Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kettin, a major source of myofibrillar stiffness in Drosophila indirect flight muscle

Kettin is a high molecular mass protein of insect muscle that in the sarcomeres binds to actin and α-actinin. To investigate kettin's functional role, we combined immunolabeling experiments with mechanical and biochemical studies on indirect flight muscle (IFM) myofibrils of Drosophila melanogaster. Micrographs of stretched IFM sarcomeres labeled with kettin antibodies revealed staining of the Z-disc periphery. After extraction of the kettin-associated actin, the A-band edges were also stained. In contrast, the staining pattern of projectin, another IFM–I-band protein, was not altered by actin removal. Force measurements were performed on single IFM myofibrils to establish the passive length-tension relationship and record passive stiffness. Stiffness decreased within seconds during gelsolin incubation and to a similar degree upon kettin digestion with μ-calpain. Immunoblotting demonstrated the presence of kettin isoforms in normal Drosophila IFM myofibrils and in myofibrils from an actin-null mutant. Dotblot analysis revealed binding of COOH-terminal kettin domains to myosin. We conclude that kettin is attached not only to actin but also to the end of the thick filament. Kettin along with projectin may constitute the elastic filament system of insect IFM and determine the muscle's high stiffness necessary for stretch activation. Possibly, the two proteins modulate myofibrillar stiffness by expressing different size isoforms.
A nomogram to predict prognostic values of various inflammatory biomarkers in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Inflammation plays an important role in cancer progression and prognosis. However, the prognostic values of inflammatory biomarkers in esophageal cancer (EC) were not established. In the present study, therefore, we initially used a nomogram to predict prognostic values of various inflammatory biomarkers in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS A total of 326 ESCC patients were included in this retrospective study. Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR) were analyzed in the current study. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cancer-specific survival (CSS). Cox regression analysis was also performed to evaluate the prognostic factors. A nomogram was established to predict the prognosis for CSS. RESULTS Patients were divided into 3 groups according to GPS (GPS 0, 1 and 2) and 2 groups according to NLR (≤3.45 and >3.45), PLR (≤166.5 and >166.5) and LMR (≤2.30 and >2.30). The 5-year CSS in patients with GPS 0, 1 and 2 were 49.2%, 26.8% and 11.9%, respectively (P<0.001). In addition, patients with NLR (>3.45), PLR (>166.5) and LMR (≤2.30) were significantly associated with decreased CSS, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that GPS (P<0.001), PLR (P=0.002) and LMR (P=0.002) were independent prognostic factors in patients with ESCC. In addition, a nomogram was established according to all significantly independent factors for CSS. The Harrell's c-index for CSS prediction was 0.72. CONCLUSION GPS, PLR and LMR were potential prognostic biomarkers in patients with ESCC. The nomogram based on CSS could be used as an accurately prognostic prediction for patients with ESCC.
XML Security based Access Control for Healthcare Information in Mobile Environment

Mobile and wireless devices have penetrated the health care sector due to their increased functionality, low cost, high reliability and easy-to-use nature. However, in such health care applications the privacy and security of the transmitted information must be preserved. Also different personal involved in the Healthcare industry must have different access privileges to the patient information. In this paper we present a protocol that will share the information securely to the intended recipient using the XML encryption and XML signature technologies
Relationship between serum hsCRP concentration and biochemical bone turnover markers in healthy pre‐ and postmenopausal women

Objective Although osteoporosis and atherosclerosis seem to be related, the mechanisms are not yet understood. We previously observed that women with higher serum concentrations of high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis, had lower bone mineral density (BMD). However, the relationship of hsCRP level with bone turnover rate, an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fracture, is not known.
Flax fiber surface modifications : Effects on fiber physico mechanical and flax/polypropylene interface properties

This study arises on the opportunities of using flax fibers as reinforcement for polypropylene (PP) matrix composites. For this purpose, untreated flax fiber bundles obtained by a retting process have been used. For improving compatibility between flax fiber bundles and PP matrix, fiber surface treatments such as maleic anhydride, maleic anhydride polypropylene copolymer, and vinyltrimethoxy silane have been carried out. On the other hand, alkali treatment has also been carried out for fiber modification. The effect of surface modification on tensile properties of single fibers and also on fiber-matrix interfacial shear strength (IFSS) has been analyzed. Finally, both optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy have been used for characterizing flax fiber microstructural features. The current study completes previous results to elucidate the influence of treatments on fiber surface and flax fiber-PP interface. POLYM. COMPOS. 26:324–332, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Sex steroids and sleep: sleep disturbances in menopause.

Sleeping problems and sleep disturbances are common. According to a French study 73% of 12,778 subjects had experienced sleeping problems during the previous month and 29% of them had sleeping problems continuously [22]. Women report sleep disturbances more often than men [6, 19, 22, 30]. The most important sleeping problem in women is insomnia, which typically manifests as difficulty of falling asleep, frequent awakenings or awakening too early from sleep in the morning [41]. After the age of 50 years moderate insomnia is reported by 25% of women and severe insomnia by 15% of women [22]. Other important causes for sleeping problems are nocturnal breathing disturbances, restless legs syndrome, psychophysiological insomnia and depressive symptoms. The epidemiological data to indicate the proportion of sleep disturbances linked to the menopause is lacking although it is certain that the cessation of ovarian endocrine function at menopause results in a wide range of changes in biological functions including sleep. Hot flashes and sweating are considered specific to climacterium [39]. In addition to these symptoms sleeping difficulties also occur frequently [28]. Sleeping problems have a profound effect to the general wellbeing of a woman. Poor sleep reflects as daytime tiredness and impairment of daily activities. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has proven to be effective treatment to climacteric symptoms [35, 36]. A recent study indicates that HRT alleviates also sleeping problems [35]. In the sleep quality evaluation, two different aspects are to be taken into account: the subjective and the objective sleep quality. Subjective sleep disturbance is a self-reported complaint, whereas objective sleep disturbance means reduced sleep efficiency or abnormalities in sleep architecture, measured by polygraphic recording of the electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG) and electromyogram (EMG). It is noteworthy that these two conditions do not always overlap, which sometimes makes management and treatment more difficult.
Static and dynamic analysis of the flow of bulk materials through silos

Storing and handling of bulk materials are essential aspects of grain, chemical and mining operations. Problems that commonly occur in silo operation mainly include flow blockages and structural failure of silos, which reduce the silo capacity and cause high maintenance cost. In most cases the problems occur principally due to inadequate design analysis together with a lack of knowledge of dynamic behaviour of the bulk material containment structure system during the discharge of materials from silos. This thesis focusses on the simulation of the filling and the discharge process of bulk materials in silos. Emphasis has been placed on the development of the numerical methods for the prediction of bulk material pressures on silo walls and the internal stresses in silo shells under both static and dynamic conditions. The motion of bulk materials flowing through silos is modelled as the motion of a no-tension, viscous, elastic-plastic material. A s large deformation occurs during discharge of the material, geometry nonlinearity is considered in the analysis. A finite element method formulated in terms of velocity as the primary variable is developed for the simulation of the flow of bulk materials and the structural response of the silo shell. The behaviour of the flowing bulk material is coupled with the behaviour of the containment structure by the contact condition of the bulk material and the silo wall. A computer program has been developed for the analysis.
Recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome after treatments given in the PACE trial

Background A multi-centre, four-arm trial (the PACE trial) found that rehabilitative cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) were more effective treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) than specialist medical care (SMC) alone, when each was added to SMC, and more effective than adaptive pacing therapy (APT) when added to SMC. In this study we compared how many participants recovered after each treatment. Method We defined recovery operationally using multiple criteria, and compared the proportions of participants meeting each individual criterion along with two composite criteria, defined as (a) recovery in the context of the trial and (b) clinical recovery from the current episode of the illness, however defined, 52 weeks after randomization. We used logistic regression modelling to compare treatments. Results The percentages (number/total) meeting trial criteria for recovery were 22% (32/143) after CBT, 22% (32/143) after GET, 8% (12/149) after APT and 7% (11/150) after SMC. Similar proportions met criteria for clinical recovery. The odds ratio (OR) for trial recovery after CBT was 3.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64–6.88] and for GET 3.38 (95% CI 1.65–6.93), when compared to APT, and after CBT 3.69 (95% CI 1.77–7.69) and GET 3.71 (95% CI 1.78–7.74), when compared to SMC (p values ⩽0.001 for all comparisons). There was no significant difference between APT and SMC. Similar proportions recovered in trial subgroups meeting different definitions of the illness. Conclusions This study confirms that recovery from CFS is possible, and that CBT and GET are the therapies most likely to lead to recovery.
Topological classification of small DC motors

In this paper we propose a new methodology based on signal embedding and applied topology for studying real noisy signals. Even if signal embedding is a useful tool, it is not sufficient for studying long range noisy signals. We argue that embedded signal in ℝm space can be properly analysed with topology based techniques. We obtained numerical evidences that our procedure properly classifies small DC motors into good/faulty, using the vibration data acquired from the bench. Small DC motors are largely employed in automotive to drive fans in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. Because of their high-speed, they can produce noise and vibration, perceived by the final users as a lack of quality. This problem is becoming relevant with the advent of the hybrid vehicles, in which the electrical motor is completely silent if compared to a traditional internal combustion engine, so all other noise and vibration source become noticeable by the passengers and felt as discomfort or a nuisance.
Response: Commentary: High-intensity Intermittent Training vs. Moderate-intensity Intermittent Training: Is It a Matter of Intensity or Intermittent Efforts?

Citation: Jiménez-Pavón D and Lavie CJ (2017) Response: Commentary: High-intensity Intermittent Training vs. Moderate-intensity Intermittent Training: Is It a Matter of Intensity or Intermittent Efforts? Front. Physiol. 8:526. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2017. 00526 Response: Commentary: High-intensity Intermittent Training vs. Moderate-intensity Intermittent Training: Is It a Matter of Intensity or Intermittent Efforts?
Composable Memory Transactions in Concurrent Haskell

Composable memory transactions are a new communication abstraction for Concurrent Haskell, which provides the programmer with a composable communication concept. Unfortunately, composable memory transactions are implemented as external functions for ghc version 6.4 and not available for other implementation of Concurrent Haskell. We present an implementation of memory transactions within Concurrent Haskell. The presented library can be executed within older ghc versions as well as with the popular Hugs system. Benchmarks show, that our library performes well. Furthermore, our (high-level) implementation can be extended and maintained more easily than the low-level implementation provided by ghc 6.4.
Ethylene Response Factor Sl-ERF.B.3 Is Responsive to Abiotic Stresses and Mediates Salt and Cold Stress Response Regulation in Tomato

Sl-ERF.B.3 (Solanum lycopersicum ethylene response factor B.3) gene encodes for a tomato transcription factor of the ERF (ethylene responsive factor) family. Our results of real-time RT-PCR showed that Sl-ERF.B.3 is an abiotic stress responsive gene, which is induced by cold, heat, and flooding, but downregulated by salinity and drought. To get more insight into the role of Sl-ERF.B.3 in plant response to separate salinity and cold, a comparative study between wild type and two Sl-ERF.B.3 antisense transgenic tomato lines was achieved. Compared with wild type, Sl-ERF.B.3 antisense transgenic plants exhibited a salt stress dependent growth inhibition. This inhibition was significantly enhanced in shoots but reduced in roots, leading to an increased root to shoot ratio. Furthermore, the cold stress essay clearly revealed that introducing antisense Sl-ERF.B.3 in transgenic tomato plants reduces their cell injury and enhances their tolerance against 14 d of cold stress. All these results suggest that Sl-ERF.B.3 gene is involved in plant response to abiotic stresses and may play a role in the layout of stress symptoms under cold stress and in growth regulation under salinity.
Classification of Emotional Arousal During Multimedia Exposure

In the study of emotion recognition, relatively few efforts have been made to compare classification results across different emotion induction methods. In this study, we attempt to classify emotional arousal using physiological signals collected across three stimulus types -- music, videos, and games. Subjects were exposed to relaxing and exciting music and videos and then asked to play Tetris and Minesweeper. Data from GSR, ECG, EOG, EEG, and PPG signals were analyzed using machine learning algorithms. We were able to successfully detect emotion arousal over a set of contiguous multimedia activities. Furthermore, we found that the patterns of physiological response to each multimedia stimuli are varying enough, that we can guess the stimulus type just by looking at the biosignals.
Preliminary experience with 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT in cerebral ischaemia.

To assess the sequential changes seen in cerebral blood flow using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography with 99mtechnetium-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO SPECT) in acute ischaemic stroke, 35 patients were prospectively studied from June 1990- to March 1991. Scans were performed during the acute phase (1-7 days), sub-acute phase (8-21 days) and chronic phase of stroke (greater than 1 month). Nine patients underwent scans in all 3 phases, 15 patients had 2 scans, and 11 patients had one scan. The majority of infarcts were in the middle cerebral territory (15 patients), while 4 infarcts were in the posterior cerebral territory and two in the anterior cerebral territory. There was a total of 4 lacunar infarcts. Image analysis was by visual inspection and by semiquantitation using homologous regions of interest in opposite hemispheres. SPECT in the acute phase identified the final vascular territory affected in 19 of 27 patients. There were 8 patients in whom early SPECT predicted the vascular territory as seen on late CT scan when the early CT scan was normal. Hyperaemia or reperfusion in the involved vascular territory was identified in 10 patients on scans performed during the sub-acute phase. Late SPECT scans showed perfusion defects greater than the infarct size seen on CT scan in the majority of patients. In all cases, the perfusion defect on the late SPECT scan was equal to or larger than the defect seen on the acute or sub-acute scan. Crossed cerebellar diaschisis was identified in 8 patients, and cortical/subcortical diaschisis in one patient. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Signal averaged P wave compared with standard electrocardiography or echocardiography for prediction of atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: To define the clinical value of the signal averaged P wave (SAPW) and to compare it with the standard electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and clinical assessment for the prediction of atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass grafting (CABG). DESIGN: Prospective validation cohort study. SETTING: Regional cardiothoracic centre. PATIENTS: 201 unselected patients undergoing first elective CABG were recruited over six months. Patients requiring concomitant valve surgery were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, sex, cardiothoracic ratio, and cardioactive drugs were noted. P wave specific SAPW recordings, ECG, and M mode echocardiograms from which left atrial diameter was measured were performed within 24 hours of surgery. Filtered P wave duration (SAPWD), spatial velocity, and energy were calculated from the SAPW. From the ECG, lead II P wave duration, P terminal force in lead V1, total P wave duration, and isoelectric interval were measured. Patients had Holter monitoring for 48 hours postoperatively and daily ECGs until discharge. RESULTS: Two patients died (1%) and 10 were unsuitable for analysis (5%). Of the remaining 189, 51 (27%) had atrial fibrillation (AF) lasting > 1 hour at a mean of 2 (0.5 to 7) days after CABG. Of the variables examined, only SAPWD (AF group 148 (SD 12), v 142 (14) ms, P = 0.008) and male sex (AF group 96%, v 78%, P < 0.01) were significantly different. A prospectively defined SAPWD of > 141 ms predicted atrial fibrillation with positive and negative predictive accuracies of 34% and 83%. Logistic regression analysis identified both male sex and SAPWD as significant independent predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: Signal averaged P wave duration was a better predictor of atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass grafting than standard electrocardiographic or echocardiographic criteria. The predictive value of this test is such that it is likely to be useful in the design of prospective trials of prophylactic antiarrhythmic treatment but is of limited use using current techniques in the clinical management of individual patients.
Please STeP/spl I.bar/IN: a socio-technical platform for in situ networking

This paper describes a system called STeP/spl I.bar/IN (standing for socio-technical platform for in situ networking) that assists software developer to find and learn Java API libraries. It provides individualized search interface for Java developers, examples that illustrate the usage, and more distinctively a facilitating mechanism that connects Java developers to exchange expertise based on their expertise and social relations. STeP/spl I.bar/IN is designed and developed based on the dynamic community theory, a new collaboration form that we have proposed.
A Novel Approach for Lung Nodules Segmentation in Chest CT Using Level Sets

A new variational level set approach is proposed for lung nodule segmentation in lung CT scans. A general lung nodule shape model is proposed using implicit spaces as a signed distance function. The shape model is fused with the image intensity statistical information in a variational segmentation framework. The nodule shape model is mapped to the image domain by a global transformation that includes inhomogeneous scales, rotation, and translation parameters. A matching criteria between the shape model and the image implicit representations is employed to handle the alignment process. Transformation parameters evolve through gradient descent optimization to handle the shape alignment process and hence mark the boundaries of the nodule “head. ” The embedding process takes into consideration the image intensity as well as prior shape information. A nonparametric density estimation approach is employed to handle the statistical intensity representation of the nodule and background regions. The proposed technique does not depend on nodule type or location. Exhaustive experimental and validation results are demonstrated on 742 nodules obtained from four different CT lung databases, illustrating the robustness of the approach.
Influence of close-up starting programs on performance of light-weight feedlot steers calves during the early receiving period.

The influence of close-up feed strategies on growth performance and dietary NE in light-weight feedlot steers during a 56 d receiving period was evaluated. Dietary treatments were formulated to meet the average metabolizable amino acid requirements of calves during 1) the initial 7 d; 2) the initial 14 d; and 3) the initial 21 d following arrival into the feedlot, assuming average interval DMI of 2.8, 3.0, and 3.6 kg/d, respectively. Thereafter, all steers received dietary treatment 3. Fish meal was the source of supplemental protein. One hundred eight medium-framed crossbred steers (168.4 ± 5.0 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to 18 pen groups (6 steers per pen). P-value (≤0.10) was considered as statistically significant. Daily weight gain (linear effect, P = 0.09) and gain efficiency (linear effect, P = 0.08) decreased as the close-up interval increased. DMI was not influenced by feeding program (P = 0.46). The ratio of observed to expected dietary NEm (linear effect P = 0.06) and NEg (linear effect, P = 0.05) decreased as length of close-up interval increased. Morbidity was low (18%) and not affected (P > 0.40) by dietary treatments. It is concluded that the addition of a close-up diet formulated to meet the metabolizable amino acid requirements of shipping stressed calves during the initial 7 d in the feedlot, when feed intakes are comparatively low, will have long-term beneficial effect on cattle growth performance and dietary NE.