Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chitooligosaccharides Attenuate Lipopolysaccharide-induced Inflammation and Apoptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells : Possible Involvement of TLR 4 / NF-κ B Pathway

Marine-derived chitooligosaccharides (CHOS) are a new class of anti-inflammatory natural products characterized by its nontoxity, low-cost and small-molecule. But whether CHOS exert a protective action against inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is not yet fully understood. This paper studied the effect of CHOS on the inflammation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) using lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated Caco-2 cells as an in vitro model of IBD. Caco-2 cells were pre-incubated with various concentrations of CHOS (0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml) for 2 h prior to being co-stimulated or not with LPS at a concentration of 1μg/mL for 48h. Cell apoptosis was measured with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) assay by flow cytometry. The levels of proinflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-8 and prostaglandin (PG) E2 were analyzed using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. And the cell expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), caspase-3, bcl-2, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 was examined by western blot. We observed that CHOS significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis of IECs, which was evidenced by the reduction in the release of proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, PGE2, the expression of COX-2, apoptotic (Annexin V+/PI-) cell populations, the pro-apoptotic caspase-3 expression, and the enhancement of the expression level of anti-apoptotic bcl-2. And CHOS treatment significantly reduced the protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Thus, the present study suggests the potential medical use of CHOS in the control of IBDs, which may be due to the downregulation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Nanometer scale mixed patterns formed by self-aligned spacer image transfer and optical lithography technology

A mixed lithography with self-aligned spacer image transfer (SIT) technology and I-Line lithography is successfully demonstrated in this paper. The large patterns are defined in the resist film through photolithography whereas the smaller patterns are defined through self-aligned SIT. The formed nanometer hard mask (HM) patterns have a good compatibility with I-Line lithography. The image transfer process by etching Si is further verified in our experiment. The mixed patterns with well uniformity after Si etching illustrate the feasibility and provide a useful candidate for the real needs in the future.
Comparison of vitamin D levels with bone density, calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase - an insight from major cities of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE To compare vitamin D levels with bone mineral density, serum calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase. METHODS The cross-sectional multicentre study was conducted at Pakistan Health Research Council centres in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi,and comprised subjects coming for either vitamin D testing or bone mineral density examination. Information related to demography, height/weight, skin colour, smoking, use of sun screen, daily milk intake, sun exposure and exercise was taken along with biochemical tests like serum calcium and phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, and 25 hydroxy vitamin D.Bone mineral density was done using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. SPSS 15.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS Of the 291 subjects, 100(34.3%) each were enrolled from Islamabad and Lahore, while 91 (31.2%) were from Karachi. Overall, 245(84%) had insufficient vitamin D which was significantly associated with age and dark skin colour (p<0.05 each). Besides, 137(48%) cases had a reduced bone density, and there was a significant difference between age groups, gender and skin colour (p<0.05 each). Vitamin D deficiency did not have any effect on bone mineral density (p>0.05) Serum calcium and phosphorus levels were also similar regardless of vitamin D level (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D deficiency did not have any direct impact on bone mineral density and serum calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase.
Path loss model in indoor environment at 40 GHz for 5G wireless network

The unused millimeter-wave (mm-wave) spectrum offers a superb opportunity to increase mobile broadband capacity, this is due to the enormous amount of available raw bandwidth. The need for studying the millimeter band frequency becomes a critical issue nowadays to adequate with 5G requirement. This paper presents the outcome of indoor measurement campaigns for cellular systems at 40 GHz for line of sight (LOS) and non-line of sight (NLOS) scenarios. To effectively evaluate the performance of 5G wireless systems in this band, the path loss (PL) models are investigated for this environment. In this paper, single frequency path loss models are presented using the close-in free space reference distance (CI) model and the floating intercept (FI) model. Moreover, the two-ray model is investigated for this band using the same measurement parameters and it is compared with the measurement data. The results find that the path loss exponent (PLE) for CI model and slop line for FI model are identical for LOS and NLOS scenarios. The PLE is 1.8 for LOS scenario and 2.9 for NLOS scenario. The results show that both CI and FI models are most suitable for indoor large-scale path loss modeling for 5G system at 40 GHz in such environment.
Practical Study of Deterministic Regular Expressions from Large-scale XML and Schema Data

Regular expressions are a fundamental concept in computer science and widely used in various applications. In this paper we focused on deterministic regular expressions (DREs). Considering that researchers did not have large datasets as evidence before, we first harvested a large corpus of real data from the Web then conducted a practical study to investigate the usage of DREs. One feature of our work is that the data set is sufficiently large compared with previous work, which is obtained using several data collection strategies we proposed. The results show more than 98% of expressions in Relax NG are DRE, and more than 56% of expressions from RegExLib are DRE, while both Relax NG and RegExLib do not have the determinism constraint. These observations indicate that DREs are commonly used in practice. The results also show further study of subclasses of DREs is necessary. As far as we know, we are the first to analyze the determinism and the subclasses of DREs of Relax NG and RegExLib, and give these results. Furthermore, we give some discussions and applications of the data set. We find current research in new subclasses of DREs is insufficient, therefore it is necessary to do further study. We also analyze the referencing relationships among XSDs and define SchemaRank, which can be used in XML Schema design.
In Vitro Effects of Cetylated Fatty Acids Mixture from Celadrin on Chondrogenesis and Inflammation with Impact on Osteoarthritis

Objective Cetylated fatty acids are a group of naturally occurring fats of plant and/or animal origin. Cetyl myristoleate, in particular, was initially involved in osteoarthritis related research as its therapeutic administration prevented experimentally induced arthritis in Swiss Albino mice. In this context, the aim of our study was to investigate the possible mechanisms of Celadrin cetylated fatty acids action at the cellular level inflammation related pain relief and chondrogenesis. Design For this, we tested the effects of the cetylated fatty acids mixture from Celadrin on an in vitro scaffold-free 3-dimensional mesenchymal stem cells culture model of chondrogenesis. Furthermore, we treated stimulated mouse macrophage cells with the cetylated fatty acids mixture to investigate the expression profile of secreted inflammatory cytokines. Results The cetylated fatty acids mixture from Celadrin significantly decreased the production of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF, key regulators of the inflammatory process, in stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells. The treatment with cetylated fatty acids mixture initiated and propagated the process of chondrogenesis as demonstrated by the increased expression and deposition of chondrogenic markers by the differentiating mesenchymal cells. Conclusion The cetylated fatty acids mixture from Celadrin reduces inflammation in vitro by significantly decreasing the expression of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF in stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cells. These compounds facilitate the chondrogenic differentiation process of human adipose-derived stem cells by stimulating the expression of chondrogenic markers under chondrogenic induction conditions.
Unobtrusive Observation of Team Learning Attributes in Digital Learning

This article presents a new framework for unobtrusive observation analytics of knowledge and skills-in-action through continuous collection of data from individuals while they interact with digital assets either as individuals or on problem-solving teams. The framework includes measures of the skill and knowledge areas of collaboration, creativity, personal learning, problem solving, and global sustainability, which are observed during natural production and use of communications, intentional artifacts, and resources in a digital learning space designed for self-directed and team-based learning challenges. The article describes the digital context for data collection and shows some example data and analyses.
A Simple Technique for Open-Stopband Suppression in Periodic Leaky-Wave Antennas Using Two Nonidentical Elements Per Unit Cell

A simple technique is presented for the complete suppression of the open stopband in periodic leaky-wave antennas using two similar but nonidentical elements per unit cell. With the technique, one needs only to optimize the distance between the two elements and the dimension of the second element, starting with a quarter of the period and the dimension of the first element. With the simple design procedure, the technique is practical and effective for the open-stopband suppression for various periodic leaky-wave antennas. Two periodic leaky-wave antennas with the technique are demonstrated. The first one is a new developed substrate-integrated waveguide antenna with two nonidentical transverse slots per unit cell. The antenna has a wide scanning range from the backward endfire to the forward direction and does not suffer from blind scanning points at endfires (if it is placed on an infinite ground plane). The antenna is theoretically investigated. The simulation and measured results are consistent with the theoretical results. The second one is a microstrip combline leaky-wave antenna, in which each unit cell contains two nonidentical open-ended stubs. The two examples validate that the technique proposed in this paper can completely eliminate the open stopband in periodic leaky-wave antennas.
Desarrollo socioafectivo y convivencia escolar

Obra dirigida a profesores, directores y autoridades del sistema educativo interesados en abordar los problemas de interrelacion humana desde la perspectiva de la convivencia escolar, como proceso de humanizacion, meta esencial de la educacion que no puede ser abordada solo desde la normativa, ni puede reducirse al ambito exclusivo del aula, sino que esta presente en todos los espacios mediatos e inmediatos de la escuela. La obra incluye un instrumento de autodiagnostico dirigido a la escuela primaria.
A Robust Iterative Scheme for Symmetric Indefinite Systems

We propose a two-level nested preconditioned iterative scheme for solving sparse linear systems of equations in which the coefficient matrix is symmetric and indefinite with relatively small number of negative eigenvalues. The proposed scheme consists of an outer Minimum Residual (MINRES) iteration, preconditioned by an inner Conjugate Gradient (CG) iteration in which CG can be further preconditioned. The robustness of the proposed scheme is illustrated by solving indefinite linear systems that arise in the solution of quadratic eigenvalue problems in the context of model reduction methods for finite element models of disk brakes as well as on other problems that arise in a variety of applications.
Increased risk of atrial fibrillation among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery while receiving nitrates and antiplatelet agents

Background Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent complication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This arrhythmia occurs more frequently among patients who receive perioperative inotropic therapy (PINOT). Administration of nitrates with antiplatelet agents reduces the conversion rate of cyclic guanosine monophosphate to guanosine monophosphate. This process is associated with increased concentrations of free radicals, catecholamines, and blood plasma volume. We hypothesized that patients undergoing CABG surgery who receive PINOT may be more susceptible to POAF when nitrates are administered with antiplatelet agents. Methods Clinical records were examined from a prospectively maintained cohort of 4,124 patients undergoing primary isolated CABG surgery to identify POAF-associated factors. Results POAF risk was increased among patients receiving PINOT, and the greatest effect was observed when nitrates were administered with antiplatelet therapy. Adjustment for comorbidities did not substantively change the study results. Conclusions Administration of nitrates with certain antiplatelet agents was associated with an increased POAF risk among patients undergoing CABG surgery. Additional studies are needed to determine whether preventive strategies such as administration of antioxidants will reduce this risk.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene knockout for DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in CHO cells displays enhanced transgenic expression and long‐term stability

CHO cells are the preferred host for the production of complex pharmaceutical proteins in the biopharmaceutical industry, and genome engineering of CHO cells would benefit product yield and stability. Here, we demonstrated the efficacy of a Dnmt3a‐deficient CHO cell line created by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology through gene disruptions in Dnmt3a, which encode the proteins involved in DNA methyltransferases. The transgenes, which were driven by the 2 commonly used CMV and EF1α promoters, were evaluated for their expression level and stability. The methylation levels of CpG sites in the promoter regions and the global DNA were compared in the transfected cells. The Dnmt3a‐deficent CHO cell line based on Dnmt3a KO displayed an enhanced long‐term stability of transgene expression under the control of the CMV promoter in transfected cells in over 60 passages. Under the CMV promoter, the Dnmt3a‐deficent cell line with a high transgene expression displayed a low methylation rate in the promoter region and global DNA. Under the EF1α promoter, the Dnmt3a‐deficient and normal cell lines with low transgene expression exhibited high DNA methylation rates. These findings provide insight into cell line modification and design for improved recombinant protein production in CHO and other mammalian cells.
Face retrieval in face track using sparse representation

One popular approach for working on video datasets is to use face tracks [1, 2], face sequence containing faces of one person, for matching instead of single face as in static image datasets. In this article, we propose face track retrieval using sparse representation. At first, every image of face tracks is normalized to uniform size. Then, feature is extracted utilizing Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). In training part, Online Dictionary Learning (ODL) [3] is exploited to compute dictionary and sparse matrix for sparse representation. On the other hand, in testing part, dictionary and sparse matrix are utilized to calculate the L2 distance for identifying the face. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Propolis extract coated in Pera orange fruits: An alternative to cold storage

Orange (Citrus sinensis) is a non-climacteric fruit that can be stored for long periods. However, the development of physiological and phytopathological disorders limits its postharvest storage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of coating orange with propolis extract on the physicochemical characteristics of the ‘Pera’ orange during storage under ambient temperature. The fruits were selected and submitted to five postharvest treatments, three different forms of dip coating (70% alcohol, hydroalcoholic extract of propolis to 2.5%, hydroalcoholic extract of propolis to 5%), and two controls (one uncoated and one uncoated fruit kept under refrigeration). The variables weight loss, firmness, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ratio TSS/TA, and hydrogenic potential (pH) were evaluated at 0, 10, 18, and 25 days of storage. Treatment with propolis extract coating reduced the weight loss until the 18th day of storage. The fruit coated with propolis extract remained firmer up to 25 days of storage; this result is not significantly different from that of other postharvest treatments. The postharvest “refrigerated” treatment showed lesser weight loss and firmness during the storage period as a result of chilling injury. Coating with propolis extracts resulted in significant alterations of small magnitude in the variables TSS, TA, TSS/TA, and pH in oranges at the end of the storage period. Key words: Citrus sinensis, coating, storage, quality, weight loss.
Face recognition accuracy of forensic examiners, superrecognizers, and face recognition algorithms

Significance This study measures face identification accuracy for an international group of professional forensic facial examiners working under circumstances that apply in real world casework. Examiners and other human face “specialists,” including forensically trained facial reviewers and untrained superrecognizers, were more accurate than the control groups on a challenging test of face identification. Therefore, specialists are the best available human solution to the problem of face identification. We present data comparing state-of-the-art face recognition technology with the best human face identifiers. The best machine performed in the range of the best humans: professional facial examiners. However, optimal face identification was achieved only when humans and machines worked in collaboration. Achieving the upper limits of face identification accuracy in forensic applications can minimize errors that have profound social and personal consequences. Although forensic examiners identify faces in these applications, systematic tests of their accuracy are rare. How can we achieve the most accurate face identification: using people and/or machines working alone or in collaboration? In a comprehensive comparison of face identification by humans and computers, we found that forensic facial examiners, facial reviewers, and superrecognizers were more accurate than fingerprint examiners and students on a challenging face identification test. Individual performance on the test varied widely. On the same test, four deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs), developed between 2015 and 2017, identified faces within the range of human accuracy. Accuracy of the algorithms increased steadily over time, with the most recent DCNN scoring above the median of the forensic facial examiners. Using crowd-sourcing methods, we fused the judgments of multiple forensic facial examiners by averaging their rating-based identity judgments. Accuracy was substantially better for fused judgments than for individuals working alone. Fusion also served to stabilize performance, boosting the scores of lower-performing individuals and decreasing variability. Single forensic facial examiners fused with the best algorithm were more accurate than the combination of two examiners. Therefore, collaboration among humans and between humans and machines offers tangible benefits to face identification accuracy in important applications. These results offer an evidence-based roadmap for achieving the most accurate face identification possible.
Factors Associated with Virologic Failure Amongst Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy in Nyanza Region, Kenya.

Background: Access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to patients living with HIV (PLHIV) has markedly improved especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal of ART is to ensure viral suppression and prevention of treatment failure which may be clinical, immunological or virologic. Viral suppression is important to better outcomes of treatment. This study aimed at determining the factors associated with virologic failure amongst patients with clinical and/or immunologic failure. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study based on a retrospective review of viral load test electronic data of patients with immunologic and/or clinical treatment failure. A total of 320 randomly selected records of patients tested for viral load were included in the analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and median was used to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of patients. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine the factors associated with virologic failure. Odd ratio was calculated. Results: Among patients with suspected ART treatment failure and viral load test requested to confirm failure, the median age was 39 years; 186 (58.1%) were female; 173 (54.1%) were aged ≤ 40; only 6 (1.9%) had missed ARVs for a period of more than 2 weeks; 31 (9.7%) had missed ARVs due to missing clinic visits; majority (30.6%) of the patients had been on ARVs for more than 4 years; (96.9%) of the patients were on first line ART regimen; 208 (65.2%) had baseline CD4 less than 100 cells/mm 3 ; baseline median CD4 of 152 cells/mm 3 , peak median was 336 cells/mm 3 and median CD4 at the time of viral load request was 170 cells/mm 3 . Age younger than 40 years was associated with virologic failure (AOR 2.33, p value 0.0011). Other patient characteristics were not associated with virologic failure. Conclusion: Key factor associated with virologic failure amongst patients with suspected treatment failure is age lower than 40 years. Recommendation:Focus on patients younger than 40 years should be prioritized and comprehensive and focused services friendly to the young need to be strengthened at the health facility level.
Oxidative Coupling of Methane in a BCFZ Perovskite Hollow Fiber Membrane Reactor

A membrane reactor that incorporated hollow fiber in combination with an established catalyst was used for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). A perovskite membrane of the composition BaCoxFeyZrzO3−δ (BCFZ, x + y + z = 1) allows a controlled oxygen feed into the reactor over its axial length. Using this novel hollow fiber membrane reactor with a 2 wt % Mn/5 wt % Na2WO4 on SiO2 catalyst as a packed bed around the fiber, oxygen separation from air and C2 formation could be established at 800 °C with long-term stability. The highest C2 selectivity of ∼75% was observed at a methane conversion of 6% with a C2H4:C2H6 ratio of 2:1. The highest C2H4:C2H6 ratio of 4:1 and maximum C2 yield of 17% was obtained at 50% C2 selectivity. It is known from the literature that such results can be obtained without a catalyst in a similar membrane reactor only at temperatures 150 °C higher.