Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 and-9 : possible biomarkers of infliximab efficacy in ankylosing spondylitis ( AS ) ?

Objective: To investigate the concentration of serum Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and -9 in active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) during infliximab treatment and to evaluate whether MMP-3 and MMP-9 were associated with clinical measures of disease activity and function in AS. Method: Baseline and sequential serum MMP-3 and MMP-9 were examined at week 12 of infliximab treatment in 44 AS patients. The clinical sores were evaluated by ASDAS, BASFI, BASMI, ESR and CRP. The paired T-test and Spearman correlation analysis were used for statistic analysis. Results: 1 Serum MMP-3 and MMP-9 and clinical scores including ASDAS, BASFI, BASMI, ESR and CRP of 44 AS patients significantly decreased when they were treated with infliximab for 12 weeks (P<0.05). 2 AS with peripheral arthritis (PA) patients had higher MMP-3 level than AS without PA patients (P<0.01). Contrastly, AS without PA patients had higher MMP-9 level (P<0.05). 3 The association was found between MMP-3 and ESR, CRP, ASDAS and BASFI (P<0.01), and MMP-9 was associated with CRP, ASDAS, BASFI and BASMI (P<0.05). 4 After 12 weeks, the decrease of MMP-3 was associated with the improvement of ASDAS, BASFI, ESR, CRP, but not with BASMI. The decline of MMP-9 was correlated with the improvement of ASDAS, BASMI and CRP. 5 There were thirty-seven responders and seven non-responders according to the improvement of ASDAS criteria at week 12 after infliximab infusion. Responders have higher baseline serum MMP-3 than that of non-responders (P<0.01), but not MMP-9. Conclusions: Serum MMP-3 and MMP-9 decreased significantly in active AS patients during infliximab therapy and their decline was associated with the improvement of clinical syndromes. Infliximab responders have higher baseline serum MMP-3 not MMP-9 level than that in infliximab non-responders.
Graph Generation via Reverse Iterative Query Processing

Automatic generation of application-specific big graphs is becoming one of the most important features of a benchmark. In this paper, we report our on-going work and partial results on big graph generation based on reverse query processing. We show how to deal with iterative queries by transforming iterative query computation to computation of the fixed point of a flat query function, from which a set of constraints can be systematically derived for reverse query processing. And we propose three approaches to parallelizing reverse query processing, namely by query rewriting, virtual node introduction and Kronecker’s product.
Detection of Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking and Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in Young Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The premature development of coronary atherosclerosis is the most well-known heart disease in diabetes, however, a special subset of heart failure in diabetes has been proposed, the diabetic cardiomyopathy, which is myocardial dysfunction not caused by ischemia, valvular disease or hypertension [3]. The exact cause remains unclear. It is generally accepted that the most important mechanisms are hyperglycemia, increased free fatty acids, activation of the rennin angiotensin system, microangiopathy, increased oxidative stress, and cardiac autonomic neuropathy [4].
Partial purification of invertase from Momordica charantia (bitter melon) by three phase partitioning (TPP) method

The single step three-phase partitioning (TPP) method was evaluated for the purification of invertase from Momordica charantia. Optimum conditions for TPP method, that is, 70% ammonium sulfate saturation, 1:0.5 t-butanol ratio and 30 min incubation time lead to 20.28% efficiency and 10.48 fold partial purification. Total protein decreased from 34.86 mg to 0.68 mg in the homogenate, and the specific activity of the enzyme increased from 21.67 to 227.02 U/mg protein. The purified enzyme showed maximum activity in 0.3 M pH 5.0 buffer at 50°C. In conclusion, the optimized single step TPP method revealed better purification. Key words: Three-phase partitioning (TPP), invertase, Momordica charantia, enzyme purification.
Light propagation in 2 PN approximation in the field of one moving monopole I . Initial value problem

In this investigation the light propagation in the gravitational field of one arbitrarily moving body with monopole structure is considered in the second post-Newtonian approximation. It is found that the light trajectory depends on the acceleration of the body. Some of these acceleration terms are important in order to get well-defined logarithmic functions with dimensionless arguments, while all the other acceleration terms are negligible on the pico-second level of accuracy in time-delay measurements. The expressions of the observables total light deflection and time delay are determined. PACS numbers: 95.10. Jk, 95.10. Ce, 95.30. Sf, 04.25. Nx, 04.80. Cc
Unique insertion sequence and pattern of CD4 expression in variants selected with immunotoxins from human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected T cells

To study the variability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), we used immunotoxins to select for variants within a population of H9 cells persistently infected with a molecular clone of HIV-1 designated NL4-3. Chimeric immunotoxin CD4-PE40 (a chimeric fusion protein consisting of the amino-terminal two domains of CD4 and the carboxy-terminal domains of Pseudomonas exotoxin A) was used to select for cells lacking cell surface expression of HIV Env (envelope proteins gp160, gp120, and gp41). The cells described here (A1, A7, C9, and E9) fail to express HIV proteins because they have markedly diminished transcription of the integrated provirus (A1, A7, and E9) or no HIV provirus (C9). Analysis demonstrated that two different cloned variants, A1 and E9, contain the complementary sequence of tRNA(3Lys) (45 bp) inserted 3' to the primer-binding site, following by a 169-bp deletion through the start of the gag gene. No HIV mRNA was detected by Northern (RNA) blotting, but PCR demonstrated the presence of the viral message. These variants were found very infrequently in the unselected H9/NL4-3 cell population, and they contained proviruses distinct from that found in the dominant population. In addition, all of these variants had similar patterns of CD4 surface expression that allowed them to escape reinfection within the tissue culture. The data are discussed with regard to mechanisms and errors of HIV reverse transcription, as well as the evolution of mutants within a population of persistently infected cells.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) On flexible force fields for metal-organic frameworks : Recent developments and future prospects

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Nanoimprint Lithography for Honeycomb Texturing of Multicrystalline Silicon

We investigated a novel process chain based on Nanoimprint Lithography (NIL) for realising defined textures. As application we chose the honeycomb texturing of multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si), which so far was applied using elaborate photolithographic processing for reaching the highest efficiencies on this type of substrate material up to now. The developed process chain contains the single steps of interference lithography (master origination of the hexagonal pattern) and cast moulding of silicone (stamp fabrication) as preliminary steps and the repetitive steps of NIL (structuring of the etching mask) and plasma etching (pattern transfer into the mc-Si substrate). First characterization steps of these textured substrates included reflection measurements to evaluate their optical properties as well as determination of emitter saturation current densities to gain information about potential plasma induced damages. These tests were conducted on high-quality float zone monocrystalline silicon to be not affected by material quality issues. Solar cells fabricated out of these test samples showed short circuit current densities exceeding 40 mA/cm2, revealing the potential of this texturing scheme. To further increase the feasibility of this process chain we developed a roller-NIL tool, which allows the patterning of UV-curable resists on non transparent, rough and brittle mc-Si substrates in a continuous process flow. Results of imprint quality using this novel tool are also shown in this work. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of SiliconPV 2011.
STUDIES ON THE LIPID METABOLISM OF THE CHICK EMBRYO.

A study was made of the amounts and fatty acid compositions of the cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and triglycerides present in the yolk of the fertile unincubated egg and in the yolk, liver, and extrahepatic tissues of the chick embryo at various stages of development. Esterification of cholesterol, mainly with oleic acid, occurred in the yolk during incubation. There appeared to be a preferential absorption from the yolk sac of phospholipids rich in docosahexaenoic acid. Considerable amounts of cholesterol esters, of which 80% was cholesterol oleate, accumulated in the embryonic liver. The liver phospholipids contained more stearic, arachidonic, and docosahexaenoic acids, and less palmitic and oleic acids, than did the yolk phospholipids. Docosahexaenoic acid occurred in a surprisingly high concentration in the liver triglycerides. The extrahepatic triglycerides contained more palmitic and C18 polyunsaturated acids, but less docosahexaenoic acid, than did the liver triglycerides. The concentration of.
Fading in lightwave systems due to polarization-mode dispersion

System fading caused by polarization-mode dispersion is investigated at 1.7 Gb/s using highly-birefringent, dispersion-shifted fiber at 1.55 mu m. The observed fading, which is manifested by random fluctuations of the bit error rate for a fixed receiver power, is observed to depend on the environmental conditions of the fiber, with the time constant for fading varying from minutes to hours depending on the rate of change of the ambient temperature. The mean dispersion penalty inferred from the observed fluctuations in the bit error rate is consistent with a square-law dependence on the polarization-mode dispersion for small penalties. <<ETX>>
Harvesting Robots for High‐value Crops: State‐of‐the‐art Review and Challenges Ahead

This review article analyzes state‐of‐the‐art and future perspectives for harvesting robots in high‐value crops. The objectives were to characterize the crop environment relevant for robotic harvesting, to perform a literature review on the state‐of‐the‐art of harvesting robots using quantitative measures, and to reflect on the crop environment and literature review to formulate challenges and directions for future research and development. Harvesting robots were reviewed regarding the crop harvested in a production environment, performance indicators, design process techniques used, hardware design decisions, and algorithm characteristics. On average, localization success was 85%, detachment success was 75%, harvest success was 66%, fruit damage was 5%, peduncle damage was 45%, and cycle time was 33 s. A kiwi harvesting robot achieved the shortest cycle time of 1 s. Moreover, the performance of harvesting robots did not improve in the past three decades, and none of these 50 robots was commercialized. Four future challenges with R&D directions were identified to realize a positive trend in performance and to successfully implement harvesting robots in practice: (1) simplifying the task, (2) enhancing the robot, (3) defining requirements and measuring performance, and (4) considering additional requirements for successful implementation. This review article may provide new directions for future automation projects in high‐value crops.
Assessment and recovery of the coastal fisheries resources of Thailand after the 2004 Tsunami Final report Principle investigator

Fish assemblage structures in fragmented and continuous seagrass habitats in Trang Province, Thailand, were examined in detail to elucidate the effects of habitat fragmentation. The assemblage structures clearly differed: fish species diversity was apparently higher in the fragmented seagrass beds, although total fish numbers did not differ between them. A total of 37 fish species were collected, including 24 and 34 species from the continuous and fragmented beds, respectively. Thirteen species were restricted to the fragmented beds, compared with three restricted to the continuous beds. In addition, eight species were more abundant in the fragmented beds and only two in the continuous beds. Such differences may have arisen, at least in part, from differences in microhabitat diversity and the relative amounts of microhabitats between the two habitat types, as well as specific microhabitat preferences of the resident fishes. Although fragmented beds supported greater fish species diversity at the present study sites, it is axiomatic that habitat fragmentation caused by anthropogenic disturbance is unacceptable, with seagrass-habitat conservation being essential for both the preservation of high overall biodiversity and the successful management of local fisheries.
Mitigating Motion in the Video Photoplethysmogram Using Running Wavelet Archetyping Presenting

Introduction: The determination of physiological parameters from video image streams has attracted significant attention in recent years, with a variety of signal processing and hardware approaches being employed to address the problem [1]. However, the acquired signal the video photoplethysmogram (video-PPG) is highly susceptible to three main confounders: motion artefact, lighting levels (both low levels and dynamic variations) and skin pigmentation. Here we report on a protocol for head motion and on a novel method to process video-PPG using wavelet transforms [2] to determine the heart rate (HRvid).
Do Standards Matter for Export Success?

Standards and technical regulations are an increasingly prominent part of the international trade policy debate. In particular, there has been considerable discussion of whether standards and regulations affect trade costs and export prospects for developing countries. In this paper the authors examine how meeting foreign standards affects firms' export performance, reflected in export propensity and market diversification. The analysis draws on the World Bank Technical Barriers to Trade Survey database of 619 firms in 17 developing countries. The results indicate that technical regulations in industrial countries adversely affect firms' propensity to export in developing countries. In particular, testing procedures and lengthy inspection procedures reduce exports by 9 percent and 3percent, respectively. Furthermore, in the model, the difference in standards across foreign countries causes diseconomy of scale for firms and affects decisions about whether to enter export markets. The empirical analysis presented here implies that standards impede exporters' market entry, reducing the likelihood of exporting to more than three markets by 7 percent. In addition, the authors find that firms that outsource components are more challenged by compliance with multiple standards.
Prevalence of trisomy 21 following folic acid food fortification

Polymorphisms of maternal genes responsible for normal folate metabolism may be associated with an increased risk of fetal trisomy 21. By January 1998, most of Canada's flour was being fortified with folic acid. We investigated whether the prevalence of antenatally and postnatally detected trisomy 21 changed before and after folic acid food fortification. A total of 218,977 women underwent second trimester maternal serum screening for trisomy 21 in the 48 months before fortification and 117,986 women were screened in the 29 months after fortification. There were 375 identified cases of trisomy 21 before fortification (1.71 per 1,000), compared to 201 cases thereafter (1.70 per 1,000) for a crude prevalence ratio (PR) of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–1.18). The associated risk of trisomy 21 did not change after adjustment for mean maternal age (adjusted PR 0.99 [95% CI 0.82–1.19]). Similarly, no significant decline in the monthly prevalence of trisomy 21 was observed using autoregressive integrated moving average time series analysis (P = 0.24). In conclusion, we failed to observe a decline in the occurrence of trisomy 21 following folic acid food fortification. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
© 2018 Sujay Khandekar OPICO: A PLATFORM FOR COLLECTING AND ANALYZING EMOJI USAGE BY SUJAY KHANDEKAR THESIS

Emojis have emerged as a popular form of digital communication that can quickly convey big ideas or expressions with a single character. Since their creation in 1999, emojis have become a mainstay in the digital lexicography of instant messaging and social media. However, emojis are traditionally used in conjunction with text, as supplemental metadata. This paper explores the feasibility of emoji-only communication and emoji grammars. To gather emoji-only data, we built Opico, an emoji-first, social media mobile app that allows users to share emoji reactions about the places they visit with their friends. Each post in the app is a one-to-five emoji sentence to express an emotion, sentiment, or description about a location. After collecting over 3500 emoji reactions and having over 900 users on the app, the results demonstrate emoji-only communication provided concise forms of expression about various locations across the world. Data analysis has uncovered the various patterns and linguistics of how users construct emoji-only sentences, building the foundation for an emoji grammar.
Deep Reinforcement Learning in Continuous Multi Agent Environments

Many of the recent successes of deep reinforcement learning have been in single agent domains with discrete low dimensional action spaces. However, several important and interesting problems in communication, robotics, control and gaming have continuous high dimensional action spaces that involve interactions between multiple agents. Naively discretizing action spaces has many limitations, most notably the curse of dimensionality. On the other hand, single agent techniques struggle in non stationary multiagent environments as they do not take the actions of other agents into account while modeling an agent’s actions and estimate of futures return. In this project report, we apply Deep Q Network (DQN) [4], Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) [2] and Multi Agent Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (MADDPG) [3] to continuous multi-agent domains with both competitive and cooperative scenarios. In particular, we test the effectiveness of these methods in the classic predator-prey game [Figure 1], where slower agents chase faster adversaries.1
Survey of Seroprevalence of Newcastle Disease Virus in the Domestic Pigeons of Kanyakumari District ( Tamilnadu ) , India

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is always circulating in the pigeon flocks through reservoir birds that look more like healthy pigeons being maintained in the lofts. In Kanyakumari district, seroprevalence of NDV was found in all the months of the year 2015, which was found to be high during the monsoon seasons and low during the summer. During the southwest monsoon (May-July) 17.9±5.8% of birds had titer of 2 -2 while 14.6±4.0% of birds had titer of 2 – 2, during the northeast monsoon (Sep-Nov) 12.5±8.8% of birds had titer of 2 -2 while 8.7±3.70% of birds had titer of 2 – 2, and in the summer months10.0±3.4% of birds had titer of 2 -2 while the remaining 6.7±3.2% of birds had titer of 2 – 2. The NDV affected pigeons showed reduced level of PCV, RBC and haemoglobin, and elevated level of TLC, heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes compared to normal healthy pigeons. HI titer value of NDV-seropositive pigeons ranged between log21 and log27 in unvaccinated flocks. The HI titer below log24 indicates that the suspected bird is a reservoir of NDV and the titers above that denotes that the suspected bird has enough protective antibodies against the NDV. If pigeons negative for anti-NDV antibodies are chosen and purchased for keeping farms, there would be least chance for the entry of a carrier bird into a farm. This study recommends that pigeon keepers should subject the birds to HI titer assay before purchasing from or selling to other growers to prevent the spreading of NDV through infected birds that look like healthy birds.
Factor analysis of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory in three large samples of nursing home patients with dementia and behavioral disturbance.

OBJECTIVE Limited work has addressed the construct validity of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) in nursing home patients. The authors tested the CMAI factor structure by use of data from three samples of nursing home patients categorized a priori as having at least mild behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. METHODS CMAI data were from the baseline assessment of three randomized, placebo-controlled trials of risperidone for treating elderly nursing home patients. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted on two trials (N = 304; N = 344), and the results of these exploratory factor analyses were then tested with confirmatory factor analysis by use of data from a third trial (N = 617). RESULTS Principal-components analysis suggested the presence of four factors: 1) Aggressive Behavior (hitting, kicking, scratching, biting, pushing, grabbing, throwing things, cursing or verbal aggression, spitting, tearing things/destroying property, hurting self or others, screaming); 2) Physically Non-Aggressive Behavior (pacing, trying to get to a different place, general restlessness, inappropriate dressing or disrobing, handling things inappropriately, performing repetitious mannerisms); 3) Verbally Agitated Behavior (complaining, constant requests for attention, repetitive questions, negativism); and 4) Hiding and Hoarding. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the four-factor solution was a reasonable fit to the data. CONCLUSION Four factors emerged on the CMAI in nursing home patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The results obtained converge reasonably with previous publications concerning the factor structure of the CMAI, which, taken together, suggest a fairly robust factor structure for the instrument.