Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intracellular Insulin and Impaired Autophagy in a Zebrafish model and a Cell Model of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance. However, the complete molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, zebrafish were fed a long-term high-fat diet to induce type 2 diabetes, which resulted in a higher body weight, body mass index, more lipid vacuoles in liver, increased insulin transcription level in liver, brain and muscle, and high fasting blood glucose in the high-fat diet zebrafish. Oppositely, the transcription levels of insulin substrate-2 and glucose transporter 2 were significantly decreased, indicating insulin signaling pathway and glucose transport impaired in the insulin-targeting tissues. Transcription of the autophagy-related genes, ATG3, ATG4B, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, and FOXO3, were decreased but autophagy inhibitor gene m-TOR increased, and autophagy-flux was inhibited in liver of the high-fat diet zebrafish. Main of these changes were confirmed in palmitic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Further, in co-immunoprecipitation and subcellular co-localization experiments, the conjunction of preproinsulin with cargo-recognition protein p62 increased, but conjuncts of autophagosome with p62-cargo, lysosomes with p62-cargo, and autolysosomes decreased apparently. Interestingly, lysosomes, autolysosomes and conjuncts of p62-insulin localized at the periphery of palmitic acid-treated cells, the margination of lysosomes may mediate deactivation of proteases activity. These findings suggest that intracellular high-lipid may trigger defective autophagy, defective downstream signaling of insulin and accumulated intracellular preproinsulin, leading to dysregulation of cell homeostasis mechanism, which may be one of reasons involved in insulin-resistance in type 2 diabetes.
The Devil Is in the Details: New Directions in Deception Analysis

In this study, we use the computational textual analysis tool, the Gramulator, to identify and examine the distinctive linguistic features of deceptive and truthful discourse. The theme of the study is abortion rights and the deceptive texts are derived from a Devil’s Advocate approach, conducted to suppress personal beliefs and values. Our study takes the form of a contrastive corpus analysis, and produces systematic differences between truthful and deceptive personal accounts. Results suggest that deceivers employ a distancing strategy that is often associated with deceptive linguistic behavior. Ultimately, these deceivers struggle to adopt a truth perspective. Perhaps of most importance, our results indicate issues of concern with current deception detection theory and methodology. From a theoretical standpoint, our results question whether deceivers are deceiving at all or whether they are merely poorly expressing a rhetorical position, caused by being forced to speculate on a perceived proto-typical position. From a methodological standpoint, our results cause us to question the validity of deception corpora. Consequently, we propose new rigorous standards so as to better understand the subject matter of the deception field. Finally, we question the prevailing approach of abstract data measurement and call for future assessment to consider contextual lexical features. We conclude by suggesting a prudent approach to future research for fear that our eagerness to analyze and theorize may cause us to misidentify deception. After-all, successful deception, which is the kind we seek to detect, is likely to be an elusive and fickle prey.
A comprehensive review of genetic association studies

Most common diseases are complex genetic traits, with multiple genetic and environmental components contributing to susceptibility. It has been proposed that common genetic variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), influence susceptibility to common disease. This proposal has begun to be tested in numerous studies of association between genetic variation at these common DNA polymorphisms and variation in disease susceptibility. We have performed an extensive review of such association studies. We find that over 600 positive associations between common gene variants and disease have been reported; these associations, if correct, would have tremendous importance for the prevention, prediction, and treatment of most common diseases. However, most reported associations are not robust: of the 166 putative associations which have been studied three or more times, only 6 have been consistently replicated. Interestingly, of the remaining 160 associations, well over half were observed again one or more times. We discuss the possible reasons for this irreproducibility and suggest guidelines for performing and interpreting genetic association studies. In particular, we emphasize the need for caution in drawing conclusions from a single report of an association between a genetic variant and disease susceptibility.
A secure decentralized data-centric information infrastructure for smart grid

In recent years the power grid has been undergoing transformative changes due to the greater penetration of renewable energy sources and increased focus on power demand shaping. These innovative transformations on the grid require a flexible IP-based communication grid that is reliable and secure. In this article we describe an IPbased decentralized and data-centric information infrastructure that can reliably, securely, and cost-effectively support the operation and innovative applications of the next generation grid. The proposed infrastructure differs from a typical distributed system since it addresses the specific requirements of power applications such as security, distributed data sources, latency sensitive data transactions and real time event updates. The work presented here paves the way for a future data-centric power network infrastructure.
A Comparative Analysis of Lane Detection Techniques

In this paper comparison is drawn between the existing and proposed techniques of lane detection. Lane detection techniques are proved to be helpful in avoiding accidents on highways. The proposed system has a goal to detect the lane marks even in the presence of high level of noise in the input image. The proposed technique has proved itself as more efficient than that of existing technique.
Analysis of a chemotaxis operon in Rhizobium meliloti *

Genes controlling chemotaxis towards L‐amino acids and d‐mannitol in Rhizobium meliloti have been identified by Tn5 insertions that lead to chemotaxis‐deficient mutants. The tagged genes span an 8.7 kbp region that has been sequenced. These genes are part of a large operon containing three novel open reading frames, orf1, orf2 and orf9, and six familiar chemotaxis (che) genes, cheY1‐cheA‐cheW‐cheR‐cheB‐cheY2, that have been assigned by their similarity to known Escherichia coli genes. The second copy of cheY may be part of a second signalling chain; orf1 and orf2 encode sequence motifs that resemble the signalling domain of E. coli MCPs (methyl‐accepting chemotaxis proteins), while the product of orf9 may contain a transmembrane domain. No protein methylation has been observed in Rhizobium meliloti in response to l‐amino acids. However, the presence of cheR (methyltransferase gene) and cheB (methyl‐esterase gene) suggested that MCPs are likely components of the chemotactic response in R. meliloti. Therefore, it is postulated that two chemotaxis pathways are functional in R meliloti: one responds to l‐amino acids via ORF1‐ORF2, whereas the other (probably responding to specific plant exudates) acts via MCP‐like receptors, and both interact with the central components CheW‐CheA‐CheY1 and/or CheY2.
Low-complexity compression of short messages

We describe a low-complexity scheme for lossless compression of short text messages. The method uses arithmetic coding and a specific statistical context model for prediction of single symbols. Our particular contribution is a simple yet effective approach for storing highly complex statistics in a succinct yet effective data model that can easily be trained by text data. The proposed model already gives good compression rates with a RAM memory size of 128 kByte, thus making lossless data compression with statistical context modeling readily applicable to small devices like wireless sensors or mobile phones
4-D/RCS reference model architecture for unmanned ground vehicles

4D/RCS is the reference model architecture currently being developed for the Demo III Experimental Unmanned Vehicle program. 4D/RCS integrates the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) RCS (real-time control system) with the German (Universitat der Bundeswehr Munchen) VaMoRs 4D approach (3 dimensions+time) to dynamic machine vision. The 4D/RCS architecture consists of a hierarchy of computational nodes each of which contains behavior generation (BG), world modeling (WM), sensory processing (SP), and value judgement (VJ) processes. Each node also contains a knowledge database (KD) and an operator interface. These computational nodes are arranged such that the BG processes represent organizational units within a command and control hierarchy.
Characterizing within-die and die-to-die delay variations introduced by process variations and SOI history effect

Variations in delay caused by within-die and die-to-die process variations and SOI history effect increase timing margins and reduce performance. In order to develop mitigation techniques to reduce the detrimental effects of delay variations, particularly those that occur within-die, new methods of measuring delay variations within actual products are needed. The data provided by such techniques can also be used for validating models, i.e., can assist with model-to-hardware correlation. In this paper, we propose a flush delay technique for measuring both regional delay variations and SOI history effect and validate the method using a test structure fabricated in a 65 nm SOI process.
Actuated Peripherals as Tangibles in Desktop Interaction

TUIs use everyday physical objects to interact with digital information. With decades of usage, computer peripherals became everyday physical objects. We observed that users manipulate them for other purpose than input and output devices. For example users turn their screen to avoid sun reflections , or move their keyboard ans mouse because they need space on their desk. In this work we see computer peripher-als as everyday objects, and use them as TUIs. This paper presents two levels of tangible interaction with desktop computers: the first one is a keyboard with actuated keys. The keys can raise from their initial position, which can be used to represent interaction or extend interaction with keyboards. On the second level we actuated a mouse, a keyboard and a screen so that they can move around on the desk. We present scenarios showing how it extends interaction with a desktop computer setup.
Fatigue in 7- to 12-year-old patients with cancer from the staff perspective: an exploratory study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To document and analyze the perspectives of staff members who provide direct care to 7- to 12-year-old patients with cancer regarding the nature and characteristics of fatigue, causes of fatigue, and effective interventions for this population of young patients. DESIGN Exploratory. SETTINGS A pediatric oncology unit at a children's hospital in the southwest and a pediatric research center for childhood catastrophic diseases in the mid-south. SAMPLE A convenience sample of 38 staff members (8 advanced practice nurses, 23 staff nurses, 2 nurses managers, 3 nutritionists, 1 chaplain, and 1 physician) whose experience in pediatric oncology ranged from two months to 23 years. METHODS Nine open-ended questions were posed to staff members during focus group sessions. Staff responses were analyzed using content analysis techniques and the Wilson concept analysis technique. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLE Staff perceptions of fatigue in 7- to 12-year-old patients with cancer. FINDINGS Fatigue is a state of diminished to complete loss of energy or will that is influenced by environmental, biochemical, personal, cultural, and treatment-related factors. This state, which may be acute, episodic, or chronic, can be accompanied by a changing emotional or mental state. CONCLUSIONS Staff perceive fatigue to be a debilitating symptom for these children. When attempting to determine the presence or absence of fatigue, staff primarily compare a child's current state with his or her previous state rather than that of other children. Staff see themselves as having a role in causing and alleviating fatigue in this patient group. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Staff can use these findings to help them identify the presence of fatigue in these children and to identify contributing and alleviating factors.
DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunits encoded within the vaccinia virus genome

Antiserum to a multisubunit DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from vaccinia virions was prepared to carry out genetic studies. This antiserum selectively inhibited the activity of the viral polymerase but had no effect on calf thymus RNA polymerase II. The specificity of the antiserum was further demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of RNA polymerase subunits from dissociated virus particles. The presence in vaccinia virus-infected cells of mRNA that encodes the polymerase subunits was determined by in vitro translation. Immunoprecipitable polypeptides with Mrs of about 135,000, 128,000, 36,000, 34,000, 31,000, 23,000, 21,000, 20,000, and 17,000 were made when early mRNA was added to reticulocyte extracts. The subunits were encoded within the vaccinia virus genome, as demonstrated by translation of early mRNA that hybridized to vaccinia virus DNA. The locations of the subunit genes were determined initially by hybridization of RNA to a series of overlapping 40-kilobase-pair DNA fragments that were cloned in a cosmid vector. Further mapping was achieved with cloned HindIII restriction fragments. Results of these studies indicated that RNA polymerase subunit genes are transcribed early in infection and are distributed within the highly conserved central portion of the poxvirus genome in HindIII fragments E, J, H, D, and A.
Statistical versus Symbolic Parsing for Captioned-Information Retrieval

We discuss implementation issues of MARIE-1, a mostly symbolic parser fully implemented, and MARIE-2, a more statistical parser partially implemented. They address a corpus of 100,000 picture captions. We argue that the mixed approach of MARIE-2 should be better for this corpus because its algorithms (not data) are simpler.
Overweight and obesity among White, Black, and Mexican American children: implications for when to intervene.

PURPOSE The study sought to determine if race/ethnicity, age, gender, and poverty index influence the development of overweight (OW) or obesity (OB) in children 6-11 years of age and whether a desirable time to intervene could be established. METHODS A descriptive and comparative analysis was conducted using data from the 1999-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. RESULTS Advancing age was the single largest predictor of OW or OB followed by race/ethnicity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Culturally sensitive interventions targeting children in their early elementary school years could reduce the consequences of OW and OB in childhood.
Family-Based Association Tests Suggest Linkage Between Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) (and Flanking Region) and Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): SP-B Haplotypes and Alleles From SP-B–Linked Loci Are Risk Factors for RDS

Genetic variants of surfactant protein B (SP-B) have been associated with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the prematurely born infant. We wished to determine linkage between RDS and SP-B single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) [−18 (A/C), 1013 (A/C), 1580 (C/T), and 9306 (A/G)] or SP-B-linked microsatellite [(D2S388, D2S2232, (AAGG)n, and GATA41E01 (or D2S1331)] loci and identify susceptibility or protective alleles and haplotypes. We genotyped 132 families consisting of one or two parents and at least one child affected with RDS and performed biallelic and multiallelic family-based association test (FBAT) analysis, and extended transmission disequilibrium test (ETDT). ETDT analysis identified the microsatellite SP-B–linked loci (except D2S2232) to be linked to RDS. One allele from each of these three marker loci contributes to the risk of RDS. Multiallelic FBAT analysis detected a signal of linkage for the region of the four SNP loci. Three haplotypes within this region contribute to RDS risk. Although no other region showed significant linkage as judged by multiallelic FBAT, biallelic FBAT analysis revealed three potential susceptibility haplotypes formed by two to four loci within the SP-B and SP-B–linked microsatellite region. Each haplotype included GATA41E01, which was identified by ETDT analysis to be linked to RDS. We conclude that SP-B or SP-B–linked loci are linked to RDS and certain alleles or haplotypes are susceptibility or protective factors for the development of RDS in infants born prematurely.
Functional characterization of a chimeric lipase genetically engineered from human lipoprotein lipase and human hepatic lipase.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) mediate the hydrolysis of triglycerides and phospholipids present in circulating lipoprotein particles and are essential for normal lipid metabolism. Both enzymes have a similar primary amino acid structure and share requirements for intact catalytic, lipid binding, and heparin binding domains. However, LPL and HL exhibit different substrate specificities and cofactor requirements. In order to characterize the functional domains necessary for LPL activity, a chimeric lipase consisting of the amino-terminal 314 amino acids of human LPL and the carboxyl-terminal 146 amino acids of human HL was synthesized by joining the cDNA of both lipases at the 5'-end of exon 7. Northern blot hybridization and Western blot analyses revealed the size of the chimera mRNA and protein to be approximately 1.5 kb and 55 kDa, respectively. The chimeric enzyme hydrolyzed both long chain and short chain fatty acid triacylglycerols and had catalytic properties that were similar to lipoprotein lipase. Thus, apolipoprotein (apo)C-II was required for maximal lipase activity, and high salt concentration abolished the ability of the chimera to hydrolyze triolein even in the presence of apoC-II. A monospecific anti-HL polyclonal antibody interacting with the C-terminal HL-derived domain of the chimeric enzyme abolished the enzyme's ability to hydrolyze triglyceride emulsion but not tributyrin substrates. Analysis of the heparin binding properties of the chimeric enzyme using heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography revealed an elution pattern which was intermediate between that of lipoprotein and hepatic lipase. In summary, we have characterized the functional properties of an LPL-HL chimeric enzyme. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Update of Endocrine Dysfunction following Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common occurrences in childhood, often resulting in long term, life altering consequences. Research into endocrine sequelae following injury has gained attention; however, there are few studies in children. This paper reviews the pathophysiology and current literature documenting risk for endocrine dysfunction in children suffering from TBI. Primary injury following TBI often results in disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and antidiuretic hormone production and release, with implications for both acute management and survival. Secondary injuries, occurring hours to weeks after TBI, result in both temporary and permanent alterations in pituitary function. At five years after moderate to severe TBI, nearly 30% of children suffer from hypopituitarism. Growth hormone deficiency and disturbances in puberty are the most common; however, any part of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis can be affected. In addition, endocrine abnormalities can improve or worsen with time, having a significant impact on children’s quality of life both acutely and chronically. Since primary and secondary injuries from TBI commonly result in transient or permanent hypopituitarism, we conclude that survivors should undergo serial screening for possible endocrine disturbances. High indices of suspicion for life threatening endocrine deficiencies should be maintained during acute care. Additionally, survivors of TBI should undergo endocrine surveillance by 6–12 months after injury, and then yearly, to ensure early detection of deficiencies in hormonal production that can substantially influence growth, puberty and quality of life.
Modelling the growth of Fe2B layers obtained by the paste boriding process in AISI 1018 steel

This study evaluated the growth kinetics of Fe2B hard coatings obtained by the paste boriding process at the surface of AISI 1018 steels. The treatment was carried out at temperatures of 1123, 1173, 1223 and 1273 K with different exposure times for each temperature using a 4 mm thick layer of boron carbide paste over the material surface. The boron diffusion coefficient was determined by the mass balance equation at the Fe2B/substrate interface, assuming that the growth of Fe2B layers obey the parabolic growth law. Likewise, the growth constant was related as a function of the boride incubation time, the boron surface content and the boron diffusion coefficient, in order to estimate the weight gain in the borided samples and the instantaneous velocity of the Fe2B/substrate interface.
Abrasive flow finishing of stereolithography prototypes

This research investigated the use of two relatively new technologies, abrasive flow machining (AFM) and stereolithography (SL), to minimize the time to develop a finished prototype. Statistical analysis was used to determine effects of media grit size, media pressure, build style, build orientation and resin type on flatness, material removal rate and surface roughness. Results indicated that media pressure, grit size, and build orientation were significant in at least one of the experiments performed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the stair‐stepping effect of the SL process before AFM and the removal of the stair‐stepping after AFM. The SEM images showed a lack of typical AFM flowlines on the surface and suggested that the workpiece material is removed by brittle fracture. Data dependent systems analysis techniques were also used to study the surface roughness profiles.
The Development of Selective Attention and Inhibition in NICU Graduates During the Preschool Years

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates have a higher incidence of attention problems including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thus, we examined the effect of risk factors (birth weight (BW), central nervous system (CNS) injury, gender, maternal education) on attention/inhibition during reaction time, continuous performance and Go/No-Go tasks at 42, 51, and 60 months (n = 271). Very low BW NICU graduates (<1,500 g) performed worse than typical BW ones (>2,500 g), displaying poorer target/non-target discrimination. Males responded faster than females, but made more false alarms and random responses. Despite short duration tasks, attention waned. Performance improved with age, but even at 60 months children had difficulty inhibiting random responding.