Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FTY720: A new kid on the block for transplant immunosuppression

FTY720, a synthetic analogue of myriocin (ISP-1), is derived from culture filtrates of the fungus Isaria sinclairii. As a sphingosine analogue, FTY720 appears to undergo phosphorylation and thereby interact with specific G-protein-linked receptors. In vivo, FTY720 causes emigration of lymphocytes from peripheral blood to secondary lymphoid structures. Thus, the drug is the archetype of a new class of agents that alter cellular homing patterns: the adhesion–migration paradigm. Since FTY720 seems to spare nonspecific elements of host resistance, it may address the not infrequent complications of infections associated with existing therapies. In experimental rodent, canine and non-human primate models, FTY720 produces lymphopenia and immunosuppression, prolonging the survival of allografts. Because of synergistic interactions, it promotes the immunosuppressive effects not only of calcineurin antagonists, but also of proliferation signal inhibitors. These interactions proffer the possibility of large reductions in exposure to and mitigated toxicity of existing drugs. In humans, FTY720 causes dose-dependent peripheral blood lymphopenia, a reduced incidence of acute rejection episodes and only one apparent adverse reaction – a negative chronotropic effect – particularly after the loading dose. While the clinical utility of FTY720 is difficult to predict before completion of Phase III studies that elucidate its benefits versus unanticipated side effects, the initial data suggest several potential advantages: it does not produce hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity or myelosuppression, which are characteristic of other immunosuppressants. Furthermore, it displays high oral bioavailability and a low interindividual coefficient of variation. Clearly, structural analogues, as well as other agents that alter the balance of chemokines or affect cellular adhesion to activated endothelium, will represent important components of future regimens.
Automatic appliance classification for non-intrusive load monitoring

This paper is based on non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM), which uses low-frequency sensor in power circuit. Traditional process must establish a database with features before identifying what the circuit is. If the system wants to add new feature of appliances into database, it must relearn electrical data. Therefore, this paper proposes a method, which can identify appliances status and whether new appliances exist or not. It can also learn feature of appliances automatically at the same time. The proposed method combines statistics with classification techniques to simplify the feature extraction. The consequent is quite valid in the economy, accuracy and feasibility. In addition, if NILM system does not identify successfully, it might contain the unknown appliances. The unknown appliances can thus be identified. The system will be able to expand its appliances amount in the database automatically. Experiment performed with a variety of single or multiple classifications which include the unknown appliances.
Fatigue analysis of out-of-plane vibration polysilicon cantilever beam under high-cycle vibration loads

It has been proved that polysilicon film will fatigue under high cycle mechanical loads. However, there are still debates on its fatigue mechanism. In this paper, a different configuration is applied to the fatigue test to discover more phenomena. The test structure is a surface-micromachined microcantilever that vibrates out of plane under electrostatic excitation at its resonant frequency. A U-shaped notch is reaction-ion-etched at the root of the structure to induce stress concentration. Fatigue behavior is monitored by recording the shift of the resonant frequency using a laser Doppler vibrometer. Results show that the relative frequency shift reaches up to 1.3%. Compared with the reported data, the concentrated stress (about 1–10MPa) is two orders of magnitude smaller, and the shift is two orders larger, indicating a very rapid fatigue procedure. This may be due to the greater roughness of the notch surface induced by the RIE process. The details of the mechanism are still under exploration.
Correlation of surface electromyography of the vastus lateralis muscle in dogs at a walk with joint kinematics and ground reaction forces.

OBJECTIVE To describe the activity pattern of the vastus lateralis muscle in dogs at walk measured by surface electromyography (EMG) in relation to kinematics and kinetics of the pelvic limb. STUDY DESIGN Experimental. ANIMALS Malinois dogs (n=11). METHODS Dogs (mean +/- SD age, 5.5 +/- 2.9 years; weight, 27.3 +/- 3.8 kg; shoulder height, 62.7 +/- 3.3 cm) walked on a treadmill system with integrated force plates, which allowed simultaneous analysis of kinematics, kinetics, and EMG data from all limbs. The maxima, minima, and their time of occurrence in the motion cycle of the EMG and the pelvic limb kinematics and kinetics were calculated; correlations between joint movement patterns, ground reaction forces (GRF), and activity pattern of the muscle group were investigated. RESULTS The vastus lateralis muscle had an activity pattern with 2 peaks and a close positive correlation with GRF. The 1st peak occurred in early stance, followed by a decrease in activity during mid-stance. The 2nd peak occurred directly before the quick activity decrease in late stance phase, reaching its minimum early in swing phase. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the vastus lateralis muscle supports the vertical position and elevation of the pelvis during stance and push-off. During early stance, the muscle acts as a coantagonist to the hamstring muscle group and the gastrocnemius muscle, and restrains flexion during the late stance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study could enhance diagnosis of locomotor system disorders and facilitate monitoring effects of treatments (e.g., therapeutic exercises) on gait ability and muscle function.
Fighting packet loss on IP video streams

Packet loss is a major consideration factor, especially in real-time applications. Since it cannot be avoided, its effect has to be minimized. We propose an end-to-end approach, analyzing different transmission strategies and error concealment methods to minimize image degradation at the receiver. The proposed system uses pixel shuffling techniques for packet transmission and median filtering concealment techniques for diminishing the impact produced by losses.
Secrecy Outage of Dual-Hop Regenerative Multi-Relay System With Relay Selection

Relay selection is considered to enhance the secrecy of a dual-hop regenerative multi-relay system with an eavesdropper. Without assuming perfect decoding at the relays, the secrecy outage probability of a single relay system is obtained first. Secrecy outage of optimal, traditional, and suboptimal relay selection schemes is then evaluated. To reduce the power consumption, partial relay selection schemes based only on either of the source-relay or relay-destination instantaneous channel state information (ICSI) are introduced. The secrecy outage is evaluated and compared with the other schemes. Secrecy outage of all the selection schemes are obtained in closed-form. An optimal relay selection scheme is proposed using secrecy outage, which does not require any ICSI. Asymptotic and diversity gain analysis of the secrecy outage is presented when source-relay and relay-destination average SNRs are the same or different. We observe that the improvement in eavesdropper link quality affects the secrecy outage more when required secrecy rate is low as compared to the case when rate is high. We also observe that relay selection improves performance more when number of relays are more. It is important to note that either of the source-relay or the relay-destination link quality can equally limit the secrecy outage performance even if the other link quality is infinitely good.
Pathogenesis of glomerular injury in the fawn-hooded rat: early glomerular capillary hypertension predicts glomerular sclerosis.

Fawn-hooded rats spontaneously develop focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis, systemic hypertension, and proteinuria at a young age. Micropuncture and morphological studies were performed in two inbred strains of fawn-hooded rats, FHH and FHL, with different susceptibilities to develop chronic renal failure. FHH rats have higher values for systolic blood pressure and proteinuria and more rapid development of focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis and subsequent chronic renal failure as compared with genetically closely related FHL rats. FHH and FHL strains and a Wistar control strain, WAG, were matched for age and were studied at 16 wk. FHH, FHL, and WAG-old (WAG-O) strains were matched for weight, and the last group was studied at 22 wk. WAG were also matched for weight to a young group of FHH rats (FHH-Y), and these were studied at 8 wk. In comparison with WAG and WAG-O rats, FHH and FHH-Y rats exhibited an increased in mean glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure (WAG, 52 +/- 1 mm Hg; WAG-O, 47 +/- 2 mm Hg; FHH, 60 +/- 2 mm Hg; FHH-Y, 65 +/- 1 mm Hg), whereas values in FHL animals were intermediate (56 +/- 2 mm Hg). No significant differences in glomerular volume were found among groups. Moderate focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis developed in FHH and FHH-Y rats, with values for older FHH rats being significantly greater than those for WAG, WAG-O, and FHL animals. Thus, the genetically determined sensitivity to develop proteinuria, focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis, and chronic renal failure in fawn-hooded rats correlated with early evidence of glomerular capillary hypertension. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Notice of RetractionFactors of tourist destination perceptive images

The promotion of destination regions of tourists' influences a lot on the image formation of destination regions as well as on the enhancement of its competitive power. This paper intends to put forth four models on the promotion of destination regions in tourism. By means of questionnaire survey we analyze 14 factors in the models via factor analysis. Four factors (tourist resources, service, facilities and shopping) will be sampled and analyzed in order to associate with the promotion of destination regions. The research shows the four factors have positive correlation with the influences on the promotion of destination regions. Of them, tourist resources predominate. Tourists pay more attention to the quality of service rather than tourist facilities.
The Popularization of International Higher Education and the Enrolment Expansion in China's Universities

The development of higher education is generally divided into three phases: elite education, popularized education and universalized education, whose proportions of enrolment to the whole people of school age are respectively below 15%, between 15-50% and over 50%. Observing the popularization course of the higher education in many other major countries in line with the above division hallmarks, we find that it usually takes a rather long time for higher education to develop from the elite to the popularized education, and this development is unexceptionally subjected to the combined effects of politics, economy and population. Thus , when we study the policy of enrolment expansion, we should take all these factors into consideration; and when we draw on the experience of other countries in popularizing their higher education, we shouldnt forget to observe the laws of higher education so as to ensure the scientificalness of educational decision making.
The comprehensive process model of engagement.

BACKGROUND Engagement refers to the act of being occupied or involved with an external stimulus. In dementia, engagement is the antithesis of apathy. OBJECTIVE The Comprehensive Process Model of Engagement was examined, in which environmental, personal, and stimulus characteristics impact the level of engagement. METHODS : Participants were 193 residents of 7 Maryland nursing with a diagnosis of dementia. Stimulus engagement was assessed via the Observational Measure of Engagement, measuring duration, attention, and attitude to the stimulus. Twenty-five stimuli were presented, which were categorized as live human social stimuli, simulated social stimuli, inanimate social stimuli, a reading stimulus, manipulative stimuli, a music stimulus, task and work-related stimuli, and two different self-identity stimuli. RESULTS All stimuli elicited significantly greater engagement in comparison to the control stimulus. In the multivariate model, music significantly increased engagement duration, whereas all other stimuli significantly increased duration, attention, and attitude. Significant environmental variables in the multivariate model that increased engagement were: use of the long introduction with modeling (relative to minimal introduction), any level of sound (especially moderate sound), and the presence of between 2 and 24 people in the room. Significant personal attributes included Mini-Mental State Examination scores, activities of daily living performance and clarity of speech, which were positively associated with higher engagement scores. CONCLUSIONS Results are consistent with the Comprehensive Process Model of Engagement. Personal attributes, environmental factors, and stimulus characteristics all contribute to the level and nature of engagement, with a secondary finding being that exposure to any stimulus elicits engagement in persons with dementia.
Fluoxetine in post-traumatic stress disorder

Fluoxetine was given to five nonveteran patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The maximum doses ranged from 20 to 80 mg/day, and treatment was continued for between 8 and 32 weeks. In contrast to published reports of other drugs, which were noted to improve only the intrusive symptoms of PTSD, fluoxetine was associated with marked improvement of both intrusive and avoidant symptoms. Facilitative effects of fluoxetine were noted on trauma-focused psychotherapy in two adult victims of childhood sexual trauma. In part, these effects were related to modulating effects of the drug upon the intensity of core PTSD symptoms. Serotonergic drugs appear to hold promise for the treatment of PTSD.
Imaging of Hepatic Steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is a common finding encountered during cross-sectional imaging examinations. This article reviews the imaging findings of hepatic steatosis as revealed by sonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Focal fatty sparing and focal hepatic steatosis are conditions that can create potential diagnostic challenges for the radiologist. The typical findings, distribution, and etiology of these focal processes are presented. In the setting of diffuse hepatic steatosis, hepatic mass lesions can be difficult to discern on both computed tomography and sonography, with reported decreased sensitivity and specificity of lesion detection. In such cases, magnetic resonance imaging may be the imaging procedure of choice for the detection and characterization of both hepatic steatosis and coexistent hepatic masses. Some hepatocellular neoplasms, particularly hepatic adenoma and well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, can have intratumoral lipid. By demonstrating the lipid content of these masses, imaging can add specificity in characterizing them as hepatocellular in origin because nonhepatocellular neoplasms in general do not contain intracellular lipid.
Unusual case of low bispectral index values due to electrocardiographic interferences.

acidosis rates in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 1998; 21: 1659–63 2 Misbin RI. The phantom of lactic acidosis due to metformin in patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care 2007; 27: 1791–3 3 Salpeter S, Greyber E, Pasternak G, Salpeter E. Risk of fatal and nonfatal lactic acidosis with metformin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002(2): CD002967 (latest version 27 Feb 2002). 4 Silvestre J, Carvalho S, Mendes V. Metformin-induced lactic acidosis: a case series. J Med Case Rep 2007; 1: 126 5 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Quick Reference Guide—The Management of Type 2 Diabetes. May 2008
Indigenous endophytic seed bacteria promote seedling development and defend against fungal disease in browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L.)

This study was conducted to investigate indigenous seed endophyte effects on browntop millet seedling development. We report that seed‐inhabiting bacterial endophytes are responsible for promoting seedling development, including stimulation of root hair formation, increasing root and shoot length growth and increasing photosynthetic pigment content of seedlings. Bacterial endophytes also improved resistance of seedlings to disease.
The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture

On the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture Web site, persons can find a detailed collection about sustainable agriculture. Under the “Sustainable Ag/Food” link, there are many useful documents, including (1) essential steps to sustainable agriculture; (2) healthier food, farms, and families in Oklahoma; (3) how to find locally grown food; (4) farm to table: food systems; (4) a directory of sustainable food and agriculture organizations and programs; and (5) a sustainable food and agriculture library. Under “Organic Farm,” there is information on (1) organic soil building; (2) horticulture crops; (3) “what is organic agriculture? ” and (4) a horticulture/ organic library. Under the “Livestock” link, there is information about grassfed cattle, meat goats, pasture-raised poultry, and a livestock library. Under “Conservation,” individuals can review information on ecology and ecology management, stream and pond protection, agroforestry, native plants and pollinators, and a conservation library. Under “News/Events,” there is a press room, tips, and a blog from Kerr Center Staff as well as field notes. Finally, persons can sign up to receive their e-newsletter. As reflected on by Robert S. Kerr, “To use, to understand, to love soils, is a civilizing process. ”
Clinical questions and uncertainty — prolactin measurement in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Many antipsychotic medications have the potential to raise prolactin levels leading to a range of negative consequences. In addition to symptoms such as gynaecomastia, galactorrhoea, menstrual irregularities and sexual dysfunction it is becoming clear that there are a number of important and potentially serious long-term consequences, including a loss of bone mineral density and a possible association with the development of breast cancer. It is clear, therefore, that the tendency to raise prolactin should be an important consideration in the use of antipsychotics but, to a large degree, this area has been neglected in clinical practice and research when compared with other potential adverse effects. We consider some of the practical clinical issues in prolactin measurement and the management of high results. We will identify the areas of uncertainty that remain for clinicians and consider the practical questions that future research should address.
The politics and dynamics of energy transitions: lessons from Colorado's (USA) “New Energy Economy”

This article examines the political dynamics of energy transitions in a case study of the State of Colorado's (USA) efforts to create a “New Energy Economy” through a series of legislative and administrative actions between January 2007 and January 2011. Drawing on an emerging literature on the politics of social-technical transitions, we argue that transitions involve contestation between and within coalitions of incumbents and challengers, which result in policies that benefit particular actors and a reconfiguration of the core values around which transition policies are articulated. We explore these dynamics through an analysis of the process that led to the adoption of Colorado's 30% Renewable Energy Standard in 2010, which is often held up as one of the crowning achievements of the New Energy Economy initiative, in order to illustrate how these political debates shape the nature and trajectory of the transition process.
Development and validation of a work motive measurement scale

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a measurement scale to assess work motives for hospitality employees utilizing McClelland’s theory of needs as the theoretical underpinning. Design/methodology/approach Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied to achieve the study purpose. First, individual interviews were conducted to explore employee work motives and develop work motive scale items. Second, data from a self-administered paper questionnaire, completed by 388 respondents, were used to validate the developed scale. Findings Four themes were identified which reflect employees’ perspectives of hospitality jobs and culture: the job itself, need for affiliation, need for achievement and need for power. The developed scale, consisting of 22 items, was found to be reliable and valid in assessing work motives. Research limitations/implications The majority of participants were entry-level employees; therefore, the developed scale may not be useful when assessing work motives of individuals not in front-line positions. Future research could extend the measurement model to investigate work motives of individuals in managerial positions. In addition, future research could assess work motives as antecedents of employee organizational behaviors and attitudes. Practical implications The developed scale could be used as a selection tool to assess applicants’ work motives, thereby assisting employers in making effective hiring decisions. Originality/value This study contributes a new reliable and valid measurement scale developed specifically to address the unique work motives desirable for individuals seeking employment in the hospitality industry.
The role of shear stress on mechanically stimulated engineered vascular substitutes: influence on mechanical and biological properties

Vascular tissue engineering represents a promising field in the replacement of diseased vessels. The biological properties of three‐dimensional (3D) collagen scaffolds indicate this material as a valid choice for vascular tissue engineering. Unfortunately, mechanical properties still remain unsatisfactory, due to a low burst pressure resistance and a plastic deformation. The use of a bioreactor to apply appropriate mechanical stresses have already shown a remodelling effect on the extracellular matrix and the behaviour of cells. In this study, we have shown the effect of the mechanical stress on elastin synthesis, which has a direct effect on the mechanical properties of the tissue‐engineered vessel. We measured and compared the stress–strain curves, the elastic modulus and tenacity of a collagen tubular scaffold in the presence of C2C12 murine myoblasts cells, before and after the maturation in the bioreactor, applying a shear stress of 5 dynes/cm2 for 3 days. Interesting evidence concerning the extracellular matrix structure, which significantly modify the biomechanical characteristics of the cellular scaffold, were observed, underlying the importance of focusing more effort in the research field of physiologically‐guided 3D tissue‐engineered substitutes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.