Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nearly ubiquitous tissue distribution of the scrapie agent precursor protein

The “modified host protein” model of scrapie proposes that the transmissible agent is composed of the degradation-resistant protein, Sp33–37, and that clinical and pathologic signs result from neurotoxic accumulations of this protein. Sp33–37 is an abnormal, amyloidogenic isoform of the normally occurring cellular protein Cp33–37. This study investigated the tissue distribution of Cp33–37 in hamster. In brain, Cp33–37 was most concentrated in the hippocampal formation. Immunohistochemical studies localized Cp33–37 to neurons and surrounding neuropil in hippocampus; septal, caudate, and thalamic nuclei; dorsal root ganglia cells; and large-diameter dorsal root axons. In non-neuronal hamster tissues, Cp33–37 was detected in circulating leukocytes, heart, skeletal muscle, lung, intestinal tract, spleen, testis, ovary, and some other organs. The presence of Cp33–37 in extracerebral tissues indicates that its function is not unique to brain. These results indicate that the molecular substrate for the production of Sp33–37, the scrapie agent, and scrapie amyloid is present in a variety of cerebral and extracerebral sites.
A minimum classification error (MCE) framework for generalized linear classifier in machine learning for text categorization/retrieval

In this paper, we present the theoretical framework of minimum classification error (MCE) training of generalized linear classifiers for text classification. We show that many important text classifiers, either probabilistic or non-probabilistic, can be unified under this framework, and the proposed MCE classifier training approach can be applied to improve the classifier performance. In addition, we describe an effective MCE classifier training algorithm that uses AdaBoost to generate alternative initial classifiers, as opposed to combining multiple classifiers as it is typically used. This method is applied to MCE classifier training to overcome local minimums in optimal classifier parameter search, utilizing the fact that the family of generalized linear classifiers is closed under AdaBoost. Moreover, we extend the loss function in MCE training to incorporate training sample prior distributions to compensate the imbalanced training data distribution in each category. Experimental studies are performed on the text classification tasks, and the significant classification error reductions of 25% - 55% are observed.
Gravitational waves from inspiraling compact binaries: The quadrupole-moment term

where we use units such that c = G =1 . We have introduced a number of symbols. Let m1 and m2 denote the masses of the two companions, and let M = m1 +m2 be the total mass and = m1m2=M the reduced mass. Then we dene the chirp massM and the mass ratio as M = 3=5 M; ==M: (2)
Distant Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets

Distant metastasis is responsible for the death of nearly 45,000 women per year in the US alone. At present, we have no clear understanding about the genetic events that govern the ability of breast cancer cells to settle at and colonize in specific sites in the body. This information is critical for developing therapeutic strategies that would target the tumor cells and their supporting environment at distant sites. This review will discuss investigations on 1) the steps of the metastatic pathway, 2) innovative technologies such as radiologic imaging and molecular manipulations of cells that would help us to study metastasis in real time, 3) strengths and weaknesses of current models for studying metastasis, and 4) how best to design large comprehensive gene searches during metastatic progression of breast cancer. These advances will enable the development of therapies targeted towards blocking the outgrowth of metastatic cells.
Neutron scattering studies of  BiFeO3 multiferroics: a review for microscopists

Application of the neutron scattering technique in the study of crystal and magnetic properties of multiferroic BiFeO3 is presented. The crucial role of the neutron scattering technique, complementary to X‐ray diffraction method and transmission electron microscopy, is shown. Especially the ultra high‐resolution time‐of‐flight (TOF) neutron diffraction technique used by Sosnowska et al. to detect the magnetic cycloid ordering and its role in studies of physical properties of BiFeO3 and its alloys are reviewed. The first inelastic neutron scattering patterns of magnetic excitations in BiFeO3 are also presented. Applications of different microscopy techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission TEM and SEM (FESEM and FETEM), magnetic force microscope (MFM) and polarization force microscopy (PFM) bring insight on the fundamental problem of ferroelectricity and confirm the potential of BiFeO3 multiferroic material for nanoscale devices.
UV‐induced DNA damage in human keratinocytes: Quantitation and correlation with long‐term survival

Abstract: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a major role in the pathogenesis of skin cancer due to its capacity to induce immunosuppression and DNA damage in cells. In this study, we describe the use of a novel extra‐long polymerase chain reaction (XL‐PCR) assay for detection of UV‐inducible DNA lesions in a human keratinocyte line (HaCaT cells). Ultraviolet B (UVB), in doses from 4 to 50 mJ/cm2 resulted in a linear increase in the number of DNA lesions in the genome [range 0.3 ± 0.2 lesions−3.6 ± 0.7 lesions (mean ± SD)/10 kb]. At lower doses of UVB (<10 mJ/cm2), 89 ± 13% lesions were repaired within 24 h of culture. At higher doses, more lesions remained unrepaired, but the repair efficacy expressed as a proportion of repaired lesions to the total amount of DNA lesions remained constant in the range 0–50 mJ/cm2. Moreover, we demonstrated a correlation between the dose of UV and cell survival. The D37 (dose that reduced clonogenic survival to 37%) of UVB equaled 19 mJ/cm2, corresponding to the introduction of 1.4 lesions/10 kb. In contrast to UVB, UVA1 irradiation neither induced measurable DNA damage nor induced cell death in the doses up to 15 J/cm2. In conclusion, the non‐radioactive extra‐long (XL)‐based real‐time (RT)‐PCR assay system can be used to quantify the UV‐induced DNA damage in intact cells. The DNA lesions detected by this assay are mainly induced by short‐waved radiation in the UVB range, and unrepaired DNA lesions cause keratinocyte death or permanent cell‐cycle block.
Anti-IgE Treatment for Disorders Other Than Asthma

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many allergic diseases. Thus, IgE-mediated immunologic pathways are an attractive target for intervention in allergic diseases. Omalizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that binds IgE and has been used treat allergic asthma for over a decade. Currently, omalizumab is approved for the treatment of both allergic asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Since IgE plays a critical role in other allergic diseases, anti-IgE therapy has been evaluated in other allergic diseases in small clinical trials and case reports. Omalizumab has demonstrated efficacy in treating allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, physical urticarias, mast cell disorders, food allergy, and other allergic diseases. In addition, the use of omalizumab with conventional allergen immunotherapy improves both safety and effectiveness.
The patient perspective on absence of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a survey to identify key domains of patient-perceived remission

Background Guidelines suggest treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to target remission, in close consultation with the patient. Our recent qualitative study of the patients' perspective on remission in RA identified 26 domains. The current study aimed to identify a short list of the most important aspects to inform future research. Methods Patients with RA from the Netherlands, the UK, Austria, Denmark, France and the USA completed a survey that contained all domains identified in our qualitative study. They rated domains for importance (‘not important’, ‘important’ or ‘essential’ to characterise a period of remission) and if important or essential, whether this domain needs to be ‘less’, ‘almost gone’ or ‘gone’ to reflect remission. Respondents were also asked to determine their personal top 3 most important/essential domains. Frequency of specific domains in the top 3 was calculated, and domains were sorted on the percentage of patients that evaluated a particular domain as ‘essential’. Results Of 274 respondents, 75% were female, mean (SD) age 57(13) years, disease duration 12(9) years. The top 3 were as follows: pain (67%), fatigue (33%) and independence (19%); domains most frequently rated as ‘essential’ were as follows: pain (60%), being mobile (52%), physical function (51%), being independent (47%) and fatigue (41%). Pain needed to be less (13%), almost gone (42%) or gone (45%) to reflect remission. Similar patterns were seen for fatigue, independence, mobility and physical functioning. Conclusion Patients identified pain, fatigue and independence as the most important domains of RA disease activity that need to be improved to reflect remission.
Preoperative skin antiseptics for prevention of cardiac implantable electronic device infections: a historical-controlled interventional trial comparing aqueous against alcoholic povidone-iodine solutions.

AIMS Local skin antiseptic prevention against cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections is not yet fully understood. This monocentre historical-controlled study sought to (i) conduct a prospective observational analysis comparing two antiseptic skin preparations over two similar consecutive periods of time, one conducted over a 1-year period using an aqueous povidone-iodine solution (Group I) and the other over the following with an alcoholic povidone-iodine solution (Group II); (ii) determine the predictive factors of CIED infection. METHODS AND RESULTS Cardiac implantable electronic device implantation was performed in 1326 patients (pts). A total of 32 pts (2.4%) developed a CIED infection. Long-term follow-up (26 ± 3 months) revealed no significant difference between the groups: infections were observed in 14 of the 648 pts (2.2%) in Group I vs. 18 of the 678 pts (2.7%) in Group II (P = 0.9). Single- and multiple-variable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors; adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The occurrence of infection was positively correlated with re-intervention (aOR, 7.16; 95% CI, 2.56-19.99; P < 0.0001), number of generator replacements, mean (aOR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.22-5.44; P < 0.001), and haematoma (aOR, 48.4; 95% CI, 13.45-174.25; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION This study found that aqueous and alcoholic povidone-iodine solutions displayed similar antiseptic effects regarding CIED infection prevention. Independent predictive factors of CIED infection were re-intervention, haematoma, and number of generator replacements.
Nitric oxide inhibition of lipoxygenase-dependent liposome and low-density lipoprotein oxidation: termination of radical chain propagation reactions and formation of nitrogen-containing oxidized lipid derivatives.

Lipoxygenase-induced lipid oxidation contributes to plasma lipoprotein oxidation and may be an underlying pathogenic mechanism of atherogenesis. Since inactivation of the vasorelaxant actions of nitric oxide (.NO) plays a critical role in the impaired function of atherosclerotic vessels and because . NO reacts rapidly with other radical species, we assessed the influence of . NO on lipoxygenase-catalyzed oxidation of linoleic and linolenic acid, 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PC) liposomes, hypercholesterolemic rabbit beta-very-low-density lipoprotein, and human low-density lipoprotein. Soybean lipoxygenase (SLO)-induced lipid oxidation was assessed by accumulation of conjugated dienes, formation of lipid hydroperoxides, oxygen consumption, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Different rates of delivery of . NO to lipid oxidation systems were accomplished either by infusion of . NO gas equilibrated with anaerobic buffer or via . NO released from S-nitrosoglutathione. Nitric oxide alone did not induce lipid peroxidation, while exposure to SLO yielded significant oxidation of fatty acids, PC liposomes, or lipoproteins in a metal ion-independent mechanism. Low concentrations of . NO, which did not significantly inhibit the activity of the iron-containing lipoxygenase, induced potent inhibition of lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. Mass spectral analysis of oxidation products showed formation of nitrito-, nitro-, nitrosoperoxo-, and/or nitrated lipid oxidation adducts, demonstrating that . NO serves as a potent terminator of radical chain propagation reactions. The formation of Schiff's base fluorescent conjugates between SLO-oxidized linoleic or linolenic acid and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was also inhibited by . NO via reaction with lipid hydroperoxyl radicals (LOO.), thus preventing the reaction of LOO. with polypeptide amino groups. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that both lipid peroxidation products and nitrogen-containing oxidized lipid species decreased in the presence of BSA. We conclude that . NO can play a potent oxidant-protective role in the vessel wall by inhibiting lipoxygenase-dependent lipid and lipoprotein oxidation. This occurs via termination of lipid radical chain propagation reactions catalyzed by alkoxyl (LO.) and LOO. intermediates of lipid peroxidation rather than by inhibition of lipoxygenase-catalyzed initiation reactions.
MiR-19a promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition through PI3K/AKT pathway in gastric cancer.

AIM To investigate the mechanism by which miR-19a is up-regulated in gastric cancer (GC), which plays an oncogenic role. METHODS In the present study, we investigated the role of miR-19a in gastric tissues as well as two GC cell lines. In vivo, we detected the basal expression level of miR-19a using real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and the relevance between expression of miR-19a and clinicopathological information was analyzed. In vitro, miR-19a was ectopically expressed using overexpression and knock-down strategies. RESULTS Overexpression of miR-19a was significantly associated with metastasis of GC and inferior overall prognosis. However, no significant correlation was found between miR-19a expression and other characteristics such as age, gender, tobacco, alcohol or tumor size. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays showed that overexpression of miR-19a promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion, and that overexpression of miR-19a promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition through activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Blocking the PI3K/AKT pathway could cancel the effect of miR-19a. CONCLUSION All together, our results suggest that miR-19a could be used as a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of GC.
Challenge and Countermeasures on Application of Block Chain Technology in Library Decentralization Problem

With the emergence of new technologies such as mobile Internet, cloud computing and big data, the means of information dissemination and information acquisition are becoming more and more diversified, and the development of libraries has shown a trend of decentralization. As a decentralized way of thinking, the application of block chain technology in libraries can completely (or partially) remove the central role of the library. On the perspective decentralization characteristics of block chain technology, this paper studies the effective combination of block chain technology and of library decentralization process. Then it analyzes the feasibility, characteristics and cases of using the block chain technology to deal with the problem of the library decentralization.
A long-term retrospective study on rehabilitation of seabirds in Gran Canaria Island, Spain (2003-2013)

Aims The aims of this study were to analyze the causes of morbidity and mortality in a large population of seabirds admitted to the Tafira Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (TWRC) in Gran Canaria Island, Spain, from 2003 to 2013, and to analyze the outcomes of the rehabilitation process. Methods We included 1,956 seabirds (133 dead on admission and 1,823 admitted alive) in this study. Causes of morbidity were classified into nine categories: light pollution (fallout), fishing gear interaction, crude oil, poisoning/intoxication, other traumas, metabolic/nutritional disorder, orphaned young birds, other causes, and unknown/undetermined. The crude and stratified (by causes of admission) rates of the three final disposition categories (euthanasia Er, unassisted mortality Mr, and release Rr), the time until death, and the length of stay were also studied for the seabirds admitted alive. Results Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) was the species most frequently admitted (46.52%), followed by Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis) (20.09%). The most frequent causes of morbidity were light pollution (fallout) (25.81%), poisoning/intoxication (24.69%), and other traumas (18.14%). The final disposition rates were: Er = 15.35%, Mr = 16.29%, and Rr = 68.34%. The highest Er was observed in the ‘other traumas’ category (58.08%). Seabirds admitted due to metabolic/nutritional disorder had the highest Mr (50%). The highest Rr was observed in the light pollution (fallout) category (99.20%). Conclusions This survey provides useful information for the conservation of several seabird species. We suggest that at least the stratified analysis by causes of admission of the three final disposition rates, and the parameters time until death and length of stay at the center should be included in the outcome research of the rehabilitation of seabirds. The high release rate for seabirds (68.34%) achieved at the TWRC emphasizes the importance of wildlife rehabilitation centers for the conservation of seabirds.
POLIS : a probabilistic summarisation logic for structured documents

As the availability of structured documents, formatted in markup languages such as SGML, RDF, or XML, increases, retrieval systems increasingly focus on the retrieval of document-elements, rather than entire documents. Additionally, abstraction layers in the form of formalised retrieval logics have allowed developers to include search facilities into numerous applications, without the need of having detailed knowledge of retrieval models. Although automatic document summarisation has been recognised as a useful tool for reducing the workload of information system users, very few such abstraction layers have been developed for the task of automatic document summarisation. This thesis describes the development of an abstraction logic for summarisation, called POLIS, which provides users (such as developers or knowledge engineers) with a high-level access to summarisation facilities. Furthermore, POLIS allows users to exploit the hierarchical information provided by structured documents. The development of POLIS is carried out in a step-by-step way. We start by defining a series of probabilistic summarisation models, which provide weights to document-elements at a user selected level. These summarisation models are those accessible through POLIS. The formal definition of POLIS is performed in three steps. We start by providing a syntax for POLIS, through which users/knowledge engineers interact with the logic. This is followed by a definition of the logics semantics. Finally, we provide details of an implementation of POLIS. The final chapters of this dissertation are concerned with the evaluation of POLIS, which is conducted in two stages. Firstly, we evaluate the performance of the summarisation models by applying POLIS to two test collections, the DUC AQUAINT corpus, and the INEX IEEE corpus. This is followed by application scenarios for POLIS, in which we discuss how POLIS can be used in specific IR tasks.
Future of mobile human computer interaction research - A review

Mobile systems usability raises new challenges, questions and concern for the evaluation of field and lab. According to the literature study, mobile HCI research projects are mostly lab based. Mobile devices have spread in our society, indicating wider gap between desktop and mobile users. These mobile devices are more flexible, and can work with variety of input mechanisms therefore the models that describe them should be renovated. This research article aims to provide review of research in the area of mobile human computer interaction and also presents guidelines for designing mobile device interface.
Review on the Optimization Methods of Slow Light in Photonic Crystal Waveguide

Slow light in photonic crystal waveguide (PCW) is now being heavily investigated for applications in optical devices. However, slow light with high group index in perfect PCW is usually accompanied by large group velocity dispersion (GVD), which would severely limit the bandwidth of slow light, deform optical pulses, and disturb its practical applications. In this review, various optimization methods that are proposed to overcome these drawbacks are introduced and compared. These methods rely largely on the ability to modify the slow light properties of PCWs with a change in their structural parameters or a change in their effective refractive indexes through external agents. For each optimization method, the corresponding group index, GVD, bandwidth, and normalized delay-bandwidth product are all presented along with the physical parameters, the potential advantages, and the fabrication complexity of PCW that enable them. Finally, the key problems and future development directions of slow light in PCW are discussed.
Talent Analytics:A Strategic Tool for Talent Management Outcomes

The present paper highlights the importance of talent analytics as a strategic tool for talent management (TM) outcomes impacting business performance. The paper summarizes the arguments in the form of a conceptual framework with related propositions based on extensive literature review. It argues that the analytical capability of the human resource (HR) function along with a data-oriented culture of an organization may be positively related to the use of talent analytics for making strategic TM decisions. This would lead to strategic TM outcomes such as talent pipeline development; talent retention; and talent engagement; subsequently impacting business performance. The paper also provides implications for HR professionals and discusses directions for future research.
Effects of Anesthesia Based on Large Versus Small Doses of Fentanyl on Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity in the Perioperative Period

Surgical stress and general anesthesia suppress immune functions, including natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC). This suppression could be attributable, at least in part, to opiates. We have previously shown that large-dose fentanyl administration suppressed NKCC in rats. The present study sought to compare the effects of two anesthetic protocols, based on large-(LDFA) versus small (SDFA)-dose fentanyl anesthesia on NKCC in the perioperative period. Forty patients were included in this study; half were assigned to each protocol of anesthesia. In each anesthetic group, half the patients were undergoing surgery for malignant diseases, and half for benign conditions. Blood samples were collected during the perioperative period. NKCC was assessed using the chromium release assay. Initially, both types of anesthesia similarly suppressed NKCC, with a peak effect 24 h after surgery. The two types of anesthesia, however, differed in the rate of recovery of NKCC suppression. By the second postoperative day, NKCC returned to control values in the SDFA patients, whereas NKCC was still significantly suppressed after LDFA. These results indicate that LDFA causes prolonged suppression of NK cell function. Whether this suppression might have a long-term impact on the overall outcome, especially in cancer patients, remains to be determined. (Anesth Analg 1996;82:492-7)