Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SIRT1 is a Direct Coactivator of Thyroid Hormone Receptor β1 with Gene-Specific Actions

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) NAD+-dependent deacetylase regulates energy metabolism by modulating expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis and other liver fasting responses. While many effects of SIRT1 on gene expression are mediated by deacetylation and activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor coactivator α (PGC-1α), SIRT1 also binds directly to DNA bound transcription factors, including nuclear receptors (NRs), to modulate their activity. Since thyroid hormone receptor β1 (TRβ1) regulates several SIRT1 target genes in liver and interacts with PGC-1α, we hypothesized that SIRT1 may influence TRβ1. Here, we confirm that SIRT1 cooperates with PGC-1α to enhance response to triiodothyronine, T3. We also find, however, that SIRT1 stimulates TRβ1 activity in a manner that is independent of PGC-1α but requires SIRT1 deacetylase activity. SIRT1 interacts with TRβ1 in vitro, promotes TRβ1 deacetylation in the presence of T3 and enhances ubiquitin-dependent TRβ1 turnover; a common response of NRs to activating ligands. More surprisingly, SIRT1 knockdown only strongly inhibits T3 response of a subset of TRβ1 target genes, including glucose 6 phosphatase (G-6-Pc), and this is associated with blockade of TRβ1 binding to the G-6-Pc promoter. Drugs that target the SIRT1 pathway, resveratrol and nicotinamide, modulate T3 response at dual TRβ1/SIRT1 target genes. We propose that SIRT1 is a gene-specific TRβ1 co-regulator and TRβ1/SIRT1 interactions could play important roles in regulation of liver metabolic response. Our results open possibilities for modulation of subsets of TR target genes with drugs that influence the SIRT1 pathway.
A fast online algorithm for large margin training of continuous density hidden Markov models

We propose an online learning algorithm for large margin training of continuous density hidden Markov models. The online algorithm updates the model parameters incrementally after the decoding of each training utterance. For large margin training, the algorithm attempts to separate the log-likelihoods of correct and incorrect transcriptions by an amount proportional to their Hamming distance. We evaluate this approach to hidden Markov modeling on the TIMIT speech database. We find that the algorithm yields significantly lower phone error rates than other approaches—both online and batch—that do not attempt to enforce a large margin. We also find that the algorithm converges much more quickly than analogous batch optimizations for large margin training.
Understanding and Reducing Workplace Discrimination

Abstract Even more than 50 years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination toward a number of groups in employment settings in the United States, workplace discrimination remains a persistent problem in organizations. This chapter provides a comprehensive review and analysis of contemporary theory and evidence on the nature, causes, and consequences of discrimination before synthesizing potential methods for its reduction. We note the strengths and weaknesses of this scholarship and highlight meaningful future directions. In so doing, we hope to both inform and inspire organizational and scholarly efforts to understand and eliminate workplace discrimination.
Submaximal fitness and mortality risk reduction in coronary heart disease: a retrospective cohort study of community-based exercise rehabilitation

Objectives To examine the association between submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness (sCRF) and all-cause mortality in a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) cohort. Design Retrospective cohort study of participants entering CR between 26 May 1993 and 16 October 2006, followed up to 1 November 2013 (median 14 years, range 1.2–19.4 years). Setting A community-based CR exercise programme in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Participants A cohort of 534 men (76%) and 136 women with a clinical diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD), aged 22–82 years, attending CR were evaluated for the association between baseline sCRF and all-cause mortality. 416 participants with an exercise test following CR (median 14 weeks) were examined for changes in sCRF and all-cause mortality. Main outcome measures All-cause mortality and change in sCRF expressed in estimated metabolic equivalents (METs). Results Baseline sCRF was a strong predictor of all-cause mortality; compared to the lowest sCRF group (<5 METs for women and <6 METs for men), mortality risk was 41% lower in those with moderate sCRF (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.83) and 60% lower (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.64) in those with higher sCRF levels (≥7 METs women and ≥8 METs for men). Although improvement in sCRF at 14 weeks was not associated with a significant mortality risk reduction (HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.06) for the whole cohort, in those with the lowest sCRF (and highest all-cause mortality) at baseline, each 1-MET improvement was associated with a 27% age-adjusted reduction in mortality risk (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.94). Conclusions Higher baseline sCRF is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality over 14 years in adults with CHD. Improving fitness through exercise-based CR is associated with significant risk reduction for the least fit.
State of the Art and Research Challenges of new services architecture technologies: Virtualization, SOA and Cloud Computing

The telecommunication world is evolving towards networks and different services. It is necessary to ensure interoperability between different networks to provide seamless and on-demand services. As the number of services and users in Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) keeps increasing, network virtualization and cloud computing technologies seem to be a good alternative for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in order to provide better services to customers and save cost and time. Cloud computing known as an IT environment that includes all elements of the IT and network stack, enabling the development, delivery, and consumption of Cloud Services. In this paper, we will present the challenges and issues of these emerging technologies. The first part of this paper describes Cloud computing as the networks of the future. It presents an overview of some works in this area. Some concepts like cloud services and Service oriented Architecture designed to facilitate rapid prototyping and deployment of on demand services that enhance flexibility, communication performance, robustness, and scalability are detailed. The second part exposes SOA and its concept, the third one deals with virtualization.
The Effect of Tibial Rotation on the Contribution of Medial and Lateral Hamstrings During Isometric Knee Flexion

Background: Selective atrophy of hamstring components may result from muscle strain or graft harvesting for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Assessment and rehabilitation that specifically targets medial (MH) or lateral (LH) hamstring components may improve patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of volitional tibial rotation medially (MR) versus laterally (LR) on activation levels of MH versus LH and strength measures during isometric testing of knee flexors. Hypothesis: Muscle activation of MH and LH during knee flexor strength testing will be augmented when coupled with MR and LR of the tibia, respectively, without affecting knee flexor strength measures. Study Design: Cross-sectional laboratory study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Surface electrodes were used to record neuromuscular activity from MH and LH of the right lower limb in 40 healthy young men and women during isometric knee flexor strength testing at 40° of knee flexion, where participants maintained concurrent volitional MR or LR of the tibia. Statistical analyses of variance included general linear models for repeated measures. Results: A significant interaction was found for tibial rotation and hamstring component variables (P < 0.01). When isometric knee flexion was coupled with LR, normalized activation levels were similar for MH and LH. When performed with MR, a significant drop in LH activation led to dissimilar activation levels of the 2 components. Significantly greater strength measures were found when isometric knee flexion was performed with concurrent LR of the tibia (P < 0.01). Both sexes demonstrated the same rotation-dependent differences. Conclusion: Coupling tibial rotation with knee flexor activities primarily affects the LH component. Clinical Relevance: Strategies involving volitional tibial rotation may be considered for specific assessment/rehabilitation of the MH or LH component.
Selective families, superimposed codes, and broadcasting on unknown radio networks

Selective families, a weaker variant of superimposed codes [KS64, F92, 197, CR96], have been recently used to design Deterministic Distributed Broadcast (DDB) protocols for unknown radio networks (a radio network is said to be unknown when the nodes know nothing about the network but their own label) [CGGPR00, CGOR00]. We first provide a general almost tight lower bound on the size of selective families. Then, by reverting the selective families - DDB protocols connection, we exploit our lower bound to construct a family of “hard” radio networks (i.e. directed graphs). These networks yield an &OHgr;(n log D) lower bound on the completion time of DDB protocols that is superlinear (in the size n of the network) even for very small maximum eccentricity D of the network, while all the previous lower bounds (e.g. &OHgr;(D log n) [CGGPR00]) are superlinear only when D is almost linear. On the other hand, the previous upper bounds are all superlinear in n independently of the eccentricity D and the maximum in-degree d of the network. We introduce a broadcast technique that exploits selective families in a new way. Then, by combining selective families of almost optimal size with our new broadcast technique, we obtain an &Ogr;(Dd log3 n) upper bound that we prove to be almost optimal when d = &Ogr;(n/D). This exponentially improves over the best known upper bound [CGR00) when D, d = &Ogr;(polylogn). Furthermore, by comparing our deterministic upper bound with the best known randomized one [BGI87] we obtain a new, rather surprising insight into the real gap between deterministic and randomized protocols. It turns out that this gap is exponential (as discovered in [BGI87]), but only when the network has large maximum in-degree (i.e. d = &OHgr;(na), for some constant a > O). We then look at the multibroadcast problem on unknown radio networks. A similar connection to that between selective families and (single) broadcast also holds between superimposed codes and multibroadcast. We in fact combine a variant of our (single) broadcast technique with superimposed codes of almost optimal size available in literature [EFF85, HS87, I97, CHI99]. This yields a multibroadcast protocol having completion time &Ogr;(Dd2 log3 n). Finally, in order to determine the limits of our multibroadcast technique, we generalize (and improve) the best known lower bound [CR96] on the size of superimposed codes.
Received Signal Strength Based Vertical Hand Off Scheme for K-Tier Heterogeneous Networks

The k-tier heterogeneous wireless networks (kHWN) deployment focused on the needs of the users. Many challenges exist in integrating kHWN architectures into one seamless flow of voice, data and multimedia. The handoff's between kHWN that allows user equipment (UE) to continuously find seamless connectivity with the transceivers is complex and challenging. The common and most desired, cost effective parameter for vertical handoff scheme (VHOS) is the receiving signal strength (RSS). In this paper we investigated the best suited empirical and statistical model to get the optimized result of the RSS for GSM, UMTS, advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WLAN which are integrated in the kHWN. Based on the RSS results the VHOS algorithm for kHWN is proposed, to achive mobility within the kHWN. The simulation results validate the findings.
Rheology of Confined Granular Flows : from Gas to Glass

An intriguing feature of granular matter is the close coexistence of solid‐like regions and liquid‐like flows. We study steady, fully‐developped, granular flows confined between parallel vertical sidewalls. The sidewall friction stabilizes the underlaying heap at an inclination exceeding the angle of repose and increasing with flow rate. Our experiments reveal, in agreement with numerical simulations, that the volume fraction varies strongly in the flowing layer. We show that the resultant sidewall friction is not constant either. Above a critical depth, solid volume fraction, velocity and friction evolve on a common length scale. Below, the system appears to behave as a glass engaged in creeping flow.
The Role of Bilirubin in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Cardiovascular Diseases

Bilirubin belongs to a phylogenetically old superfamily of tetrapyrrolic compounds, which have multiple biological functions. Although for decades bilirubin was believed to be only a waste product of the heme catabolic pathway at best, and a potentially toxic compound at worst; recent data has convincingly demonstrated that mildly elevated serum bilirubin levels are strongly associated with a lower prevalence of oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Indeed, serum bilirubin has been consistently shown to be negatively correlated to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), as well as to CVD-related diseases and risk factors such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. In addition, the clinical data are strongly supported by evidence arising from both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. This data not only shows the protective effects of bilirubin per se; but additionally, of other products of the heme catabolic pathway such as biliverdin and carbon monoxide, as well as its key enzymes (heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase); thus, further underlining the biological impacts of this pathway. In this review, detailed information on the experimental and clinical evidence between the heme catabolic pathway and CVD, and those related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity is provided. All of these pathological conditions represent an important threat to human civilization, being the major killers in developed countries, with a steadily increasing prevalence. Thus, it is extremely important to search for novel markers of these diseases, as well as for novel therapeutic modalities to reverse this unfavorable situation. The heme catabolic pathway seems to fulfill the criteria for both diagnostic purposes as well as for potential therapeutical interventions.
Teachers' Perceptions of Barriers, Strategies, and Professional Development in Addressing Reading Deficiencies Displayed by Struggling Pre-Kindergarten-Second Grade Readers

The purpose of the study was focused on examining perceptions of a sample of primary level rural Minnesota teachers of the common reading deficiencies displayed by struggling preschool through second grade readers, barriers experienced in delivering reading instruction to struggling readers, and strategies determined to be most effective in addressing reading deficiencies displayed by struggling readers. Furthermore, the study examined the types of staff development Minnesota teachers and their principals identified as most valuable in addressing reading deficiencies among preschool through second grade students. The study employed a mixed methodology, which included the use of a closed-ended response survey and interviews. According to Morse (2005), “mixed method research consists of designs that are either primarily qualitative or quantitative and that incorporate strategies of the other method (either qualitative or quantitative) into the same research project” (p. 583). The main conclusions from this study supports existing research. Research supports the necessity to identify struggling readers early in their literacy development. Flynn, Zheng, and Swanson (2012) stated, “it is widely known that early intervention is the key component to remediating reading difficulties, as well as, decreasing the risk of future reading acquisition problems” (p. 21). The study of Teachers’ Perceptions of Barriers, Strategies, and Professional Development in Addressing Reading Deficiencies Displayed by Struggling Pre-KindergartenSecond Grade Readers supports the need for early identification of literacy deficiencies displayed by struggling readers. It also supports the need for identifying perceived barriers impacting the delivery of quality instruction, teaching strategies to address reading deficiencies of struggling readers, and available professional development or related reading strategies to improve literacy instruction.
Incorporating gene ontology with conditional-based clustering to analyze gene expression data

One of the purposes of the analysis of gene expression data is to cater for the cancer classification and prognosis. Currently, clustering has been introduced as a computational method to assist the analysis. However, these clustering algorithms focus only on statistical similarity and visualization presentation, thus neglecting the biological similarity and the consistency of the annotation in the cluster. Furthermore, there are still complexity issues and difficulty in finding optimal cluster. In this study, we proposed a clustering algorithm named BTreeBicluster to overcome those problems. The BTreeBicluster starts with the development of GO tree and enriching it with expression similarity from the Sacchromyces genes. From the enriched GO tree, the BTreeBicluster algorithm is applied during the clustering process. The BTreeBicluster takes subset of conditions of gene expression dataset using discretized data. Therefore, the annotation in the GO tree is already determined before the clustering process starts which gives major reflect to the output clusters. The results of this study have shown that the BTreeBicluster produces better consistency of the annotation.
Hidden Markov Models for Abnormal Event Processing in Transportation Data Streams

Making sense of big data and big metadata remains a challenge as more and more data are churned out every day. The problem of adding value to unstructured data requires the application of computationally intensive algorithms to discover useful patterns in the data. In terms of data streams from public transport such as buses, we address the problem of performing time-consuming algorithms to model the data while still being able to process abnormal events in real-time. We propose using Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) for identifying conditions for an abnormal event in bus journeys and methods for isolating HMM computations from real-time event processing. Results show that training HMMs with even noisy metadata can generate models that can recognize an abnormal event in a parallel and distributed manner in the cloud.
Attention in HIV

2015 ii 2015 KATHLEEN M. VAN DYK Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 United States License. iii This manuscript has been read and accepted for the Graduate Faculty in Psychology in satisfaction of the dissertation requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. iv Abstract ATTENTION IN HIV In contrast to the striking benefit of advances in antiretroviral therapy on longevity and health in the HIV+ population, mild cognitive disorders persist (Heaton, Clifford et al., 2010). Additional factors that may be related to cognitive decline and warrant consideration in this population are aging and physical health status. Among cognitive domains affected, attention and processing speed have emerged as particularly vulnerable to the effects of HIV. There are also age effects observed in these domains, and we proposed that reduced physical health can also impact cognition in these areas, comparably to pain. Sensitive measures of attention that vary attentional demands may be sensitive to subtle cognitive changes associated with aging and physical health status in this population. We examined the impact of aging and self-reported physical health status on several attentional measures that vary attentional demands in a sample of HIV+ adults. We hypothesized that worse physical health and older age would uniquely and additively relate to poorer performances during test conditions of greatest demands. Results indicated that both low physical health and older age each affected performance on attention tasks, with unique main effects observed on different tasks. There were additive effects observed on several attention tasks during high load conditions, with differences largely observed at the extremes; i.e., older adults in poor health demonstrated worse performance compared to younger adults in good health. Importantly, one task indicated worst performance in younger adults in poor health. The results of these findings are discussed in terms of clinical implications and the importance of considering these factors when assessing for cognitive decline in the HIV+ population.
A circuit mechanism for the propagation of waves of muscle contraction in Drosophila

Animals move by adaptively coordinating the sequential activation of muscles. The circuit mechanisms underlying coordinated locomotion are poorly understood. Here, we report on a novel circuit for the propagation of waves of muscle contraction, using the peristaltic locomotion of Drosophila larvae as a model system. We found an intersegmental chain of synaptically connected neurons, alternating excitatory and inhibitory, necessary for wave propagation and active in phase with the wave. The excitatory neurons (A27h) are premotor and necessary only for forward locomotion, and are modulated by stretch receptors and descending inputs. The inhibitory neurons (GDL) are necessary for both forward and backward locomotion, suggestive of different yet coupled central pattern generators, and its inhibition is necessary for wave propagation. The circuit structure and functional imaging indicated that the commands to contract one segment promote the relaxation of the next segment, revealing a mechanism for wave propagation in peristaltic locomotion. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.13253. 001
PERAN NILAI BUDAYA SUNDA DALAM POLA ASUH ORANG TUA BAGI PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER SOSIAL ANAK (Studi Deskriptif di Desa Suntenjaya Kec. Lembang Kab. Bandung Barat)

Abstract--It is undeniable that at this point Sundanese culture was being shifted due to the development of globalization. Many sundanese values are displaced or even weakened. Parents provide upbringing with sundanese value so that children will have decent characters and will have affected the social behavior in them. Ekadjati stated that Sundanese culture is a culture which lives, grows and develops within Sundanese people who generally live in West Java. According to Thoha, parenting itself is a great way adopted by parents in teaching their child which is seen as an act of taking responsibility upon the children. Besides Sundanese culture and Parenting, the character building which has been done by parents to the favor of their children is not only to guide and foster the intellectual competence and mechanical skills of each child but also focused in achieving the character growth and development. Keywords: Sundanese cultural values, Parenting and Character Building