Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review of optimal public transport fare

Optimal public transport fares theory can be traced back to the Cournot's optimal price theory, so based on the Cournot's theory firstly, profit maximizing price, price discrimination, and welfare maximizing price were introduced respectively. Secondly, according to the process of the theory development, optimal price theory used in urban road pricing theory was introduced. And then optimal road pricing model was analyzed which concern on congestion, traffic emission, energy consumption, etc. Finally, the foundation and the development of optimal public transport fare theory was introduced.
Inherited platelet function disorders

Summary Inherited platelet function disorders (IPFDs) make up a significant proportion of congenital bleeding diatheses, but they remain poorly understood and often difficult to diagnose. Therefore, a rational diagnostic approach, based on a standardized sequence of laboratory tests, with consecutive steps of increasing level of complexity, plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of most IPFDs. In this review we discuss a diagnostic approach through platelet phenotyping and genotyping and we give an overview of the options for the management of bleeding in these disorders and an account of the few systematic studies on the bleeding risk associated with invasive procedures and its treatment.
Antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 family protein expression increases with progression of oligodendroglioma

Altered expression of Bcl‐2 family proteins has been associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression as well as resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the current study, Bcl‐2 family protein expression was examined in oligodendrogliomas and anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, and an attempt was made to determine whether these proteins accumulate during disease progression and to search for protein expression patterns predictive of time to progression and overall survival.
Neuroimaging Abnormalities in the Amygdala in Mood Disorders

Abstract: Neuroimaging technology has been applied to investigate the pathophysiology of mood disorders in studies aimed at characterizing the anatomical correlates of depressive symptoms, the neurophysiological effects of antidepressant treatments, and the trait‐like abnormalities that persist despite symptom remission. These studies have identified cerebral blood flow and metabolic differences between depressives and controls in the amygdala and anatomically related areas of the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and thalamus. Taken together with converging evidence from neuroendocrine, lesion analysis, and postmortem studies of clinically depressed subjects, these data suggest that emotional/stress‐response systems that include the amygdala are pathologically activated in major depression and that this activity is associated with dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex and monoamine neurotransmitter systems that normally modulate such responses.
The diverse oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles of salt-inducible kinase (SIK) in cancer

Introduction: The salt-inducible kinases originally cloned in adrenal glands of high salt diet-fed rats, generally named as SIKs, are highly evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine protein kinases belonging to a family of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Overexpression of SIK2 and SIK3 is discovered in many tumors. Whereas, SIK1 expression was significantly lower in tumors than in normal tissues. Areas covered: The main aim of our review is to introduce the signaling pathways as well as its mechanisms underlying their activity regulation, and especially the roles they play in cancer, which may shed light on the prospects of the cancer prevention and therapeutic targeting of SIKs in the future. Expert opinion: It is conceivable that SIKs, mainly stimulated by ACTH, LKB1, TGF-β, and autophosphorylation, play crucial roles in regulating multiple signal pathways in cancer cells and controlling a series of cellular processes including cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. More recent studies about SIKs are emerging, and their overexpression is found in a few specific types of cancers. However, correlations between SIKs and carcinogenesis remain to be fully elucidated.
Fuzzy image retrieval system

To address the emerging needs of applications that require access to and retrieval of multimedia objects, we are developing an intelligent image retrieval system called FIRS. In this paper, we concentrate on the retrieval subsystem and its support for content-based queries over image databases. Content-based retrieval techniques (statistics, probabilistic, vector-oriented and fuzzy) have been extensively studied for textual documents in the area of automatic information retrieval. This paper show the adaptation of the fuzzy retrieval technique, used by the textual data, in the images' context.
Ultrasonic Rangefinder Spikes Rejection Using Discrete Wavelet Transform: Application to UAV

This paper presents a spikes removing methodology for ultrasonic rangefinders with an application to a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle. Ultrasonic sensors suffer from spikes in distance measurements due to specular reflectance and acoustic noise. Removing these spikes is necessary for improving the hovering performance of the quadrotor. The spikes removing algorithm is based on the discrete wavelet transform. The algorithm is implemented in simulation to study the effect of the altitude measurement spikes on the control performance of the quadrotor with and without the algorithm. The algorithm is also implemented digitally on ultrasonic measurements from a real flight. Results show that the method is capable of rejecting the spikes in the measurements efficiently leaving the altitude control signal unaffected.
Inflammatory bowel diseases influence major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) and II compartments in intestinal epithelial cells

Antigen presentation by intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) is crucial for intestinal homeostasis. Disturbances of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I)‐ and II‐related presentation pathways in IEC appear to be involved in an altered activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in inflammatory bowel disease. However, a comprehensive analysis of MHC I‐ and II‐enriched compartments in IEC of the small and large bowel in the healthy state as opposed to inflammatory bowel diseases is lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize the subcellular expression of MHC I and II in the endocytic pathway of IEC throughout all parts of the intestinal tract, and to identify differences between the healthy state and inflammatory bowel diseases. Biopsies were taken by endoscopy from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon in healthy individuals (n = 20). In Crohn's disease (CD), biopsies were obtained from the ileum and colon and within the colon from ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (n = 15). Analysis of IEC was performed by immunoelectron microscopy. MHC I and II were identified in early endosomes and multi‐vesicular, multi‐lamellar, electrondense and vacuolar late endosomes. Both molecules were enriched in multi‐vesicular bodies. No differences were found between the distinct parts of the gut axis. In CD and UC the expression of MHC I and II showed a shift from multi‐vesicular bodies towards the basolateral membranes. Within the multi‐vesicular bodies, MHC I and II moved from internal vesicles to the limiting membranes upon inflammation in CD and UC. MHC I‐ and II‐enriched compartments in IEC were identical in all parts of the small and large bowel. CD and UC appear to modulate the MHC I‐ and II‐related presentation pathways of exogenous antigens in IEC.
Screening for Cervical Neoplasia in an Unselected Rural Guatemalan Population Using Direct Visual Inspection after Acetic Acid Application: A Pilot Study

Objective. To assess the acceptability of cervical screening using direct visual inspection after acetic acid application followed by immediate cryotherapy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia among women in rural Guatemala. Materials and Methods. An unselected group of 1,052 women voluntarily registered to undergo cervical screening using direct visual inspection of the cervix after acetic acid application. Women with acetowhite changes consistent with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were offered immediate cryotherapy. Results. Cervical screening was deferred in 80 (7.6%) registrants, and 18 (1.7%) refused to undergo an examination. Among the 954 registrants screened, 125 (13%) had findings consistent with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Cryotherapy was deferred in three patients. A total of 121 (99%) women agreed to immediate cryotherapy. Conclusion. Direct cervical visualization after acetic acid application followed by immediate cryotherapy for acetowhite changes consistent with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia would be a well-accepted method of cervical screening in rural Guatemala.
Incorporation of Vpr into Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Requires a Direct Interaction with the p6 Domain of the p55 Gag Precursor*

The 96-amino acid Vpr protein is the major virion-associated accessory protein of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). As Vpr is not part of the p55 Gag polyprotein precursor (Pr55 gag ), its incorporation requires an anchor to associate with the assembling viral particles. Although the molecular mechanism is presently unclear, the C-terminal region of the Pr55 gag corresponding to the p6 domain appears to constitute such an anchor essential for the incorporation of the Vpr protein. In order to clarify the mechanism by which the Vpr accessory protein istrans-incorporated into progeny virion particles, we tested whether HIV-1 Vpr interacted with the Pr55 gag using the yeast two-hybrid system and the maltose-binding protein pull-down assay. The present study provides genetic and biochemical evidence indicating that the Pr55 gag can physically interact with the Vpr protein. Furthermore, point mutations affecting the integrity of the conserved L-X-S-L-F-G motif of p6 gag completely abolish the interaction between Vpr and the Pr55 gag and, as a consequence, prevent Vpr virion incorporation. In contrast to other studies, mutations affecting the integrity of the NCp7 zinc fingers impaired neither Vpr virion incorporation nor the binding between Vpr and the Pr55 gag . Conversely, amino acid substitutions in Vpr demonstrate that an intact N-terminal α-helical structure is essential for the Vpr-Pr55 gag interaction. Vpr and the Pr55 gag demonstrate a strong interaction in vitroas salt concentrations as high as 900 mm could not disrupt the interaction. Finally, the interaction is efficiently competed using anti-Vpr sera. Together, these results strongly suggest that Vprtrans-incorporation into HIV-1 particles requires a direct interaction between its N-terminal region and the C-terminal region of p6 gag . The development of Pr55 gag -Vpr interaction assays may allow the screening of molecules that can prevent the incorporation of the Vpr accessory protein into HIV-1 virions, and thus inhibit its early functions.
Effects of gestation and lactation on forage intake, digestion, and passage rates of primiparous beef heifers and multiparous beef cows.

Angus-cross cows (n = 13; 8 pregnant, BW 610 ± 24 kg, and 5 nonpregnant, BW 571 ± 23 kg) and heifers (n = 13; 8 pregnant, BW 511 ± 40 kg, and 5 nonpregnant, BW 451 ± 60 kg) were individually fed chopped warm-season grass hay (5.5% CP, 67% NDF) for ad libitum intake and soybean meal (46% CP) at 450 g/d. Intake was measured daily, and DM digestibility, digesta passage rate, and plasma glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were measured every 14 d from 49 d prepartum to 49 d postpartum. Prepartum DMI (% of BW) increased over time for pregnant heifers through 2 wk prepartum before declining but did not change over time for pregnant cows. Dry matter digestibility decreased with advancing gestation (P < 0.001); pregnant animals had greater digestibility than nonpregnant cows and heifers (P = 0.02). Digestibility was not influenced by age (P = 0.99). Pregnant cows and heifers had faster digesta passage rates than their nonpregnant counterparts (P = 0.02). Pregnant animals had lower plasma glucose (P < 0.001). Plasma BHBA concentrations were greater in pregnant animals than in nonpregnant animals (P < 0.001) but were not influenced by age (P = 0.27) or time prepartum (P = 0.98). Postpartum DMI (% of BW) was greater for lactating heifers than other groups (age × lactation status; P = 0.05) and increased over time (P < 0.001). Diet digestibility increased with time postpartum (P < 0.001), and heifers had greater digestibility than cows from 3 to 7 wk postpartum but not at 1 wk postpartum (age × time; P = 0.02). Postpartum passage rate was not influenced by age or lactation status (P > 0.23). Lactating animals had lower plasma glucose and greater plasma BHBA concentrations postpartum than nonlactating animals (P < 0.001). Calves from mature cows grew faster than calves from heifers (age × time; P < 0.001). These data show that although primiparous beef heifers have similar DM digestibility, passage rates, and plasma glucose and BHBA concentrations, intake patterns differ between heifers and cows. Although DMI (% of BW) and digestibility did not differ between pregnant beef heifers and pregnant mature cows, the DMI (% of BW) was greater for lactating primiparous cows (heifers) than for lactating multiparous cows. Even with their postpartum increase in DMI, primiparous beef heifers were not able to consume adequate amounts of the warm-season forage to support their requirements for maintenance, growth, and lactation.
Review: Microglia of the aged brain: primed to be activated and resistant to regulation

Innate immunity within the central nervous system (CNS) is primarily provided by resident microglia. Microglia are pivotal in immune surveillance and also facilitate the co‐ordinated responses between the immune system and the brain. For example, microglia interpret and propagate inflammatory signals that are initiated in the periphery. This transient microglial activation helps mount the appropriate physiological and behavioural response following peripheral infection. With normal ageing, however, microglia develop a more inflammatory phenotype. For instance, in several models of ageing there are increased pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the brain and increased expression of inflammatory receptors on microglia. This increased inflammatory status of microglia with ageing is referred to as primed, reactive or sensitized. A modest increase in the inflammatory profile of the CNS and altered microglial function in ageing has behavioural and cognitive consequences. Nonetheless, there are major differences in microglial biology between young and old age when the immune system is challenged and microglia are activated. In this context, microglial activation is amplified and prolonged in the aged brain compared with adults. The cause of this amplified microglial activation may be related to impairments in several key regulatory systems with age that make it more difficult to resolve microglial activation. The consequences of impaired regulation and microglial hyper‐activation following immune challenge are exaggerated neuroinflammation, sickness behaviour, depressive‐like behaviour and cognitive deficits. Therefore the purpose of this review is to discuss the current understanding of age‐associated microglial priming, consequences of priming and reactivity, and the impairments in regulatory systems that may underlie these age‐related deficits.
Stepwise activation of the immunoglobulin μ heavy chain gene locus

The immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene locus spans several megabases. We show that IgH activation during B‐cell differentiation, as measured by histone acetylation, occurs in discrete, independently regulated domains. Initially, a 120 kb domain of germline DNA is hyperacetylated, that extends from DFL16.1, the 5′‐most DH gene segment, to the intergenic region between Cμ and Cδ. Germline VH genes were not hyperacetylated at this stage, which accounts for DH to JH recombination occurring first during B‐cell development. Subsequent activation of the VH locus happens in at least three differentially regulated domains: an interleukin‐7‐regulated domain consisting of the 5′ J558 family, an intermediate domain and the 3′ VH genes, which are hyperacetylated in response to DJH recombination. These observations lead to mechanisms for two well‐documented phenomena in B‐cell ontogeny: the sequential rearrangement of DH followed by VH gene segments, and the preferential recombination of DH‐proximal VH genes in pro‐B cells. We suggest that stepwise activation may be a general mechanism by which large segments of the genome are prepared for expression.
The relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microalbuminuria in patients with essential hypertension.

OBJECTIVE The existence of microalbuminuria (MAU) in patients with essential hypertension is a strong indicator of microvascular damage. Although endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular permeability both have a role in the development of MAU, its ethiopathogenesis in hypertensive patients is not yet clearly understood. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most important regulator of pathological or physiological angiogenesis and it additionally leads to increased vascular permeability. This study aims to assess the relationship of serum VEGF levels to MAU in non-complicated, newly-diagnosed essential hypertensive patients (EHs). METHODS This study included 30 newly-diagnosed EHs with MAU, 46 newly-diagnosed EHs without MAU and 46 healthy controls. None of the EHs had diabetes, renal impairment or atherosclerotic diseases. Serum VEGF levels were measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS Serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher in EHs with MAU when compared with patients without MAU (225.15+/-109.34 pg/mL versus 166.78+/-114.35 pg/mL, p: 0.04) or controls (225.15+/-109.34 pg/mL versus 144.91+/-96.60 pg/mL, p: 0.007). On the other hand, no significant difference was observed between the non-MAU and control groups. In the univariate analysis, serum levels of VEGF, were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (R: 0.253 p: 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (R: 0.162 p: 0.04), mean arterial pressure (R: 0.239 p: 0.002), creatinine clearance (R: 0.172 p: 0.04) and MAU (R: 0.338 p: 0.002). In the multiple linear regression analysis, VEGF levels were independently related to MAU (beta: 0.248, p: 0.02). CONCLUSION VEGF levels are higher in EHs in the presence of MAU. These high values may be important in the early diagnosis of vascular damage in EHs. Additionally, VEGF may increase glomerular permeability and lead to MAU in EHs.
Apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome

Purpose of review The goal of identifying subjects with metabolic syndrome is to detect those at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Evidence continues to accumulate as to the superiority of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I over the conventional lipoprotein lipids as markers of vascular risk. It would seem reasonable, therefore, to redefine the dyslipidemia of the metabolic syndrome incorporating apolipoproteins. Therefore, our objective is to elucidate how apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I amplify evidence of the interactions amongst metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and vascular risk. Recent findings In several large epidemiological studies, including the NHANES III database, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio was tightly linked to the metabolic syndrome and each of its components, the descending order being: low HDL cholesterol, high triglyceride, high waist circumference, high glucose, and high blood pressure. Moreover, apolipoprotein B associates more closely with inflammatory markers and insulin resistance than triglyceride and all cholesterol markers. Yet despite close association of the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio to metabolic syndrome, both are independent predictors of future myocardial infarction. Summary We believe that the dyslipidemia of the metabolic syndrome should be redefined to include apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I.
MODULATING THE CORTICOSTERONE STRESS RESPONSE: A MECHANISM FOR BALANCING INDIVIDUAL RISK AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN ARCTIC-BREEDING SPARROWS?

Abstract Modulation of the adrenocortical stress response with respect to the degree of parental activity was investigated in three Arctic-breeding species of songbirds faced with limited opportunities to breed. The hypothesis that the strength of the response can be lowered when reproductive effort or investment is greatest was tested by measuring the adrenocortical response to handling stress during two breeding stages that represented different levels of reproductive effort (i.e. before young were present [preparental] and while feeding nestlings [parental]). Comparisons of the corticosterone stress response (baseline at capture and subsequent samples 5, 10, 30, and 60 min after capture) were made within and between both sexes of American Tree Sparrows (Spizella arborea), White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii), and Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) breeding above the Arctic Circle at Toolik Lake, Alaska. In general, body mass and baseline corticosterone did not differ between sexes within each of the three species, nor did they change during the two stages of breeding (tree and White-crowned sparrows only). In all three species, males had stronger adrenocortical responses than females during the preparental period, a time when males may expend less in reproductive effort than females. However, during the parental stage (tree and White-crowned sparrows only), the stress response of males declined and became similar to that of females because both sexes fed young. Females of both species (having considerable reproductive effort throughout both stages via egg laying or incubation and feeding young) showed no change in stress response with breeding stage. These results support the hypothesis that individuals with limited opportunities to breed can modulate the adrenocortical stress response when reproductive effort or investment is greatest as a way to maximize breeding success.
Management challenges in mHealth: failures of a mobile community health worker surveillance programme in rural Nepal

Community health workers form the backbone of healthcare systems globally. The rapid expansion of mobile communications systems represents an opportunity to improve the productivity of community health workers in rural areas. Here, we describe a programme in rural Nepal that aimed to implement a mobile phone system for collecting health surveillance data, yet did not reach its fullest potential due to several programme management challenges during the implementation of the surveillance programme. Despite early successes with the mobile phone system itself, the programme ultimately failed due to leadership transitions, poor process design and a lack of consistent vision of how to operationalise the data. This field report provides important insights into the design, maintenance and pitfalls of similar community-based mobile health initiatives and technology innovation projects in general.