Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids Affect 24 h Clock Genes Expression in Human Adipose Tissue Explant Cultures

Aims to examine firstly whether CLOCK exhibits a circadian expression in human visceral (V) and subcutaneous (S) adipose tissue (AT) in vitro as compared with BMAL1 and PER2, and secondly to investigate the possible effect of the glucocorticoid analogue dexamethasone (DEX) on positive and negative clock genes expression. Subjects and Methods VAT and SAT biopsies were obtained from morbid obese women (body mass index≥40 kg/m2) (n = 6). In order to investigate rhythmic expression pattern of clock genes and the effect of DEX on CLOCK, PER2 and BMAL1 expression, control AT (without DEX) and AT explants treated with DEX (2 hours) were cultured during 24 h and gene expression was analyzed at the following times: 10:00 h, 14:00 h, 18:00 h, 22:00 h, 02:00 h and 06:00 h, using qRT-PCR. Results CLOCK, BMAL1 and PER2 expression exhibited circadian patterns in both VAT and SAT explants that were adjusted to a typical 24 h sinusoidal curve. PER2 expression (negative element) was in antiphase with respect to CLOCK and in phase with BMAL1 expression (both positive elements) in the SAT (situation not present in VAT). A marked effect of DEX exposure on both positive and negative clock genes expression patterns was observed. Indeed, DEX treatment modified the rhythmicity pattern towards altered patterns with a period lower than 24 hours in all genes and in both tissues. Conclusions 24 h patterns in CLOCK and BMAL1 (positive clock elements) and PER2 (negative element) mRNA levels were observed in human adipose explants. These patterns were altered by dexamethasone exposure.
Revealing potential molecular targets bridging colitis and colorectal cancer based on multidimensional integration strategy

Chronic inflammation may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of inflammation-associated tumors. However, the underlying mechanisms bridging ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Here, we integrated multidimensional interaction resources, including gene expression profiling, protein-protein interactions (PPIs), transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation data, and virus-host interactions, to tentatively explore potential molecular targets that functionally link UC and CRC at a systematic level. In this work, by deciphering the overlapping genes, crosstalking genes and pivotal regulators of both UC- and CRC-associated functional module pairs, we revealed a variety of genes (including FOS and DUSP1, etc.), transcription factors (including SMAD3 and ETS1, etc.) and miRNAs (including miR-155 and miR-196b, etc.) that may have the potential to complete the connections between UC and CRC. Interestingly, further analyses of the virus-host interaction network demonstrated that several virus proteins (including EBNA-LP of EBV and protein E7 of HPV) frequently inter-connected to UC- and CRC-associated module pairs with their validated targets significantly enriched in both modules of the host. Together, our results suggested that multidimensional integration strategy provides a novel approach to discover potential molecular targets that bridge the connections between UC and CRC, which could also be extensively applied to studies on other inflammation-related cancers.
Environmental Health Related Socio-Spatial Inequalities: Identifying “Hotspots” of Environmental Burdens and Social Vulnerability

Differential exposure to multiple environmental burdens and benefits and their distribution across a population with varying vulnerability can contribute heavily to health inequalities. Particularly relevant are areas with high cumulative burdens and high social vulnerability termed as “hotspots”. This paper develops an index-based approach to assess these multiple burdens and benefits in combination with vulnerability factors at detailed intra-urban level. The method is applied to the city of Dortmund, Germany. Using non-spatial and spatial methods we assessed inequalities and identified “hotspot” areas in the city. We found modest inequalities burdening higher vulnerable groups in Dortmund (CI = −0.020 at p < 0.05). At the detailed intra-urban level, however, inequalities showed strong geographical patterns. Large numbers of “hotspots” exist in the northern part of the city compared to the southern part. A holistic assessment, particularly at a detailed local level, considering both environmental burdens and benefits and their distribution across the population with the different vulnerability, is essential to inform environmental justice debates and to mobilize local stakeholders. Locating “hotspot” areas at this detailed spatial level can serve as a basis to develop interventions that target vulnerable groups to ensure a health conducive equal environment.
The State of the National Gender Machinery: Structural Problems and Personalized Politics

The institutionalisation of state mechanisms to enhance gender equality in South Africa was part of the negotiated settlement that led to a democratic South Africa. The acceptance of the need to establish a national gender machinery followed a long and hard struggle by South African women to put gender on the political agenda – gender had been made subordinate to the struggle for racial equality for many decades. It was also the culmination of the ‘Women’s Charter process’ when women, with the help of the Women’s National Coalition (WNC) (a broad-ranging women’s movement consisting of hundreds of women’s organisations across party lines), drew up the Charter for Effective Equality and handed it to President Mandela in 1994.
Super-Resolution for Synthetic Zooming

Optical zooming is an important feature of imaging systems. In this paper, we investigate a low-cost signal processing alternative to optical zooming—synthetic zooming by super-resolution (SR) techniques. Synthetic zooming is achieved by registering a sequence of low-resolution (LR) images acquired at varying focal lengths and reconstructing the SR image at a larger focal length or increased spatial resolution. Under the assumptions of constant scene depth and zooming speed, we argue that the motion trajectories of all physical points are related to each other by a unique vanishing point and present a robust technique for estimating itsD coordinate. Such a line-geometry-based registration is the foundation of SR for synthetic zooming. We address the issue of data inconsistency arising from the varying focal length of optical lens during the zooming process. To overcome the difficulty of data inconsistency, we propose a two-stage Delaunay-triangulation-based interpolation for fusing the LR image data. We also present a PDE-based nonlinear deblurring to accommodate the blindness and variation of sensor point spread functions. Simulation results with real-world images have verified the effectiveness of the proposed SR techniques for synthetic zooming.
Quantitative Evaluation and Selection of Reference Genes for Quantitative RT-PCR in Mouse Acute Pancreatitis

The analysis of differences in gene expression is dependent on normalization using reference genes. However, the expression of many of these reference genes, as evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR, is upregulated in acute pancreatitis, so they cannot be used as the standard for gene expression in this condition. For this reason, we sought to identify a stable reference gene, or a suitable combination, for expression analysis in acute pancreatitis. The expression stability of 10 reference genes (ACTB, GAPDH, 18sRNA, TUBB, B2M, HPRT1, UBC, YWHAZ, EF-1α, and RPL-13A) was analyzed using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper software and evaluated according to variations in the raw Ct values. These reference genes were evaluated using a comprehensive method, which ranked the expression stability of these genes as follows (from most stable to least stable): RPL-13A, YWHAZ > HPRT1 > GAPDH > UBC > EF-1α > 18sRNA > B2M > TUBB > ACTB. RPL-13A was the most suitable reference gene, and the combination of RPL-13A and YWHAZ was the most stable group of reference genes in our experiments. The expression levels of ACTB, TUBB, and B2M were found to be significantly upregulated during acute pancreatitis, whereas the expression level of 18sRNA was downregulated. Thus, we recommend the use of RPL-13A or a combination of RPL-13A and YWHAZ for normalization in qRT-PCR analyses of gene expression in mouse models of acute pancreatitis.
Noisy Constrained Maximum-Likelihood Linear Regression for Noise-Robust Speech Recognition

Adaptive training is a widely used technique for building speech recognition systems on nonhomogeneous training data. Recently, there has been interest in applying these approaches for situations where there is significant levels of background noise in the training data. Various schemes for adaptive training are based on noise-, or speaker-, specific transforms of features to yield estimates of the clean speech. However, when there are high levels of background noise, these clean speech estimates may be poor resulting in degradations in performance. In this paper, a new approach for adaptive training on noise-corrupted training data is presented. It extends a popular form of linear transform for model-based adaptation and adaptive training, constrained MLLR (CMLLR), to reflect additional uncertainty from noise-corrupted observations. This new form of adaptation transform is called noisy CMLLR (NCMLLR). NCMLLR uses a modified version of generative model between clean speech and noisy observation, similar to factor analysis (FA). However, in contrast to FA here the generative model describes an adaptation transform, rather than a covariance matrix structure. The use of NCMLLR for adaptive training using an expectation-maximization approach is described. Discriminative adaptive training with NCMLLR is also described based on the minimum phone error criterion. Experimental results comparing NCMLLR with standard adaptive training schemes are given on a noise-corrupted version of Resource Management, the ARPA 1994 CSRNAB Spoke 10 task, and in-car recorded data.
Lyman-alpha Forest Constraints on the Mass of Warm Dark Matter and the Shape of the Linear Power Spectrum

High resolution N-body simulations of cold dark matter (CDM) models predict that galaxies and clusters have cuspy halos with excessive substructure. Observations reveal smooth halos with central density cores. One possible resolution of this conflict is that the dark matter is warm (WDM); this will suppress the power spectrum on small scales. The Lyman-alpha forest is a powerful probe of the linear power spectrum on these scales. We use collisionless N-body simulations to follow the evolution of structure in WDM models, and analyze artificial Lyman-alpha forest spectra extracted from them. By requiring that there is enough small-scale power in the linear power spectrum to reproduce the observed properties of the Lyman-alpha forest in quasar spectra, we derive a lower limit to the mass of the WDM particle of 750 eV. This limit is robust to reasonable uncertainties in our assumption about the temperature of the mean density gas (T0) at z=3. We argue that any model that suppresses the CDM linear theory power spectrum more severely than a 750 eV WDM particle cannot produce the Lyman-alpha forest.
Impact of reduced complexity inverse Volterra series transfer function-based nonlinear equalizer in coherent OFDM systems for next-generation core networks

A modern electronic nonlinearity equalizer (NLE) based on inverse Volterra series transfer function (IVSTF) with reduced complexity is applied on coherent optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (CO-OFDM) signals for next-generation long- and ultra-long-haul applications. The OFDM inter-subcarrier crosstalk effects are explored thoroughly using the IVSTF-NLE and compared with the case of linear equalization (LE) for transmission distances of up to 7000 km.
Capacity Choice in a Mixed Duopoly with Managerial Delegation

This paper studies capacity choice in a mixed duopoly with differentiated goods under quantity competition and price competition, taking into account the separation between ownership and management. In this paper, we show that in equilibrium, under quantity competition, both the public firm and the private firm choose over capacity, while under price competition, both choose under capacity. Moreover, in both the competition types, we found that the results do not depend on the degree of product differentiation. Furthermore, under both the competition types, we conduct detailed analysis of each firm`s delegation parameter of managerial contract, and we compare the equilibrium market outcomes obtained in our model with those in the entrepreneurial case, which is considered in several existing literature, and those in the private duopolistic case, which corresponds to the one after privatization of the public firm.
Modularity and network integration: emergent sustainable services in mobile payment systems

This paper introduces the concept of modularity in financial services, discusses how new value chains are created and addresses emerging opportunities for innovative business models in the digital economy. We argue that innovation occurred in the banking sector despite the lagging adoption of new operational practices but due to technology drive for new ways to provide services. Banking innovation is commonly a matter of case facilitation vs. lock-in, in which the systemic effects of balancing delay vs. fast progress requires business model choices. In the banking sector, where there is little power stability among stakeholders, asymmetrical periods of dynamism are triggered by the modernization of the systems [13]. The main argument of this paper is that we can use models of modularity and network integration to improve our understanding of sustainable emerging banking practices. This is fundamental when establishing the potential contribution of this sector to digital economy models.
Surgically induced intracranial contrast enhancement: potential source of diagnostic error in intraoperative MR imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intraoperative MR imaging is being used increasingly during neurosurgical interventions. The aim of this study was to describe and classify different forms of surgically induced intracranial contrast enhancement observed during intraoperative MR examinations. METHODS A total of 51 intraoperative MR examinations were performed to assess the extent of brain tumor removal. The intraoperative MR results (T1-weighted images, unenhanced and obtained serially after the IV administration of paramagnetic contrast material) were compared with preoperative and early postoperative MR findings. Animal experiments were conducted to obtain further evidence of the mechanism of surgically induced contrast enhancement. RESULTS Four different types of surgically induced contrast enhancement were found: meningeal enhancement, increased enhancement of the choroid plexus, delayed enhancement at the resection margins, and immediate intraparenchymal contrast enhancement. The types of surgically induced contrast enhancement differ regarding their location, configuration, and time course. Their potential to be confused with contrast-enhancing, residual tumor also varies. Three of the four types of surgically induced contrast enhancement were reproducible in an animal model. CONCLUSION Surgically induced contrast enhancement is a potential source of error in intraoperative MR imaging. Careful analysis of the location, configuration, and time course of intraoperatively observed intracranial enhancement is critical to avoid confusing surgically induced contrast enhancement with contrast-enhancing, residual tumor.
Behavioural Investing: A Practitioner's Guide to Applying Behavioural Finance

The book’s first three sections discuss the origin of common mistakes and their roots in basic biases; the next five sections discuss behavioural phenomena. In this review, I follow the same progression; a review of mistakes and biases, followed by a discussion of a number of the behavioural phenomena which I think are potentially of great interest to Brandes constituents. These include: group decision making, fallacies of modern finance, the nature and predictability of bubbles, and an important area of behaviour – happiness – or what motivates people (correctly or otherwise).
Combined Therapy With GABA and Proinsulin/Alum Acts Synergistically to Restore Long-term Normoglycemia by Modulating T-Cell Autoimmunity and Promoting β-Cell Replication in Newly Diabetic NOD Mice

Antigen-based therapies (ABTs) fail to restore normoglycemia in newly diabetic NOD mice, perhaps because too few β-cells remain by the time that ABT-induced regulatory responses arise and spread. We hypothesized that combining a fast-acting anti-inflammatory agent with an ABT could limit pathogenic responses while ABT-induced regulatory responses arose and spread. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration can inhibit inflammation, enhance regulatory T-cell (Treg) responses, and promote β-cell replication in mice. We examined the effect of combining a prototypic ABT, proinsulin/alum, with GABA treatment in newly diabetic NOD mice. Proinsulin/alum monotherapy failed to correct hyperglycemia, while GABA monotherapy restored normoglycemia for a short period. Combined treatment restored normoglycemia in the long term with apparent permanent remission in some mice. Proinsulin/alum monotherapy induced interleukin (IL)-4– and IL-10–secreting T-cell responses that spread to other β-cell autoantigens. GABA monotherapy induced moderate IL-10 (but not IL-4) responses to β-cell autoantigens. Combined treatment synergistically reduced spontaneous type 1 T-helper cell responses to autoantigens, ABT-induced IL-4 and humoral responses, and insulitis, but enhanced IL-10 and Treg responses and promoted β-cell replication in the islets. Thus, combining ABT with GABA can inhibit pathogenic T-cell responses, induce Treg responses, promote β-cell replication, and effectively restore normoglycemia in newly diabetic NOD mice. Since these treatments appear safe for humans, they hold promise for type 1 diabetes intervention.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DAN KARAKTERISTIK PERUSAHAAN DALAM PENGUNGKAPAN SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis peran dewan komisaris, komite audit, dewan direksi, governance committee , profitabilitas, likuiditas, leverage , aktivitas perusahaan dan ukuran perusahaan terhadap pengungkapan sustainability report . Sampel penelitian adalah perusahaan terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) pada periode penelitian tahun 2010 sampai 2011. Sampel dipilih menggunakan metode purposive sampling dan diperoleh 122 pengamatan. Alat analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi logistik. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dewan direksi, governance committee , profitabilitas dan ukuran perusahaan memilki peran positif terhadap pengungkapan sustainability report . Sedangkan, dewan komisaris, komite audit, likuiditas, leverage dan aktivitas prusahan tidak memilki peran terhadap pengungkapan sustainability report . Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE The objective of this study is to analyze the role of board of commissioners, audit committee, board of directors, governance committee, profitability, liquidity, leverage, company activity, and company size on sustainability report disclosure. The samples of this study were taken from companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange, with observation period of 2010 until 2011. By employing purposive sampling method, the study collected data from 122 companies. The study uses logistic regression. The results show that board of directors, governance committee, profitability, and company size have effect positively on sustainability report disclosure. While, board of commissioners, audit committee, liquidity, leverage and company activity do not have effect on sustainability report disclosure Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE
Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy Mono-versus Polydrug Abuse Patterns among Publicly Funded Clients

To examine patterns of mono-versus polydrug abuse, data were obtained from intake records of 69,891 admissions to publicly funded treatment programs in Tennessee between 1998 and 2004. While descriptive statistics were employed to report frequency and patterns of mono-and polydrug abuse by demographic variables and by study years, bivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the probability of being a mono-or polydrug abuser for a number of demographic variables. The researchers found that during the study period 51.3% of admissions reported monodrug abuse and 48.7% reported polydrug abuse. Alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana were the most commonly abused substances, both alone and in combination. Odds ratio favored polydrug abuse for all but one drug category–other drugs. Gender did not affect drug abuse patterns; however, admissions for African Americans and those living in urban areas exhibited higher probabilities of polydrug abuse. Age group also appeared to affect drug abuse patterns, with higher odds of monodrug abuse among minors and adults over 45 years old. The discernable prevalence of polydrug abuse suggests a need for developing effective prevention strategies and treatment plans specific to polydrug abuse.
Do Players’ Beliefs or Risk Attitudes Determine The Equilibrium Selections in 2x2 Coordination Games?

This study focuses on the question whether it is risk aversion or the beliefs of players that explains the strategic choices in 2x2 coordination games. In a laboratory experiment, we elicit the risk attitudes by using lottery choices. Furthermore, using a quadratic scoring rule, subjects’ beliefs about the choice of the opponent are elicited directly. Our data show that participants’ behavior is not explained by risk attitude, but rather is explained as their best response to their stated first order beliefs.
Characterization of max-min fair performance in large networks via Szemeredi's Regularity Lemma

In this work, we provide asymptotically almost sure lower and upper bounds on the max-min fair performance in large single-hop networks with arbitrary channel fading. Our results are asymptotic in nature and we consider two cases of the limiting regime where the number of links (users) tends to infinity. The provided bounds apply to orthogonal networks as well as to a special class of nonorthogonal networks.
Dotcom Mania: A Survey of Market Efficiency in the Internet Sector

This paper provides a survey of some existing as well as new evidence of the relation between market prices and fundamentals in the internet sector over the period January 1998 to February 2000. Appealing to results across a broad class of outcomes, we demonstrate a strong, circumstantial case against market rationality. In particular, we investigate (i) the level of internet stock prices given their underlying fundamentals, (ii) responses of stock prices to information-based events, (iii) internet-related anomalies, and (iv) the volatility of internet prices. As a potential explanation, we appeal to a model of heterogenous agents with varying degrees of beliefs about asset payoffs who are subject to short sales constraints. In this framework, it is possible that "optimistic" investors overwhelm "pessimistic" ones, leading to prices not reflecting fundamental values. Empirical support for this model is provided using data from the stock shorting market.