SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Development of the first fully biocompatible, soft actuated heart: combining in situ tissue engineering and soft robotics

The Hybrid Heart consortium envisions to develop and bring to the clinic soft biocompatible artificial organs. These will consist of a soft robotics shell with actuators (‘artificial muscles’) and sensors, enabling completely natural motion. The inner lining and structures will be made by in situ tissue engineering (TE), ensuring biocompatibility of blood-contacting surfaces.
As the first step, the consortium will develop the Hybrid Heart, which can completely replace a patient’s heart in a procedure similar to a heart transplant, to provide a cure for heart failure, which affects ~23 million people worldwide. Currently, patients with end-stage heart failure either receive a heart transplant, if available, or long-term mechanical circulatory support, which causes severe complications. To achieve the ambitious goal of providing a permanent cure for these patients, the participants will, in parallel, develop the components of the Hybrid Heart: 1) a soft elastomeric robotics shell containing actuators and sensors, 2) scaffolds for in situ TE of inner lining, valves and vessels and 3) a wireless energy transfer system. These components together will form the full Hybrid Heart, which will be soft, adaptable, wireless and fully bio- and hemocompatible. Both functionality as well as biocompatibility of the Hybrid Heart will be shown in a Proof-of-Principle study in the chronic sheep model at the end of the project.
The Hybrid Heart project will be carried out by an interdisciplinary group of (academic) researchers and high-tech SMEs, with experience in cardiac surgery, TE, soft robotics and engineering. The technology underlying the Hybrid Heart is applicable to a range of soft robotics-based artificial organs, including the bowel, lung, or muscle structures (limbs). Replacing an entire organ with bioinspired robotic elements, TE biocompatible surfaces, artificial sensors, and an external power source allows for an off-the-shelf therapy for patients with organ failure.
Extending the Database Curriculum: From Design Principles to Web and Mobile Programming

The importance of the World Wide Web is evident from the ubiquitous presence of web-related technologies, from database to programming, from semantic to internet of things, in all aspects of everyday life. For these reasons, providing the new generation of students a strong background is crucial for sustainable development in all countries. This work presents a case study on a teaching experience in a web programming course with an approach suitable for both high school and university students. The first part of the paper describes in detail the curriculum which focuses on small incremental steps built around the management of user login and introduces advanced topics such as transaction, stored procedures and security issues, thus laying the foundation for the application of these concepts in larger projects. Finally, on the basis of this experience, the design and reframing of the curriculum in order to include mobile development is presented.
Molecular modus operandi of ligand-gated ion channels : Studies of trimeric P2X receptors and pentameric GABA A receptors

This thesis, by using various chemical and biological tools, focuses on the molecular modus operandi of two different superfamilies of ligand-gated ion channels: P2XRs and GABAARs. P2XR is a cation-selective ion channel gated by extracellular ATP (and is implicated in diverse physiological processes, from synaptic transmission to inflammation to the sensing of taste and pain. Here I studied the molecular mechanism underlying ATP binding and channel opening of the P2X receptors. In the ATP-binding site study, we definitely localized the ATP-binding sites in P2X2 receptor through affnity labeling. Our results thus define a large and dynamic inter-subunit ATP-binding pocket. In the “gating”†part, an inter-subunit salt bridge located at the “body” domain that regulates channel gating movement was identified by using charge reversal and charge swapping combined with double mutant cycle analysisPentameric GABAARs form chloride permeable ion channels and mediate inhibitory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. The modulation of their action is critical for brain normal function and for various pathophysiological conditions. In the GABAARs part, using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we described the allosteric modulation of GABAARs by a series of synthetic compounds that are trans-retrochalcones belonging to the flavonoids family. We characterized their subunit-dependent positive modulations at both synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAARs. Our data reveal an original mode of action and provide a rational basis for hypothesis-driven drug discovery efforts with emphasis on the retrochalcone scaffold for treating GABAA-related central nervous system disorders.
Application of Leadership Strategies Secondary to a Book Review

Purpose: Two-fold: [1] To evaluate available literature describing leadership management techniques and how these techniques can be used for pharmacy faculty transitioning into new academic roles and [2] To evaluate a leadership program and how it can be applied to the individual to enhance leadership skills. Methods: Literature related to pharmacist development was evaluated and a book review with a corresponding workbook was completed. Faculty members from three colleges of pharmacy participated in a focus group session. Response confidentially was maintained. This project was approved by a university institutional review board. Results: All study group members (4) participated in the focus group. Two overarching themes were unanimously identified regarding implementation of this process. The first theme was time commitment. The second was trust. These were considered essential to the team-building process. As a secondary outcome, the dynamic process of team building was acknowledged. All focus group members were pleased with the use of the book and workbook as learning tools. Conclusions: Participants expressed satisfaction with the materials used, information covered, and learning experience. They suggested additional strategies for implementation into a variety of settings, offered suggestions for future studies, and requested additional collaboration in this area.
The case for a Neoproterozoic Oxygenation Event: Geochemical evidence and biological consequences

The Neoproterozoic era marked a turning point in the development of the modern earth system. The irreversible environmental changes of that time were rooted in tectonic upheavals that drove chain reactions between the oceans, atmosphere, climate, and life. Key biological innovations took place amid carbon cycle instability that pushed climate to unprecedented extremes and resulted in the ventilation of the deep ocean. Despite a dearth of supporting evidence, it is commonly presumed that a rise in oxygen triggered the evolution of animals. Although geochemical evidence for oxygenation is now convincing, our understanding of the Neoproterozoic earth system and of early animal evolution has changed apace, revealing an altogether more complicated picture in which the spread of anoxia played an important role. The challenge to future researchers lies in unraveling the complex entanglement of earth system changes during this pivotal episode in Earth’s history.
IL-8 suppresses E-cadherin expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by enhancing E-cadherin promoter DNA methylation

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has the highest metastasis potential among head and neck cancers. Distant metastasis is the major cause of treatment failure. Recent studies from our laboratory have revealed that IL-8 promotes NPC metastasis via activation of AKT signaling and induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the cells. In the present study, we found that IL-8 treatment for NPC cells resulted in an accumulation of DNMT1 protein through activating AKT1 pathway and consequent DNMT1 protein stabilization. Then DNMT1 suppressed E-cadherin expression by increasing the methylation of its promoter region. LY-294002 blocked IL-8-induced p-AKT1 activation resulting in reduction of DNMT1 and increase of E-cadherin expression, whereas forced demethylation using 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored E-cadherin expression. In conclusion, our study, for the first time, shows that the IL-8/AKT1 signaling pathway stabilizes DNMT1 protein, consequently enhancing hypermethylation of E-cadherin promoter regions and downregulating E-cadherin protein level in NPC cells. Upon blockage of the IL-8/AKT pathway and inhibition of DNMT1, E-cadherin expression can be reversed. These data suggest that targeting the IL-8/AKT1 signaling pathway and DNMT1 may provide a potential therapeutic approach for blocking NPC metastasis.
Implementation framework for a fully flexible assembly system (F-FAS)

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a framework for the choice, design, set-up and management of a fully flexible assembly system (F-FAS). Many industrial applications for small batch productions require highly flexible automated manufacturing systems. Moreover, some extensions of the F-FAS concept are provided. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews recent findings regarding the F-FAS with a top-down approach, and defines an integrated implementation framework. This framework is structured into three strictly correlated phases, and the presented procedure is organized to be readily used for new industrial applications. Practical applications are presented to show how the system can satisfy flexibility demands in a variety of cases. Findings – The proposed framework is organized in three steps: convenience analysis of the F-FAS compared to a traditional flexible assembly system; an optimal design of the feeder; a choice of the set-up and sequencing algorithm yielding the highest throughput. Following these steps, the F-FAS can become an effective solution for small batch productions with frequent reconfigurations. However, due to the limited throughput, the system is not well suited for large batches. Originality/value – The presented framework allows to implement an F-FAS for a given industrial application, and to evaluate its efficacy with respect to other assembly technologies. Moreover, with the same implementation framework, the F-FAS concept can be applied to production fields that are different from assembly, as shown by the provided examples. This represents an important element of originality and of interest for its strong practical implications in different production environments.
Effect of MCM-41 nanoparticles on ARGET ATRP of styrene: Investigating thermal properties

A newly developed initiation technique, activators regenerated by electron transfer, was successfully employed to synthesize MCM-41/ polystyrene nanocomposites by in situ atom transfer radical polymerization. Hexagonal structure, surface area, and morphological study of the synthesized MCM-41 nanoparticles were performed by using powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy respectively. Conversion and molecular weight evaluation was carried out using gas chromatography and size exclusion chromatography respectively. Remarkable decrease of conversion from 69% to 43% was observed by the addition of only 3 wt% MCM-41 nanoparticles. However, polydispersity index increases from 1.14 to 1.41. Increasing of thermal stabilities and also reduction of T g by increasing MCM-41 nanoparticles loading were comprehended according to the results of thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NAVIGATING A MOBILE DEVICE USER INTERFACE WITH A DIRECTIONAL SENSING DEVICE

An electronic mobile device includes a display for displaying a graphical element. A tilt sensor is configured to sense first and second tilt angles of the mobile device. A processor is coupled to the display and the tilt sensor and configured to move the graphical element relative to the display in a first direction based on the first tilt angle, and to move the graphical element relative to the display in a second direction based on the second tilt angle.
Rna localization in bacteria

In eukaryotic cells mRNAs can be localized to specific places within a cell to achieve protein synthesis with spatiotemporal control. Recently, I and others have shown that prokaryotes can also target mRNAs to specific parts of the cell. However, these studies have been restricted to a limited number of mRNAs and were performed with Gram-negative bacteria, and due to the serendipitous nature of these discoveries and conflicting results, it is not clear how widespread mRNA localization is in a bacterial cell and what conserved mechanisms are playing a role. To investigate this, I will first employ a novel CLIP-seq-inspired deep-sequencing-based approach to gain an unbiased view of mRNAs enriched at the cell periphery and cell poles of the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. This dataset will reveal the scope of mRNA targeting by the Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) and will reveal mRNAs that use another mechanism for cellular targeting. In addition, classic CLIP-seq experiments will be used to identify mRNAs that use the cytoskeleton and other morphological proteins for targeting. As a complementary approach, I will assess the localization of mRNAs coding for different classes of localized proteins (polar, cell division, cytoskeletal, membrane, secreted, motility, nucleoid and chaperone proteins) using the established fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. Information obtained from these experiments will subsequently be used to investigate the role of protein translation, RNA sequences, genome location and cell morphology in mRNA localization, to gain functional insight into the mechanisms responsible for this basic morphogenetic process.
Comparison in nutritional quality between wild and cultured cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis

In this study, the proximate composition and the amino and fatty acid profiles of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (prey) and wild and cultured cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis (the latter fed the prey) were determined and compared with FAO/WHO recommendations. The resulting scores for isoleucine, phenylalanine+tyrosine, histidine, lysine, threonine, and tryptophan in cultured cuttlefish were ≥150. The ratio of EAA (essential amino acids)/nonessential amino acids in cultured cuttlefish (0.82) was higher than in the wild form (0.80). All EAA amino acid scores for cultured cuttlefish were higher than their wild counterparts, except for histidine and tryptophan. Both groups of cuttlefish possessed similar saturated fatty acid content, with the cultured containing much more total (Σ) monounsaturated fatty acids, Σ n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3) but less Σ n-3 PUFA, arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3) than their wild counterparts. Therefore, the present results suggest that these cultured cuttlefish were better than the wild form for human health. Notably, these results also indicate that the nutritional composition of these cuttlefish might have been significantly affected by diet.
A Cellular Automata occupant evacuation model considering gathering behavior

A two-dimensional (2D) Cellular Automata (CA) random model is developed to simulate occupant evacuation considering gathering behavior. The movement process from random distribution to gathering state can be simulated based on the map of the position repulsive force. Evacuations with random distribution and gathering distribution are compared. Visual field means object area coverage considered by the individual in the current cell, representing by the radius of visual field, VR. The simulation results with VR = 1 and 2 have little difference while the simulation with VR = 3 can reasonably represent gathering process. When the occupant density is less than 0.64 people/m 2 , the time of gathering process increases very fast with the increase of density; when the density is larger than 1.28 people/m 2 , the time of gathering decreases with the increase of density. When the initial density is less than 1.44 people/m 2 , the evacuation times with random distribution are always less than those with gathering distribution. When the initial density is larger than 1.44 people/m 2 , the evacuation times with gathering or random distribution are almost the same. Our model can simulate the gathering and evacuation process with more than two rally points. The number and distribution of rally points can deeply affect the evacuation time.
A method and apparatus for the manufacture of foamed plaster

A method for the manufacture of foamed plaster utilizing a mixture of powdered casting plaster, powdered limestone and hemp fibre. The mixture is fed into a Ventrui apparatus (40) under the influence of gravity. Compressed air may be supplied to the Venturi apparatus (40) through an inlet pipe (41) causing air and solid particles to be sucked into the Venturi apparatus (40). The elongated tube is provided with an inlet nozzle arranged to receive a mixture of water mixed with detergent agents. Further, the tube (50) is provided with an inlet nozzle (56) arranged to receive compressed air such that the elongated tube (50) delivers the mixture to a mixing and spray head (60) so as to feed the resulting mixture to a moulding means.
Research on the operational characteristics of car sharing service stations: A case study of a car sharing program in Hangzhou*

Abstract Car sharing as a way to satisfy the increasing demand for motorized travel has been well received in Europe and North America, but is still in its infancy in China. In this study, 45 service stations were selected and classified into different types on the basis of factors such as location and surrounding land features. Data collected over a period of one year from the selected service stations were analyzed. The results of the statistical analyses of the following indexes are presented in this paper: use intensity of vehicles, vehicle usage frequency, distribution type of one-day use time length, and monthly cumulative use time length of vehicles. Examination of the statistical results obtained for the different types of stations show that the operational characteristics of the stations studied in this paper are relevant to the station attributes, but the connection is not obvious. Further, the results of analysis of several special stations reveal that operational characteristics are also affected by promotional policies and preferential activities.
Physiologic Storyboarding for Scenario Development in High-Fidelity Simulation

This paper outlines the use of a physiologic storyboard for the development and implementation of scenarios for high-fidelity simulation. High-fidelity simulation has become a fundamental part of postgraduate medical education in Canada and the USA. It is especially useful for teaching and learning in disciplines like anesthesiology, which often involves stressful clinical situations. The physiologic storyboard is a flexible visual representation of a learning scenario that takes the physiology of the mannequin as the starting point and allows that physiology to determine the manner in which the scenario unfolds. The mannequin’s physiology responds directly to the clinical management, lack of management, or mismanagement provided by the learners. This adaptation of storyboarding for high-fidelity simulation facilitates the initial development of scenarios and allows for the proactive implementation of scenarios based on the physiologic changes in the mannequin. It has the potential to streamline and standardize scenario development and implementation wherever simulation is used as a teaching tool.
INSURANCE-COMPLIANT ELECTRONIC ORDERING OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE SCREENING AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

A computer implemented method of ordering a laboratory test for a biological sample collected from a patient includes obtaining multiple sets of payor-specific ordering guidelines, obtaining an indication or a payor identity selecting payor-specific ordering guidelines based on the indication of the payor identity, displaying payor-specific ordering guidelines on a graphical user interface, and obtaining patient-specific data required by the payor to issue a reimbursement for the laboratory test based on the selected set of payor-specific guidelines.
Decision support system for age-related macular degeneration using discrete wavelet transform

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central vision and subsequently may lead to visual loss in people over 60 years of age. There is no permanent cure for AMD, but early detection and successive treatment may improve the visual acuity. AMD is mainly classified into dry and wet type; however, dry AMD is more common in aging population. AMD is characterized by drusen, yellow pigmentation, and neovascularization. These lesions are examined through visual inspection of retinal fundus images by ophthalmologists. It is laborious, time-consuming, and resource-intensive. Hence, in this study, we have proposed an automated AMD detection system using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and feature ranking strategies. The first four-order statistical moments (mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis), energy, entropy, and Gini index-based features are extracted from DWT coefficients. We have used five (t test, Kullback-Lieber Divergence (KLD), Chernoff Bound and Bhattacharyya Distance, receiver operating characteristics curve-based, and Wilcoxon) feature ranking strategies to identify optimal feature set. A set of supervised classifiers namely support vector machine (SVM), decision tree, [Formula: see text]-nearest neighbor ([Formula: see text]-NN), Naive Bayes, and probabilistic neural network were used to evaluate the highest performance measure using minimum number of features in classifying normal and dry AMD classes. The proposed framework obtained an average accuracy of 93.70%, sensitivity of 91.11%, and specificity of 96.30% using KLD ranking and SVM classifier. We have also formulated an AMD Risk Index using selected features to classify the normal and dry AMD classes using one number. The proposed system can be used to assist the clinicians and also for mass AMD screening programs.
Computational simulation study on the anion recognition properties of functionalized tetraphenyl porphyrins

The anion recognitions of tetra-(2-formamido) phenyl porphyrin (APP), tetra-(2-ureido) phenyl porphyrin (UPP), and their zinc derivatives (ZnAPP and ZnUPP) to three anions (Cl(-), H2PO4 (-), CH3COO(-)) were studied using quantum mechanical calculations (QM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations at M06-2X/6-31G (d, p) level indicated that the anion recognition ability of ZnAPP was better than that of APP, and the anion selectivity was in the order Cl(-) < H2PO4 (-) < CH3COO(-). The selectivity trends for ZnUPP and UPP were found to be H2PO4 (-) < Cl(-) < CH3COO(-). The structures, thermodynamic properties, and recognition mechanisms were discussed in detail. The 2 ns MD simulations were then carried out for anion@ZnAPP and anion@ZnUPP complexes in mixed solvent DMSO/water. The MD simulation results showed that anion@ZnUPP complexes exhibited higher stability than anion@ZnAPP, which was in good agreement with QM results. H-bonds formed between the anions and the side-chains of receptors, and zinc coordination bonds with anions contributed significantly to the stability of complexes. The anion selectivity of ZnAPP and ZnUPP in the solvent phase were also discussed and compared with those in the gas phase.