Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The propagation of cortical after-discharge through subcortical structures.

INTRODUCTION After-discharge arising from electrical stimulation of the cerebral cortex has been extensively studied, with particular emphasis on its cortical propagation and electrical characteristics. That it may implicate subcortical neuronal ganglia has been mentioned by a number of investigators, but careful studies of its subcortical propagation are rare. The present study was designed to investigate the spread of the discharge from different cortical areas to subcortical structures, particularly the basal ganglia. Our previous experiences with after-discharge have emphasized the necessity of using animals which have had no previous operations or experiments upon the nervous system, and which are not under the influence of drugs that might modify the direction and degree of propagation of the after-discharge. In a previous study of the phenomena, we found that in animals made epileptic by the application of aluminum oxide (alumina) cream to the cerebral cortex, or in which repeated epileptic attacks had been
Decoupled fuzzy PI Controller Tuning Scheme for Multivariable Processes

This paper proposes a fuzzy PI tuning scheme for multivariable process system where the process consists interactions among loops. First, a static decoupler is implemented and each loop is assigned with a fuzzy PI controller. Two types of FPI configurations are considered. FPI tuning is formulated using two-level tuning principle shown in [1]. The low-level tuning is accomplished using a novel linear tuning scheme, where as high-level tuning is achieved while changing rule base parameters in the fuzzy output. A nonlinearity tuning diagram is developed for nonlinear tuning. The proposed design method is less complex and can be applied for any n x n MIMO system. The performance of the proposed controller is evaluated using control simulations.
Centrosome Abnormalities and Genomic Instability by Episomal Expression of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 in Raft Cultures of Human Keratinocytes

ABSTRACT Primary human keratinocytes with ectopic expression of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncoproteins display abnormal centrosome numbers, multipolar mitoses, and aneusomy. However, it has not been explored whether these abnormalities can occur in cells containing HPV episomes where E6 and E7 expression is under viral transcriptional control. Here, we demonstrate that centrosome abnormalities and genomic instability occur in organotypic raft cultures of human keratinocytes with episomal HPV-16 even at low copy numbers. We conclude that HPV-16 DNA, when maintained as an episome, can disturb centrosome homeostasis and subvert genomic integrity of the host cell during early stages of the viral infection.
Vitamin D deficiency among subfertile women: case-control study

Abstract Objective: The objective of the study is to compare the dietary vitamin D and calcium intake among subfertile women (cases) versus pregnant women (controls) and to determine the vitamin D levels in the subfertile and pregnant women. The study design was an observational case-control study where a total of 181 (83 previously diagnosed subfertile cases from various causes and 98 pregnant controls) women of reproductive age. A validated questionnaire was used where it focused on key indicators evaluating vitamin D-related factors. Blood was withdrawn for the measurement of serum calcium, albumin and phosphate to exclude secondary causes that might affect vitamin D level. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in the subfertile group than controls (59.0% versus 40.4%; p < 0.01). Calcium supplements intake was significantly higher in controls than the subfertile group (64.6% versus 10.0%; p value < 0.001). Total dietary vitamin D intake (> 400 IU/day) was significantly higher in the controls than the subfertile group. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among subfertile women. Optimization of serum calcium and vitamin D levels is encouraged.
Detection of Biocompatibility between Nano-Layered Double Hydroxides and Hela Cells

In the past decade, rapid development happened in the field of nanotechnology. Recently, nano-material, especially inorganic hybrid molecule, has become an increasingly hot issue in medicine area for safe drug delivery system. In this paper, nano-layered double hydroxides (nano-LDHs) were chosen to be a potential drug carrier. In order to explore the biocompatibility of nano-LDHs with Hela cells, a single cell gel electrophoresis and H 2 DCF-DA fluorescent coloration assay were used to analyze the DNA damage and the change of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Hela cells exposed to nano-LDHs. Results showed that, with the increase of concentrations of nano-LDHs (0~800 mu gldrmL -1 ), the Tail DNA%, Tail Moment and ROS contents in Hela cells increased gradually; there were significant differences (p -1 ) and the control group, while no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between low concentration groups (50, 100 mu gldrmL -1 ) and the control. The results suggested that the low concentration nano-LDHs (les 100 mu gldrmL -1 ) had a good biocompatibility with Hela cells, indicating that nano-LDHs may be applicable in medicine.
Matrix notation for efficient development of first‐principles models within PAT applications: Integrated modeling of antibiotic production with Streptomyces coelicolor

A matrix notation coupled to macroscopic principles is introduced as a means to develop first‐ principles models in an efficient and structured way within PAT applications. The notation was evaluated for developing an integrated biological, chemical (pH modeling) and physical (gas–liquid exchange) model for describing antibiotic production with Streptomyces coelicolor in batch fermentations. The model provided statistically adequate fits to all the monitored macroscopic biological, chemical and physical data of the process, except the phosphate uptake dynamics. This phosphate discrepancy is hypothesized to result from the internal storage of phosphate as polyphosphate prior to the exponential growth phase. The antibiotic production was associated with the stationary phase and its kinetics was adequately described using a modified Luedeking–Piret equation. Further, the maintenance was best described by employing a combination of Pirt and Herbert models, a result that was supported by a model‐based hypothesis testing. Overall the process knowledge currently incorporated in the model is believed to be useful both for process optimization purposes and for further testing of hypotheses aiming at improving the mechanistic understanding of antibiotic production with S. coelicolor. Last but not least, the matrix notation is believed to be a promising supporting tool for efficient development and communication of complex dynamic models within a PAT framework. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;101: 153–171. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Racotumomab: an anti-idiotype vaccine related to N-glycolyl-containing gangliosides – preclinical and clinical data

Neu-glycolyl (NeuGc)-containing gangliosides are attractive targets for immunotherapy with anti-idiotype mAbs, because these glycolipids are not normal components of the cytoplasmic membrane in humans, but their expression has been demonstrated in several human malignant tumors. Racotumomab is an anti-idiotype mAb specific to P3 mAb, an antibody which reacts to NeuGc-containing gangliosides, sulfatides, and other antigens expressed in tumors. Preparations containing racotumomab were able to induce a strong anti-metastatic effect in tumor-bearing mice. Different Phase I clinical trials have been conducted in patients with advanced melanoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer. The results of these clinical trials demonstrated the low toxicity and the high immunogenicity of this vaccine. The induced antibodies recognized and directly killed tumor cells expressing NeuGcGM3. A Phase II/III multicenter, controlled, randomized, double blind clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of aluminum hydroxide-precipitated racotumomab vaccine in overall survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The clinical results of this study showed a significant clinical benefit in the patients who were treated with the anti-idiotype vaccine.
The evolutionary appearance of non-cyanogenic hydroxynitrile glucosides in the Lotus genus is accompanied by the substrate specialization of paralogous β-glucosidases resulting from a crucial amino acid substitution.

Lotus japonicus, like several other legumes, biosynthesizes the cyanogenic α-hydroxynitrile glucosides lotaustralin and linamarin. Upon tissue disruption these compounds are hydrolysed by a specific β-glucosidase, resulting in the release of hydrogen cyanide. Lotus japonicus also produces the non-cyanogenic γ- and β-hydroxynitrile glucosides rhodiocyanoside A and D using a biosynthetic pathway that branches off from lotaustralin biosynthesis. We previously established that BGD2 is the only β-glucosidase responsible for cyanogenesis in leaves. Here we show that the paralogous BGD4 has the dominant physiological role in rhodiocyanoside degradation. Structural modelling, site-directed mutagenesis and activity assays establish that a glycine residue (G211) in the aglycone binding site of BGD2 is essential for its ability to hydrolyse the endogenous cyanogenic glucosides. The corresponding valine (V211) in BGD4 narrows the active site pocket, resulting in the exclusion of non-flat substrates such as lotaustralin and linamarin, but not of the more planar rhodiocyanosides. Rhodiocyanosides and the BGD4 gene only occur in L. japonicus and a few closely related species associated with the Lotus corniculatus clade within the Lotus genus. This suggests the evolutionary scenario that substrate specialization for rhodiocyanosides evolved from a promiscuous activity of a progenitor cyanogenic β-glucosidase, resembling BGD2, and required no more than a single amino acid substitution.
Heat-sensitive moxibustion attenuates the inflammation after focal cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury

Heat-sensitive moxibustion has neuroprotective effects against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, however its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, rat models of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were treated with suspended moxibustion at acupoint Dazhui (DU14) for 35 minutes. Results showed that suspended moxibustion decreased infarct volume, reduced cortical myeloperoxidase activity, and suppressed serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our experimental findings indicated that heat-sensitive moxibustion can attenuate inflammation and promote repair after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Barriers for Implementing advanced logistic system in retail : Comparison between Wal-Mart and a Chinese company

With the rapid growth of China economy, more and more companies search a way to raise their local business to an international level. Wal-Mart is the best representative of advanced supply chain management. With decades of developing, Wal-Mart establishes an enviable supply chain management with nearly zero inventory and advanced information technology system. Hualian is the biggest supermarket chain in China, who tries to gain competitive advantage from Wal-Mart supply chain pattern. Meanwhile, beside Hualian, Wal-Mart's supply chain pattern is also meaningful to other companies. Hence, trying to figure out how Wal-Mart manages its supply chain is useful. The main purpose is to find out requirement and barriers for implementing Wal-Mart’s advanced logistics system in a Chinese retail company. By comparing Wal-Mart supply chain management with Hualian, this illustration will perfectly make a demonstration for Chinese companies. Since Hualian is the biggest supermarket chain company in China, this comparison is resourceful. This paper will finally illustrate how Wal-Mart does its supply chain management, and what barriers and benefits Chinese companies will meet while implementing. Primary data and secondary data have been used in the comparison. Additionally, qualitative method will be applied for purchasing, and quantitative method will be used for distribution analysis. Although Hualian is the biggest supermarket chain company in China, it still has a distance from Wal-Mart whatever on information system or on scales. Implementing advanced logistic supply chain management eventually will benefit Hualian a lot; however, barriers prior to benefits are huge obstacles for Hualian and its suppliers.
Ftc Bureau of Economics Roundtable on the Economics of Internet Auctions: An Executive Summary

On October 27, 2005, the Bureau of Economics at the Federal Trade Commission hosted a roundtable on the Economics of Internet Auctions. This one-day conference brought together academic experts, industry professionals and government economists to discuss and learn about Internet auctions. This paper is a brief summary of the papers presented and panel discussions at the conference. The conference covered three main issues: (1) fraud and information problems on consumer-to-consumer Internet auction sites like eBay, (2) competition between auction sites and amongst auction site users, and (3) the data generated from auction sites and what inferences may be drawn from such data. The keynote address was given by Prof. Hal Varian. Varian discussed the auctions used by Google to sell "keyword" searches.
Antibiotic Abuse in Developing Countries

The root causes of the spread of antibiotic resistance are multifactorials and interconnected. It basically caused by inappropriate, irrational, high consumption, and profligate use of antibiotics, combined by a low level of compliance of the patients. The unavailability of a health insurance system that covered most of the citizens in those countries has played a part to the irrational use of antibiotics. For example in Indonesia, almost 86% of the populations are not covered by any insurance scheme [13], thus, they have to pay in cash everytime they have medical problem. This condition has forced medical doctors to sometimes skip the supporting diagnosis to confirm the bacterial infections, and directly prescribe antibiotics whenever they suspect infections. With the high number of antibiotic prescription, patients believed that antibiotic is a magical medicine that will cure them. From the patients point of view, those with lower income will skip medical consultation and choose for self medication for common diseases, including with non-prescribed antibiotic. They tend to duplicate their previous prescriptions for self medication by making notes of prescribed medicines for future reference if similar medical problems reoccur [14]. Indonesian government has legally included antibiotics to prescription-only medicines whose sale are restricted to hospitals, public health centers, and community pharmacies. However without a strict supervision, antibiotics are easily purchased at a low
Asset specificity in make or buy decisions for service operations: An empirical application in the Scottish hotel sector

Purpose – This work analyses make or buy decisions from the transaction cost economics perspective and the resource‐based view of the firm. The aim is to analyse the extent to which the presumptions of the two theories are valid in the service sector in terms of specific assets.Design/methodology/approach – The study was conducted on a representative sample of hotels in Scotland, UK. Each of the surveyed hotels was asked for information about 13 operations or hotel processes. A comprehensive model is developed that establishes the relationship between asset specificity and operation performance and hotel or business performance, moderated by the form of governance (make or buy). Moreover, the relationship between asset specificity and outsourcing in the hotel sector is also examined. The different hotel processes are classified according to the asset specificity. The factors that could lead to an increase in the outsourcing strategy are also analysed.Findings – The results indicate that, the relationship .
Family‐based association tests for survival and times‐to‐onset analysis

In this paper, we discuss family‐based association test (FBATs) relating genetic data to survival and time‐to‐onset data. We show how the standard logrank and Wilcoxon statistics can be used with family data to develop tests of association. We prove that the FBAT‐logrank approach can be identical to the proportional hazard approach discussed in Mokliatchouk et al. (2000). Further, using simulation studies, we compare the power of the logrank, Wilcoxon and an approach developed for censored exponential data (Euro J Hum Gen 2001; 9:301–306). Based on the results of the simulation study, we suggest rules of thumb about which statistics to use in a given situation. An application of all three tests to an Alzheimer study illustrates the practical relevance of our discussion. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulation of the Sinus Rate during Ventricular Fibrillation

Background: During supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, the arterial baroreflex predominates with minimal contribution from the cardiopulmonary reflex. To our knowledge, the role of the arterial baroreflex gain (BRG) during and immediately following termination of ventricular fibrillation (VF) has not been characterized.
Taboo? : The process of Neolitisation in the Dutch wetlands 91 re-examined (5000–3400 cal BC)

This paper investigates the relevance of the notion of taboo from a diachronic perspective and focuses on the Neolithisation in the western part of the North European Plain. While taboo is a very strong cultural notion, the transition to farming by definition means a subsistence change. The notion of taboo was expanded to include three theoretical behavioural options. These are deliberate avoidance (taboo), deliberate incorporation and non-ritual adoption. In my opinion the diachronic taboo model presented here helps us to step away from the more mechanical availability model and focus on the social processes underlying the process of Neolithisation. It makes clear that the small-scale introduction of domestic animals from around 4700–4450 cal BC did not have any social relevance — at least not visible to the archaeologist. The introduction of cereals in the period 4300–4000 cal BC seems to have been of greater social relevance, resulting in new pottery types. Around 4000 cal BC the perception of domestic cattle may have changed profoundly, judging from the deposition of cattle horns. The outcome of this process around 4000 cal BC is then a society in which both cereals and domestic cattle have taken centre stage.
Low social class is linked to upper gastrointestinal symptoms in an Australian sample of urban adults

Objective. The epidemiology of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms has been described in population surveys, yet their distribution by socio-economic (social) class remains largely uninvestigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of social class on GI symptoms in an urban sample of Australian adults. Material and methods. The prevalence of 25 GI symptoms was determined by postal questionnaire. Five latent symptom groups were identified by a principal components analysis (PCA) (Esophageal, Dysmotility-like, Nausea/vomiting, Constipation and Diarrhea). These components were used to model the association between GI symptoms and adult social class. Social class was assigned according to a census-based measure of area disadvantage, and to highest level of completed education. Age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios – as identified by unconditional logistic regression – were used to describe the relationship between symptom groups and adult social class. Results. The effects of area disadvantage and education on Esophageal and Dysmotility-like symptoms were pronounced, with persistent trends for elevated symptom rates amongst the lower social classes (all p<0.01 on age- and sex-adjusted effects). When defined by area disadvantage, the odds ratios for Nausea/vomiting were significantly elevated among the lowest social class group (p=0.01), whereas the odds for Constipation were significantly elevated among the upper–middle social class when defined by education (p=0.001). Diarrhea was not associated with social class whether defined by area disadvantage or education. Conclusions. Low social class is a risk factor for upper GI complaints.
Progression and variability of competitive performance of Olympic swimmers

Estimates of progression and variability of athletic performance in competitions are useful for researchers and practitioners interested in factors that affect performance. We used repeated-measures mixed modelling to analyse 676 official race times of 26 US and 25 Australian Olympic swimmers in the 12-month period leading up to the 2000 Olympic Games. Progression was expressed as percent changes in mean performance; variability was expressed as the coefficient of variation in performance of an individual swimmer between races. Within competitions, both nations showed similar improvements in mean time from heats through finals (overall 1.2%; 95% confidence limits 1.1 to 1.3%). Mean competition time also improved over 12 months by a similar amount in both nations (0.9%; 95% confidence limits 0.6 to 1.2%). The US swimmers showed a greater improvement between the finals (a difference of 0.5%; 95% confidence limits −0.2 to 1.1%), which paralleled changes in the medal haul of the two nations. The coefficient of variation in performance time for a swimmer between races was 0.60% (95% confidence limits 0.56 to 0.65%) within a competition and 0.80% (95% confidence limits 0.73 to 0.86%) between competitions. Our results show that: (a) to stay in contention for a medal, an Olympic swimmer should improve his or her performance by ∼1% within a competition and by ∼1% within the year leading up to the Olympics; (b) an additional enhancement of ∼0.4% (one-half the between-competition variability) would substantially increase the swimmer's chances of a medal.
Software-Defined Networking for Internet of Things: A Survey

Internet of things (IoT) facilitates billions of devices to be enabled with network connectivity to collect and exchange real-time information for providing intelligent services. Thus, IoT allows connected devices to be controlled and accessed remotely in the presence of adequate network infrastructure. Unfortunately, traditional network technologies such as enterprise networks and classic timeout-based transport protocols are not capable of handling such requirements of IoT in an efficient, scalable, seamless, and cost-effective manner. Besides, the advent of software-defined networking (SDN) introduces features that allow the network operators and users to control and access the network devices remotely, while leveraging the global view of the network. In this respect, we provide a comprehensive survey of different SDN-based technologies, which are useful to fulfill the requirements of IoT, from different networking aspects—edge, access, core, and data center networking. In these areas, the utility of SDN-based technologies is discussed, while presenting different challenges and requirements of the same in the context of IoT applications. We present a synthesized overview of the current state of IoT development. We also highlight some of the future research directions and open research issues based on the limitations of the existing SDN-based technologies.