Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insulin‐dependent cytoplasmic distribution of Rab4a in mouse adipocytes is inhibited by interleukin‐6, ‐8, and ‐15

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of interleukins, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐15, on insulin‐mediated redistribution of Rab4a, an early endosome marker, in mouse 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The interleukins did not affect cell viability; however, cell number was slightly but significantly higher in cultures exposed to IL‐8 and IL‐15. IL‐8 and IL‐15 decreased lipid storage in adipocytes, whereas IL‐6 had no effect. Rab4A showed cytoplasmic localization, and in control unstimulated adipocytes it was found primarily nearby nucleus, that was supported by cellular fluorescence distribution profile, and by calculated indices, that is, high percentage of near‐nuclear area fluorescence and a low mean peripheral cytoplasmic fluorescence/mean near‐nuclear fluorescence ratio. Insulin stimulation (100 nmol/l, 30 min) altered the cytoplasmic localization of Rab4a in control adipocytes, which was manifested by its redistribution towards plasma membrane. This effect of insulin was prevented in adipocytes exposed to IL‐6, IL‐8, or IL‐15. We concluded that insulin‐dependent Rab4a redistribution, probably reflecting stimulation of vesicle‐mediated transport, is inhibited in adipocytes subjected to differentiation in the presence of IL‐6, IL‐8, or IL‐15. Such alterations may be involved in the mechanisms contributing to development of insulin resistance associated with inflammation; however, further studies in this field are required.
Neuromagnetic study on localization of speech sounds

Spatial processing of speech sounds by the human auditory cortex was studied measuring neuromagnetic responses utilizing magnetoencephalography (MEG). Realistic spatial sound environment was produced using modern stimulus generation methodology utilizing head-related transfer functions (HRTFs). In order to compare localization of speech sounds to that of non-speech, the stimulus set involved three different stimulus types: 1) a semi-synthetic /a/-vowel, 2) a pseudo-vowel composed as a sum of sinusoids and 3) a wide band noise burst. Stimuli were filtered through HRTFs of eight horizontal equally spaced directions. The most prominent response, the cortically generated N1m, was investigated above the left and right hemisphere. We found, firstly, that cortical activity reflecting the processing of spatial sound stimuli was more pronounced in the right than in the left hemisphere. Secondly, we found that N1m amplitudes were largest for the /a/-vowel. However, behaviour of the N1m amplitude elicited by the pseudo-vowel was relatively similar to that of the /a/-vowel.
Examination of a palatogenic gene program in zebrafish

Human palatal clefting is debilitating and difficult to rectify surgically. Animal models enhance our understanding of palatogenesis and are essential in strategies designed to ameliorate palatal malformations in humans. Recent studies have shown that the zebrafish palate, or anterior neurocranium, is under similar genetic control to the amniote palatal skeleton. We extensively analyzed palatogenesis in zebrafish to determine the similarity of gene expression and function across vertebrates. By 36 hours postfertilization (hpf) palatogenic cranial neural crest cells reside in homologous regions of the developing face compared with amniote species. Transcription factors and signaling molecules regulating mouse palatogenesis are expressed in similar domains during palatogenesis in zebrafish. Functional investigation of a subset of these genes, fgf10a, tgfb2, pax9, and smad5 revealed their necessity in zebrafish palatogenesis. Collectively, these results suggest that the gene regulatory networks regulating palatogenesis may be conserved across vertebrate species, demonstrating the utility of zebrafish as a model for palatogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 240:2204–2220, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Statistical Neuroanatomy of Frontal Networks in the Macaque

We were interested in gaining insight into the functional properties of frontal networks based upon their anatomical inputs. We took a neuroinformatics approach, carrying out maximum likelihood hierarchical cluster analysis on 25 frontal cortical areas based upon their anatomical connections, with 68 input areas representing exterosensory, chemosensory, motor, limbic, and other frontal inputs. The analysis revealed a set of statistically robust clusters. We used these clusters to divide the frontal areas into 5 groups, including ventral-lateral, ventral-medial, dorsal-medial, dorsal-lateral, and caudal-orbital groups. Each of these groups was defined by a unique set of inputs. This organization provides insight into the differential roles of each group of areas and suggests a gradient by which orbital and ventral-medial areas may be responsible for decision-making processes based on emotion and primary reinforcers, and lateral frontal areas are more involved in integrating affective and rational information into a common framework.
Relational Aggression: What Does it Look Like and How Does it Feel for Girls with Language-Based Learning Disabilities?

The purpose of this study is to examine the context and occurrence of relational aggression in adolescent girls with learning disabilities, as described by their personal experiences and observations. A discussion of psychosocial adjustment and relational aggression with respect to the unique characteristics of children with learning disabilities will be presented. This study will provide a qualitative description of the social problemsolving skills of children with learning disabilities as reflected in their responses to common social scenarios. Special considerations will be given to their thought processes, insights, and emotional understanding of each situation.
Squalene, Olive Oil, and Cancer Risk: Review and Hypothesis

ABSTRACT Epidemiologic studies of breast and pancreatic cancer in several Mediterranean populations have demonstrated that increased dietary intake of olive oil is associated with a small decreased risk, or no increased risk, of cancer, despite a high overall lipid intake. Experimental animal models in high dietary fat and cancer also indicate that olive oil either has no effect, or a protective effect, on the prevention of a variety of chemically induced tumors. As a working hypothesis, it is proposed that the high squalene content of olive oil, as compared to other human foods, is a major factor in the cancer‐risk reducing effect of olive oil. Experiments in animal models suggest a tumor‐inhibiting role for squalene. A mechanism is proposed for the tumor‐inhibitory activity of squalene based on its known strong inhibitory activity of HMG‐COA reductase catalytic activity in vivo, thus reducing farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) availability for “prenylation” of ras oncogene, which relocates this oncogene to cell membranes and is required for the signal‐transducing function of ras. Reduction of mutated ras oncogene activation may be useful in breast and colon cancer and may be particularly applicable to pancreatic cancers that are strongly associated with ras oncogenes.
Effects of metalloporphyrins on reducing inflammation and autoimmunity.

SIGNIFICANCE High levels of reactive oxygen species can facilitate DNA and protein damage beyond the control of endogenous antioxidants, resulting in oxidative stress. Oxidative stress then triggers inflammation, which can lead to pathological conditions. In genetically susceptible individuals, the conglomeration of oxidative stress and inflammation can enhance autoreactive immune cell activation, causing beta-cell destruction in autoimmune type 1 diabetes. As a means of shielding pancreatic islets, manganese porphyrin (MnP) oxidoreductant treatment has been tested in a number of reported studies. RECENT ADVANCES MnP affects both innate and adaptive immune cell responses, blocking nuclear factor kappa-B activation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and T helper 1 T-cell responses. As a result, MnP treatment protects against type 1 diabetes onset in nonobese diabetic mice and stabilizes islets for cellular transplantation. CRITICAL ISSUES MnP displays global immunosuppressive properties, exemplified by decreased cytokine production from all T-helper cell subsets. This quality may impact infection control in the setting of autoimmunity. Nonetheless, because of their cytoprotective and immunomodulatory function, MnPs should be considered as a safer alternative to other clinical immunosuppressive agents (i.e., rapamycin) for transplantation. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Although MnP likely affects only redox-sensitive targets, the mechanism behind global T-cell immunosuppression and the outcome on infection clearance will have to be elucidated. Based on the increased primary engraftment seen with MnP use, protection against primary nonfunction in porcine to human xenotransplants would likely be enhanced. Further, a better understanding of MnP oxidoreductase function may allow for its use in other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Comparative study of the separation of casein from bovine, ovine and caprine milks using HPLC

Summary The separation of cows', sheep's and goats' milk casein components by HPLC on a strong anion-exchange (P.L-SAX 8μ 1000A) column is described. During HLPC, whole caseins of the three kinds of milk behaved differently from conventional separations. The casein components of the three kinds of milk were well resolved under the Chromatographie conditions used. HPLC resolved the κ-caseins better than did ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose, and was particularly efficient in the case of goats' milk. Goats' and sheep's milks had almost similar Chromatographie profiles but these differed considerably from that of cows' milk. Caseins from the sheep and the goat were also similar in that a shallower NaCl gradient was required for the separation of casein components than for cows' milk.
Embracing Islamic investment in Australia using the Malaysian model : challenges and opportunities

Ethically screened mutual funds have allowed many investors concerned with their beliefs and customs to enter the equity market. Islamic ethical funds (IEF’s), being new entrants’ in this market, are characterised by their shari’ah compliance and have proliferated in Malaysia and the Middle-East. Public consciousness of SRI’s is increasing in Australia. What has not been embraced are IEF’s despite evidence of demand from local and overseas investors. Indeed, even the lack of a dedicated stock market Islamic index has isolated the Australian capital market from attracting Islamic investment funds. The trend is quite the opposite in the UK where changes to tax and capital market law have been introduced aimed at establishing London as the global Islamic finance capital. This paper sets out the principles and application of Islamic law relating to IEF’s. It argues that a model incorporating IEF values may be possible for adoption in Australia supported by institutional involvement – some of whom are already actively in engaged in managing IEF’s overseas through associated financial institutions. It presents evidence of the demand for such investment alternatives, especially from individuals with investments tied up in superannuation funds. It argues that Australia should not ignore the capital market trends in the Asian economies where IEF’s are becoming increasingly popular.
The Effects of Mismatch Repair and RAD1 Genes on Interchromosomal Crossover Recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have previously shown that recombination between 400-bp substrates containing only 4-bp differences, when present in an inverted repeat orientation, is suppressed by >20-fold in wild-type strains of S. cerevisiae. Among the genes involved in this suppression were three genes involved in mismatch repair—MSH2, MSH3, and MSH6—and one in nucleotide excision repair, RAD1. We now report the involvement of these genes in interchromosomal recombination occurring via crossovers using these same short substrates. In these experiments, recombination was stimulated by a double-strand break generated by the HO endonuclease and can occur between completely identical (homologous) substrates or between nonidentical (homeologous) substrates. In addition, a unique feature of this system is that recombining DNA strands can be given a choice of either type of substrate. We find that interchromosomal crossover recombination with these short substrates is severely inhibited in the absence of MSH2, MSH3, or RAD1 and is relatively insensitive to the presence of mismatches. We propose that crossover recombination with these short substrates requires the products of MSH2, MSH3, and RAD1 and that these proteins have functions in recombination in addition to the removal of terminal nonhomology. We further propose that the observed insensitivity to homeology is a result of the difference in recombinational mechanism and/or the timing of the observed recombination events. These results are in contrast with those obtained using longer substrates and may be particularly relevant to recombination events between the abundant short repeated sequences that characterize the genomes of higher eukaryotes.
LDspider: An Open-source Crawling Framework for the Web of Linked Data

The Web of Linked Data is growing and currently consists of several hundred interconnected data sources altogether serving over 25 billion RDF triples to the Web. What has hampered the exploitation of this global dataspace up till now is the lack of an open-source Linked Data crawler which can be employed by Linked Data applications to localize (parts of) the dataspace for further processing. With LDSpider, we are closing this gap in the landscape of publicly available Linked Data tools. LDSpider traverses the Web of Linked Data by following RDF links between data items, it supports different crawling strategies and allows crawled data to be stored either in files or in an RDF store.
Psychological mindedness and academic achievement of psychology students in a higher education environment

This article aims to determine the relationship between psychological mindedness and academic achievement and whether there are differences in demographic variables in relation to both psychological mindedness and academic achievement. A cross-sectional design was used and 211 undergraduate students participated. A biographic questionnaire as well as the psychological mindedness scale was administered and the academic records of the participants were drawn. The data were analysed by calculating correlations, t-tests and an analysis of variance. Although there is a correlation between academic achievement and psychological mindedness, other factors may also play a role in the academic achievement of undergraduate university students. Limitations and recommendations were indicated. Psigologiese indagtigheid en akademiese prestasie van psigologie studente in 'n hoeronderwysomgewing Die doel van hierdie studie is om die verwantskap tussen psigologiese indagtigheid en akademiese prestasie te bepaal en ook of daar verskille is in die demografiese veranderlikes in verhouding tot beide psigologiese indagtigheid en akademiese prestasie. 'n Dwarsdeursnit-ontwerp is gebruik en 211 voorgraadse studente het deelgeneem. 'n Biografiese vraelys sowel as die "psychological mindedness scale" is afgeneem, en die akademiese rekords van die deelnemers is getrek. Die data is ontleed deur die berekening van korrelasies, t-toetse en 'n analise van variansie. Alhoewel daar 'n korrelasie tussen akademiese prestasie en psigologiese indagtigheid is, kan ander faktore ook 'n rol in die akademiese prestasie van voorgraadse studente speel. Beperkinge en aanbevelings is aangedui.
Structural and functional hyperconnectivity within the sensorimotor system in xenomelia

Xenomelia is a rare condition characterized by the persistent and compulsive desire for the amputation of one or more physically healthy limbs. We highlight the neurological underpinnings of xenomelia by assessing structural and functional connectivity by means of whole‐brain connectome and network analyses of regions previously implicated in empirical research in this condition.
Urban 3D semantic modelling using stereo vision

In this paper we propose a robust algorithm that generates an efficient and accurate dense 3D reconstruction with associated semantic labellings. Intelligent autonomous systems require accurate 3D reconstructions for applications such as navigation and localisation. Such systems also need to recognise their surroundings in order to identify and interact with objects of interest. Considerable emphasis has been given to generating a good reconstruction but less effort has gone into generating a 3D semantic model. The inputs to our algorithm are street level stereo image pairs acquired from a camera mounted on a moving vehicle. The depth-maps, generated from the stereo pairs across time, are fused into a global 3D volume online in order to accommodate arbitrary long image sequences. The street level images are automatically labelled using a Conditional Random Field (CRF) framework exploiting stereo images, and label estimates are aggregated to annotate the 3D volume. We evaluate our approach on the KITTI odometry dataset and have manually generated ground truth for object class segmentation. Our qualitative evaluation is performed on various sequences of the dataset and we also quantify our results on a representative subset.
Spectacle compliance amongst rural secondary school children in Pune district, India

Background: Refractive errors (RE) are the most common cause of avoidable visual impairment in children. But benefits of visual aids, which are means for correcting RE, depend on the compliance of visual aids by end users. Aim: To study the compliance of spectacle wear among rural school children in Pune district as part of the sarva siksha abhiyan (education for all scheme) after 6 - 12 months of providing free spectacles. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional follow-up study of rural secondary school children in western India. Materials and Methods: The students were examined by a team of optometrists who collected the demographic details, observed if the child was wearing the spectacles, and performed an ocular examination. The students were asked to give reasons for non-wear in a closed-ended questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression used for data analysis. Results: Of the 2312 students who were dispensed spectacles in 2009, 1018 were re-examined in 2010. 523 students (51.4%) were female, the mean age was 12.1 years 300 (29.5%) were wearing their spectacles, 492 (68.5%) students claimed to have them at home while 211 (29.4%) reported not having them at all. Compliance of spectacle wear was positively associated to the magnitude of refractive error (P < 0.001), father's education (P = 0.016), female sex (P = 0.029) and negatively associated to the visual acuity of the better eye (P < 0.001) and area of residence (P < 0.0001). Of those that were examined and found to be myopic (N = 499), 220 (44%) wore their spectacles to examination. Factors associated with compliance to spectacle usage in the myopic population included increasing refractive error (P < 0.001), worsening visual acuity (P < 0.001), and higher academic performance (P < 0.001). The causes for not wearing spectacles were ‘lost spectacles’ 67(9.3%), ‘broken spectacles’ 125 (17.4%), ‘forgot spectacles at home’ 117 (16.3%), ‘uses spectacles sometimes’ 109 (15.2%), ‘teased about spectacles’ 142 (19.8%) and ‘do not like the spectacles’ 86 (12%). Conclusion: Spectacle compliance was poor amongst school children in rural Pune; many having significant vision loss as a result.
Investigating the influence of noise and distractors on the interpretation of neural networks

Understanding neural networks is becoming increasingly important. Over the last few years different types of visualisation and explanation methods have been proposed. However, none of them explicitly considered the behaviour in the presence of noise and distracting elements. In this work, we will show how noise and distracting dimensions can influence the result of an explanation model. This gives a new theoretical insights to aid selection of the most appropriate explanation model within the deep-Taylor decomposition framework.
Leptin in functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea.

BACKGROUND Leptin, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and other hormones in women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) were investigated and the hypothesis proposed that energy imbalance is the predominant mechanism for leptin reduction in patients with FHA. METHODS Eighty-eight women with FHA and 65 age- and weight-matched controls were divided into homogeneous groups on the basis of their BMI: women with different degrees of underweight (BMI 15-16, 17-18 kg/m(2)) and of normal weight (BMI 19-21, 22-24 kg/m(2)). Hormone and carrier protein assays were measured in all groups. RESULTS In each BMI group of patients with FHA, gononadotrophins, prolactin, insulin, free tri-iodothyronine and leptin levels were significantly lower than those of the respective controls, whereas cortisol and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) were higher. We found significant linear positive correlations between leptin and body weight, BMI, LH, peptide-C, insulin, IGF-1 values and negative correlations with cortisol and IGFBP-1. CONCLUSIONS Leptin values in women with FHA are significantly lower than controls, even in the group of patients having normal body weight and BMI. Leptin profile is different between patients with FHA and controls: it is suggested that energy balance can interfere with the ratio of body weight/leptin and BMI/leptin in FHA.
Development and validation of an algorithm to establish a total antioxidant capacity database of the US diet

Abstract Estimation of total antioxidant intake is the first step to investigate the protective effects of antioxidants on oxidative stress-mediated disease. The present study was designed to develop an algorithm to estimate total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the US diet. TAC of individual antioxidants and 50 popular antioxidant-rich food items in the US diet were determined by 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Theoretical TAC of foods was calculated as the sum of individual antioxidant capacities of compounds. The top 10 TAC food items in the US diet according to standard serving size were blueberry > plum > green tea > strawberry > green tea (decaffeinated) > red wine > grape juice > black tea > cherry > grape. Major contributors to TAC were the total phenolic content (r = 0.952, P < 0.001) and flavonoid content (r = 0.827, P < 0.001) of 50 foods. Theoretical TAC was positively correlated to experimental TAC of 50 foods determined by the ABTS assay (r = 0.833, P < 0.001) and the DPPH assay (r = 0.696, P < 0.001), and to TAC from the USDA database for the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (r = 0.484, P = 0.001, n = 44). The TAC database of the US diet has been established and validated. In future studies, TAC of the US diet can be linked to biomarkers of chronic disease.