Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease in non-immunocompromised hosts: a status report and summary of an international meeting, 8-9 September 2008.

BACKGROUND Recently novel Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lymphoproliferative diseases (LPDs) have been identified in non-immunocompromised hosts, both in Asia and Western countries. These include aggressive T-cell and NK-cell LPDs often subsumed under the heading of chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) infection and EBV-driven B-cell LPDs mainly affecting the elderly. DESIGN To better define the pathogenesis, classification, and treatment of these disorders, participants from Asia, The Americas, Europe, and Australia presented clinical and experimental data at an international meeting. RESULTS The term systemic EBV-positive T-cell LPD, as adopted by the WHO classification, is preferred as a pathological classification over CAEBV (the favored clinical term) for those cases that are clonal. The disease has an aggressive clinical course, but may arise in the background of CAEBV. Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) and HV-like lymphoma represent a spectrum of clonal EBV-positive T-cell LPDs, which have a more protracted clinical course; spontaneous regression may occur in adult life. Severe mosquito bite allergy is a related syndrome usually of NK cell origin. Immune senescence in the elderly is associated with both reactive and neoplastic EBV-driven LPDs, including EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. CONCLUSION The participants proposed an international consortium to facilitate further clinical and biological studies of novel EBV-driven LPDs.
Metaheuristics Based on GRASP and VNS for Solving the Traveling Purchaser Problem

We intend to show in this paper that metaheuristics based on GRASP and VNS can give good results for a generalization of the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) called Traveling Purchaser Problem (TPP) when compared with the Tabu Search algorithm proposed by Voss [13] for this algorithm, concerning the quality of solutions in similar execution times. In these algorithms, several simple and well known methods are used to construct an initial solution and also to execute local search. Metaheuristics may present a large amount of time to find solutions. This fact has motivated the developing of parallel metaheuristics, taking advantage of the inherent parallelism present in some of them such as GRASP for example. In this work, we also develop parallel algorithms based on GRASP and VNS and test them on an IBM SP/2 computer using MPI for parallelism.
Chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a review of current management and a look to the future.

The systemic treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in routine practice has remained unchanged since 2003, with almost a decade passing since any new treatment being approved for this disease. However, there are currently more novel agents in clinical trials than ever before, bringing hope that the next decade will see improvements in survival and other patient outcomes. This review will focus on systemic treatments for advanced disease, with an overview of current practice and a view to the future of chemotherapy and targeted therapies in mesothelioma. The use of chemotherapy as part of multimodality treatment for mesothelioma is covered in a companion paper in this issue and will not be addressed here.
Comparison of two methods to assess variability of platelet response to anti-platelet therapies in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing angioplasty

Summary The study investigated the clinical usefulness of a new method to evaluate platelet activation and the variability of platelet response to anti-platelet therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Platelet activation was assessed in parallel by a new method for platelet density measurements (MPC, Mean Platelet Component Concentration), on the automated ADVIA 120 Hematology System and by the classic measurement of P-selectin (CD62P) expression, on a fluorescence flow cytometer. Patients received a loading dose of clopidogrel (300 mg; n = 29) or a bolus of abciximab (0.25 mg/kg; n = 15). Blood samples were collected before (baseline) and at different times after PTCA and antiplatelet drugs administration. Our data showed a close inverse correlation between the change in MPC and the CD62P fluorescence surface marker expression (r = 0.776, P<0.0001). Individual platelet activation determinations in patients receiving either clopidogrel or abciximab showed a variation in platelet activation as assayed by MPC and CD62P expression. Patients were characterized as having either high platelet activity upon admission and positive response to treatment or no detectable platelet activation before or after treatment. This study demonstrates the heterogeneity of platelet activation states in ACS patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. The present work also illustrates the potential use of the MPC parameter, generated on an automated hematology system, to define high risk patients and to monitor the variability of platelet response to anti-platelet therapies.
Fast motion estimation with size-based predictors selection hexagon search in H.264/AVC encoding

In this paper we present a new fast motion estimation algorithm suitable for H.264/AVC encoding systems. It applies a hexagon-based zonal search, thresholding criteria and improved predictors selection based on the size of the block under processing. The proposed method achieves almost the same visual quality of a Full Search block matcher with a dramatically reduced amount of computation.
Pubertal changes in emotional information processing: Pupillary, behavioral, and subjective evidence during emotional word identification

Abstract This study investigated pupillary and behavioral responses to an emotional word valence identification paradigm among 32 pre-/early pubertal and 34 mid-/late pubertal typically developing children and adolescents. Participants were asked to identify the valence of positive, negative, and neutral words while pupil dilation was assessed using an eyetracker. Mid-/late pubertal children showed greater peak pupillary reactivity to words presented during the emotional word identification task than pre-/early pubertal children, regardless of word valence. Mid-/late pubertal children also showed smaller sustained pupil dilation than pre-/early pubertal children after the word was no longer on screen. These findings were replicated controlling for participants' age. In addition, mid-/late pubertal children had faster reaction times to all words, and rated themselves as more emotional during their laboratory visit compared to pre-/early pubertal children. Greater recall of emotional words following the task was associated with mid-/late pubertal status, and greater recall of emotional words was also associated with higher peak pupil dilation. These results provide physiological, behavioral, and subjective evidence consistent with a model of puberty-specific changes in neurobehavioral systems underpinning emotional reactivity.
The mediating role of trust in stimulating the relationship between transformational leadership and knowledge sharing processes

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of transformational leadership (TL) and two aspects of trust (trust in a leader and trust among members, including two versions of each: “disclosure” and “reliance”) on knowledge collecting (KC) and knowledge donating (KD). Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modelling was used to test the effects of TL and aspects of trust on knowledge sharing (KS) processes using data collected from 336 participants at 35 large service firms. Findings The results showed that reliance-based trust in a leader (LR), disclosure-based trust in a leader (LD), reliance-based trust among members (MR) and disclosure-based trust among members (MD) act as mediators in the relationship between TL and KS processes. LR and MR have more significant effects on KD, whereas LD, MD and TL have more significant effects on KC. Research limitations/implications Future research could examine how personal characteristics (e.g. education level and working experiences) moderate the relationships between TL and KS processes. Practical implications From a practical perspective, the paper provides directors/managers an increased understanding of paths to success in KC and KD. Originality/value This paper provides theoretical initiatives on building employee trust and improving KS in the field of knowledge management. From a managerial perspective, this study identifies necessary factors for encouraging and promoting KS processes within an organization.
A novel energy-efficient rotational variable stiffness actuator

This paper presents the working principle, the design and realization of a novel rotational variable stiffness actuator, whose stiffness can be varied independently of its output angular position. This actuator is energy-efficient, meaning that the stiffness of the actuator can be varied by keeping constant the internal stored energy of the actuator. The principle of the actuator is an extension of the principle of translational energy-efficient actuator vsaUT. A prototype based on the principle has been designed, in which ball-bearings and linear slide guides have been used in order to reduce losses due to friction.
Exact Maximum Likelihood estimation for the BL-GARCH model under elliptical distributed innovations

In this paper, we discuss the class of Bilinear GATRCH (BL-GARCH) models which are capable of capturing simultaneously two key properties of non-linear time series: volatility clustering and leverage effects. It has been observed often that the marginal distributions of such time series have heavy tails; thus we examine the BL-GARCH model in a general setting under some non-Normal distributions. We investigate some probabilistic properties of this model and we propose and implement a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) methodology. To evaluate the small-sample performance of this method for the various models, a Monte Carlo study is conducted. Finally, within-sample estimation properties are studied using S&P 500 daily returns, when the features of interest manifest as volatility clustering and leverage effects.
MiR-29b affects the secretion of PROG and promotes the proliferation of bovine corpus luteum cells

The regulatory role of miRNAs has been explored in ovarian cells, and their effects on gonadal development, apoptosis, ovulation, steroid production and corpus luteum (CL) development have been revealed. In this study, we analyzed the expression of miR-29b at different stages of bovine CL development and predicted the target genes of miR-29b. We confirmed that miR-29b reduces the expression of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), affects progesterone (PROG) secretion and regulates the function of the CL. RT-PCR showed that the expression of miR-29b was significantly higher in functional CL phases than in the regressed CL phase. Immunohistochemistry showed that OXTR was expressed in both large and small CL cells and was mainly located in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of these cells. We analyzed the expression levels of OXTR and found that transfection with a miR-29b mimic decreased OXTR expression, but transfection with the inhibitor had a limited effect on the expression of the OXTR protein. At the same time, the secretion of PROG was significantly increased in the miR-29b mimic-transfected group. We also analyzed the effect of miR-29b on the apoptosis of CL cells. Finally, we found that miR-29b could promote the proliferation of bovine CL cells. In conclusion, we found that miR-29b reduces the expression of OXTR and can promote PROG secretion and the proliferation of CL cells via OXTR.
Histology, phytochemistry and bacterial activity of anise (Pimpinella anisum l.) seed and essential oil

This study was conducted to investigate the histology, phytochemistry and antimicrobial activities of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) seed and essential oil obtained from Omdurman market, Sudan. Histology was conducted by preparations, fixation, dehydration, clearing, wax embedding, sectioning, staining and mounting. Moisture content performed according to FAO manuals. Oil extraction according to British pharmacopeia. Test of the oil for antimicrobial activity conducted by cup-plate agar diffusion method adopted, with some minor modification to assess the antibacterial activity of the prepared extracts. Standard microorganisms namely; Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 Gram (+ve) bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 53657 Gram (-ve) bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 Gram (-ve) bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 Gram (-ve) bacteria were obtained from Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Institute, National Centre of Research, Sudan. Two concentrations used A (0.5 ml of anise essential oil in 4.5 ml solvent (methanol) to form (1:9) ratio and Concentration B (2.5 ml of concentration diluted with 2.5 ml solvent (methanol) to form (1:18) ratio). Histological features of anise under microscopical examining showing hair (hr), epidermis (epi), mesocarp (mes), oil vittae (vit), endocarp (endc), cuticle (cu), endosperm (ed), fibrovascular bundle (fb), sclerenchyma (sch), srystals (cry) and fixed oil (fo). Phytochemical investigation of anise showed purity (69.5%), moisture content (6.7%), oil content (1.5 % (v/w)), refractive index (1.5622), specific gravity (0.9825), odor and taste (anisthole odor), acid value (1.29) and ester value (14.03). Microbiological activities of anise oil using concentration A and B against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed moderate antibacterial effect. Concentration A showed low inhibition and Concentration B showed no antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli.
Investigating the impact of information systems on knowledge sharing

Purpose Knowledge is the key factor and the strategic resource for acquiring assets and intangible organizational capabilities, which can lead to further growth and development, creation of value and the advantage of competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of information systems (ISs) on knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach The statistical society and the intended population of this study were the experts of the registry office in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for collecting data. Also, SMART-partial least square was used for testing the hypotheses of the study. Findings The results gained in this study revealed that IS dimensions, i.e. service quality, system quality and technology, play a significant role in sharing knowledge among the personnel of an organization. Practical implications Nowadays, knowledge is regarded as a notable component of knowledge management process, which contributes to the growth and development of organizations. Sharing knowledge can be considered as a vital phenomenon in managing organizational knowledge. One of the remarkable tasks of ISs is to share information as a key factor. Sharing information can result in fast information distribution and efficient and effective organizational operations and enhanced internal and external performance of the organization. Originality/value This paper is aimed at introducing and presenting functional dimensions for optimizing the efficacy of ISs. Implementing an effective IS can accelerate the speed of information exchange among the personnel and the improvement of their capabilities.
β-catenin mediates alterated integrin α 5 / β 1 and N-cadherin-related functions during WNT 5 A-regulated human trophoblast invasion

Introduction Wnt signaling plays a potential role in human placentation. Dependent on cell type, Wnt5a can activate non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+ signaling and also inhibit canonical Wnt signaling. This study aimed to explore the role of Wnt5a on the invasion of human trophoblast cells and its interaction with the Wnt antagonist Wnt inhibitory factor 1(WIF1). Methods The human trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo was treated with 0-400 ng/ml recombinant Wnt5a and transfected with lentivirus carrying small interfering RNA or the full-length WIF1 gene. The expression of Wnt5a, β-catenin, integrin α5, β1, N-cadherin and WIF1was detected by Western blotting. The interaction of Wnt5a and WIF1 in HTR8/SVneo cells was examined by co-immunoprecipitation. Transwell migration/invasion assays were used to determine migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells treated with rWnt5a. Results Wnt5a downregulated β-catenin and activated calcium signaling in HTR8/SVneo cells. Wnt5a inhibited the migration and invasion of HTR8/SVneo cells through decreased integrin α5, β1 and N-cadherin. Wnt5a directly interacted and positively correlated with WIF1 in HTR8/SVneo cells. Conclusion Wnt5a downregulated β-catenin in human trophoblast; this is likely to have been mediated through the Wnt/Ca2+ signal pathway. Wnt5a also regulated the invasion of human trophoblast by alterated integrin α5/β1 and N-cadherin-related functions; this may represent a β-catenin dependent pathway. Wnt5a directly interacted and positively correlated with WIF1 in HTR8/SVneo cells, reflecting a balance maintained by negative regulation of Wnts and Wnt ligands.
a Global Solution to Topological Reconstruction of Building Roof Models from Airborne LIDAR Point Clouds

This paper presents a global solution to building roof topological reconstruction from LiDAR point clouds. Starting with segmented roof planes from building LiDAR points, a BSP (binary space partitioning) algorithm is used to partition the bounding box of the building into volumetric cells, whose geometric features and their topology are simultaneously determined. To resolve the inside/outside labelling problem of cells, a global energy function considering surface visibility and spatial regularization between adjacent cells is constructed and minimized via graph cuts. As a result, the cells are labelled as either inside or outside, where the planar surfaces between the inside and outside form the reconstructed building model. Two LiDAR data sets of Yangjiang (China) and Wuhan University (China) are used in the study. Experimental results show that the completeness of reconstructed roof planes is 87.5%. Comparing with existing data-driven approaches, the proposed approach is global. Roof faces and edges as well as their topology can be determined at one time via minimization of an energy function. Besides, this approach is robust to partial absence of roof planes and tends to reconstruct roof models with visibility-consistent surfaces.
Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine Dovepress Effects of Training and Anthropometric Factors on Marathon and 100 Km Ultramarathon Race Performance

Background: Marathon (42 km) and 100 km ultramarathon races are increasing in popularity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential associations of anthropometric and training variables with performance in these long-distance running competitions. Methods: Training and anthropometric data from a large cohort of marathoners and 100 km ultramarathoners provided the basis of this work. Correlations between training and anthro-pometric indices of subjects and race performance were assessed using bivariate and multiple regression analyses. Results: A combination of volume and intensity in training was found to be suitable for prediction of marathon and 100 km ultramarathon race pace. The relative role played by these two variables was different, in that training volume was more important than training pace for the prediction of 100 km ultramarathon performance, while the opposite was found for marathon performance. Anthropometric characteristics in terms of body fat percentage negatively affected 42 km and 100 km race performance. However, when this factor was relatively low (ie, less than 15% body fat), the performance of 42 km and 100 km races could be predicted solely on the basis of training indices. Conclusion: Mean weekly training distance run and mean training pace were key predictor variables for both marathon and 100 km ultramarathon race performance. Predictive correlations for race performance are provided for runners with a relatively low body fat percentage.
Organizing Pneumonia: A Rare Extra Intestinal Manifestation of UlcerativeColitis

Respiratory involvement of ulcerative colitis is exceptional. The prevalence is estimated to 0.2%. It may develop during the course of the disease particularly after colectomy, but can also occur without any correlation with the activity of the inflammatory bowel disease and can affect numerous organs most notably lungs. Chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis are the main respiratory manifestations. Lung disease involving pleural and parenchymal damage is relatively uncommon among patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We report the case of an organizing pneumonia associated to a pleural effusion as an extra intestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis in a 28-year-old man with a longstanding quiescent history of an ulcerative colitis. He was successfully treated with steroids without relapse during the follow-up period.
Genetic and Environmental Contributions to the Covariation Between Cardiometabolic Traits

Background The variation and covariation for many cardiometabolic traits have been decomposed into genetic and environmental fractions, by using twin or single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) models. However, differences in population, age, sex, and other factors hamper the comparison between twin‐ and SNP‐based estimates. Methods and Results Twenty‐four cardiometabolic traits and 700,000 genotyped SNPs were available in the study base of 10 682 twins from TwinGene cohort. For the 27 highly correlated pairs (absolute phenotypic correlation coefficient ≥0.40), twin‐based bivariate structural equation models were performed in 3870 complete twin pairs, and SNP‐based bivariate genomic relatedness matrix restricted maximum likelihood methods were performed in 5779 unrelated individuals. In twin models, the model including additive genetic variance and unique/nonshared environmental variance was the best‐fitted model for 7 pairs (5 of them were between blood pressure traits); the model including additive genetic variance, common/shared environmental variance, and unique/nonshared environmental variance components was best fitted for 4 pairs, but estimates of shared environment were close to zero; and the model including additive genetic variance, dominant genetic variance, and unique/nonshared environmental variance was best fitted for 16 pairs, in which significant dominant genetic effects were identified for 13 pairs (including all 9 obesity‐related pairs). However, SNP models did not identify significant estimates of dominant genetic effects for any pairs. In the paired t test, twin‐ and SNP‐based estimates of additive genetic correlation were not significantly different (both were 0.67 on average), whereas the nonshared environmental correlations from these 2 models differed slightly from each other (on average, twin‐based estimate=0.64 and SNP‐based estimate=0.68). Conclusions Beside additive genetic effects and nonshared environment, nonadditive genetic effects (dominance) also contribute to the covariation between certain cardiometabolic traits (especially for obesity‐related pairs); contributions from the shared environment seem to be weak for their covariation in TwinGene samples.