Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Konjac glucomannan‐based hydrogel with hyaluronic acid as a candidate for a novel scaffold for chondrocyte culture

Chondrocytes were cultured using konjac glucomannan (KGM) and hyaluronic acid (HA) as a scaffold for cartilage regeneration. They were subsequently compared with scaffolds produced using agarose hydrogels. Chondrocytes derived from Japanese white rabbits were cultured: 2.0 × 105 cells were seeded on KGM containing hyaluronic acid (KGM/HA) and agarose and cultured for 5 days. Their viability was assayed using WST‐8 procedures; the ultimate stress and modulus of elasticity of each construct was calculated. After 3 days of cultivation, mRNA in chondrocytes, such as collagen types I and II and aggrecan, were measured using RT‐PCR. Both chondrocyte‐seeded constructs were stained with safranin O/fast green and were evaluated histologically. Chondrocyte viability decreased concomitantly with increasing KGM/HA or agarose concentration and with culture time. Cell viability in 2% agarose was significantly lower than that in 2% KGM/HA on the third and fifth days (p < 0.05). The primary elastic modulus increased concomitantly with increasing polysaccharide concentration. Elastic moduli of 2% KGM/HA with chondrocytes (0.389 ± 0.119 N/mm2) showed little difference from those without chondrocytes (0.283 ± 0.243 N/mm2), although those of 2% agarose with chondrocytes (0.403 ± 0.094 N/mm2) were significantly lower than those without chondrocytes (0.736 ± 0.227 N/mm2; p < 0.05). Collagen type II mRNA expression was higher in KGM/HA and agarose than in monolayer cultures, although KGM/HA had lower aggrecan mRNA expression levels than did agarose. Histological tests of KGM/HA–chondrocyte constructs revealed chondrocyte aggregation and proteoglycan production in the pericellular region. The results show that KGM/HA might be useful for chondrocyte culture. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lightweight Authentication Mechanism for Software Defined Network Using Information Hiding

Software defined network (SDN) is an emerging network architecture which offloads the control logic of the network from the underlying forwarding devices to a centralized controller. This centralized control intelligence software defines the behavior of the network. However, the programmability and centralization of the SDN architecture introduce potential security concerns. In this paper, we first investigate the threats of denial of service (DoS) attacks on the SDN control channel. Then, we evaluate the impact of DoS by simulating a DoS attack against the network controller. Our results show that it is possible to exhaust the controller resources in the absence of an authentication mechanism. Finally, we propose a lightweight information hiding authentication mechanism to prevent DoS attacks in the SDN control channel.
Effect of the Degree of Phosphate Substitution in Aluminum Hydroxide Adjuvant on the Adsorption of Phosphorylated Proteins

Aluminum hydroxide adjuvant was pretreated with six concentrations of potassium dihydrogen phosphate to produce a series of adjuvants with various degrees of phosphate substitution for surface hydroxyl. The adsorption of three phosphorylated proteins (alpha casein, dephosphorylated alpha casein, and ovalbumin) by the phosphate-treated aluminum hydroxide adjuvants was studied. The phosphorylated proteins were adsorbed by ligand exchange of phosphate for hydroxyl even when an electrostatic repulsive force was present. However, the extent (adsorptive capacity) and strength (adsorptive coefficient) of adsorption was inversely related to the degree of phosphate substitution of the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. Exposure of vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and phosphorylated antigens to phosphate ion in the formulation or during manufacture should be minimized to produce maximum adsorption of the antigen.
A New Prediction Model for Transformer Winding Hotspot Temperature Fluctuation Based on Fuzzy Information Granulation and an Optimized Wavelet Neural Network

Winding hotspot temperature is the key factor affecting the load capacity and service life of transformers. For the early detection of transformer winding hotspot temperature anomalies, a new prediction model for the hotspot temperature fluctuation range based on fuzzy information granulation (FIG) and the chaotic particle swarm optimized wavelet neural network (CPSO-WNN) is proposed in this paper. The raw data are firstly processed by FIG to extract useful information from each time window. The extracted information is then used to construct a wavelet neural network (WNN) prediction model. Furthermore, the structural parameters of WNN are optimized by chaotic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) before it is used to predict the fluctuation range of the hotspot temperature. By analyzing the experimental data with four different prediction models, we find that the proposed method is more effective and is of guiding significance for the operation and maintenance of transformers.
Visual comfort of binocular and 3D displays

A major factor that seriously hampers the use of binocular displays is visual discomfort. We have experimentally determined the level of (dis)comfort experienced by 24 subjects for short presentations of a wide range of binocular image imperfections. The image manipulations are representative of commonly encountered optical errors, imperfect filters, and stereoscopic disparities. The results how that nearly all binocular asymmetries seriously affect the visual comfort if present in a large enough amount. Threshold values for the onset of discomfort are estimated from the data. The database collected in the study should allow a more accurate prediction of visual comfort from the specification of a binocular viewing system than so far is possible.
The Role of Exercise in a Weight‐Loss Program on Clinical Control in Obese Adults with Asthma. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Rationale: Clinical control is difficult to achieve in obese patients with asthma. Bariatric surgery has been recommended for weight loss and to improve asthma control; however, the benefits of nonsurgical interventions have been poorly investigated. Objectives: To examine the effect of exercise training in a weight‐loss program on asthma control, quality of life, inflammatory biomarkers, and lung function. Methods: Fifty‐five obese patients with asthma were randomly assigned to either a weight‐loss program plus exercise (WL + E group, n = 28) or a weight‐loss program plus sham (WL + S group, n = 27), where the weight‐loss program included nutrition (caloric restriction) and psychological therapies. The WL + E group incorporated aerobic and resistance muscle training, whereas the WL + S group incorporated breathing and stretching exercises. Measurements and Main Results: The primary outcome was clinical improvement in asthma control over 3 months. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, lung function, body composition, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and inflammatory/antiinflammatory biomarkers. After 3 months, 51 patients were analyzed. Compared with the WL + S group, the WL + E group demonstrated improved clinical control scores (median [25th to 75th percentile], −0.7 [−1.3 to −0.3] vs. −0.3 [−0.9 to 0.4]; P = 0.01) and greater weight loss (mean ± SD, −6.8% ± 3.5 vs. −3.1% ± 2.6; P < 0.001) and aerobic capacity (median [25th to 75th percentile], 3.0 [2.4 to 4.0] vs. 0.9 [−0.3 to 1.3] ml O2 × kg−1 × min−1; P < 0.001). These improvements in the WL + E group were also accompanied by improvements in lung function, antiinflammatory biomarkers, and vitamin D levels, as well as reductions in airway and systemic inflammation. Conclusions: Adding exercise to a short‐term weight‐loss program should be considered as a useful strategy for achieving clinical control of asthma in obese patients. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials. gov (NCT 02188940).
Early Life Origins of Obesity: Role of Hypothalamic Programming

The incidence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and this worldwide epidemic represents an ominous predictor of increases in diseases such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Epidemiological and animals studies suggest that maternal obesity and alterations in postnatal nutrition are associated with increased risks for obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes in the offspring. Furthermore, there is also growing appreciation that developmental programming of neuroendocrine systems by the perinatal environment represents a possible cause for these diseases. This review article provides a synthesis of recent evidence concerning the actions of perinatal hormones and nutrition in programming the development and organization of hypothalamic circuits that regulate body weight and energy balance. Particular attention is given to the neurodevelopmental actions of insulin and leptin.
Food fortification with folic acid and rate of multiple births, 1994-2000.

BACKGROUND Since fortification of cereal grain products with synthetic folic acid (FA) became mandatory in January 1998, women in the United States who have become pregnant have been exposed to a higher level of FA than women who became pregnant previously. Some studies have suggested that increased FA consumption might increase the risk of multiple gestation pregnancies. METHODS Women who had a live birth in Kaiser Foundation Health Plan hospitals from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 2000; all multiple births; and the use of ovulation-inducing drugs were ascertained from electronic databases. Medical records of a sample of women with multiple births who did not use ovulation-inducing drugs were reviewed to determine whether they used assisted reproductive technology. Exposure to FA-fortified foods was based on date of delivery. RESULTS The rate of multiple births increased from 13.6 to 14.8 per 1000 live births from 1994 through 2000. The percentage of women who had a multiple birth and who filled a prescription for an ovulation-inducing drug in the 12 months before delivery increased from a low of 6.6% in 1994 to a high of 14.9% in 2000. After excluding women using ovulation-inducing drugs, the increased rate of multiple births was no longer observed. CONCLUSIONS While the rates of multiple births have increased since FA fortification became mandatory, this increase can be explained by the increased use of ovulation-inducing drugs. Our findings show no relationship between food fortification with FA and the rates of multiple births in this large, managed health care population.
Modeling, control, and simulation methods for series hybrid heavy-duty commercial vehicles powered by motor tandem axle module

Due to the raising concerns of air pollution, climate change, and energy sustainability, there is a growing attention on reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions among nowadays the city operated heavy-duty commercial vehicles. For this reason, an alternative series hybrid drivetrain system, which contains an electric tandem axle module, has been designed for those heavy-duty commercial vehicles like city transits and refuse trucks. In order to prove the theoretical efficiency and practicability of this application, the modeling methodology for specification of system architectures and hybrid drivetrain control strategies will be provided in this paper with the demonstration of simulation methods and results.
Communicative action‐based business process and information systems modelling with DEMO

Abstract. Abstract. The field of communicative action‐based modelling of business processes and information systems has attracted more and more attention in recent years. Inspired by the seminal work of Winograd and Flores, researchers have proposed several modelling approaches. In this article we discuss communicative action‐based modelling approaches in general and the DEMO (dynamic essential modelling of organizations) approach in particular. Besides establishing the theoretical foundations of this modelling approach, we also apply DEMO to a case study, and we discuss how the resulting models can be used for information systems design and business process optimization.
Enhanced Expression of miR-199b-5p Promotes Proliferation of Pancreatic β-Cells by Down-Regulation of MLK3.

BACKGROUND The initiation of β-cell proliferation to recover reduced β-cell mass is considered as one of the attractive therapeutic approaches for type 1 and 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the involvement of miRNAs in β-cell proliferation. METHODS Global miRNA array analysis of pancreas tissue was carried out using a 60% partial pancreatectomy (PPx) rodent model, which is a well-characterized model for pancreatic regeneration with accelerated proliferation of β-cells. To explore miRNAs with mitogenic activity on β-cells, precursors and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for miRNAs were transfected into a primary islet monolayer cell cultures isolated from adult rats in order to modify their expression and proliferation of β-cells. RESULTS We found that miR-199b-5p, which was up-regulated 2.6 times in the pancreas of the PPx treated group, significantly enhanced the proliferation of β-cells when its precursor was over-expressed. Target genes of miR-199b-5p were investigated and Mixed lineage kinase-3 (MLK3) was identified as one of the candidates since its expression was down-regulated through an interaction with miR-199b-5p and siRNA treatment for MLK3 enhanced the proliferation of β-cells. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the up-regulation of miR-199b-5p enhances proliferation of β-cells at least in part through down-regulation of MLK3.
Técnica de Regressão Linear Múltipla e Métodos Estatísticos de Seleςão de Características na Reduςão de Dimensionalidade na Classificaςão de E-Mails

Este trabalho apresenta a analise do uso da tecnica de regressao linear multipla StepWise empregada em conjunto com metodos estatisticos de selecao caracteristicas em um modelo neural de ﬁltro anti- spam . O objetivo do uso da tecnica de regressao linear multipla e diminuir o numero de caracteristicas empregadas no agente classiﬁcador, reduzindo o custo computacional e melhorando o desempenho. Os metodos de selecao de caracteristicas empregados foram: Informacao Mutua, QUI statistic, e variacoes do metodo Distribuicao por Frequencia. Como agente classiﬁcador utilizou-se as redes neurais MultiLayer Perceptron. Os resultados dos experimentos realizados mostraram que a tecnica StepWise conseguiu alcancar o objetivo proposto, reduzir o custo computacional e melhorar o desempenho do classiﬁcador.
Arterial spin labeling MRI: an emerging biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The search for biomarkers that detect and track disease progression in early Alzheimer's disease has been a major pursuit for two decades. Functional measures reflecting alterations of synaptic activity associated with neuronal dysfunction have displayed promise for following disease course in early stages. Although fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) and blood oxygen level-dependent functional MRI (BOLD fMRI) have been studied extensively for this purpose, this review will discuss the emergence and potential role of arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI, which measures cerebral blood flow (CBF), in neurodegeneration. RECENT FINDINGS Several recent studies have explored ASL MRI in early and prodromal Alzheimer's disease and have reported areas of hypoperfusion that overlap considerably with hypometabolism frequently reported with FDG PET. However, some studies have also noted increased regional CBF of patients with prodromal and early stage clinical Alzheimer's disease, which may have implications for pathophysiology and the role of compensatory responses to neurodegeneration. Additionally, a few recent studies have begun to use this modality to explore the role of cerebrovascular factors in cognitive decline and the relationship to Alzheimer's disease. SUMMARY ASL MRI is just beginning to be applied more widely to various neurodegenerative conditions. Initial data suggest that this methodology may provide similar information to FDG PET, but with several advantages in the ease of acquisition and expense. Additional applications of this modality, including task-related studies and testing of pharmacological effects, are underexplored, but are potentially of significant value in understanding disease-related functional changes and treatment effects.
Principal Paper SessionsThe Economics of Invasive Species Management: The Economics of Controlling a Stochastic Biological Invasion

The invasion of ecological systems by nonindigenous species is now recognized as a growing global problem that imposes significant economic and ecological damages. In the United States alone, the total costs of nonindigenous species have been estimated to be at least $137 billion per year (Pimentel et al.). Approximately one-fourth of the value of the country’s agricultural output is lost to nonindigenous plant pests or to the costs of controlling them (Simberloff). The economic damages from a single invasive species can be enormous. The costs of controlling the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the Great Lakes were estimated to reach $5 billion in 2001 (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)) while the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) caused an estimated $600 million (1991$) in crop damages between 1987 and 1989 (Office of Technology Assessment (OTA)). Invasive species also cause significant ecological harm. They can alter ecosystem processes, act as vectors of disease, and reduce biodiversity (Vitousek et al.). Worldwide, out of 256 vertebrate extinctions with an identifiable cause, 109 are known to be due to biological invaders. In comparison, seventy such extinctions are known to be caused by human exploitation (Cox). The potential for a single invasive species to cause irreparable ecological damage is manifest in the extinction of twelve of Guam’s native bird species following the invasion of the island by the brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis, in the mid-twentieth century (Savidge). Environmental disturbances can either accelerate or slow the spread of invasive species. Weather events are an important factor in the
The role of reproductive hormones in postpartum depression

Despite decades of research aimed at identifying the causes of postpartum depression (PPD), PPD remains common, and the causes are poorly understood. Many have attributed the onset of PPD to the rapid perinatal change in reproductive hormones. Although a number of human and nonhuman animal studies support the role of reproductive hormones in PPD, several studies have failed to detect an association between hormone concentrations and PPD. The purpose of this review is to examine the hypothesis that fluctuations in reproductive hormone levels during pregnancy and the postpartum period trigger PPD in susceptible women. We discuss and integrate the literature on animal models of PPD and human studies of reproductive hormones and PPD. We also discuss alternative biological models of PPD to demonstrate the potential for multiple PPD phenotypes and to describe the complex interplay of changing reproductive hormones and alterations in thyroid function, immune function, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function, lactogenic hormones, and genetic expression that may contribute to affective dysfunction. There are 3 primary lines of inquiry that have addressed the role of reproductive hormones in PPD: nonhuman animal studies, correlational studies of postpartum hormone levels and mood symptoms, and hormone manipulation studies. Reproductive hormones influence virtually every biological system implicated in PPD, and a subgroup of women seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of perinatal changes in hormone levels. We propose that these women constitute a “hormone-sensitive” PPD phenotype, which should be studied independent of other PPD phenotypes to identify underlying pathophysiology and develop novel treatment targets.
Proposition d’une méthode d’estimation de la qualité environne- mentale de la conception architectu- rale

RESUME. L’integration des donnees environnementales dans les projets d’architecture est aujourd’hui une necessite largement reconnue. Le besoin d’estimer la qualite environnementale a differents moments du processus de conception apparait comme souhaitable pour fiabiliser les choix. La complexite d’une telle estimation provient en partie du fait qu’en fonction de l’avancement du projet, les donnees de projet evoluent, passant de l’etat de non connus a incertains, puis de variables a certains. Pour repondre a cette situation, nous proposerons une methode et un outil d’estimation environnementale evolutifs. En fonction du contexte du bâtiment en projet (localisation, programme,.) et de l’avancement de la conception (Esquisse, APS,.), notre outil propose un systeme de valeur coefficientee pour estimer la qualite du projet en cours. MOTS-CLES : Estimation environnementale, processus evolutif, contextualisation, conception architecturale.
The dynamics of Web-based social networks: Membership, relationships, and change

Social networks on the Web are growing dramatically in size and number. The huge popularity of sites like MySpace, Facebook, and others has drawn in hundreds of millions of users, and the attention of scientists and the media. The public accessibility of Webbased social networks offers great promise for researchers interested in studying the behavior of users and how to integrate social information into applications. However, to do that effectively, it is necessary to understand how networks grow and change. Over a twoyear period we have collected data on every social network we could identify, and we also gathered daily information on thirteen networks over a 47day period. In this article, we present the first comprehensive survey of Webbased social networks, followed by an analysis of membership and relationship dynamics within them. From our analysis of these data, we present several conclusions on how users behave in social networks, and what network features correlate with that behavior.
Infiltrating neutrophils mediate the initial angiogenic switch in a mouse model of multistage carcinogenesis

Matrix metalloprotease type 9 (MMP-9) has been functionally implicated in VEGF activation, the induction and maintenance of chronic angiogenesis, and early stage tumor growth in a number of mouse models of cancer. In this article, we have identified two inflammatory cell types that are major sources of MMP-9 in the angiogenic stages of pancreatic islet carcinogenesis that unfold in RIP1-Tag2 transgenic mice. MMP-9-expressing neutrophils were predominantly found inside angiogenic islet dysplasias and tumors, whereas MMP-9-expressing macrophages were localized along the periphery of such lesions. Transient depletion of neutrophils significantly suppressed VEGF:VEGF-receptor association, a signature of MMP-9 activity, and markedly reduced the frequency of initial angiogenic switching in dysplasias. Thus infiltrating neutrophils can play a crucial role in activating angiogenesis in a previously quiescent tissue vasculature during the early stages of carcinogenesis.