Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fingolimod Attenuates Splenocyte-Induced Demyelination in Cerebellar Slice Cultures

The family of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) is G-protein-coupled, comprised of subtypes S1PR1-S1PR5 and activated by the endogenous ligand S1P. The phosphorylated version of Fingolimod (pFTY720), an oral therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS), induces S1PR1 internalisation in T cells, subsequent insensitivity to S1P gradients and sequestering of these cells within lymphoid organs, thus limiting immune response. S1PRs are also expressed in neuronal and glial cells where pFTY720 is suggested to directly protect against lysolecithin-induced deficits in myelination state in organotypic cerebellar slices. Of note, the effect of pFTY720 on immune cells already migrated into the CNS, prior to treatment, has not been well established. We have previously found that organotypic slice cultures do contain immune cells, which, in principle, could also be regulated by pFTY720 to maintain levels of myelin. Here, a mouse organotypic cerebellar slice and splenocyte co-culture model was thus used to investigate the effects of pFTY720 on splenocyte-induced demyelination. Spleen cells isolated from myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunised mice (MOG-splenocytes) or from 2D2 transgenic mice (2D2-splenocytes) both induced demyelination when co-cultured with mouse organotypic cerebellar slices, to a similar extent as lysolecithin. As expected, in vivo treatment of MOG-immunised mice with FTY720 inhibited demyelination induced by MOG-splenocytes. Importantly, in vitro treatment of MOG- and 2D2-splenocytes with pFTY720 also attenuated demyelination caused by these cells. In addition, while in vitro treatment of 2D2-splenocytes with pFTY720 did not alter cell phenotype, pFTY720 inhibited the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin 6 (IL6) from these cells. This work suggests that treatment of splenocytes by pFTY720 attenuates demyelination and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine release, which likely contributes to enhanced myelination state induced by pFTY720 in organotypic cerebellar slices.
GSK3β Is Involved in JNK2-Mediated β-Catenin Inhibition

Background We have recently reported that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) JNK1 downregulates β-catenin signaling and plays a critical role in regulating intestinal homeostasis and in suppressing tumor formation. This study was designed to determine whether JNK2, another MAPK, has similar and/or different functions in the regulation of β-catenin signaling. Methodology and Principal Findings We used an in vitro system with manipulation of JNK2 and β-catenin expression and found that activated JNK2 increased GSK3β activity and inhibited β-catenin expression and transcriptional activity. However, JNK2-mediated downregulation of β-catenin was blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG132 and GSK3β inhibitor lithium chloride. Moreover, targeted mutations at GSK3β phosphorylation sites (Ser33 and Ser37) of β-catenin abrogated JNK2-mediated suppression of β-catenin. In vivo studies further revealed that JNK2 deficiency led to upregulation of β-catenin and increase of GSK3-β phosphorylation in JNK2-/- mouse intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, physical interaction and co-localization among JNK2, β-catenin and GSK3β were observed by immunoprecipitation, mammalian two-hybridization assay and confocal microscopy, respectively. Conclusion and Significance In general, our data suggested that JNK2, like JNK1, interacts with and suppresses β-catenin signaling in vitro and in vivo, in which GSK3β plays a key role, although previous studies have shown distinct functions of JNK1 and JNK2. Our study also provides a novel insight into the crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK JNKs signaling.
Correlation of Portal Vein Size with Esophageal Varices Severity in Patients with Cirrhosis of Liver with Portal Hypertension .

This study was conducted to correlate the portal vein diameter measured by ultrasound to development of oesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension. 92 patients with cirrhosis admitted in OGH were selected for the study USG was conducted in all patients to note portal vein size and splenic size. Upper GI endoscopy was done to detect presence of varices with different grades. In this study 65 patients had varices. Out of 65 patients 30 had large varices (Grade III & IV) of 65 patients, 53 patients with varices have portal vein diameter > 13 mm patients, with small varices and those without varices portal vein diameter is < 12 mm. The difference was statistically significant (p value < 0.001). Average spleen size (p value < 0.001). Platelet count (p value < 0.001) were also significant in those with varices. There was a positive correlation between grading of Oesophageal varices and portal vein size. The study concludes that width of portal veins on USG examination is indirect indicator of portal pressure which is responsible for development of varices. USG examination is simple, inexpensive accurate noninvasive technique which enables to carry UGI endoscopy in selected group of patients avoiding unnecessary intervention and at the same time not missing the patient at risk of bleeding.
A note on the computational complexity of a string orbit problem (DRAFT)

It is proven that finding the lexicographically greatest (smallest) string in the orbit of a given string under the position permuting action of a permutation group is an FP-complete problem. This gives an affirmative answer to an open problem of Babai and Luks (1983, Proc. 15th Annual ACM STOC): determining the value of the element at a given position in the lexicographically greatest (smallest) string in the orbit of a string is a ∆2P-complete problem. It is also shown that verifying whether a string is the lexicographical leader in its own orbit is a co-NP-complete problem. A generalized case of arbitrary polynomial time actions is also briefly discussed and an open problem is presented.
Mimicking honeybee eyes with a 280° field of view catadioptric imaging system

We present a small single camera imaging system that provides a continuous 280° field of view (FOV) inspired by the large FOV of insect eyes. This is achieved by combining a curved reflective surface that is machined into acrylic glass with lenses covering the frontal field that otherwise would have been obstructed by the mirror. Based on the work of Seidl (1982 PhD Thesis Technische Hochschule Darmstadt), we describe an extension of the ‘bee eye optics simulation’ (BEOS) model by Giger (1996 PhD Thesis Australian National University) to the full FOV which enables us to remap camera images according to the spatial resolution of honeybee eyes. This model is also useful for simulating the visual input of a bee-like agent in a virtual environment. The imaging system in combination with our bee eye model can serve as a tool for assessing the visual world from a bee's perspective which is particularly helpful for experimental setups. It is also well suited for mobile robots, in particular on flying vehicles that need light-weight sensors.
A critical review of nonlinear fuzzy multiple time-delay interconnected systems using the Lyapunov criterion

This paper reviews the development of fuzzy systems and the problem of time delay control in nonlinear systems. Based on this review, a fuzzy Lyapunov method defined in fuzzy blending quadratic Lyapunov functions is proposed from which to derive stability conditions. In the controller procedure, a parallel distributed compensation (PDC) scheme is utilized to construct a global fuzzy logic controller (FLC) by blending all linear local state feedback controllers. Furthermore, the multiple time-delay interconnected systems are considered in the nonlinear fuzzy systems. Key words: Interconnected systems, fuzzy Lyapunov method, linear matrix inequality.
Personal Authentication Using Signature Recognition

In this paper, a problem of personal authentication through the use of signature recognition is described. The methods of verification include both online (or dynamic) and off-line (static) signature verification algorithms. The dynamic methods covered, are based on the analysis of the shape, speed, stroke, pen pressure and timing information. While the static methods involve general shape recognition techniques. The paper gives a brief historical overview of the existing methods and presents some of the recent research in the field.
International Network for Economic Research Working Paper 2012 . 4 How Reliable are Budget Sustainability Tests ?

In this paper we try to answer if the empirical evidence on the Greek fiscal policy has been consistent with the government intertemporal budget constraint during two tested periods, 1833-2009 and 19602009. The recent Greek debt crisis provides a unique opportunity to test whether sustainability tests produce what they ought to produce: We know that the Greek debt is unsustainable, so do the sustainability tests show the same? We use several common approaches such as Johansen approach, DOLS, Engle-Granger approach, Bohn test and finally Trehan-Walsh approach. Our results are mixed and in contrast with our expectations, because the majority of the tests indicate sustainable fiscal policy in both tested periods. One reason for the non-performance of the sustainability tests may be that they do not include information provided by rating agencies (which may not always be rational). Another important limitation of the present value budget constraint is the assumption of infinite growth of the economy. Additionally, the budget deficit is one of the most important fiscal instruments, and based on previous data processes.
LMO4 functions as a co-activator of neurogenin 2 in the developing cortex

The proneural protein neurogenin 2 (NGN2) is a key transcription factor in regulating both neurogenesis and neuronal radial migration in the embryonic cerebral cortex. However, the co-factors that support the action of NGN2 in the cortex remain unclear. Here, we show that the LIM-only protein LMO4 functions as a novel co-factor of NGN2 in the developing cortex. LMO4 and its binding partner nuclear LIM interactor (NLI/LDB1/CLIM2) interact with NGN2 simultaneously, forming a multi-protein transcription complex. This complex is recruited to the E-box containing enhancers of NGN2-target genes, which regulate various aspects of cortical development, and activates NGN2-mediated transcription. Correspondingly, analysis of Lmo4-null embryos shows that the loss of LMO4 leads to impairments of neuronal differentiation in the cortex. In addition, expression of LMO4 facilitates NGN2-mediated radial migration of cortical neurons in the embryonic cortex. Our results indicate that LMO4 promotes the acquisition of cortical neuronal identities by forming a complex with NGN2 and subsequently activating NGN2-dependent gene expression.
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID CYTOLOGY IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Psychiatry, Helsinki City Hospital, deserves special commendation for enabling the collection of the patient samples. The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health is thanked for placing the facilities of the Institute at my disposal. whose innovative and unprejudiced attitude has inspired me in the fields of psychiatric and pathological research. Professor Rimón aroused my interest in biological psychiatry, and he taught me that a great deal of courage is needed in scientific efforts. The brilliant quality of scientific thinking and the continuous support of Professor Andersson are the cornerstones in the realization of this study. Special thanks go to Antti Ahokas, who motivated the patients to take part in this study. I am very thankful to several people for their help and cooperation. Professor Ulf-Göran Ahlfors, M.D., Ph.D. offered kind support and encouragement during the collection of the clinical material. Toivonen, RN kindly assisted me with the laboratory work. I want to thank Terttu Kaustia for linguistic revision of the manuscript. My sincere gratitude extends to the participating patients, who made this investigation possible. Finally, I want to thank my wife Jaana and my children Ella, Pyry and Konsta for their empathic and understanding support during these years. of T-lymphocyte subsets in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute schizophrenia. Schizophr Accumulation of macrophages in the cerebrospinal fluid of schizophrenic patients during acute psychotic episode. lymphocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute schizophrenia. Schizophr Res
Temporolimbic volume reductions in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Neuroanatomic studies of schizophrenia have reported temporolimbic abnormalities. Most magnetic resonance imaging studies have evaluated small samples of primarily men with chronic schizophrenia. Our goal was to evaluate sex differences in segmented temporal lobe subregions with reliable parcellation methods, relating volume with clinical and neurocognitive parameters. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 100 patients with schizophrenia (58 men, 42 women; 39 neuroleptic naive, 61 previously treated) and 110 healthy controls (51 men, 59 women). Gray and white matter volumes of temporolimbic (hippocampus and amygdala) and neocortical regions (superior temporal gyrus and temporal pole) were examined. Symptoms, functioning, and neurocognition were assessed concurrently. RESULTS Hippocampal gray matter volume was reduced in men (7%) and women (8.5%) with schizophrenia. In the amygdala, however, decreased volume was evident for men (8%) whereas women (10.5%) had increased volume. Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporal pole showed decreased gray matter in men (10%) and women (8.5%). For the superior temporal gyrus, the decrease exceeded that of whole-brain only in men (11.5%). Volumes were largely uncorrelated with clinical measures, but higher hippocampal volumes were associated with better memory performance for all groups. Cortical volumes were associated with better memory performance in healthy women. CONCLUSIONS Schizophrenia is associated with reduced gray matter volume in temporolimbic structures. In men, reduction was manifested in all regions, whereas women showed decreased hippocampal volumes but increased amygdala volumes. The abnormalities are evident in patients with first-episode schizophrenia and correlate more strongly with cognitive performance than with symptom severity.
Sequencing of Pax6 Loci from the Elephant Shark Reveals a Family of Pax6 Genes in Vertebrate Genomes, Forged by Ancient Duplications and Divergences

Pax6 is a developmental control gene essential for eye development throughout the animal kingdom. In addition, Pax6 plays key roles in other parts of the CNS, olfactory system, and pancreas. In mammals a single Pax6 gene encoding multiple isoforms delivers these pleiotropic functions. Here we provide evidence that the genomes of many other vertebrate species contain multiple Pax6 loci. We sequenced Pax6-containing BACs from the cartilaginous elephant shark (Callorhinchus milii) and found two distinct Pax6 loci. Pax6.1 is highly similar to mammalian Pax6, while Pax6.2 encodes a paired-less Pax6. Using synteny relationships, we identify homologs of this novel paired-less Pax6.2 gene in lizard and in frog, as well as in zebrafish and in other teleosts. In zebrafish two full-length Pax6 duplicates were known previously, originating from the fish-specific genome duplication (FSGD) and expressed in divergent patterns due to paralog-specific loss of cis-elements. We show that teleosts other than zebrafish also maintain duplicate full-length Pax6 loci, but differences in gene and regulatory domain structure suggest that these Pax6 paralogs originate from a more ancient duplication event and are hence renamed as Pax6.3. Sequence comparisons between mammalian and elephant shark Pax6.1 loci highlight the presence of short- and long-range conserved noncoding elements (CNEs). Functional analysis demonstrates the ancient role of long-range enhancers for Pax6 transcription. We show that the paired-less Pax6.2 ortholog in zebrafish is expressed specifically in the developing retina. Transgenic analysis of elephant shark and zebrafish Pax6.2 CNEs with homology to the mouse NRE/Pα internal promoter revealed highly specific retinal expression. Finally, morpholino depletion of zebrafish Pax6.2 resulted in a “small eye” phenotype, supporting a role in retinal development. In summary, our study reveals that the pleiotropic functions of Pax6 in vertebrates are served by a divergent family of Pax6 genes, forged by ancient duplication events and by independent, lineage-specific gene losses.
Dynamic Model of Islamic Hybrid Securities: Empirical Evidence From Malaysia Islamic Capital Market

Capital structure selection is fundamentally important in corporate financial management as it influence on mutually return and risk to stakeholders. Despite of Malaysia’s position as one of the major players of Islamic Financial Market, there are still lack of studies has been conducted on the capital structure of shariah compliant firms especially related to hybrid securities. The objective of this study is to determine the hybrid securities issuance model among the shariah compliant firms in Malaysia. As such, this study is to expand the literature review by providing comprehensive analysis on the hybrid capital structure and to develop dynamic Islamic hybrid securities model for shariah compliant firms. We use panel data of 50 companies that have been issuing the hybrid securities from the year of 20042012. The outcomes of the studies are based on the dynamic model GMM estimation for the determinants of hybrid securities. Based on our model, risk and growth are considered as the most determinant factors for issuing convertible bond and loan stock. These results suggest that, the firms that have high risk but having good growth prospect will choose hybrid securities of convertible bond. The model also support the backdoor equity listing hypothesis by Stein (1992) where the hybrid securities enable the profitable firms to venture into positive NPV project by issuing convertible bond as it offer lower coupon rate as compare to the normal debt rate
N-Body + Magnetohydrodynamical Simulations of Merging Clusters of Galaxies: Characteristic Magnetic Field Structures Generated by Bulk Flow Motion

We present results from N-body + magnetohydrodynamical simulations of merging clusters of galaxies. We find that cluster mergers cause various characteristic magnetic field structures because of the strong bulk flows in the intracluster medium. The moving substructures result in cool regions surrounded by the magnetic field. These will be recognized as magnetized cold fronts in the observational point of view. A relatively ordered magnetic field structure is generated just behind the moving substructure. Eddylike field configurations are also formed by Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. These features are similarly seen even in off-center mergers, although the detailed structures change slightly. The above-mentioned characteristic magnetic field structures are partly recognized in Faraday rotation measure maps. The higher absolute values of the rotation measure are expected when observed along the collision axis, because of the elongated density distribution and relatively ordered field structure along the axis. The rotation measure maps on the cosmic microwave background radiation, which covers clusters entirely, could be useful probes of not only the magnetic field structures but also the internal dynamics of the intracluster medium.
Comparison of the effects of high- and low-methoxyl pectins on blood and faecal lipids in man

1. The effects on blood and faecal lipids of the addition of 15 g of either high- or low-methoxyl pectin to the habitual diets of ten healthy young adults have been studied. 2. Serum total cholesterol levels were reduced by a mean of 16% during consumption of low-methoxyl pectin and 18% during consumption of high-methoxyl pectin. High density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels were unchanged. 3. There was no difference in faecal fat and steroid excretion between the two pectins. 4. The results suggest that it is the gel-forming properties of the pectins which are important in the cholesterol-lowering effect rather than differences in bile acid bindingdue to different methoxyl contents.
Anthocyanin Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyotoxicity via Estrogen Receptor-α/β and Stabilizes HSF1 to Inhibit the IGF-IIR Apoptotic Pathway

Doxorubicin (Dox) is extensively used for chemotherapy in different types of cancer, but its use is limited to because of its cardiotoxicity. Our previous studies found that doxorubicin-induced insulin-like growth factor II receptor (IGF-IIR) accumulation causes cardiomyocytes apoptosis via down-regulation of HSF1 pathway. In these studies, we demonstrated a new mechanism through which anthocyanin protects cardiomyoblast cells against doxorubicin-induced injury. We found that anthocyanin decreased IGF-IIR expression via estrogen receptors and stabilized heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) to inhibit caspase 3 activation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Therefore, the phytoestrogen from plants has been considered as another potential treatment for heart failure. It has been reported that the natural compound anthocyanin (ACN) has the ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we demonstrated that anthocyanin acts as a cardioprotective drug against doxorubicin-induced heart failure by attenuating cardiac apoptosis via estrogen receptors to stabilize HSF1 expression and down-regulated IGF-IIR-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
An Efficient Self-Healing Key Distribution Scheme

Self-healing key distribution schemes enable a group user to recover session keys from two broadcast messages it received before and after those sessions, even if broadcast messages for middle sessions are lost due to network failure. These schemes are quite suitable for supporting secure communication over unreliable networks such as sensor networks and ad hoc networks. An efficient self-healing key distribution scheme is proposed in this paper. The scheme based on the concept of access polynomial and self-healing key distribution model constructed by Hong et al. The new scheme reduces communication overhead and computation overhead greatly yet still keeps the constant storage overhead. In addition, we consider the possibility of mutual-healing between neighbor users in wireless networks.
Efficacy of Random-start Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Cancer Patients

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of random-start controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in cancer patients for emergency fertility preservation. In this retrospective comparative study, 22 patients diagnosed with cancer and 44 infertile women undergoing conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) were included. In cancer patients, ovarian stimulation was started on the day of referral, irrespective of their menstrual cycle date. The control group was selected by age matching among women undergoing conventional IVF. COS outcomes were compared between groups. The number of total and mature oocytes retrieved and the oocyte maturity rate were higher in the random-start group than in the conventional-start group. However, duration of ovarian stimulation was longer in the random-start group (11.4 vs. 10.3 days, P = 0.004). The addition of letrozole to lower the estradiol level during COS did not adversely affect total oocytes retrieved. However, oocyte maturity rate was lower in cycles with letrozole than in cycles without letrozole (71.6% vs. 58.2%, P = 0.019). Our study confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of random-start COS in cancer patients. Graphical Abstract