bandwidth. We define new performance criteria to evaluate the jammer effect on tracking radars. This is done by considering ratio of receiver destruction time to jammer scan period and the ratio of received power from the jammer to received power from the target at receiver front end.
Consumer participation in using online recommendation agents: effects on satisfaction, trust, and purchase intentions

Online product recommendation agents (RAs) are gaining greater strategic importance as a critical touch-point between marketers and consumers. Yet, the role of consumer participation in using RAs has not been examined. This study shows that greater consumer participation in using an RA leads to more satisfaction, greater trust, and higher purchase intentions, related to the RA and its recommendations. In contrast, the financial risk (associated with the product under consideration) reduces satisfaction, trust, and purchase intentions, and it also moderates the effect of consumer participation on these same variables. The findings extend the literature and suggest actionable implications for marketing strategy.
Neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory mechanisms at peripheral arterial chemoreceptors

The control of breathing depends critically on sensory inputs to the central pattern generator of the brainstem, arising from peripheral arterial chemoreceptors located principally in the carotid bodies (CBs). The CB receptors, i.e. glomus or type I cells, are excited by chemical stimuli in arterial blood, particularly hypoxia, hypercapnia, acidosis and low glucose, which initiate corrective reflex cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular adjustments. Type I cells occur in clusters and are innervated by petrosal afferent fibres. Synaptic specializations (both chemical and electrical) occur between type I cells and petrosal terminals, and between neighbouring type I cells. This, together with the presence of a wide array of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators linked to both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, allows for a complex modulation of CB sensory output. Studies in several laboratories over the last ∼20 years have provided much insight into the transduction mechanisms. More recent studies, aided by the development of a co‐culture model of the rat CB, have shed light on the role of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in shaping the afferent response. This review highlights some of these developments, which have contributed to our current understanding of information processing at CB chemoreceptors.
Speech pattern classification using Large Geometric Margin Minimum Classification Error training

As one of the recent popular discriminative training methods, Minimum Classification Error (MCE) training aims at efficiently developing high-performance classifiers through the minimization of smooth (differentiable in classifier parameters) classification error count loss. However, MCE training, sometimes referred to as Functional Margin (FM) MCE training, does not necessarily guarantee training convergence to a high level of robustness. To solve this problem, a new version of MCE training, called Large Geometric Margin Minimum Classification Error (LGM-MCE) training, has recently been developed by introducing a geometric margin for a general form of discriminant functions for fixed-dimensional vector pattern samples. Its effectiveness in achieving robustness to unseen samples has been proven in various tasks that classify fixed-dimensional patterns. Leveraging this advance in MCE training formalization, we newly define LGM-MCE training for the classification of patterns of variable length, e.g. speech patterns, and demonstrate this training's effectiveness in a spoken-word classification task.
Training as a generator of employee capabilities

In the current global economic environment, companies aiming to obtain lasting competitive advantages must be aware of those abilities that differentiate the company from its competitors. In this sense, personnel training may stimulate the development of certain capabilities related to the company's human resources, which could support this differentiation and hence the desired competitive advantage. For this reason, we have considered as an aim of this work to analyse personnel training as a policy for the development of the organisation's human capital, and its influence on the impulse of three differentiating capabilities, namely the employees' knowledge or know-how, the generation of a collective mind and the organisational commitment of personnel. In this article, we shall first analyse from a theoretical point of view the influence of the company's training policies on the development of certain differentiating capabilities. Then, we shall empirically prove this theoretical relation within the framework of the different business units of a financial institution.
Ejecting Outliers to Enhance Robustness of Fuzzy Cluster Ensemble

Clustering analysis provides significant contributions to healthcare or medical service. However, relying only on one set of clusters obtained from employing a clustering algorithm, such as fuzzy c-means algorithm (FCM), with an arbitrary initialization may be not robust and accurate in data clustering. The cluster ensemble, the concept of combining multiple clusters produced by a cluster algorithm with several different initializations, can improve the robustness problem. When the outliers were taken into the ensemble may lead the final cluster ensemble to inaccurate results. Thus, outliers should be removed before merging different clusters. In this paper, an adapted FCM algorithm is proposed to detect and remove the outliers. The cluster ensemble framework will employ this adapted FCM algorithm to generate multiple sets of clusters by giving different initialization parameters. Then, a pair wise approach is used to combine those outlier-free clusters. The experimental results verify that the final clusters obtained from the proposed cluster ensemble framework are more robust.
Monoclonal antibodies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Multiple options are now available for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Over the last 10 years, monoclonal antibodies have become an integral part of the management of this disease. Alemtuzumab has received approval for use in patients with fludarabine-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Rituximab has been investigated extensively in chronic lymphocytic leukemia both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy and other monoclonal antibodies. Epratuzumab and lumiliximab are newer monoclonal antibodies in the early phase of clinical development. This article will review the monoclonal antibodies more commonly used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the results obtained with monoclonal antibodies as single agents and in combination with chemotherapy, and other biological agents and newer compounds undergoing clinical trials.
THE IMPACT OF BROADBAND POLICY ON THE ECONOMY

This paper explores the relationship between telecommunications policy and its impact on the economy. Its focus is the Latin American region, starting by assessing the results of new research on broadband economic impact. Having validated the causality through econometric analysis, it then moves to analyze the importance of public policy in maximizing broadband development. This analysis is based on case studies of Latin American countries (Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela).
Lock-free hybrid concurrency control strategy for mobile environment

Concurrency control is one of the most important components of transaction management, which ensures the correctness of shared data items. Most of the existing concurrency control techniques use locking mechanism to achieve concurrency control, which leads to transaction starvation and deadlock. On the other hand, the non-locking techniques (i.e. optimistic and timestamp ordering) are associated with high abortion rate and excessive transaction restart. This paper presents a lock-free hybrid concurrency control strategy that combines the features of optimistic and timestamp-ordering strategies. The technique allows mobile devices to freely read data items and allowed to pre-commit while in disconnection mode, and latter propagate the pre-committed data during reconnection for global commitment. A designed hybrid concurrency simulator (HCsim) was used to evaluate the performance of the new scheme using transaction abortion rate and response time as performance metrics. Simulation results have shown that lock-free hybrid strategy outperform both optimistic and timestamp strategies in terms of minimizing the transaction abortion rate and response time.
Group A streptococcus cell‐associated pathogenic proteins as revealed by growth in hyaluronic acid‐enriched media

Group A streptococcus (GAS), also know as Streptococcus pyogenes, is a human pathogen and can cause several fatal invasive diseases such as necrotising fasciitis, the so‐called flesh‐eating disease, and toxic shock syndrome. The destruction of connective tissue and the hyaluronic acid (HA) therein, is a key element of GAS pathogenesis. We therefore propagated GAS in HA‐enriched growth media in an attempt to create a simple biological system that could reflect some elements of GAS pathogenesis. Our results show that several recognised virulence factors were up‐regulated in HA‐enriched media, including the M1 protein, a collagen‐like surface protein and the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, which has been shown to play important roles in streptococcal pathogenesis. Interestingly, two hypothetical proteins of unknown function were also up‐regulated and detailed bioinformatics analysis showed that at least one of these hypothetical proteins is likely to be involved in pathogenesis. It was therefore concluded that this simple biological system provided a valuable tool for the identification of potential GAS virulence factors.