Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hunting for hematopoietic transcriptional networks

Each day an adult human produces roughly 2.5 × 1011 erythrocytes, 1 × 1011 leukocytes, and 1 × 1011 platelets, numbers that can increase 10- to 20-fold in times of heightened demand. Blood cell production, termed hematopoiesis, occurs in the red marrow found mostly in the skull, spine, and proximal ends of the long bones of the body. Within the marrow resides a small number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the origin of all blood cells, which undergo a series of proliferative and differentiation steps eventuating in the near half a trillion or more cells produced each day. The molecular “wiring diagram” that regulates the production of mature blood cells from HSCs is both cell intrinsic (gene transcription factors and epigenetic changes) and cell extrinsic (growth factors and microenvironmental soluble and cell surface proteins), although whether lineage decisions are stochastic or directed by external factors remains a controversial topic. Much is known about the HSC niche and the cells, hormones, and soluble mediators that affect hematopoiesis, but less well known are the transcription factors that regulate the lineage fate choices made by HSCs and their developmental progeny. The study by Zhu et al. (1) in PNAS has the potential to greatly expand our understanding of this latter aspect of hematopoiesis and provides a roadmap for further discovery. Blood platelets derive from the tips of elongated cytoplasmic processes of a large, polyploid marrow cell, termed a megakaryocyte, with each megakaryocyte delivering about 1,000 platelets into the marrow vascular sinusoids. Megakaryocytes, like all marrow cells, are derived from HSCs through a series of expansion and differentiation steps that generate a group of intermediately differentiated cells, including common myeloid progenitors (CMPs), which can ultimately give rise to erythrocytes, granulocytic leukocytes, and megakaryocytes; megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors (MEPs), which can ultimately give rise … [↵][1]1Email: kenneth.kaushansky{at}stonybrookmedicine.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Efficacy of a cognitive stimulation therapy programme for people with dementia

Abstract Objectives: Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) has been shown to produce improvements in cognition and quality of life which compare favourably with trials of cholinesterase inhibitors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of CST, replicating the methods of Spector et al in the British Journal of Psychiatry in 2003 in a smaller sample using a control group engaged in routine activities. Methods: Eligible participants (mild to moderate dementia; MMSE range 10-23) were randomised to CST group or control conditions. Pre- and post-intervention testing was undertaken by assessors who were blind to condition. Measures included MMSE, CDR (sum of boxes), ADAS-cog, RAID (anxiety), abbreviated GDS (depression), QoL-AD, and the CAPE Behaviour Rating Scale (BRS). Analysis was by non-parametric statistics. Occupational therapists facilitated two sessions per week for seven weeks in two long-term care facilities and the same programme was run by the activity co-ordinator in a nursing home unit. Results: Fourteen CST and 13 control participants completed the study. Between group difference scores analysis showed that the CST group improved compared to controls on MMSE (Mann-Whitney U = 32, p = 0.013) and on the QoL-AD which just fell short of significant (U=51.5, p = 0.055). Qualitatively, therapists noted that CST participants demonstrated good interaction and enthusiasm in the group environment, with continuity and carryover between sessions. Conclusions: Even though the sample sizes are small the current study is consistent with the Spector et al's findings in 2003 of beneficial effects in people with dementia following CST. The programme is recommended as an intervention for people with mild to moderate dementia.
Oligodendrocyte-encoded Kir4.1 function is required for axonal integrity

Glial support is critical for normal axon function and can become dysregulated in white matter (WM) disease. In humans, loss-of-function mutations of KCNJ10, which encodes the inward-rectifying potassium channel KIR4.1, causes seizures and progressive neurological decline. We investigated Kir4.1 functions in oligodendrocytes (OLs) during development, adulthood and after WM injury. We observed that Kir4.1 channels localized to perinodal areas and the inner myelin tongue, suggesting roles in juxta-axonal K+ removal. Conditional knockout (cKO) of OL-Kcnj10 resulted in late onset mitochondrial damage and axonal degeneration. This was accompanied by neuronal loss and neuro-axonal dysfunction in adult OL-Kcnj10 cKO mice as shown by delayed visual evoked potentials, inner retinal thinning and progressive motor deficits. Axon pathologies in OL-Kcnj10 cKO were exacerbated after WM injury in the spinal cord. Our findings point towards a critical role of OL-Kir4.1 for long-term maintenance of axonal function and integrity during adulthood and after WM injury.
Understanding the Role of Mobile Internet-Based Health Services on Patient Satisfaction and Word-of-Mouth

With the rapid advancement of Web 2.0 technologies, Internet medicine, and mobile healthcare, the influence of the use of patient-oriented Mobile Internet-based Health Services (MIHS) on patient satisfaction and the electronic word-of-mouth (WOM) of health service agencies is becoming the focus of the academic research community. Many large hospitals, including some Internet hospitals, have provided various online healthcare service platforms that enable patients to expediently consult with physicians and obtain healthcare services in an online to offline format. The purpose of this study is to analyze the main mechanisms of how the features and users’ experiences of MIHS influenced patient satisfaction and continuous use behaviors of the system to generate additional WOM dissemination behaviors. Based on post-adoption behavior and Expectation Confirmation Model of Information Technology Continuance (ECM-IT), this study conducted an empirical study through data collection from users (patients) from a large hospital providing online healthcare services. A total of 494 pieces of data were collected and analyzed using SmartPLS2.0(SmartPLS GmbH, Hamburg, Gernmany). The results show that: (1) patient satisfaction with MIHS and their intentions to continue use of MIHS have significantly positive influences on WOM; (2) patient satisfaction with MIHS is positively influenced by perceived usefulness and confirmation of MIHS performance expectations; (3) and patient intentions to continue use of MIHS are also affected by some technology factors, such as facilitating conditions and perceived risk, as well as some subjective feelings, such as perceived usefulness and perceived interactivity. The results of this study provide important implications for both research and practice of public health.
HYPOalert: Designing Mobile Technology for Hypoglycemic Detection and Monitoring--Based on Human Breath

Hypoglycemia (HYPO) is characterized by low blood glucose (BG)--leading to complications such as sweating, weakness, passing-out, coma, and even death. Effective HYPO management is required to avoid complications and to increase quality of life. Recently, a noninvasive smart breathing sensor was developed for detection of HYPO in human breath (HYPOalert). The device has the ability to deliver data (via Bluetooth) to a mobile application--with the intent to support Type 1 and 2 diabetics with the self-management of their hypoglycemia. This paper presents the first two (prototype) design iterations of research and testing of HYPOalert. Twelve Type 1 and 2 diabetics were interviewed to deduce user requirements and to understand their perception and level of interest in the proposed mobile system. Outcomes informed a human-centered design process of the interactive prototype, currently under final testing. Results were positive--showing that users were very interested in HYPOalert's use of visualization, as well as its HYPO monitoring and alert system that supports diabetes patients' healthy lifestyle management.
I Am as Incompetent as the Prototypical Group Member: An Investigation of Naturally Occurring Golem Effects in Work Groups

Over four decades, research has demonstrated Pygmalion and Galatea effects (positive expectations leading to high performance) across various settings. In contrast, research on the parallel notion of Golem effects (negative expectations leading to low performance) has been largely overlooked. This study is the first to examine the relationship between group-level Implicit Followership Theories (GIFTs) and naturally occurring Golem effects. Integrating the literature on Implicit Followership Theories, self-fulfilling prophecies, and social identity, we propose that negative GIFTs can serve as proxies of expectations for followers that trigger Golem effects in workgroups. Data from 202 followers and 101 leaders provide support for our hypothesized multi-level model, revealing a top-down relationship between negative GIFTs and follower performance through their self-efficacy and effort. Findings highlight the importance of GIFTs in the Golem process, showing that followers’ cognitions and behaviors are shaped by the group’s prototypical attributes. Suggestions for future research are offered, including interpersonal Golem effects, negative GIFTs and negative outcomes, and influence of organizational culture.
Metabolaid® Combination of Lemon Verbena and Hibiscus Flower Extract Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Activation

Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) has been used as a food spice, cosmetic, and in traditional medicine formulations to treat asthma and diabetes in South America and Southern Europe. Hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is used in traditional Chinese medicine in the form of a tea to treat hypertension and inflammation. In the present study, we examined the synergistic effects of a formula of Metabolaid® (MetA), a combination of lemon verbena and hibiscus-flower extracts, on obesity and its complications in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. The results showed that MetA decreased body weight, white adipose tissue (WAT), and liver weight. Additionally, serum and hepatic lipid profiles, glucose levels, glucose tolerance, and cold-induced thermogenesis were significantly improved. Appetite-regulating hormones adiponectin and leptin were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, while the inflammatory-related factors tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were downregulated by MetA. Adipogenesis-activating gene expression was decreased, while increased thermogenesis-inducing genes were upregulated in the WAT, correlating with increased phosphorylation of AMPK and fatty-acid oxidation in the liver. Taken together, these results suggest that MetA decreased obesity and its complications in HFD mice. Therefore, this formula may be a candidate for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its complications.
Optimizing Clinical Assessments in Parkinson's Disease Through the Use of Wearable Sensors and Data Driven Modeling

The emergence of motion sensors as a tool that provides objective motor performance data on individuals afflicted with Parkinson's disease offers an opportunity to expand the horizon of clinical care for this neurodegenerative condition. Subjective clinical scales and patient based motor diaries have limited clinometric properties and produce a glimpse rather than continuous real time perspective into motor disability. Furthermore, the expansion of machine learn algorithms is yielding novel classification and probabilistic clinical models that stand to change existing treatment paradigms, refine the application of advance therapeutics, and may facilitate the development and testing of disease modifying agents for this disease. We review the use of inertial sensors and machine learning algorithms in Parkinson's disease.
Yahya Akyüz'ün Türk Eğitim Tarihine İlişkin Görüşleri

Egitim, insanoglunun varligiyla birlikte baslayan ve devam eden bir surectir. Egitim, gecmisten gunumuze kadar tum toplumlarin ve bu toplumlardaki dusunurlerin, onemle ele aldiklari bir alandir. Toplumlar, kendi tarihlerine sahip cikarak gelecegini insa etme gayretini gostermektedir. Egitim tarihimizde fikir, dusunce, kurumsal gelisme, uygulama alani incelendiginde cok onemli bir tecrube birikimi oldugu gorulmektedir. Bu birikimin olumlu ve olumsuz yonleri oldugu gibi, dikkate deger ya da pek deger tasimayan yonleri de bulunmaktadir. Dusunce tarihimize bakildiginda bu alanda cok sayida calisma oldugu gorulmektedir. Bunlar icerisinde onemli bir yere sahip olan, yillarin verdigi tecrube ve bilgi birikimiyle Yahya Akyuz’un egitime bakisi ve Turk egitim tarihini konu edinen dusuncesi arastirilmistir. Yahya Akyuz’un goruslerinin ortaya cikarilmasi amaciyla, eserleri incelenmis ve arastirmada yontem olarak belgesel tarama yontemi secilmistir. Bu calismanin amaci degerli bir bilim adami olan Yahya Akyuz’un egitim goruslerini ortaya cikarmak ve gunumuz egitim sisteminde yansimalarini arastirmaktir. Yahya Akyuz’un eserleri ve hakkinda yazilan eserler taranarak O’nun egitim dusunceleri ve dayanak noktalari ortaya cikarilmistir.
High Hydrostatic Pressure as a Tool to Reduce Formation of Biogenic Amines in Artisanal Spanish Cheeses

Two artisanal varieties of cheese made in Spain, one made of ewes’ raw milk and the other of goats’ raw milk were selected to evaluate the effect of a high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment at 400 MPa during 10 min at 2 °C on the formation of biogenic amines (BA). These conditions were applied at the beginning of the ripening (before the 5th day; HHP1) and in the case of ewes’ milk cheeses also after 15th days (HHP15). BA formation was greatly influenced by HHP treatments in both types of cheese. HHP1 treatments significantly reduced the amounts of BA after ripening, being tyramine and putrescine the most affected BA in goats’ milk cheeses and tyramine and cadaverine in ewes’ milk cheeses. The BA reduction in the HHP1 samples could be explained by the significant decrease in microbiological counts, especially in the LAB, enteroccocci and enterobacteria groups at the beginning of ripening. The proteolysis in these samples was also affected reducing the amount of free amino acids. Although proteolysis in ewes’ milk cheeses HHP15 was similar than in control samples a reduction of BA was observed probably because the decrease caused on microbial counts.
Transmission Disrupted: Modeling Auditory Synaptopathy in Zebrafish

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss in humans, and results from either dysfunction in hair cells, the sensory receptors of sound, or the neurons that innervate hair cells. A specific type of sensorineural hearing loss, referred to as auditory synaptopathy, occurs when hair cells are able to detect sound but fail to transmit sound stimuli at the hair-cell synapse. Auditory synaptopathy can originate from genetic alterations that specifically disrupt hair-cell synapse function. Additionally, environmental factors such as noise exposure can leave hair cells intact but result in loss of hair-cell synapses, and represent an acquired form of auditory synaptopathy. The zebrafish model has emerged as a valuable system for studies of hair-cell function, and specifically hair-cell synaptopathy. In this review, we describe the experimental tools that have been developed to study hair-cell synapses in zebrafish. We discuss how zebrafish genetics has helped identify and define the roles of hair-cell synaptic proteins crucial for hearing in humans, and highlight how studies in zebrafish have contributed to our understanding of hair-cell synapse formation and function. In addition, we also discuss work that has used noise exposure or pharmacological mimic of noise-induced excitotoxicity in zebrafish to define cellular mechanisms underlying noise-induced hair-cell damage and synapse loss. Lastly, we highlight how future studies in zebrafish could enhance our understanding of the pathological processes underlying synapse loss in both genetic and acquired auditory synaptopathy. This knowledge is critical in order to develop therapies that protect or repair auditory synaptic contacts.
Outcome of diaphyseal pediatric forearm fractures following non-surgical treatment in a Level I Trauma Center

Objectives: Pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures are common injuries of childhood. Conservative modality of treatments is usually preferred when they are possible. We identified factors that may affect closed reduction success or lead to redisplacement in forearm diaphyseal fractures in children. Methods: This was a retrospective study from a level I trauma center on patients up to 18 years of age who presented with forearm diaphyseal fractures from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2015. Cases were obtained from medical records. Data were collected and confirmed by plain films and medical files. Results: We included 145 patients in this study. The majority (86.2%) were boys. Around 29% of trials of closed reduction failed, and the patients were subsequently treated surgically. Following trials of closed reduction, 82.4% of both bone cases were successfully reduced compared to 42.9% of radius shaft cases (P = 0.006). Redisplacement following non-surgical treatment in the first follow-up was found in 32% of both bone cases and 13.3% of radial shaft cases. All Galeazzi cases that were successfully treated with closed reduction presented with no redisplacement on follow-up. Conclusion: Immediate surgical management might be considered in older children, especially above 12 years of age since they have a higher failure rate of closed reduction than younger ones. Fracture site should be taken into account when following pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures following conservative treatments as cases with both bone involvement have a high success rate of closed reduction and considerably high rate of redisplacement compared to others.
Securing Communication Data in Pervasive Social Networking Based on Trust with KP-ABE

Pervasive Social Networking (PSN) intends to support instant social activities in a pervasive way at any time and anywhere. In order to protect crucial social activities, ensure communication dependability, and enhance user privacy, securing pervasive social communications becomes especially important. However, neither centralized nor distributed solutions can protect PSN communications as expected. How to automatically control data access in a trustworthy and efficient way is an important security issue. In this article, we propose a scheme to guarantee communication data security in PSN based on two dimensions of trust in a flexible manner on the basis of Key-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption (KP-ABE). Its advantages and performance are justified and evaluated through extensive analysis on security, computation complexity, communication cost, scalability, and flexibility, as well as scheme implementation. In addition, we develop a demo system based on Android mobile devices to test our scheme in practice. The results demonstrate its efficiency and effectiveness. Comparison with our previous work based on CP-ABE (Yan and Wang 2017) further shows its feasibility to be applied to PSN.
The Journey of in vivo Virus Engineered Dendritic Cells From Bench to Bedside: A Bumpy Road

Dendritic cells (DCs) are recognized as highly potent antigen-presenting cells that are able to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses with antitumor activity. Consequently, DCs have been explored as cellular vaccines in cancer immunotherapy. To that end, DCs are modified with tumor antigens to enable presentation of antigen-derived peptides to CTLs. In this review we discuss the use of viral vectors for in situ modification of DCs, focusing on their clinical applications as anticancer vaccines. Among the viral vectors discussed are those derived from viruses belonging to the families of the Poxviridae, Adenoviridae, Retroviridae, Togaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae. We will further shed light on how the combination of viral vector-based vaccination with T-cell supporting strategies will bring this strategy to the next level.
An analysis on tools for accessibility evaluation in mobile applications

This research aims at identifying if current code validation tools contemplate the requirements of a guideline for the development of accessible mobile applications, called GUAMA, which was specified by our team over 3 years of research with visually impaired individuals and whose final conception process is formalized in this paper. Then, several tools were analyzed and two of them were chosen for a deeper study: Lint and Espresso. The results showed that Lint and Espresso respectively contemplate 12 and 6 from the 48 GUAMA requirements. Thus, the unique use of such tools is not adequate to validate the range of requirements. These results have motivated the investigation of a new integrated service/process, which presents a higher coverage regarding the validation of accessibility requirements.
Product Question Intent Detection using Indicative Clause Attention and Adversarial Learning

Due to the provision of QA service in many E-commerce sites, product question understanding becomes important. Product questions have different characteristics from traditional questions in that they are long and verbose as well as associated with different intents unique for the E-commerce setting. We conduct a thorough investigation on product questions covering different product categories from some commercial E-commerce sites. A set of question intent classes suitable for the E-commerce setting are identified. We also investigate the challenges of automatic intent detection and develop an intent detection framework based on a tailor-made deep neural model. The first characteristic of our framework is that it is capable of coping with long and verbose questions via identifying the indicative clauses. The second characteristic is that an adversarial learning algorithm is designed making use of an auxiliary classifier for avoiding the interference of product aspects with question intent detection quality. Extensive experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.