Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Angio-Associated Migratory Cell Protein (AAMP) Regulates the Hippo/YAP Pathway and Mitochondrial Functionality to Drive Osteosarcoma Metastasis

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the prevalent form of primary bone cancer among adolescents, but the 5-year overall survival rate for patients with a metastatic or recurrent OS is under 20%. Angio-associated migratory cell protein (AAMP) is known to be a key regulator of cellular migration, yet its role in the context of OS metastasis has yet to be firmly established.Methods: Bioinformatics analyses were used to explore the association between AAMP and YAP expression and the prognosis of OS patients, and to evaluate differences in AAMP expression in patients with primary OS, recurrent OS, and pulmonary metastatic OS. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was additionally performed to compare AAMP levels in primary OS and pulmonary metastatic OS patient samples. Lentiviral transduction was further used to establish OS cell lines in which AAMP or YAP had been stably knocked down or overexpressed. OS cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing and Transwell assays. Proteins associated with the mitochondria, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), YAP, and its target proteins were assessed in OS cell lines via Western blotting. OS cell lamellipodia were detected via phalloidin staining. Mitochondrial morphological characteristics were assessed via transmission electron microscopy following the knockdown of AAMP. An ATP kit was employed to measure ATP levels in OS cells in which AAMP had been knocked down. Animal model studies were used to confirm indices associated with OS cell lung metastasis following AAMP knockdown. Results: Patients with metastatic OS exhibit higher levels of AAMP expression that are correlated with poorer patient prognosis. Knocking down AAMP suppressed the migratory, invasive, and EMT activity of analyzed OS cell lines. AAMP was found to regulate CFL1 and thereby control OS cell protrusion. AAMP knockdown was further found to promote OS cell mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased intracellular ATP production, with these AAMP knockdown cells exhibiting impaired migratory and invasive activity as a consequence of YAP inhibition. Consistently, the knockdown of AAMP suppressed the in vivo metastasis of OS cells. Conclusions: Together, these data highlight a model wherein AAMP can promote OS cell migratory and invasive activity by regulating YAP and mitochondrial functionality. The AAMP/CFL1/YAP signaling pathway may thus represent a viable therapeutic target for efforts aimed at suppressing the metastatic progression of OS.
Nonlinear Optimal Control Synthesis Using Basis Functions: Algorithms and Examples

The ability to quickly synthesize an optimal control signal for a nonlinear system is critical for practical implementations. In previous work, we have introduced a computational procedure to iteratively synthesize an optimal control signal for a very broad class of nonlinear control systems. This paper presents an extension of the approach to allow for different parameterizations of control inputs, resulting in a substantial reduction in the number of decision variables and thus computation time. The highlighted efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach are illustrated and compared against other methods using various control examples.
A Compact 175°C High Temperature Gate Driver with Isolated Power Supply and Advanced Protection for HybridPACK Drive SiC Module

The operation of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor devices under high ambient temperature requires high temperature gate drivers adjacent to the devices. This paper presents a three-phase isolated gate driver circuit suitable for HybridPACK Drive (HP Drive) power modules with operating ambient temperature up to 175°C. First, an overall introduction of the gate driver structure and layout design method for reducing thermal coupling are presented. Second, detailed designs are presented in the form of sub-circuits such as desaturation protection circuit, isolated power supply, active Miller clamp, undervoltage lockout and so on. Finally, the proposed gate driver design is validated through double pulse test, continuous full-load operation under 145°C and continuous light-load test under 175°C. Comprehensive performance evaluation of proposed high temperature gate driver is presented.
Hymen ‘repair’: Views from feminists, medical professionals and the women involved in the middle east, North Africa and Europe

In Europe, hymen ‘repair’ is controversial because it is often seen as a concession to immigrant groups that do not respect women’s sexual autonomy. But how is hymen ‘repair’ viewed in societies in which the norm is that women should not have premarital sex? And why do women want hymen ‘repair’? Hymen ‘repair’ is also controversial in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries because it is seen as undermining social mores about women and premarital sex. However, some Islamic leaders have defended the procedure. Women request hymen ‘repairs’ for a variety of reasons. Some have been sexually abused and may desire the surgery to overcome trauma. Some have had consensual sex and may fear sanctions, while others may see the surgery as a covert act of rebellion against the virginity rule. Still others may choose it to please their future husband. Hymen ‘repair’ is extensively discussed in MENA countries and in Europe. Feminists in MENA countries are divided over whether the surgery promotes sexual autonomy while, in the European debate, an important issue is whether the choice itself is an autonomous one that doctors should respect. Inspired by a relational approach to autonomy, I see the women involved as individuals with culturally informed identities and interests who may feel pressure to get the surgery yet are still capable of autonomy. I argue for a policy to stimulate debate in communities about the virginity norm and to make hymen ‘repair’ available to women. However, it should be combined with an attitude of sympathetic distrust, recognising that hymen ‘repair’ harms women’s dignity and authenticity.
Low Volume High Intensity Interval Exercise affects Serum BDNF and proBDNF levels in Sedentary Healthy Men.

Background: Exercise and dietary modifications help improve energy balance and glucose control. High intensity interval exercise (HIIE) induces an increase in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with a corresponding decrease in its precursor (proBDNF). Pro-BDNF, possesses biological activities opposite those of BDNF. However, only few reports on the effect of HIIE on proBDNF compared to extensive studies on the BDNF. Methods: Normal, healthy, male adults performed six sessions of HIIE in a span of 2 weeks. Venous blood was collected, from which fasting blood sugar, glycated haemoglobin, serum insulin, BDNF and proBDNF were measured using ELISA. Results: Marked decrease in markers of glycemic control were recorded following the intervention. A reduction in proBDNF and increase in BDNF was also observed post exercise. We found a strong negative relationship between BDNF and FBS post exercise. Conclusion: HIIE reduces BDNF and proBDNF healthy men.
Proportional ranking in primary elections: A case study

Many democratic political parties hold primary elections, which nicely reflects their democratic nature and promotes, among other things, the democratic value of inclusiveness. However, the methods currently used for holding such primary elections may not be the most suitable, especially if some form of proportional ranking is desired. In this paper, we compare different algorithmic methods for holding primaries (i.e., different aggregation methods for voters’ ballots) by evaluating the degree of proportional ranking that is achieved by each of them using real-world data. In particular, we compare six different algorithms by analyzing real-world data from a recent primary election conducted by the Israeli Democratit party. Technically, we analyze unique voter data and evaluate the proportionality achieved by means of cluster analysis, aiming at pinpointing the representation that is granted to different voter groups under each of the algorithmic methods considered. Our findings suggest that, contrary to the most-prominent primaries algorithm used (i.e., Approval), other methods such as Sequential Proportional Approval or Phragmen can bring about better proportional ranking and thus may be better suited for primary elections in practice.
Observability Analysis for Spacecraft Attitude Determination using a Single Temperature Sensor*

We consider the problem of spacecraft attitude determination using temperature data. Common algorithms fuse multiple temperature measurements to reconstruct the attitude. However, a single sensor already contains a lot of information due to the temperature dynamics inherent to the nonlinear structure. In this work a rigorous observability analysis is carried out to determine the configurations in which the combination of a single temperature sensor with angular velocity measurements is sufficient for estimating the entire attitude. We evaluate the observability properties of the different configurations and give recommendations for the best configurations.
The Influence of Different Digital Content Marketing on Consumer Engagement in The Tourism Sector

Social media marketing and change in consumer behavior when traveling in the digital era, present opportunities for tourism sector. Aligned with these facts, digital content marketing becomes more important in improving consumer engagement through social media. Content marketing currently has shifted to a digital world known as digital content marketing. The more people view content on social media, the more it affects consumer engagement. Thus, a study is required to determine how social media marketing can help promote Indonesian locations, especially when Indonesia is trying to cope with many losses due to the pandemic. This study used content analysis to identify the differences between digital content marketing of the travel content by identifying 150 informative and persuasive content and analyzing consumer engagement on the social media platform Instagram. The results show that persuasive content has the most impact on consumer engagement. Also, this study can contribute to digital content marketing and consumer engagement concept literature in the tourism context. In addition, it can be a reference for company in the tourism sector to market their content by paying more attention to the type of content that is of interest to the public to attract public interest in the intended destination (destination branding).
Intelligent decision support system based on multi-Agent

The limitations of the traditional intelligent decision support system(DSS) and the characteristics of Agent are analyzed,and a new intelligent DSS based on multi Agent is put forward.According to the design characteristics of DSS and the properties of Agent such as autonomy, capacity for cooperation, the building of DSS is mapped with the building of multi Agent system.The feasibility of applying Agent in the system is discussed,and the structure and working principle of this system are presented as well as the way to implement the system.
Automatic identification of woven fabric weave

To realize automatic identification of woven fabric weave,the reflection image of woven fabric is pre-processed by skew rectification and histogram equalization.Then the interlacing points are located in the image by the warp and weft gray projection curves.The warp and weft repeats are found according to the correlation of the interlacing points in warp and weft directions.The types of interlacing points are judged by comparing the average gray value of interlacing point in a weave repeat,and the results are examined with the gray variance of the interlacing points.Finally,the accuracy of identification is further improved by comparing the recognized results in several weave repeats.The experiment for actual fabrics shows that the algorithm can identify the three basic weaves correctly and output the diagram of the identified fabric weave.
Bridging the Gap: Connecting the Mechanisms of Immune-Related Adverse Events and Autoimmunity Through PD-1

The emergence of anti–cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA-4), anti–programmed cell death 1 ligand (anti–PD-1), and anti–PD-L1 antibodies as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) revolutionized the treatment of numerous types of tumors. These antibodies, both alone and in combination, provide great clinical efficacy as evidenced by tumor regression and increased overall patients’ survival. However, with this success comes multiple challenges. First, while patients who respond to ICIs have outstanding outcomes, there remains a large proportion of patients who do not respond at all. This all-or-none response has led to looking downstream of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) for additional therapeutic targets and for new combination therapies. Second, a majority of patients who receive ICIs go on to develop immune-related adverse events (irAEs) characterized by end-organ inflammation with T-cell infiltrates. The hallmarks of these clinically observed irAEs share many similarities with primary autoimmune diseases. The contribution of PD-1 to peripheral tolerance is a major mechanism for protection against expansion of self-reactive T-cell clones and autoimmune disease. In this review, we aim to bridge the gaps between our cellular and molecular knowledge of PD-1 signaling in T cells, ICI-induced irAEs, and autoimmune diseases. We will highlight shared mechanisms and the potential for new therapeutic strategies.
Research on index system to evaluate the core competence of enterprises based on the core specialities

This essay firstly points out the cognition deviation of the core competence in the corporation area,and distinguishes core competenceand the competitivepower,explains the concept of core competence.Then it puts forwards that,to evaluate the core competence of enterprises,we should take the core specialities of core competence as the standards to make evaluation,and gives an index system to evaluate the core compet-ence of enterprises based on the core specialities,meanwhile gives a quantificational evaluating method.At last,it points out some issues that we should pay attention to when we make evaluation.
CREATININE AND CREATINE KINASE RATIO IN BLOOD OF DIFFERENT BODY TYPES - A NEW APPROACH.

Purpose: The inconsistencies and variations of creatine kinase level due to modifiable and non-modifiable factors were the basis of this study. The aim was to find out the relationships between creatinine and creatine kinase in the blood of somatotypes. Methods: The 122 males, aged 10 to 20 years, were classified according to their somatotypes. Somatotypes were measured by the ISAK method. By standard laboratory methods, creatinine and creatine kinase estimate. The IBM SPSS version 24 is used for calculation. One way ANOVA followed by post hoc tests was performed to compare the variables among the three groups (p<0.05). Results: Creatinine level in the blood insignificantly deferred among the three somatotypes. The significant differences (p<0.05) were found in creatine kinase level in the blood and creatinine/creatine kinase ratio among the three dominant Somatotypes. Creatine Kinase was significantly higher in Ectomorphs (212 U/L) than Endomorphs. Ectomorphs and mesomorphs have crossed normal creatine kinase levels (35 -175 U/L). The creatinine/creatine kinase ratio was found highest in endomorphs and lowest in the ectomorphs and significantly differed in three Somatotypes. Conclusion: Creatinine production remains the same, indicating production of Creatinine is independent of specific body types. A significant higher Creatine Kinase level in Ectomorphs over Endomorphs showed fat content was not associated with it. Significant differences in Creatinine / Creatine Kinase ratio among Somatotypes suggested its relevance between cellular and morphological relationships and might uses as biomarkers.
Feedforward genetic circuits regulate the precision of event timing

Triggering of cellular events often relies on the level of a key gene product crossing a critical threshold. Achieving precision in event timing despite noisy gene expression facilitates high-fidelity functioning of diverse processes from biomolecular clocks, apoptosis, and cellular differentiation. Here we investigate the role of an incoherent feedforward circuit in regulating the time taken by a bacterial virus (bacteriophage lambda) to lyse an infected Escherichia coli (E. coli) cell. Lysis timing is the result of expression and accumulation of a single lambda protein (holin) in the E. coli cell membrane up to a critical threshold level, which triggers the formation of membrane lesions. This easily visualized process provides a simple model system for characterizing event-timing stochasticity in single cells. Intriguingly, lambda’s lytic pathway synthesizes two functionally opposite proteins: holin and antiholin, from the same mRNA in a 2:1 ratio. Antiholin sequesters holin and inhibits the formation of lethal membrane lesions, thus creating an incoherent feedforward circuit. We develop and analyze a stochastic model for this feedforward circuit that considers correlated bursty expression of holin/antiholin, and their concentrations are diluted from cellular growth. Interestingly, our analysis shows the noise in timing is minimized when both proteins are expressed at an optimal ratio, hence revealing an important regulatory role for antiholin. These results are in agreement with single-cell data, where removal of antiholin results in enhanced stochasticity in lysis timing.
Quantitative Evaluation of Hepatic Steatosis Using Advanced Imaging Techniques: Focusing on New Quantitative Ultrasound Techniques

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. The current standard for the detection of hepatic steatosis is liver biopsy; however, it is limited by invasiveness and sampling errors. Accordingly, MR spectroscopy and proton density fat fraction obtained with MRI have been accepted as non-invasive modalities for quantifying hepatic steatosis. Recently, various quantitative ultrasonography techniques have been developed and validated for the quantification of hepatic steatosis. These techniques measure various acoustic parameters, including attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient and speckle statistics, speed of sound, and shear wave elastography metrics. In this article, we introduce several representative quantitative ultrasonography techniques and their diagnostic value for the detection of hepatic steatosis.
NLRC4 Inflammasome-Mediated Regulation of Eosinophilic Functions

Eosinophils play critical roles in the maintenance of homeostasis in innate and adaptive immunity. Although primarily known for their roles in parasitic infections and the development of Th2 cell responses, eosinophils also play complex roles in other immune responses ranging from anti-inflammation to defense against viral and bacterial infections. However, the contributions of pattern recognition receptors in general, and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) in particular, to eosinophil involvement in these immune responses remain relatively underappreciated. Our in vivo studies demonstrated that NLRC4 deficient mice had a decreased number of eosinophils and impaired Th2 responses after induction of an allergic airway disease model. Our in vitro data, utilizing human eosinophilic EoL-1 cells, suggested that TLR2 induction markedly induced pro-inflammatory responses and inflammasome forming NLRC4 and NLRP3. Moreover, activation by their specific ligands resulted in caspase-1 cleavage and mature IL-1β secretion. Interestingly, Th2 responses such as secretion of IL-5 and IL-13 decreased after transfection of EoL-1 cells with short interfering RNAs targeting human NLRC4. Specific induction of NLRC4 with PAM3CSK4 and flagellin upregulated the expression of IL-5 receptor and expression of Fc epsilon receptors (FcεR1α, FcεR2). Strikingly, activation of the NLRC4 inflammasome also promoted expression of the costimulatory receptor CD80 as well as expression of immunoregulatory receptors PD-L1 and Siglec-8. Concomitant with NLRC4 upregulation, we found an increase in expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, but not MMP-2. Collectively, our results present new potential roles of NLRC4 in mediating a variety of eosinopilic functions.
A Novel AC-DC LED Integrated Streetlight Driver with Power-Factor-Correction and Soft-Switching Functions

This paper proposes a novel AC-DC light-emitting-diode (LED) integrated streetlight driver, which merges an interleaved buck converter with coupled inductors and a half-bridge series resonant converter with a full-bridge rectifier into a single-stage power conversion topology, featuring with power-factor-correction (PFC) and soft-switching. By designing the coupled inductors in the interleaved buck converting sub-circuit at discontinuous-conduction mode, the function of PFC is accomplished. In addition, the resonant tank in the half-bridge series resonant converting sub-circuit is designed to resemble an inductive load, so that the power switches have the function of zero-voltage switching (ZVS), reducing the switching loss and improving the overall efficiency of the proposed circuit.A 165W-rated (235V/0.7A) LED streetlight prototype driver with an input utility-line voltage of 110 V has been developed and tested. According to the measured results, a power factor greater than 0.98, an input current total harmonic distortion factor less than 3%, and an efficiency greater than 89% are obtained in the AC-DC LED integrated streetlight driver. Therefore, satisfying outcomes from experimental results demonstrate the functionality of the proposed LED streetlight driver.
Benzyl Farnesyl Amine Mimetics are Potent Inhibitors of the Sterol Biosynthesis Pathway in Leishmania Amazonensis Leading to Oxidative Stress, Growth Arrest, and Ultrastructural Alterations

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus spread around the world. Benzyl farnesyl amine mimetics are known class of compounds selectively designed to inhibit the squalene synthase (SQS) enzyme that catalyzes the first committed reaction on the sterol biosynthesis pathway. Herein, we studied seven new benzyl farnesyl amine mimetics (SBC 37 - 43) against Leishmania amazonensis. After the first initial screening of cell viability, two inhibitors (SBC 39 and SBC 40) were selected for further studies. Against intracellular amastigotes, SBC 39 and SBC 40 presented selectivity indexes of 117.7 and 180, respectively, indicating that they are highly selective. Analyses of free sterol showed that SBC 39 and SBC 40 inhibit two enzymes, sterol Δ8 → Δ7 isomerase and SQS, resulting in depletion of endogenous 24-methyl sterols. Physiological analysis and electron microscopy revealed three main alterations: 1) in the mitochondrion ultrastructure and function; 2) the presence of lipid bodies and autophagosomes; and 3) the appearance of projections in the plasma membrane and extracellular vesicles inside the flagellar pocket. In conclusion, our results support the notion that benzyl farnesyl amine mimics have a potent effect against Leishmania amazonensis and should be an interesting novel pharmaceutical lead for the development of new chemotherapeutic alternatives to treat leishmaniasis.