Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insulin Reveals Akt Signaling as a Novel Regulator of Norepinephrine Transporter Trafficking and Norepinephrine Homeostasis

Noradrenergic signaling in the CNS plays an essential role in circuits involving attention, mood, memory, and stress as well as providing pivotal support for autonomic function in the peripheral nervous system. The high-affinity norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) is the primary mechanism by which noradrenergic synaptic transmission is terminated. Data indicate that NET function is regulated by insulin, a hormone critical for the regulation of metabolism. Given the high comorbidity of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity with mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia, we sought to determine how insulin signaling regulates NET function and thus noradrenergic homeostasis. Here, we show that acute insulin treatment, through the downstream kinase protein kinase B (Akt), significantly decreases NET surface expression in mouse hippocampal slices and superior cervical ganglion neuron boutons (sites of synaptic NE release). In vivo manipulation of insulin/Akt signaling, with streptozotocin, a drug that induces a type 1-like diabetic state in mice, also results in aberrant NET function and NE homeostasis. Notably, we also demonstrate that Akt inhibition or stimulation, independent of insulin, is capable of altering NET surface availability. These data suggest that aberrant states of Akt signaling such as in diabetes and obesity have the potential to alter NET function and noradrenergic tone in the brain. Furthermore, they provide one potential molecular mechanism by which Akt, a candidate gene for mood disorders such as schizophrenia and depression, can impact brain monoamine homeostasis.
Multiple spaced seeds for homology search

MOTIVATION Homology search finds similar segments between two biological sequences, such as DNA or protein sequences. The introduction of optimal spaced seeds in PatternHunter has increased both the sensitivity and the speed of homology search, and it has been adopted by many alignment programs such as BLAST. With the further improvement provided by multiple spaced seeds in PatternHunterII, Smith-Waterman sensitivity is approached at BLASTn speed. However, computing optimal multiple spaced seeds was proved to be NP-hard and current heuristic algorithms are all very slow (exponential). RESULTS We give a simple algorithm which computes good multiple seeds in polynomial time. Due to a completely different approach, the difference with respect to the previous methods is dramatic. The multiple spaced seed of PatternHunterII, with 16 weight 11 seeds, was computed in 12 days. It takes us 17 s to find a better one. Our approach changes the way of looking at multiple spaced seeds.
Abnormal frontal theta oscillations underlie the cognitive flexibility deficits in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVE Deficits in cognitive flexibility have been suggested to underlie the repetitive and stereotyped behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Because cognitive flexibility is primarily mediated by the frontal lobe, where structural and functional abnormalities have been extensively found in these individuals, it is conceivable that their deficits in cognitive flexibility are related to abnormal activations of the frontal lobe. The present study investigates cognitive flexibility and its underlying neurophysiological activities as indicated by theta oscillations in children with ASD. METHOD Twenty-five children with high-functioning ASD and 25 IQ- and age-matched typically developing (TD) children were subjected to neuropsychological assessments on cognitive flexibility and electroencephalography recordings. RESULTS The children with ASD performed significantly worse than the TD children across the tasks of cognitive flexibility, including the modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). These children also demonstrated a reduced increase of the theta power localized in multiple brain regions, including various sectors of the frontal lobe at the late stage (i.e., 600 ms-900 ms poststimulus interval) but not the early stage (i.e., 250 ms-550 ms poststimulus interval) of the performance of the modified WCST. The suppressed late frontal theta activities were further shown to be significantly correlated with a poorer performance on the cognitive flexibility measures. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that abnormal activations of multiple cortical regions, especially the frontal lobe, form the neural basis of the cognitive flexibility deficits in children with ASD. In addition, we found an EEG marker of cognitive flexibility which could be used to monitor treatment outcomes objectively.
Inappropriate consumption of vitamins and minerals by pregnant women in Poland.

INTRODUCTION Women's daily nutrition should include proper amounts of vitamins, ingredients and fluids. The shortage or surplus of any ingredient can negatively affect the health condition of a mother or hera baby. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess the quality of the diet of pregnant wome in Poland against the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) recommendations concerning requirements for vitamins and minerals. METHODOLOGY 512 pregnant women in their 20(th) -30(th) week of pregnancy took part in the research conducted by the means of observation of a 7-day diet. Consumed products were analyzed by the means of DIETETYK software developed by the Polish National Food and Nutrition Institute (NFNI). Obtained micro- values were averaged. The results were compared with the recommendations of the WHO UE and NFN and analyzed statistically (test Chi(2)). RESULTS A lower consumption than 400 g/day of fruit and vegetables in the diets was found in 4.68% of pregnant women. Mean values for vitamins: D - 2.64 ug/person, B6 - 1.76 mg/person and folic acid - 1603 ug/person, as well as average values for mineral components: calcium 689 mg/person, magnesium 255 mg/person, iron - 10.1 mg/person, zinc - 9.2 mg/person were also lower than daily recommended values. Daily level for sodium, phosphorus and vitamin A were exceeded. CONCLUSION Results indicate insufficient knowledge of pregnant women about proper nutrition during pregnancy. Supplementing most vitamins and mineral components, beginning with a first pregnancy trimester, is necessary. Women at childbearing age must be educated about the necessity for proper nutrition during and before a pregnancy.
HMM-based characterization of channel behavior for networked control systems

We study the problem of characterizing the behavior of lossy and data corrupting communication channels in a networked control setting, where the channel's behavior exhibits temporal correlation. We propose a behavior characterization mechanism based on a hidden Markov model (HMM). The use of a HMM in this regard presents multiple challenges including dealing with incomplete observation sequences (due to data losses and corruptions) and the lack of a priori information about the model complexity (number of states in the model). We address the first challenges by using the plant state information and history of received/applied control inputs to fill in the gaps in the observation sequences, and by enhancing the HMM learning algorithm to deal with missing observations. Further, we adopt two model quality criteria for determining behavior model complexity. The contributions of this paper include: (1) an enhanced learning algorithm for refining the HMM model parameters to handle missing observations, and (2) simultaneous use of two well-defined model quality criteria to determine the model complexity. Simulation results demonstrate over 90% accuracy in predicting the output of a channel at a given time step, when compared to a traditional HMM based model that requires complete knowledge of the model complexity and observation sequence.
Predicting the Use of a Digital Library System: Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET)

The purpose of the current study is to contribute to the limited research base on the use of digital library systems in the Middle East and to investigate factors affecting the adoption of such systems in the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training in Kuwait. The study was conducted by surveying the academic faculty of the School of Basic Education using a structured questionnaire. Data from 160 respondents were found to be usable. Regression analysis revealed that perceived relative advantage, perceived result demonstrability, perceived visibility, perceived trialability, and awareness have positive significant effects on the rate of adoption of the digital library system, and perceived ease of use has a negative significant effect on adoption. However, the results showed that perceived compatibility and perceived image have an insignificant impact on the rate of adoption. The implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
An Experimental Study of Procurement Auctions with Endogenous Minimum Prices

Several European countries and many Japanese local governments began including endogenous minimum prices (EMPs) in first-price auctions (FPAs) in their public procurements. The EMP is calculated based on its relation to the average of all bids or to some lowest bids. Any bid lower than the EMP is considered abnormally low and is excluded from the procurement procedure. Producers who jointhis new auction institution have the incentive to raise their bids and pull upthe EMP in order to exclude others. A theoretical analysis reveals that the EMPdoes not affect winning bids but changes the Nash equilibria of the standard FPA that does not have any minimum prices. A laboratory analysis reveals that the winning bids of this new auction institution (i) are close to the production cost and coincide with those of the standard FPA under the identical cost conditionand(ii) are higher than the lowest production cost and those of the standard FPA under our different cost condition when subjects' identifications and bids are revealed.
Talent development and ecology of practice in aprofessional club

Abstract This study attempts to explore sports participation, dominant relationships and contextual influences in a professional environment through the perspective of social actors within the club. Participant observation, semi-structured interviews alongside with a field diary were the instruments used to assess how the interpersonal context, competitive environment and the organisational structure impact on youth sports participation. This study has demonstrated a twofold reality, how weak organisation and good coaching create a climate that has direct implications on youth sports participation. Indeed, results show that youth competitive climate and the search for status recognition, desire and uncertainty of professionalisation are the main characteristics of this environment. Researchers also acknowledged the fact that the main relationships carried out in these environments are the coach-athlete dyad in a way to foster a more pronounced mastery climate. Coach and parents are important positive assets in talent development, as well as the overall organisation. Significant others perceive the athletes’ competitive and professional disposition to train, to compete and to be in a constant search for sport performance. These results suggest new avenues of research in the way of youth sports talent management and the search for sports contextual change agents. Implications for applied practitioners and researchers are explored.
The effect of Mentha spicata Labiatae on uterine tissue in rats

The plant Mentha spicata, or peppermint, is commonly used in the treatment of loss of appetite, common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion as a herbal agent. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biochemical and histological effects of M. spicata Labiatae, growing on the Anamas high plateau of Yenisarbademli town, on rat uterine tissue. Twenty female Wistar albino rats weighing 160±10 g were used for this study. Rats were divided into two groups of ten animals: group I received no herbal tea (control group) and group II received 20 g/L M. spicata tea. Control group rats were given commercial drinking water (Hayat DANONESA water). Herbal tea was prepared daily and provided at all times to the rats over 30 days as drinking water. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. In addition, uterine tissues were submitted for histopathologic examination. MDA levels were increased in group II when compared with the control group. The difference between group II and the control group was statistically significant (P < 0.01). In the M. spicata Labiatae-treated group, histopathological changes like apoptosis and diffuse eosinophil leucocyte infiltration in surface and stromal glandular epithelium were observed in both endometrium and endocervix. It was concluded that lipid peroxidation and uterine damage occurs after M. spicata administration in rat uterus. Despite the beneficial effects of M. spicata Labiatae in indigestion, we should also be aware of the toxic effects when it is not used in the recommended fashion, at the recommended dose.
Land Use and Land Cover Changes in a Tropical River Basin: A Case from Bharathapuzha River Basin, Southern India

A study of the spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) was conducted using Remote Sensing and GIS. We analyzed the LULC of Bharathapuzha river basin, south India using multispectral LANDSAT imageries of 1973-2005 time periods. 31% depletion in the natural vegetation cover and 8.7% depletion in wetland agriculture area were seen in the basin during the period. On the other hand the urban spread in the basin increased by 32%. The study highlights the need for a scientific management plan for the sustainability of the river basin, keeping in view the recent climatic anomalies and hydrological conditions of the basin.
It's Not The Media: The Truth About Pop Culture's Influence On Children

Are school shootings the result of violent video games? Do sex-laden movies lead to promiscuity? Can Goth music create alienation? Repeatedly we are told the answer to these and similar questions is a resounding yes. But is this the right answer? It's Not the Media considers why media culture is a perennial target of both fascination and concern, and why we are so often encouraged to believe it is the root of many social problems. A look beyond the attention-grabbing headlines and political stumping reveals that fearing media feels right because media represents what we fear. And changes in media culture are easier to see than the complex economic, social, and political changes we have experienced over the past few decades. Digging deeper into the historical and societal trends of the past century and drawing from the most current social science research on the effects of media on children, Sternheimer presents a compelling argument that fear of social change, and what it means to be a kid in a today's media-saturated climate, lies at the heart of our media-bashing culture.
Alternative Male Mating Behaviors Dependent on Relative Body Size in Captive Oval Squid Sepioteuthis lessoniana (Cephalopoda, Loliginidae)

Abstract We observed the reproductive behavior of the oval squid Sepioteuthis lessoniana in captivity. The male used three different mating behaviors: male-parallel (MP), male-upturned (MU) and sneaking. Male competition over females frequently occurred before and during the female egg-laying period, and the outcome of most fights depended on male body size. Larger males guarded their partners from other males and performed MP mating during the egg-laying period of the paired females. In contrast, there was no pairing and mate guarding in MU mating and sneaking, which were adopted by smaller subordinate males as alternative tactics outside female egg-laying period and during the period, respectively. MP matings were 95% successful, but more than half of MU matings were unsuccessful. Higher mating success in MP mating was achieved through pairing, whereas males in MU mating were less successful because mating attempts without pair formation were often foiled by escape of the female. Sneaking was successful in all cases but occurred less frequently. Spermatophores were attached at the opening of the oviduct in MP mating, whereas they were attached around the female buccal membrane in MU mating and sneaking. Considering the route of egg transportation, higher fertilization success can be expected in MP mating because of the advantageous location of the attached spermatophores. Our results suggest that MP mating is used by larger, paired males during the female egg-laying period, and that MU mating and sneaking are alternative tactics adopted by smaller, subordinate males. These alternative mating behaviors would be conditional strategy dependent on relative body size, because some individual males displayed both MP and MU mating behaviors.
Brain Metastases Research 1990–2010: Pattern of Citation and Systematic Review of Highly Cited Articles

Background. High and continuously increasing research activity related to different aspects of prevention, prediction, diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases has been performed between 1990 and 2010. One of the major databases contains 2695 scientific articles that were published during this time period. Different measures of impact, visibility, and quality of published research are available, each with its own pros and cons. For this overview, article citation rate was chosen. Results. Among the 10 most cited articles, 7 reported on randomized clinical trials. Nine covered surgical or radiosurgical approaches and the remaining one a widely adopted prognostic score. Overall, 30 randomized clinical trials were published between 1990 and 2010, including those with phase II design and excluding duplicate publications, for example, after longer followup or with focus on secondary endpoints. Twenty of these randomized clinical trials were published before 2008. Their median number of citations was 110, range 13–1013, compared to 5-6 citations for all types of publications. Annual citation rate appeared to gradually increase during the first 2-3 years after publication before reaching high levels. Conclusions. A large variety of preclinical and clinical topics achieved high numbers of citations. However, areas such as quality of life, side effects, and end-of-life care were underrepresented. Efforts to increase their visibility might be warranted.
Role of Micro RNA-205 in Promoting Visceral Adiposity of NZ10 Mice with Polygenic Susceptibility for Type 2 Diabetes

Scope To characterize diet-dependent miRNA profiles and their targets in the visceral adipose of mice with polygenic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. Methods and results Six-week NONcNZO10/LtJ (NZ10) and control SWR/J mice were subjected to high protein-fish oil or control diets for 19 weeks and micro-RNA microarray analyses were implemented on visceral adipose RNA. We found that 27 miRNAs were significantly induced and 10 significantly repressed in the VA of obese NZ10 mice compared with controls. 12 selected regulated miRNAs were confirmed by RT-PCR based on the microarray data and we demonstrated that the expression of these miRNAs remained unaltered in the VA of control SWR mice. To assess the possible functional roles of miRNAs in adipogenesis, we also analyzed their expression in 3T3-L1 cells during growth and differentiation. This revealed that suppression of miRNA-205 alone correlated selectively with increased cell proliferation and lipid formation of adipocytes. Conclusion Diet and genetics control the expression of obesity-regulated miRNAs in the visceral adipose of NZ10 mice.
EM-random forest and new measures of variable importance for multi-locus quantitative trait linkage analysis

Motivation: We developed an EM-random forest (EMRF) for Haseman–Elston quantitative trait linkage analysis that accounts for marker ambiguity and weighs each sib-pair according to the posterior identical by descent (IBD) distribution. The usual random forest (RF) variable importance (VI) index used to rank markers for variable selection is not optimal when applied to linkage data because of correlation between markers. We define new VI indices that borrow information from linked markers using the correlation structure inherent in IBD linkage data. Results: Using simulations, we find that the new VI indices in EMRF performed better than the original RF VI index and performed similarly or better than EM-Haseman–Elston regression LOD score for various genetic models. Moreover, tree size and markers subset size evaluated at each node are important considerations in RFs. Availability: The source code for EMRF written in C is available at www.infornomics. utoronto.ca/downloads/EMRF Contact: bull@mshri.on. ca Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at www.infornomics. utoronto.ca/downloads/EMRF
English-language learners’ problem solving in Spanish versus English

To explore the role of language in English Language Learners (ELLs)´ problem solving, we compare the performance of a group of Latino first graders when working in Spanish and in English on two equivalent sets of story problems. We contrast our results with others from previous studies with bilingual and monolinguals children by focusing on students´ performance in problems with the same semantic structure. This comparison leads us to discuss some factors influencing students´ problem solving. The findings support the use of problem solving in teaching ELLs. Students’ performance was slightly higher in English, even in problems of higher language complexity, but lower than monolingual students from other studies.
PENGARUH MINAT INDIVIDU TERHADAP PENGGUNAAN MOBILE BANKING: MODEL KOMBINASI TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL (TAM) DAN THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR (TPB)

This research has a purpose to examine the determinant of individual intention to use mobile banking. The antecedent of individual intention to use mobile banking in this research are perceived usefulness, perceived ease to use, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. This research is a development of previous research that uses a combination of TAM and TPB models in the development. Data collection method used is survey method by distributing 300 questionnaire. Respondents who becomes the object of this research were the city of Malang residents who use mobile banking facility from Bank Mandiri Tbk and BCA Tbk. A number of 109 questionnaires have been received back, can be used and can be processed using SmartPLS version 2.0 M3 software. The result showed that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use affect an individual attitude using mobile banking. Attitude and subjective norm affect an individual intention using mobile banking, perceived behavioral control doesn’t affect an individual intention using mobile banking. The implications of this research are relevant for banking institutions to consider the factors which influence an individual intention to use mobile banking in the development the information systems. Keywords: Mobile banking, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Attitude, Subjective Norm, Perceived Behavioral Control, TAM and TPB.