Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of natural killer cell activity with serum IgE.

Association of natural killer (NK) cell activity (NKCA) or NK cell subsets with total IgE or antigen-specific IgE in serum were studied among 66 healthy non-allergic males. NKCA was determined by using 61Cr release assay and NK subsets were counted usings surface antigens (CD16, CD57) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. NKCA was associated mainly with the frequency of a CD16+,CD57- subset. When the subjects were classified into three groups according to total IgE values in serum (grade 0: IgE < 10 IU/ml; grade 1: IgE 10-400 IU/ml; grade 2: IgE > 400 IU/ml), one-way analysis of variance of NKCA showed that the grades of total IgE were significantly associated with increasing NKCA. In addition, NKCA in the grade 0 group was significantly lower than that in the grade 2 group and than a mixture of grade 1 group and grade 2 group. A similar finding was not observed between NKCA and RAST for specific IgE against mites. Therefore, NKCA may be related to total IgE level in serum.
A Prospective Comparison Study of Heart Rate Variability During Menses in Young Women With Dysmenorrhea

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated autonomic abnormalities in various pain conditions. However, few have investigated heart rate variability (HRV) in young women with primary dysmenorrhea, and the conclusions have been inconsistent. More evidence is required to confirm the reported trend for consistent fluctuation of HRV parameters in dysmenorrhea. Purpose: The study’s aim was to determine whether significant differences exist between young women with and without dysmenorrhea for heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and HRV parameters during menses. Design: A prospective comparison design with repeated measures was used. Setting and participants: Sixty-six women aged 18–25 with dysmenorrhea and 54 eumenorrheic women were recruited from a university in northern Taiwan. Methods: High-frequency and low-frequency HRV parameters (HF and LF), LF/HF ratio, BP, and HR were measured daily between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. from Day 1 to Day 6 during menses. The generalized estimating equation was used to analyze the effects of group, time, and Group × Time interaction on these variables. Results: HF values were significantly lower in the dysmenorrhea than in the eumenorrhea group, but there were no differences in BP, HR, LF, or LF/HF ratio. Conclusion: Reduced HF values reflect reduced parasympathetic activity and autonomic instability in young women with dysmenorrhea. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to examine autonomic regulation in menstrual pain of varying intensities associated with dysmenorrhea-related symptoms and to clarify the causal relationship between dysmenorrhea and HRV fluctuations.
Extended Markov Tracking with Ensemble Actions

In this paper we extend the control methodology based on Extended Markov Tracking (EMT) by providing the control algorithm with capabilities to calibrate and even partially reconstruct the environment's model. This enables us to resolve the problem of performance deterioration due to model incoherence, a negative problem in all model based control methods. The new algorithm, Ensemble Actions EMT (EA-EMT), utilises the initial environment model as a library of state transition functions and applies a variation of prediction with experts to assemble and calibrate a revised model. By so doing, this is the first control algorithm that enables on-line adaptation within the Dynamics Based Control (DBC) framework. In our experiments, we performed a range of tests with increasing model incoherence induced by three types of exogenous environment perturbations: catastrophic, periodic and deviating. The results show that EA-EMT resolved model incoherence and significantly outperformed the best currently available DBC solution by up to $95\%$.
Clustering Generalised Instances Set Approaches for Text Classification

This paper introduces three new text classification methods: Clustering-Based Generalised Instances Set (CB-GIS), Multilevel Clustering-Based Generalised Instances Set (MLC_GIS) and Multilevel Clustering-Based, k Nearest Neighbours (MLC-kNN). These new methods aim to unify the strengths and overcome the drawbacks of the three similarity-based text classification methods, namely, kNN, centroid-based and GIS. The new methods utilise a clustering technique called spherical K-means to represent each class by a representative set of generalised instances to be used later in the classification. The CB-GIS method applies a flat clustering method while MLC-GIS and MLC-kNN apply multilevel clustering. Extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the new methods and compare them with kNN, centroid-based and GIS classifiers on the Reuters-21578(10) benchmark dataset. The evaluation has been performed in terms of the classification performance and the classification efficiency. The experimental results show that the top-performing classification method is the MLC-kNN classifier, followed by the MLC-GIS and CB-GIS classifiers. According to the best micro-averaged F1 scores, the new methods (CB-GIS, MLC-CIS, MLC-kNN) have improvements of 4.48%, 4.65% and 4.76% over kNN, 1.84%, 1.92% and 2.12% over the centroid-based and 5.26%, 5.34% and 5.45% over GIS respectively. With respect to the best macro-averaged F1 scores, the new methods (CB-GIS, MLC-CIS, MLC-kNN) have improvements of 10.29%, 10.19% and 10.45% over kNN, respectively, 0.1%, 0.03% and 0.29% over the centroid-based and 3.75%, 3.68% and 3.94% over GIS respectively.
Energy efficient policy selection in wireless sensor network using cross layer approach

The authors have addressed the issue of energy saving in packet retransmission by reducing the packet loss in the first attempt. They have formulated the problem as Markov decision process and mapped the system into various states based on system dynamics like channel gain, buffer space, battery energy and harvested energy. In wireless sensor network, adaptive policy management is the best approach to work out with the variation of system states in a dynamically changing environment. The policies are defined regarding various controllable parameters like transmission power, modulation scheme, and transmission rate. The solution is sought regarding best policy selection as per the individual state of the system. They have evaluated the performance of the proposed optimum transreceiver scheme by extensive simulations with existing schemes like optimum energy allocation, adaptive modulation and adaptive power management for the various performance metrics like net bit rate and energy consumption in retransmission of packets for different system states.
Akt-mTORC1 signaling regulates Acly to integrate metabolic input to control of macrophage activation

Macrophage activation/polarization to distinct functional states is critically supported by metabolic shifts. How polarizing signals coordinate metabolic and functional reprogramming, and the potential implications for control of macrophage activation, remains poorly understood. Here we show that IL-4 signaling co-opts the Akt-mTORC1 pathway to regulate Acly, a key enzyme in Ac-CoA synthesis, leading to increased histone acetylation and M2 gene induction. Only a subset of M2 genes is controlled in this way, including those regulating cellular proliferation and chemokine production. Moreover, metabolic signals impinge on the Akt-mTORC1 axis for such control of M2 activation. We propose that Akt-mTORC1 signaling calibrates metabolic state to energetically demanding aspects of M2 activation, which may define a new role for metabolism in supporting macrophage activation. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.11612. 001
Fast Generalized Conditional Gradient Method with Applications to Matrix Recovery Problems

Motivated by matrix recovery problems such as Robust Principal Component Analysis, we consider a general optimization problem of minimizing a smooth and strongly convex loss applied to the sum of two blocks of variables, where each block of variables is constrained or regularized individually. We present a novel Generalized Conditional Gradient method which is able to leverage the special structure of the problem to obtain faster convergence rates than those attainable via standard methods, under a variety of interesting assumptions. In particular, our method is appealing for matrix problems in which one of the blocks corresponds to a low-rank matrix and avoiding prohibitive full-rank singular value decompositions, which are required by most standard methods, is most desirable. Importantly, while our initial motivation comes from problems which originated in statistics, our analysis does not impose any statistical assumptions on the data.
Trends and Advances in Electrochemiluminescence Nanobiosensors

The rapid and increasing use of the nanomaterials (NMs), nanostructured materials (NSMs), metal nanoclusters (MNCs) or nanocomposites (NCs) in the development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) nanobiosensors is a significant area of study for its massive potential in the practical application of nanobiosensor fabrication. Recently, NMs or NSMs (such as AuNPs, AgNPs, Fe3O4, CdS QDs, OMCs, graphene, CNTs and fullerenes) or MNCs (such as Au, Ag, and Pt) or NCs of both metallic and non-metallic origin are being employed for various purposes in the construction of biosensors. In this review, we have selected recently published articles (from 2014–2017) on the current development and prospects of label-free or direct ECL nanobiosensors that incorporate NCs, NMs, NSMs or MNCs.
Novel Approach for Generating the Key of Stream Cipher System Using Random Forest Data Mining Algorithm

Key generator is part of the stream cipher system that is responsible for generating a long random sequence of binary bits key that used in ciphering and deciphering processes. Therefore, key generator is the heart of the stream cipher system. A system with traditional key generating techniques such as using the feedback shift register is vulnerable to cypher attacks which render it to be ineffective and insecure. A suggested novel method to overcome this problem is to use a Random Forest-Data Mining (RF-DM) algorithm. It incorporates using new types of linear and nonlinear functions to mix the plain text with the key in the encryption process and the cipher text with the reverse key in the decryption process. The method is successful in satisfying the secrecy goal of the stream cipher system because it uses two types of dual randomization to baffle the attacker or cryptanalysist. By mathematical logic and prove by experiments, we generate the key successfully by encrypting messages of different sizes . This proves the ablity to generated the unique key for each message based on its length without repeating the key in most cases. In addition, by combining the use of the random forest data mining technique as the randomizating principle in the ciperhing process makes it exteremely difficult for any attacker because the attacker does not have access or understanding of the not only the technique used but also the process to decipher. The result from our experiment shows that the longer the number of the message size, the longer is the length of the generated key, which determines its strength and hence, its complexity to break by brute force.
Bibliometric Analysis of Gender Authorship Trends and Collaboration Dynamics Over 30 Years of Spine 1985 to 2015

Study Design. A bibliometric analysis. Objective. The aim of this article was to study bibliometric changes over the last 30 years of Spine. These trends are important regarding academic publication productivity. Summary of Background Data. Inflation in authorship number and other bibliometric variables has been described in the scientific literature. The issue of author gender is taking on increasing importance, as efforts are being made to close the gender gap. Methods. From 1985 to 2015, 10-year incremental data for several bibliometric variables were collected, including author gender. Standard bivariate statistical analyses were performed. Trends over time were assessed by the Cochran linear trend. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Inclusion criteria were met for 1566 manuscripts. The majority of the manuscripts were from North America (51.2%), Europe (25.2%), and Asia (20.8%). The number of manuscripts, authors, countries, pages, and references all increased from 1985 to 2015. There was a slight increase in female first authors over time (17.5% to 18.4%, P = 0.048). There was no gender change over time for corresponding authors (14.3% to 14.0%, P = 0.29). There was an 88% increase in the percentage of female first authors having male corresponding authors (P = 0.00004), and a 123% increase in male first authors having female corresponding authors (P = 0.0002). The 14% to 18% of female authors in Spine is higher than the ∼5% female membership of the Scoliosis Research Society and North American Spine Society. Conclusion. Manuscripts in Spine over the past 30 years have shown a significant increase in the number of authors, collaborating institutions and countries, printed pages, references, and number of times each manuscript was cited. There has been a mild increase in female first authorship, but none in corresponding authorship. Increases in female authorship will likely require recruitment of more females into the discipline rather than providing females in the discipline with authorship opportunities. Level of Evidence: N/A
Physics of knuckleballs

Zigzag paths in sports ball trajectories are exceptional events. They have been reported in baseball (from where the word knuckleball comes from), in volleyball and in soccer. Such trajectories are associated with intermittent breaking of the lateral symmetry in the surrounding flow. The different scenarios proposed in the literature (such as the effect of seams in baseball) are first discussed and compared to existing data. We then perform experiments on zigzag trajectories and propose a new explanation based on unsteady lift forces. In a second step, we exploit wind tunnel measurements of these unsteady lift forces to solve the equations of motion for various sports and deduce the characteristics of the zigzags, pointing out the role of the drag crisis. Finally, the conditions for the observation of such trajectories in sports are discussed.
Imaging and Spectroscopy of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes during Oxidation: Defects and Oxygen Bonding

The unique properties of the CNTs owing to the covalent sp 2 bonds and tubular structure with large length/diameter ratios renders them excellent candidates for many potential applications. CNTs are used in composite materials, in electronic devices, as sensors, actuators, field emitters, energy storage media, and biomaterials. The high stability of the CNTs in an oxidative environment renders them not only excellent catalystsupport materials but also high-performance catalysts for hydrocarbon oxidation. [1] In fact, processing in oxidative environment is one of the most widely used methods for purificating [2] or reshaping the original structure of carbon-based materials or for tailoring their physical, chemical, and electronic properties by introducing oxygenated groups in the C cage. [3‐8] The oxygen functional groups can convert the metallic CNTs into semiconducting, [9] improve the adhesive properties, or selectively functionalize the surface to meet the application demands. [10‐15] In general, oxidation of C-based materials is a very complex process: formation of different oxygen functional groups and gasification to volatile CO and CO2 products depend strongly on the reaction conditions and the structural characteristics of the material. For creation of optimal density of functional groups with a minimum material loss via gasification, the oxidation rate should becarefullycontrolled, consideringthe structuraleffecton the reactivity, for example, graphite is more stable than CNTs, [16] and in the particular case of CNTs the curved tips are more reactive than the walls. [3‐5]
Self-retaining barbed suture reduces warm ischemia time during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of self-retaining barbed suture in renorrhaphy during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by comparing surgical outcomes in a prospective randomized manner. Material and methods: From July 2014 to July 2015, a total of 60 patients with T1 renal tumor were randomized into two equal groups: self-retaining barbed suture (SRBS) and conventional absorbable polyglactin suture (non-SRBS group). All patients were treated by retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. One surgeon with high volume experience performed all procedures. The patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were compared. Results: The patient demographics and tumor characteristics were comparable. The mean tumor size and R.E. N.A. L. scores were comparable between the two groups. LPN was successfully accomplished in all patients without open conversion. The warm ischemia and renorrhaphy times were significantly shorter in the SRBS group (18.8 ± 8.2 vs. 22.9 ± 7.3 min, P = .04; 10.4 ± 3.7 vs. 13.8 ± 5.6 min, P = .01). The minor complication rate was 13.3% vs. 10.0%, which was comparable. No major complication occurred. Conclusions: The randomized controlled trial demonstrates that SRBS for renorrhaphy during retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is safe and efficient. Application of barbed suture simplifies the parenchymal repair procedure and reduces warm ischemia time in comparison with conventional suture.
The Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial.

OBJECT The purpose of this ongoing study is to compare the safety and efficacy of microsurgical clipping and endovascular coil embolization for the treatment of acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms and to determine if one treatment is superior to the other by examining clinical and angiographic outcomes. The authors examined the null hypothesis that no difference exists between the 2 treatment modalities in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The current report is limited to the clinical results at 1 year after treatment. METHODS The authors screened 725 patients with SAH, resulting in 500 eligible patients who were enrolled prospectively in the study after giving their informed consent. Patients were assigned in an alternating fashion to surgical aneurysm clipping or endovascular coil therapy. Intake evaluations and outcome measurements were collected by nurse practitioners independent of the treating surgeons. Ultimately, 238 patients were assigned to aneurysm clipping and 233 to coil embolization. The 2 treatment groups were well matched. There were no anatomical exclusions. Crossing over was allowed, but primary outcome analysis was based on the initial treatment modality assignment. Posttreatment care was standardized for both groups. Patient outcomes at 1 year were independently assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A poor outcome was defined as an mRS score > 2 at 1 year. The primary outcome was based on the assigned group; that is, by intent to treat. RESULTS One year after treatment, 403 patients were available for evaluation. Of these, 358 patients had actually undergone treatment. The remainder either died before treatment or had no identifiable source of SAH. A poor outcome (mRS score > 2) was observed in 33.7% of the patients assigned to aneurysm clipping and in 23.2% of the patients assigned to coil embolization (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.08-2.61; p = 0.02). Of treated patients assigned to the coil group, 124 (62.3%) of the 199 who were eligible for any treatment actually received endovascular coil embolization. Patients who crossed over from coil to clip treatment fared worse than patients assigned to coil embolization, but no worse than patients assigned to clip occlusion. No patient treated by coil embolization suffered a recurrent hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS One year after treatment, a policy of intent to treat favoring coil embolization resulted in fewer poor outcomes than clip occlusion. Although most aneurysms assigned to the coil treatment group were treated by coil embolization, a substantial number crossed over to surgical clipping. Although a policy of intent to treat favoring coil embolization resulted in fewer poor outcomes at 1 year, it remains important that high-quality surgical clipping be available as an alternative treatment modality.
An Infinitely Expandable Cloning Strategy plus Repeat-Proof PCR for Working with Multiple shRNA

Vector construction with restriction enzymes (REs) typically involves the ligation of a digested donor fragment (insert) to a reciprocally digested recipient fragment (vector backbone). Creating a suitable cloning plan becomes increasingly difficult for complex strategies requiring repeated insertions such as constructing multiple short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vectors for RNA interference (RNAi) studies. The problem lies in the reduced availability of suitable RE recognition sites with an increasing number of cloning events and or vector size. This report details a technically simple, directional cloning solution using REs with compatible cohesive ends that are repeatedly destroyed and simultaneously re-introduced with each round of cloning. Donor fragments can be made by PCR or sub-cloned from pre-existing vectors and inserted ad infinitum in any combination. The design incorporates several cloning cores in order to be compatible with as many donor sequences as possible. We show that joining sub-combinations made in parallel is more time-efficient than sequential construction (of one cassette at a time) for any combination of 4 or more insertions. Screening for the successful construction of combinations using Taq polymerase based PCR became increasingly difficult with increasing number of repeated sequence elements. A Pfu polymerase based PCR was developed and successfully used to amplify combinations of up to eleven consecutive hairpin expression cassettes. The identified PCR conditions can be beneficial to others working with multiple shRNA or other repeated sequences, and the infinitely expandable cloning strategy serves as a general solution applicable to many cloning scenarios.