Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Genetically Obese Mice Lacking aP2.

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, aP2, is a member of the intracellular fatty acid binding protein family. Previously, studies have shown increased insulin sensitivity in aP2-deficient mice with dietary obesity. Here, we asked whether aP2-related alterations in lipolytic response and insulin production are features of obesity-induced insulin resistance and investigated the effects of aP2-deficiency on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism in ob/ob mice, a model of extreme obesity. ob/ob mice homozygous for the aP2 null allele (ob/ ob-aP2 2/2 ) became more obese than ob/ob mice as indicated by significantly increased body weight and fat pad size but unaltered body length. However, despite their extreme adiposity, ob/ob-aP2 2/2 animals were more insulin-sensitive compared with ob/ob controls, as demonstrated by significantly lower plasma glucose and insulin levels and better performance in both insulin and glucose tolerance tests. These animals also showed improvements in dyslipidemia and had lower plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Lipolytic response to b-adrenergic stimulation and lipolysis-associated insulin secretion was significantly reduced in ob/ob-aP2 2/2 mice. Interestingly, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, while virtually abolished in ob/ob controls, was significantly improved in ob/ob-aP2 2/2 animals. There were no apparent morphological differences in the structure or size of the pancreatic islets between genotypes. Taken together, the data indicate that in obesity, aP2-deficiency not only improves peripheral insulin resistance but also preserves pancreatic b cell function and has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. (Endocrinology 141: 3388 ‐ 3396, 2000)
Heat-Induced Structural Changes Affect OVA-Antigen Processing and Reduce Allergic Response in Mouse Model of Food Allergy

Background and Aims The egg protein ovalbumin (OVA) belongs to six most frequent food allergens. We investigated how thermal processing influences its ability to induce allergic symptoms and immune responses in mouse model of food allergy. Methodology/Principal Findings Effect of increased temperature (70°C and 95°C) on OVA secondary structure was characterized by circular dichroism and by the kinetics of pepsin digestion with subsequent HPLC. BALB/c mice were sensitized intraperitoneally and challenged with repeated gavages of OVA or OVA heated to 70°C (h-OVA). Levels of allergen-specific serum antibodies were determined by ELISA (IgA and IgGs) or by β-hexosaminidase release test (IgE). Specific activities of digestive enzymes were determined in brush border membrane vesicles of jejunal enterocytes. Cytokine production and changes in regulatory T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen were assessed by ELISA and FACS. Heating of OVA to 70°C caused mild irreversible changes in secondary structure compared to boiling to 95°C (b-OVA), but both OVA treatments led to markedly different digestion kinetics and Tregs induction ability in vitro, compared to native OVA. Heating of OVA significantly decreased clinical symptoms (allergic diarrhea) and immune allergic response on the level of IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13. Furthermore, h-OVA induced lower activities of serum mast cell protease-1 and enterocyte brush border membrane alkaline phosphatase as compared to native OVA. On the other hand h-OVA stimulated higher IgG2a in sera and IFN-γ secretion by splenocytes. Conclusions Minor irreversible changes in OVA secondary structure caused by thermal processing changes both its digestion and antigenic epitopes formation, which leads to activation of different T cell subpopulations, induces shift towards Th1 response and ultimately reduces its allergenicity.
A 25.6 W 13.56 MHz wireless power transfer system with a 94% efficiency GaN Class-E power amplifier

In this work, we propose the design and implementation of a 13.56 MHz GaN Class-E power amplifier, which takes into account transistor parasitic effects. The design uses the parasitic capacitance of the transistor to replace the charging capacitance, simplifying the circuit structure and obtaining a 93.6% efficiency at output power of 26.8 W. In addition, a wireless power transfer system using the proposed Class-E amplifier is demonstrated, achieving a 73.4% system efficiency when the power delivered to the load is 25.6 W.
Indole-3-carbinol inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth in vivo and in vitro through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is an active component of cruciferous vegetables and has been shown to markedly inhibit the growth of a variety of tumors. However, the role of I3C in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibition of NPC cells by I3C in vitro and in vivo. The human CNE2 NPC cell line was treated with various concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300 μM) of I3C and analysis of cell proliferation after 0, 24, 48 and 72 h, apoptosis after 48 h and expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway-associated proteins in vitro was performed. BALB/c nude mice were divided into the following groups: Prevention, treatment and control. In vivo, all the nude mice were inoculated with CNE2 NPC cells and the mice in the prevention and treatment groups were administered a diet containing 0.5% I3C prior to and following inoculation, respectively. The tumoricidal effect of I3C was investigated in the nude mice. After eight weeks, the expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway-associated proteins were analyzed in the tumors from the nude mice in each group. The results demonstrated that with increasing I3C concentrations, cell proliferation decreased and apoptosis increased significantly. In addition, the expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway-associated proteins decreased. In the animal experiments, the prevention and treatment groups developed smaller tumors and the expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway-associated proteins were reduced when compared with those in the control group. In addition, very few changes to the heart, liver and kidney tissues were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining in all the groups. Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that I3C inhibited the growth of NPC cells and induced apoptosis effectively in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be that I3C suppresses the PI3K/Akt pathway.
[Synthesis, preliminary antigastrelcosis activity and the protective effect on acute liver injury of zinc chlorin E4].

AIM To study the synthesis of zinc chlorin e4(1), its experimental antigastrelcosis activity as well as the protection against acute liver injuries. METHODS Chlorin e6(3) was prepared through acidic and alkaline oxidative degradation using silkworm excrement crude chlorophyll extracts as starting material. Compound 1 was synthesized via Zn(OAc)2 complex action with Chlorin e4(2) which was prepared by refluxing 3 in pyridine. Gastric ulcers were induced by abdominal injection of 0.2% indomethacin at 20 mg.kg-1 in rats. The ulcer indexes and ulcer numbers in gastric mucosa were determined. Acute liver injuries were induced by abdominal injection of 0.3% thioacetamide (TAA) or 0.3% CCl4 at 20 mg.kg-1 in mice, and activities of SGPT in mice were determined. RESULTS Compound 1 is previously unknown. Compared with control group, abdominal administration of 1 at 100 mg.kg-1 reduced significantly the gastric ulcer index (P < 0.001) and the number of ulcer (P < 0.001) induced by indomethacin in rats. Abdominal administration of 1 at 100 mg.kg-1 x 3 exhibited marked inhibitory effects on elevated activities of SGPT induced by TAA (P < 0.02) or CCl4(P < 0.01) in mice. CONCLUSION These results show that 1 has significant protective effect against indomethacin-induced gastric lesion in rats and TAA or CCl4 induced acute liver injuries in mice. It is suggested that 1 may be a promising new drug candidate for antigastrelcosis and liver injury protection.
Prevalence and Determinants of Contraceptive use among Employed and Unemployed Women in Bangladesh

Background: Contraceptive use plays a significant role in controlling fertility, particularly in reaching the replacement level of fertility. The association between women’s employment status and contraceptive use is poorly studied and understood in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence contraceptive use among employed and unemployed women in Bangladesh. Methods: Data and necessary information of 16,616 married women were extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2011. The cross sectional data has been used for univariate analysis, to carry out the description of the variables; bivariate analysis, to find the associations among the variables; and binary logistic regression analysis, to evaluate the effects of selected sociodemographic factors on contraceptive use. Results: The results revealed that the contraceptive use was found higher among employed women (67%) than that of unemployed women. Women’s age, education, region, number of living children, and child preference were found to be significantly associated with current use of contraception among employed women. On the other hand, women’s age, education, husband’s education, region, residence, religion, number of living children, ever heard about family planning, and child preference were identified as the significant predictors of contraceptive use among unemployed women. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: A gap in using contraceptives among employed and unemployed women is identified. By creating employment opportunities for women to be enhanced the contraceptive use. Moreover, the sociodemographic factors need to be taken into consideration in formulating policies and implementing programs to increase the contraceptive prevalence rate among women.
An ultra-low-voltage all-digital PLL for energy harvesting applications

A 2 GHz all-digital phase locked loop (ADPLL) with core components operating from a 300-mV supply is presented. Ultra-low voltage frequency division and phase/frequency quantization are performed by a ring oscillator that is superharmonically injection-locked to the digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO). An injection-locking technique is proposed which facilitates locking with no additional active devices, minimizing capacitive loading and maximizing the oscillation frequency of the divider at low voltage. The ADPLL is fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS process, and consumes a total of 780 μW, 720μW from a 300-mV supply (VDDL) and 60μW from a 600-mV supply (VDDH).
Additional data file 1

AN_EST [80] 9 http://www.biologie. ens.fr/dyogen/ Aceview [82] 9 http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih. gov/IEB/Research/Acembly/ Pairagon + N‐SC 9 http://mblab.wustl. edu/ Ensembl [83] ] 84] 9 http://www.ensembl. org/ GNOMON [23 [ 9 http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih. gov/genome/guide/gnomon.shtml UCSC Genes 9 http://genome.ucsc. edu/ GLEAN [85] 10 http://sourceforge.net/projects/glean-gene Jigsaw [86] 10 http://www.cbcb. umd.edu/software/jigsaw/ Evigan [87] 10 http://www.seas. upenn.edu/~strctlrn/evigan/evigan.html GAZE [88] EuGene [89] Genomix [90] 10 + 2 http://www.sanger. ac.uk/Software/analysis/GAZE/ 10 + 2 http://www.inra. fr/mia/T/EuGene/ 10 + 5 http://www.sanger. ac.uk/Software/analysis/genomix/
Sox2 Induces Neuronal Formation in the Developing Mammalian Cochlea

In the cochlea, spiral ganglion neurons play a critical role in hearing as they form the relay between mechanosensory hair cells in the inner ear and cochlear nuclei in the brainstem. The proneural basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors Neurogenin1 (Neurog1) and NeuroD1 have been shown to be essential for the development of otocyst-derived inner ear sensory neurons. Here, we show neural competence of nonsensory epithelial cells in the cochlea, as ectopic expression of either Neurog1 or NeuroD1 results in the formation of neuronal cells. Since the high-mobility-group type transcription factor Sox2, which is also known to play a role in neurogenesis, is expressed in otocyst-derived neural precursor cells and later in the spiral ganglion neurons along with Neurog1 and NeuroD1, we used both gain- and loss-of-function experiments to examine the role of Sox2 in spiral ganglion neuron formation. We demonstrate that overexpression of Sox2 results in the production of neurons, suggesting that Sox2 is sufficient for the induction of neuronal fate in nonsensory epithelial cells. Furthermore, spiral ganglion neurons are absent in cochleae from Sox2Lcc/Lcc mice, indicating that Sox2 is also required for neuronal formation in the cochlea. Our results indicate that Sox2, along with Neurog1 and NeuroD1, are sufficient to induce a neuronal fate in nonsensory regions of the cochlea. Finally, we demonstrate that nonsensory cells within the cochlea retain neural competence through at least the early postnatal period.
Physical and morphological characterisation of poly(L-lactide) acid-based electrospun fibrous structures: Tunning solution properties

Poly(l-lactide) nano/micro fibres were produced using the electrospinning technique. The influence of solvent type and solution concentration on the morphology and structure of electrospun fibres were investigated. For this purpose, the electrospinning was performed using 2, 2, 2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) or dichloromethane (DCM) solvents at solution concentrations in a range of 5–9 wt-%. Morphological studies showed that versus DCM-based fibres with beaded structures and porous surface, when using TFE as a solvent, the uniform bead-free fibres with a smooth surface morphology were produced. Compared to DCM, the fibre diameter decreased using TFE as a solvent with lower vapour pressure while the crystallinity of the fibres increased. By increasing the solution concentration up to 9 wt-%, uniform fibres were produced with growing average diameters. Following these results, we conclude that varying the solution concentration and solvent type can modulate the final properties of electrospun fibres.
The Translation-invariant Wishart-Dirichlet Process for Clustering Distance Data

We present a probabilistic model for clustering of objects represented via pairwise dissimilarities. We propose that even if an underlying vectorial representation exists, it is better to work directly with the dissimilarity matrix hence avoiding unnecessary bias and variance caused by embeddings. By using a Dirichlet process prior we are not obliged to fix the number of clusters in advance. Furthermore, our clustering model is permutation-, scale- and translation-invariant, and it is called the Translation-invariant Wishart Dirichlet (TIWD) process. A highly efficient MCMC sampling algorithm is presented. Experiments show that the TIWD process exhibits several advantages over competing approaches.
Escaping Nash Inflation

Mean dynamics govern convergence to rational expectations equilibria of self-referential systems under least squares learning. We highlight escape dynamics that propel away from a rational expectations equilibrium under fixed-gain recursive learning schemes. These learning schemes discount past observations. In a model with a unique self-confirming equilibrium, we show that the destination of the escape dynamics is an outcome associated with government discovery of too strong a version of the natural rate hypothesis. That destination is not sustainable as a self-confirming equilibrium but is visited recurrently. The escape route dynamics cause recurrent outcomes close to the Ramsey (commitment) inflation rate in a model with an adaptive government. JEL Classification: E3, E52, E58
Modeling and generating large-scale Google-like workload

One of the key element needed to test most large-scale scheduling algorithms is a testing infrastructure. Large scale is of upmost importance as failures and complex behaviors are common occurrences only at such scale. In order to test the reaction of a system to failures or extreme behaviors, it is necessary to be able to create large scale environments. Such an infrastructure must be reproducible so that several work are able to compare themselves but also capable of diversity as otherwise it would risk to lead to particular subcases. In this article, we propose a generic adaptable and reusable model of large scale workload. The original schema comes from the Google Cluster Workload Traces which is a perfect representative of large scale production workload. Contrary to most model analysis of such traces, we propose along with our model a reference implementation in order for other studies using our results to produce comparable experiments.
Remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with etanercept monotherapy: clinical practice and clinical trial experience.

OBJECTIVES To assess, in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and in clinical practice, an association of time to remission and baseline disease activity with both induction of remission and sustained remission in etanercept-treated patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Data from an RCT (Trial of Etanercept and Methotrexate with Radiographic Patient Outcomes [TEMPO]; n=682) and an observational registry (Rheumatoid Arthritis DMARD Intervention and Utilization Study [RADIUS II]; n=4341) were used to evaluate disease activity (Clinical Disease Activity Index [CDAI] score) over time in patients initiating etanercept (monotherapy or with methotrexate). CDAI remission (CDAI≤2.8) and sustained remission (≥6 months) were determined through year 3 by treatment group, study, time to remission, and disease severity. RESULTS Patients from TEMPO and RADIUS II who received etanercept monotherapy showed similar CDAI remission rates (39% and 35%, respectively, at 3 years). Among patients who received etanercept with methotrexate, remission rates were 54% and 36%, respectively. Remission occurred more rapidly in TEMPO than RADIUS II perhaps from differences in compliance, patient populations, or sequence of combination therapy initiation. Generally, more patients with lower baseline CDAI scores achieved remission than those with higher scores. Continued remission appeared more likely in patients achieving remission earlier in the course of their therapy (0-6 months). CONCLUSIONS Remission by year 3 in etanercept-treated (with and without methotrexate) patients with RA occurred in ≥35% of patients in both an RCT (TEMPO) and a clinical practice setting (RADIUS II), and more frequently in those with lower baseline disease severity. Patients with lower RA disease activity were more likely to reach remission. Continued remission may be more likely in patients who achieved remission earlier.
Current developments in malaria transmission-blocking vaccines

Malaria is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in human populations. Problems, including drug-resistant parasites and insecticide resistant mosquitoes, ensure the continued hold of malaria in the tropics and sub-tropics. Each year around 100 million cases of malaria result in at least 50,000 deaths outside of sub-Saharan Africa; within sub-Saharan Africa itself, malaria causes around one million child deaths per year. New approaches for malaria control are badly needed and much effort has gone to develop malaria vaccines. In addition to giving personal protection, most such vaccines would also tend to reduce the transmission of malaria. One class of vaccine is being developed specifically for this purpose - the malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs). TBVs are based upon antigens expressed on the surface of the sexual and mosquito mid-gut stages of malaria parasites. These antigens are the targets of antibodies induced by vaccination of the host and ingested with the parasites in a mosquito blood meal. The antibodies act by inhibiting the parasite’s development within the mosquito itself and they thereby prevent the onward transmission of the parasites. TBVs could contribute to the total interruption of malaria transmission in many locations with relatively low transmission rates, mostly outside sub-Saharan Africa. Under almost all transmission rates, however, TBVs would help reduce malaria incidence and malaria-related morbidity and mortality. Promising recombinant TBV candidate antigens for the two main human malaria parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, have been produced and tested in the laboratory; one has undergone early clinical trials.
Metabolomic and Functional Genomic Analyses Reveal Varietal Differences in Bioactive Compounds of Cooked Rice

Emerging evidence supports that cooked rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains metabolites with biomedical activities, yet little is known about the genetic diversity that is responsible for metabolite variation and differences in health traits. Metabolites from ten diverse varieties of cooked rice were detected using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. A total of 3,097 compounds were detected, of which 25% differed among the ten varieties. Multivariate analyses of the metabolite profiles showed that the chemical diversity among the varieties cluster according to their defined subspecies classifications: indica, japonica, and aus. Metabolite-specific genetic diversity in rice was investigated by analyzing a collection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes from biochemical pathways of nutritional importance. Two classes of bioactive compounds, phenolics and vitamin E, contained nonsynonymous SNPs and SNPs in the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions for genes in their biosynthesis pathways. Total phenolics and tocopherol concentrations were determined to examine the effect of the genetic diversity among the ten varieties. Per gram of cooked rice, total phenolics ranged from 113.7 to 392.6 µg (gallic acid equivalents), and total tocopherols ranged between 7.2 and 20.9 µg. The variation in the cooked rice metabolome and quantities of bioactive components supports that the SNP-based genetic diversity influenced nutritional components in rice, and that this approach may guide rice improvement strategies for plant and human health.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND SLICE SIZE ON AVOCADO PULP DRYING RATE AND OIL YIELD

The effect of temperature and slice thickness on avocado pulp drying rate and oil yield was determined at 50 o C, 60 o C and 70 o C. Pulp slices of 2mm and 5 mm thick were used. The avocado pulp was found to contain 74-75% (wet basis) water, which makes extraction of oil by both chemical and mechanical means difficult. Experimental results showed that oil yield increased with decreasing moisture content reaching a yield of 61% at 10% moisture content. The rate of drying increased with temperature, but decreased with slice thickness. The drying data obtained agreed well with several thin-layer drying models. The models showed that the characteristic drying constant increased linearly with drying temperature and decreased with slice thickness. The Physico-chemical properties of the obtained oil compared favorably with those obtained from other conventional seed oils.
Computational identification of insertional mutagenesis targets for cancer gene discovery

Insertional mutagenesis is a potent forward genetic screening technique used to identify candidate cancer genes in mouse model systems. An important, yet unresolved issue in the analysis of these screens, is the identification of the genes affected by the insertions. To address this, we developed Kernel Convolved Rule Based Mapping (KC-RBM). KC-RBM exploits distance, orientation and insertion density across tumors to automatically map integration sites to target genes. We perform the first genome-wide evaluation of the association of insertion occurrences with aberrant gene expression of the predicted targets in both retroviral and transposon data sets. We demonstrate the efficiency of KC-RBM by showing its superior performance over existing approaches in recovering true positives from a list of independently, manually curated cancer genes. The results of this work will significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of cancer gene discovery in forward genetic screens. KC-RBM is available as R-package.