Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Potentiates Mouse Mast Cell Protease 4–Dependent Pressor Responses to Centrally or Systemically Administered Big Endothelin-1

Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease affecting predominantly female patients between 20 and 45 years of age. We previously reported the significant contribution of mouse mast cell protease 4 (mMCP-4) in the synthesis of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in healthy mice and in a murine model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In the current study, the cardiovascular effects of ET-1 and big endothelin-1 (big-ET-1) administered systemically or intrathecally were assessed in the early preclinical phase of EAE in telemetry instrumented/conscious mice. Chymase-specific enzymatic activity was also measured in the lung, brain, and mast cell extracts in vitro. Finally, the impact of EAE immunization was studied on the pulmonary and brain mRNA expression of different genes of the endothelin pathway, interleukin-33 (IL-33), and monitoring of immunoreactive tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Systemically or intrathecally administered big-ET-1 triggered increases in blood pressure in conscious mice. One week post-EAE, the pressor responses to big-ET-1 were potentiated in wild-type (WT) mice but not in mMCP-4 knockout (KO) mice. EAE triggered mMCP-4–specific activity in cerebral homogenates and peritoneal mast cells. Enhanced pulmonary, but not cerebral preproendothelin-1 and IL-33 mRNA were found in KO mice and further increased 1 week post-EAE immunization, but not in WT animals. Finally, TNF-α levels were also increased in serum from mMCP-4 KO mice, but not WT, 1 week post-EAE. Our study suggests that mMCP-4 activity is enhanced both centrally and systemically in a mouse model of EAE.
Why the 20% + 2 Tryptase Formula Is a Diagnostic Gold Standard for Severe Systemic Mast Cell Activation and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of clinically relevant, systemic, severe reactions to mast cell (MC)-derived mediators released in the context of anaphylaxis or another acute MC-related event. It is important to document MC involvement in these reactions in order to establish the diagnosis MCAS. The most specific and reliable marker of systemic MC activation is an acute and substantial event-related (transient) increase in the serum tryptase level over the individual’s baseline value. However, the baseline level of tryptase varies depending on the underlying disease and the genetic background. For example, an estimated 3–5% of healthy individuals exhibit duplications or multiple copies of the TPSAB1 gene encoding for alpha-tryptase, and over 30% of all patients with myeloid neoplasms, including mastocytosis, have elevated basal tryptase levels. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to adjust the event-related diagnostic (MCAS-confirming) increase in tryptase over the individual baseline in a robust approach. To address this challenge, the 20% + 2 formula was proposed by the consensus group in 2012. Since then, this approach has been validated in clinical practice by independent groups and found to be sound. In the current article, we discuss the emerging importance and value of the 20% + 2 formula in clinical practice and its role as a criterion of severe systemic MC activation and MCAS.
IEEE 802.1 AVB and QoE testing

Original 802.3 standards are designed to deliver best-effort data, with no special provisions for time critical aspects of multimedia applications. 802.1q defines a 3bit Priority Code Point-field (PCP) in the VLAN-header (802.1p). Eight different Classes of Service (CoS) are used to prioritize traffic. 802.1ak Multiple Registration Protocol (MRP) provides registration and resource allocation. For A/V-streams, there is also a constraint on timeliness (<2ms for 7 hops) and packet loss [1]. This research focuses on a timing-aware ethernet. Admission and reservation system rely on 802.1ak. Time sensitive streams are shaped by an 8MHz clock, which is syntonized using the Precise Timing Protocol (PTP). Ongoing standardization is coordinated by the IEEE 802.1 AVB tasking group [2]. Traffic is classified as foreground or background. Traffic observations from Caida and Gloriad form the base for emulating the internet. The QoE of A/V-streams, referred as ‘foreground traffic’, is quantitatively expressed by PEASQ/PEAQ and MOS.
Challenges to building and maintaining partnership in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries in spinal cord injury: a qualitative study of health professionals' views.

AIMS OF THE STUDY The effective management of spinal cord injury (SCI) requires partnership between people with SCI and health professionals (HPs). This paper identifies HPs’ perceived challenges in building and maintaining this partnership, with a specific focus on how people with SCI and HPs collaborate in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries (PIs) in SCI. DESIGN This study has a qualitative and explorative design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed following the principles of thematic analysis. POPULATION AND SETTING The study population consisted of a purposive sample of HPs (n = 26) working in inpatient and outpatient care in Switzerland with experience in the care of people with SCI. RESULTS The analysis identified three main challenges: defining responsibilities and expectations, negotiating priorities and establishing and strengthening trust and respect. The HPs argue that the prevention of PIs and self-management are mainly the responsibility of the person with SCI. The HPs have, however, the responsibility to empower, guide, and support persons with SCI in self-management by educating and motivating them. CONCLUSION Building and maintaining a partnership with individuals with SCI to prevent and treat PIs is crucial, but it is not an easy task for HPs. Specific communication skills can help HPs and patients find personalised solutions that take into account the patients’ expertise and preferences. Additionally, the healthcare system must develop solutions that go beyond personal partnership to better integrate the prevention and treatment of PIs into the lifelong self-management of SCI. Assistive technologies, such as mobile technology, might help in this endeavour.
특징점 기반 2차원 얼굴 영상 모핑의 자동화 방법

특징점 기반 모핑의 대표적인 문제점은 모핑에 사용되는 특징점 제어선을 수작업에 의해 결정하는 것이다. 본 논문은 얼굴 영상으로부터 얼굴의 특징점인 눈 코, 입, 눈썹 등을 자동으로 검출하여 두 영상간의 자동 모핑하는 방법을 제시한다. 모핑 처리를 위하여 시작 얼굴 영상과 종료 얼굴 영상에서 존재하는 얼굴 영역을 HSI 컬러모델과 TSL 컬러모델을 이용하여 얼굴 영역을 검출하였다. 모핑에 필요한 제어선 검출을 위하여, 검출된 얼굴 영역 내에서 눈, 코, 입, 눈썹 등을 각 특징점들의 기하학적인 정보를 이용하여 검출하였다. 또한 처음 얼굴 영역을 검출할 때 입력된 영상이 목 부분까지 드러날 경우, 정확한 얼굴 영역만을 찾기 위해 검출된 입 영역의 하단부분부터 처음 얼굴 영역으로 검출된 하단부분까지 소벨 연산을 적용하여 턱 부분의 윤곽선을 검출하여 정확한 얼굴 영역을 검출할 수 있다. 검출된 얼굴 영역의 특징점들을 이용하는 특징점 기반 모핑 기법에 두 얼굴 영상간의 모핑 처리를 수행하였다. 제안된 방법을 특징점 기반 모핑과 매쉬 모핑에 적용하여 성능을 평가하였으며, 기존 Cross-Dissolve 방법과 비교해 성능이 우수함을 입증하였다.
Unique properties and behavior of non-mercerized type-II cellulose nanocrystals as carbon nanotube biocompatible dispersants.

Nanocellulose is increasingly being investigated as a paradigm of a sustainable nanomaterial, because of its extraordinary physical and chemical properties, together with its renewable nature and worldwide abundance. The rich structural diversity in cellulose materials is represented by different crystalline allomorphs, from which types I and II stand out. While type I is naturally and ubiquitously present, type-II is manmade and requires harsh and caustic synthesis conditions such as the so-called mercerization process. Here we provide an optimal scenario to obtain either type-I or II nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) by a mercerization-free method consisting only on the acid hydrolysis commonly used to produce nanocellulose from microcellulose. The possibility of having non-mercerized type-II NCC acquires a great relevance, since this nanostruc-ture shows particularly appealing properties. Moreover, an entangled and wrapped system arises when used as a dispersing agent for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), significantly different from that of type-I. The biological testing of each NCC type and their respective SWCNT-NCC dispersions in human intestinal (Caco-2) cells, in both cancer and normal stages of differentiation, reveals that the type-II based SWCNT-NCC dispersions are cytotoxic for cancer cells, while the rest of samples show an innocuous behavior in both types of cells.
DNA damage tolerance in stem cells, ageing, mutagenesis, disease and cancer therapy

Abstract The DNA damage response network guards the stability of the genome from a plethora of exogenous and endogenous insults. An essential feature of the DNA damage response network is its capacity to tolerate DNA damage and structural impediments during DNA synthesis. This capacity, referred to as DNA damage tolerance (DDT), contributes to replication fork progression and stability in the presence of blocking structures or DNA lesions. Defective DDT can lead to a prolonged fork arrest and eventually cumulate in a fork collapse that involves the formation of DNA double strand breaks. Four principal modes of DDT have been distinguished: translesion synthesis, fork reversal, template switching and repriming. All DDT modes warrant continuation of replication through bypassing the fork stalling impediment or repriming downstream of the impediment in combination with filling of the single-stranded DNA gaps. In this way, DDT prevents secondary DNA damage and critically contributes to genome stability and cellular fitness. DDT plays a key role in mutagenesis, stem cell maintenance, ageing and the prevention of cancer. This review provides an overview of the role of DDT in these aspects.
Azimuth Sidelobes Suppression Using Multi-Azimuth Angle Synthetic Aperture Radar Images

A novel method is proposed for azimuth sidelobes suppression using multi-pass squinted (MPS) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. For MPS SAR, the radar observes the scene with different squint angles and heights on each pass. The MPS SAR mode acquisition geometry is given first. Then, 2D signals are focused and the images are registered to the master image. Based on the new signal model, elevation processing and incoherent addition are introduced in detail, which are the main parts for azimuth sidelobes suppression. Moreover, parameter design criteria in incoherent addition are derived for the best performance. With the proposed parameter optimization step, the new method has a prominent azimuth sidelobes suppression effect with a slightly better azimuth resolution, as verified by experimental results on both simulated point targets and TerraSAR-X data.
Cell and Gene Therapies for Mucopolysaccharidoses: Base Editing and Therapeutic Delivery to the CNS

Although individually uncommon, rare diseases collectively account for a considerable proportion of disease impact worldwide. A group of rare genetic diseases called the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are characterized by accumulation of partially degraded glycosaminoglycans cellularly. MPS results in varied systemic symptoms and in some forms of the disease, neurodegeneration. Lack of treatment options for MPS with neurological involvement necessitates new avenues of therapeutic investigation. Cell and gene therapies provide putative alternatives and when coupled with genome editing technologies may provide long term or curative treatment. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing technology and, more recently, advances in genome editing research, have allowed for the addition of base editors to the repertoire of CRISPR-based editing tools. The latest versions of base editors are highly efficient on-targeting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) editors. Here, we describe a number of putative guide ribonucleic acid (RNA) designs for precision correction of known causative mutations for 10 of the MPSs. In this review, we discuss advances in base editing technologies and current techniques for delivery of cell and gene therapies to the site of global degeneration in patients with severe neurological forms of MPS, the central nervous system, including ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption.
Early ontogeny and sequence heterochronies in Leiuperinae frogs (Anura: Leptodactylidae)

The study of early development in Neotropical Leiuperinae frogs (Anura, Leptodactylidae) has been addressed by several works in recent times. However, a comparative developmental approach under a phylogenetic context was not available. Herein we analyzed the morphological and ontogenetic diversity of embryos belonging to 22 species of the three largest genera in Leiuperinae. We find that in most cases, variations fit with the phylogeny at the inter- and intrageneric levels. Embryo kyphosis and whitish color are synapomorphies for the clade grouping Physalaemus and Engystomops. The presence of a third lower tooth row on the oral disc is plesiomorphic for Leiuperinae, only changing in derived clades. The configurations and developmental trajectories of the lower lip are exceptionally diverse. The developmental sequences optimized on the phylogenetic tree recover an early differentiated first lower tooth row a synapomorphy of Pseudopaludicola and Physalaemus, and an early differentiated second row as synapomorphy of Pleurodema. On the other hand, few features are highly conserved in the subfamily, such as the adhesive glands universally present in a type-C configuration. Our results also suggest that the morphology and ontogeny of embryos is in some cases associated to the environment where they develop. A large body size, poorly developed transient respiratory structures, large yolk provision and delayed development of the digestive tract occur convergently in embryos inhabiting cold, oxygenated environments. Embryos that develop in warmer water bodies in xeric environments show more complex and persistent transient respiratory structures and an early onset of hind limbs development. Our survey highlights that morphology and early development of anurans can be a valuable source of information for phylogenetic studies, and provide fundamental bases to explore and discuss how evolutionary changes can be shaped by environmental conditions.
Matching on -Chip Data Storage to Telecommunication and Media Application Properties

This dissertation describes hardware and software necessary for compiler-controlled power savings in embedded data storage systems. Recent techniques for saving dynamic and static power in specialized SRAM arrays are leveraged to provide port, latency, and sleep configurability. Using advanced interprocedural pointer analysis to provide complete resolution of potential memory accesses, the compiler chooses a power-saving configuration for each program data object. Data objects are then grouped according to the number of needed ports and desired access latency. Both the hardware and software design of configurable SRAM was driven by a data intent characterization of telecommunication and media applications. This characterization is described, along with description of its application to other methods for power savings in embedded systems. For configurable SRAM, data storage savings in the range of 29% static power and 6% dynamic power are achieved without sacrificing code performance. When slight performance degradation can be tolerated, the compiler uses profile feedback to realize an average of 51.7% static and 9.4% dynamic power reduction.
A Residence Time Theory for Biodiversity

From microorganisms to the largest macroorganisms, much of Earth’s biodiversity is subject to forces of physical turnover. Residence time is the ratio of an ecosystem’s size to its rate of flow and provides a means for understanding the influence of physical turnover on biological systems. Despite its use across scientific disciplines, residence time has not been integrated into the broader understanding of biodiversity, life history, and the assembly of ecological communities. Here we propose a residence time theory for the growth, activity, abundance, and diversity of traits and taxa in complex ecological systems. Using thousands of stochastic individual-based models to simulate energetically constrained life-history processes, we show that our predictions are conceptually sound and mutually compatible and that they support ecological relationships that underpin much of biodiversity theory. We discuss the importance of residence time across the ecological hierarchy and propose how residence time can be integrated into theories ranging from population genetics to macroecology.
Associations among Genetic Variants and Intracranial Aneurysm in a Chinese Population

Purpose Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed that common variants on or near EDNRA, HDAC9, SOX17, RP1, CDKN2B-AS1, and RBBP8 genes are associated with intracranial aneurysm (IA) in European or Japanese populations. However, due to population heterogeneity, whether these loci are associated with IA pathogenesis in Chinese individuals is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations among GWAS-identified loci and risk of IA in a Chinese population. Materials and Methods A total of 765 individuals (including 230 IA patients and 535 controls) were involved in this study. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of candidate loci were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Associations were analyzed using univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results SNPs in CDKN2B-AS1 (especially rs10757272) showed significant associations with IA in dominant and additive models [odds ratio (OR), 2.99 and 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.44–6.24 and 1.10–1.86, respectively]. A SNP near HDAC9 (rs10230207) was associated with IA in the dominant model (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.01–1.99). One SNP near RP1 (rs1072737) showed a protective effect on IA in the dominant model (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46–0.95), while another SNP in RP1 (rs9298506) showed a risk effect on IA in a recessive model (OR, 3.82; 95% CI, 1.84–7.91). No associations were observed among common variants near EDNRA, SOX17, or RBBP8 and IA. Conclusion These data partially confirmed earlier results and showed that variants in CDKN2B-AS1, RP1, and HDAC9 could be genetic susceptibility factors for IA in a Chinese population.
Pain-Free Versus Pain-Threshold Rehabilitation Following Acute Hamstring Strain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. BACKGROUND Conventional guidelines recommend hamstring strain injury (HSI) rehabilitation should only be performed and progressed in complete absence of pain, despite lack of comparison to alternative approaches. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this study was to compare the number of days from acute HSI to return to play (RTP) clearance following a standardised rehabilitation protocol performed within either pain-free or pain-threshold limits. The secondary aims were to compare isometric knee flexor strength, biceps femoris long head (BFlh) fascicle length, fear of movement and re-injury during a six-month follow-up between pain-free and pain-threshold groups. METHODS Forty-three men with acute HSIs were randomly allocated to either a pain-free (n=22) or pain-threshold (n=21) rehabilitation group. Days from HSI to RTP clearance, isometric knee flexor strength, BFlh fascicle length, fear of movement and re-injuries within six-month follow-up were reported. RESULTS The median time from HSI to RTP clearance was 15 days (95% CI = 13 to 17) in the pain-free group and 17 days (95% CI = 11 to 24) in the pain-threshold group, which was not significantly different (p = 0.37). Recovery of isometric knee flexor strength at 90/90 degrees of hip/knee flexion was greater in the pain-threshold group at RTP clearance by 15% (95% CI = 1 to 28) and by 15% (95% CI = 1 to 29) at two-month follow-up. BFlh fascicles were 0.91cm (95% CI = 0.34 to 1.48) longer at two-month follow-up in the pain-threshold group. Two re-injuries occurred in both the pain-free and pain-threshold group during six-month follow-up. CONCLUSION Pain-threshold rehabilitation did not accelerate RTP clearance but did result in greater recovery of isometric knee flexor strength and better maintenance of BFlh fascicle length improvements compared to pain-free rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, Epub 28 Jun 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019. 8895.
Association of caspase 8 promoter variants and haplotypes with the risk of breast cancer and its molecular profile in an Iranian population: A case‐control study

Caspase 8 (CASP8) gene plays a key role in the regulation of apoptotic cell death. Expression variation in this gene has been associated with the risk of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of rs3834129 and rs3769821, as functional variants, and their haplotypes with molecular profile as well as the risk of breast cancer in an Iranian population. A case‐control study was conducted on 812 participants including 293 breast cancer patients and 519 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction–based methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Ver16. The association between polymorphisms and haplotypes with the risk of breast cancer was estimated by calculating odds ratios (OR) and chi‐square (χ2) tests. In comparison with ins allele (I) of rs3834129, carriers of del allele (D) showed a lower risk of breast cancer (OR, 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49‐0.87; P = 0.004). The multivariate logistic regression model indicated DD genotype as an independent factor for a decreased risk of breast cancer in our population (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.58; P = 0.004). Also, the C allele of rs3769821 was associated with a 43% increased risk of breast cancer (P = 0.005); however, after adjustment for confounding factors, no association with rs3769821 and breast cancer was observed. In addition, D‐T haplotype and diplotype presented protective effects (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that genetic variations in the promoter region of CASP8 gene, especially rs3834129, may serve as a genetic risk factor for breast cancer in an Iranian population.
Influence of Different Drying Techniques on Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity and Colour of Ziziphus jujube Mill. Fruits

This study was to present the effect of different parameters of combined methods of drying such as vacuum-microwave (VMD: 480, 120 W), hot air (CDD: 70, 60, 50 °C) and combined methods as pre-drying by CD and finish drying by VMD (CD-VMD: 60 °C + 480/120W) in order to avoid a rapid increase in temperature at the critical moisture content of ca. 1 kg/kg dm (dry mass). Control samples were prepared by freeze-drying (FD). Drying kinetics, including the temperature profile of dried material, as well as on some quality factors of the finished product as phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and color were evaluated. The increase in air temperature during CD as well as the increase in material temperature during VMD deteriorated dried product quality in terms of the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and color. Dried jujube fruits have a long shelf life and therefore may be a fine alternative to fresh fruit all year round.
How To Run A Successful Free Software Project - Producing Open Source Software

The corporate market is embracing free, "open source" software, as evidenced by the success of the technologies underlying LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP). Each is the result of a publicly collaborative process among numerous developers who volunteer their time and energy to create better software.The truth is, however, that the overwhelming majority of free software projects fail. To help you beat the odds, Karl Fogel put together this guide that recommends tried and true steps to help free software developers work together toward a common goal. Not just for developers who are considering starting their own free software project, this book will also help those who want to participate in the process at any level.