Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression Microarray Analysis Reveals Alternative Splicing of LAMA3 and DST Genes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose Prior studies have demonstrated tumor-specific alternative splicing events in various solid tumor types. The role of alternative splicing in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unclear. Our study queried exon-level expression to implicate splice variants in HNSCC tumors. Experimental Design We performed a comparative genome-wide analysis of 44 HNSCC tumors and 25 uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) tissue samples at an exon expression level. In our comparison we ranked genes based upon a novel score—the Maximum-Minimum Exon Score (MMES) – designed to predict the likelihood of an alternative splicing event occurring. We validated predicted alternative splicing events using quantitative RT-PCR on an independent cohort. Results After MMES scoring of 17,422 genes, the top 900 genes with the highest scores underwent additional manual inspection of expression patterns in a graphical analysis. The genes LAMA3, DST, VEGFC, SDHA, RASIP1, and TP63 were selected for further validation studies because of a high frequency of alternative splicing suggested in our graphical analysis, and literature review showing their biological relevance and known splicing patterns. We confirmed TP63 as having dominant expression of the short DeltaNp63 isoform in HNSCC tumor samples, consistent with prior reports. Two of the six genes (LAMA3 and DST) validated by quantitative RT-PCR for tumor-specific alternative splicing events (Student's t test, P<0.001). Conclusion Alternative splicing events of oncologically relevant proteins occur in HNSCC. The number of genes expressing tumor-specific splice variants needs further elucidation, as does the functional significance of selective isoform expression.
The limits of speech recognition

By understanding the cognitive processes surrounding human acoustic memory and processing, interface designers may be able to integrate speech more effectively and guide users more successfully. Then by appreciating the differences between HHI and HCI designers may be able to choose appropriate applications for human use of speech with computers. The key distinction may be the rich emotional content conveyed by prosody -- the pacing, intonation, and amplitude in spoken language. Prosody is potent for HHI, but may be disruptive for HCI. First let’s consider human acoustic memory and processing. Short-term and working memory is sometimes called acoustic or verbal memory. The part of the human brain that transiently holds chunks of information and solves problems also supports speaking and listening. Therefore working on a tough problem is best done in quiet environments; without speaking or listening to someone. However, physical activity is handled in another part of the brain so problem solving is compatible with routine physical activities such as walking or driving. In short, humans can easily speak and walk, but they find it harder to speak and think. Similarly when operating a computer, most humans can type (or move a mouse) and think, but they find it harder to speak and think. Hand-eye coordination is accomplished in different brain structures so typing or mouse movement can be done in parallel with problem solving.
Anterior knee pain.

Troublesome anterior knee pain is a common problem in active adolescents and young adults and the complex of symptoms is well known. From a clinical viewpoint it is convenient to consider the causes under the headings of ‘Distinct’ and ‘Obscure’ (Table I). The first group consists mainly of focal lesions which can be clinically and radiologically defined and for which local treatment can be applied and outcomes predicted. The second includes dynamic problems, such as maltracking and the excessive lateral pressure syndrome, as well as idiopathic chondromalacia and psychogenic pain. The frequency of anterior knee pain is related to the very considerable compression and sheer forces which are transmitted through the patellofemoral joint. One important function of the patella is to displace the patellar tendon away from the centre of rotation of the knee and so increase its moment arm. The contact point between the patella and the trochlear groove is a fulcrum and on the patellar side of the articulation an area of contact sweeps up from the inferior to the superior pole as the knee flexes from full extension to 90° of flexion. Static experiments show that at 60° of knee flexion over twice the body-weight is transmitted through the patellofemoral joint, while dynamic studies in serious weight-lifters suggest a patellar tendon tension of 17.5 times the body-weight when pushed to the extreme. It is therefore not surprising that the patellofemoral joint has the thickest articular cartilage of any joint in the body and that peripatellar failure of the extensor mechanism is such a common problem. Acute failure is of course manifest as ‘fracture’ or ‘rupture’ while subacute and chronic failure give rise to anterior knee pain. The origin of the pain is a subject of debate since articular cartilage is devoid of nerve endings. Cartilage also has very limited powers of repair and regeneration once fibrillation and ulceration have occurred. Overuse and repeated minor trauma commonly play a part in the production of anterior knee pain, especially when sufficient time is not allowed for the resolution of subliminal damage. Paradoxically, underuse can also be incriminated as a cause of damage to the articular surface, an example being the chondromalacia which is seen on the medial or odd facet of the patella. This small area does not come into contact with the femur until the knee flexes past 130° and therefore in most patients is a very underused part of the articular surface. Osteoporosis of the patella often accompanies anterior knee pain although it is difficult to know if it is a cause or effect. It reduces the stiffness of the patella and causes thinning of the subchondral bone plate, thus decreasing the ability to cope with the huge forces already referred to.
Computer aided geological design: AutoCAD® applications in structural geology

The three-dimensional (3D) modeling environment of AutoCAD is used to represent and solve problems of structural geology. As an alternative to bi-dimensional (2D) techniques of classical structural analysis, the 3D capabilities of the software are used for modeling, positioning and measuring geological structures. To introduce the proposed method, two practical examples are presented as exercises with detailed instructions. The technique consists in precisely representing the geometrical entities that comprise the geological problem within three-dimensional space to enable the direct measurement of structural parameters. Accurate results, such as fault displacement and the attitude of several structures, are obtained with the dimension tools of the program, so no calculations are required. Diverse 3D viewing perspectives can be adopted to enhance the comprehension of the analyzed situation.
Artificial Intelligence Prepares for 2001

Artificial Intelligence, as a maturing scientific/engineering discipline, is beginning to find its niche among the variety of subjects that are relevant to intelligent, perceptive behavior. A view of AI is presented that is based on a declarative representation of knowledge with semantic attachments to problem-specific procedures and data structures. Several important challenges to this view are briefly discussed. It is argued that research in the field would be stimulated by a project to develop a computer individual that would have a continuing existence in time.
A Systematic Review of the Passive Straight Leg Raising Test as a Diagnostic Aid for Low Back Pain (1989 to 2000)

Study Design. A systematic review. Objectives. This systematic review sought papers (January 1989–January 2000) on the passive straight leg raising test (PSLR) as a diagnostic component for low back pain (LBP) to identify, summarize, and assess developments in the test procedure, the factors influencing PSLR outcome, and the clinical significance of that outcome. Summary of Background Data. Previous studies suggested that the PSLR tractioned the sciatic nerve and that diminished leg elevation with reproduced pain indicated low lumbar intervertebral disc pathology. Methods. Searches on six computerized bibliographic databases identified publications written about the PSLR. Papers were excluded if they were published before January 1989, were non-English language papers, or employed either an active SLR or a PSLR for purposes other than LBP diagnosis. The references of qualifying papers (and the references of references) were searched. Contact with primary authors, and others known to be active in this field, was attempted. Results. The PSLR procedure remains unchanged. The influence of hip rotation during the PSLR was discussed without consensus. Biomechanical devices improved intra- and interobserver reliability and so increased test reproducibility. Hamstrings were found to have a defensive role in protecting nerve roots by limiting PSLR range in cases of nerve root inflammation. A small diurnal variation in the PSLR may imply a poorer prognosis. A positive PSLR at 4 months after lumbar intervertebral disc surgery predicted poor reoperative outcome, and a negative 4-month PSLR predicted excellent outcome. The influence of psychosocial factors was not discussed, neither was the diagnostic significance of a negative PSLR outcome. Conclusions. There remains no standard PSLR procedure, no consensus on interpretation of results, and little recognition that a negative PSLR test outcome may be of greater diagnostic value than a positive one. The causal link between LBP pathology and hamstring action remains unclear. There is a need for research into the clinical use of the PSLR; its intra- and interobserver reliability; the influences of age, gender, diurnal variation, and psychosocial factors; and its predictive value in lumbar intervertebral disc surgery.
KONDISI EKOLOGI DAN NILAI MANFAAT HUTAN MANGROVE DI DESA LANSA, KECAMATAN WORI, KABUPATEN MINAHASA UTARA

Mangrove forests are biological natural resources that have a variety of potentials that benefit human life both directly and indirectly and can be felt, both by people who live near the mangrove forest area and people who live far from the mangrove forest area. Mangrove forests also have high economic and ecological values but are very vulnerable to damage if they are not wise in maintaining, preserving and managing them. Collecting data to find out the benefits of mangrove forests for the people of Lansa Village is done by survey methods in the form of direct interviews with the community using the ecosystem.Data collection on the ecological conditions of mangroves is carried out by making plots. The number of plots in this study are nine plots. Each plot has a size of 10x10 m. Retrieval of data in this study are: the type of mangrove, the relative density of species, the relative frequency of types, the closure of relative types, and the index of important values. Based on the results of interviews with the community regarding mangrove forests are mangrove regulation services, mangrove provisioning services and mangrove cultural services. The most extensive assessment of the use of mangrove forests is the construction of embankments of Rp. 2,583,300,000 and followed by utilization of fish Rp. 1,521,429,000 and then utilization of fuel wood Rp259.200. 000. With the total economic value of the mangrove forest in Lansa Village, it is Rp.4,363,929,000 per year. Hutan mangrove merupakan sumberdaya alam hayati yang mempunyai berbagai keragaman potensi yang memberikan manfaat bagi kehidupan manusia baik yang secara langsung maupun tidak langsung dan bisa dirasakan, baik oleh masyarakat yang tinggal di dekat kawasan hutan mangrove maupun masyarakat yang tinggal jauh dari kawasan hutan mangrove. Hutan mangrove juga memiliki nilai ekonomis dan ekologis yang tinggi akan tetapi sangat rentan terhadap kerusakan apabila kurang bijaksananya dalam mempertahankan, melestarikan dan mengelolahnya. Pengambilan data untuk mengetahui manfaat hutan mangrove bagi masyarakat Desa Lansa dilakukan dengan metode survei dalam bentuk wawancara langsung dengan masyarakat pengguna ekosistem.Untuk pengambilan data kondisi ekologi mangrove dilakukan dengan pembuatan plot. Jumlah plot dalam penelitian ini adalah sembilan plot. Setiap plot memiliki ukuran 10x10 m. Pengambilan data dalam penelitian ini adalah: jenis mangrove, kerapatan relatif jenis, frekwensi relatif jenis, penutupan relatif jenis, dan indeks nilai penting. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara dengan masyarakat mengenai hutan mangrove adalah mangrove regulation service, mangrove provisioning service dan mangrove cultural services. Penilaian pemanfaatan hutan mangrove yang paling banyak yaitu pembangunan tanggul Rp 2.583. 300.000 dan diikuti oleh pemanfaatan ikan Rp 1.521. 429.000 dan kemudian pemanfaatan kayu bakar Rp 259.200. 000. Dengan jumlah total nilai ekonomi hutan mangrove Desa Lansa adalah Rp 4.363. 929.000 per tahun.
QShuffler: Getting the Query Mix Right

The typical workload in a database system consists of a mixture of multiple queries of different types, running concurrently and interacting with each other. Hence, optimizing performance requires reasoning about query mixes and their interactions, rather than considering individual queries or query types. In this paper, we use such a reasoning approach to develop a query scheduler. We treat the database system as a black box and experimentally build a model to estimate the performance of different query mixes. Our scheduler uses this model to decide which query mixes to schedule, with the goal of maximizing throughput. We experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of our scheduler using queries from the TPC-H benchmark on DB2.
Mobile agent-based policy management for wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor network is a revolution of information sensing and collecting. This kind of networks is composed of hundreds and thousands of sensor nodes in small size with ubiquitous sensing and computing capabilities. The task of management of wireless sensor networks in environments with hundreds and thousands of sensor nodes is very complex. Until now, wireless sensor networks and their applications have been developed but with the management research in the germinal stages. In this paper, we describe a management architecture for wireless sensor network that combines mobile agent with policy technologies, and take into account the restrict physical resources of this type of network in the form of policies, such as energy and computing power, imbalance of network flow, and faults caused by nodes unavailable. Then the paper proposes the hierarchical architecture of policy management and mobile agent-based network management structure.
Effect of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Treatment on Brain Progenitor Cells After Permanent Focal Ischemia in Rats

Background and Purpose— Intracisternal basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) enhances sensorimotor recovery after focal cerebral infarction in rats. One possible mechanism is stimulation of endogenous progenitor cells in brain. We investigated the effects of intracisternal bFGF on brain progenitor cells after stroke. Methods— Proliferating brain cells were labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) before middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion or sham surgery in rats. bFGF (0.5 &mgr;g) or vehicle was administered intracisternally at 24 and 48 hours after MCA occlusion, and rats were killed at 7, 14, or 21 days after stroke. Immunohistochemistry for BrdU and neuron- or astrocyte-specific markers was used to characterize progenitor cells and their progeny in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Results— Infarct size did not differ among rats with or without bFGF treatment. MCA occlusion alone increased the number of BrdU-labeled cells in the ipsilateral subventricular zone at days 7 to 21, and there was a trend toward increased cell proliferation with bFGF treatment. In the dentate gyrus, the number of BrdU-labeled cells was increased bilaterally after MCA occlusion (peak at day 7). This increase was greater after bFGF treatment. In the subventricular zone, 30% of BrdU-labeled cells were immunopositive for the immature neuron-specific marker doublecortin at day 7, and their number declined to 2% at day 21. In the dentate gyrus, the majority of BrdU-labeled cells colabeled with doublecortin at day 7, becoming NeuN positive at day 21. Conclusions— Stroke produces significant changes in progenitor cells in brain that are augmented by bFGF treatment.
Combinatorial Discrete Choice

Combinatorial problems are prevalent in economics but the large dimensionality of potential solutions substantially limits the scope of their applications. We define and characterize a general class that we term combinatorial discrete choice problems and show that it incorporates existing problems in economics and engineering. We prove that intuitive sufficient conditions guarantee the existence of simple recursive procedures that can be used to identify the global maximum. We propose such an algorithm and show how it can be used to revisit problems whose computation was deemed infeasible before. We finally discuss results for a class of games characterized by these sufficient conditions.
Data-Preservation in Scientific Workflow Middleware

This paper investigates data-preservation, a feature of scientific workflow middleware (SWM) useful for supporting data provenance and "smart recomputation. " We observe that in order for an SWM supporting data preservation to achieve decent performance, it should execute on top of copy-on-write file systems. Unfortunately, most file systems in-use at scientific computing facilities were designed without copy-on-write semantics. In response, we design, implement and evaluate a middleware-level solution that is based on user-provided hints and parallelization. The solution can be deployed on top of current file systems and is able to scale almost arbitrarily. Our validation is based on real use-cases from astrophysics and experiments on a cluster with 4 file systems
Grid/cloud-based e-Governance of higher education institutes and perception thereof: Bangladesh perspective

The strategic objective of e-Governance is to support and simplify governance for Government, People and Businesses. With immergence of technology and growing demand of the society, if appropriately applied, Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) can also leverage the benefit of e-Governance by collaborative resource sharing and service-usage through grid and cloud computing. The underlying goals for adopting e-Governance practices are to ensure improved quality in disseminating education and administration; establish dynamic and need-based communication with various internal, external and peer entities; and conforming to regulations. Grid and cloud can be two candidate frameworks for HEIs governance, which will potentially lower the cost of governance solutions and provide better services. In this paper, the authors propose grid and cloud based e-Governance frameworks for Bangladeshi HEIs. Also a survey is conducted to find perception of various stakeholders about grid and cloud based e-Governance.
Angiotensin-(1–7) Recruits Muscle Microvasculature and Enhances Insulin’s Metabolic Action via Mas Receptor

Angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)], an endogenous ligand for the G protein–coupled receptor Mas, exerts both vasodilatory and insulin-sensitizing effects. In skeletal muscle, relaxation of precapillary arterioles recruits microvasculature and increases the endothelial surface area available for nutrient and hormone exchanges. To assess whether Ang-(1–7) recruits microvasculature and enhances insulin action in muscle, overnight-fasted adult rats received an intravenous infusion of Ang-(1–7) (0, 10, or 100 ng/kg per minute) for 150 minutes with or without a simultaneous infusion of the Mas inhibitor A-779 and a superimposition of a euglycemic insulin clamp (3 mU/kg per minute) from 30 to 150 minutes. Hind limb muscle microvascular blood volume, microvascular flow velocity, and microvascular blood flow were determined. Myographic changes in tension were measured on preconstricted distal saphenous artery. Ang-(1–7) dose-dependently relaxed the saphenous artery (P<0.05) ex vivo. This effect was potentiated by insulin (P<0.01) and abolished by either endothelium denudement or Mas inhibition. Systemic infusion of Ang-(1–7) rapidly increased muscle microvascular blood volume and microvascular blood flow (P<0.05, each) without altering microvascular flow velocity. Insulin infusion alone increased muscle microvascular blood volume by 60% to 70% (P<0.05). Adding insulin to the Ang-(1–7) infusion further increased muscle microvascular blood volume and microvascular blood flow (≈2.5 fold; P<0.01). These were associated with a significant increase in insulin-mediated glucose disposal and muscle protein kinase B and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. A-779 pretreatment blunted the microvascular and insulin-sensitizing effects of Ang-(1–7). We conclude that Ang-(1–7) by activating Mas recruits muscle microvasculature and enhances the metabolic action of insulin. These effects may contribute to the cardiovascular protective responses associated with Mas activation and explain the insulin-sensitizing action of Ang-(1–7).
Validation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire in experimental sessions with psilocybin

The 30-item revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) was previously developed within an online survey of mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin-containing mushrooms. The rated experiences occurred on average eight years before completion of the questionnaire. The current paper validates the MEQ30 using data from experimental studies with controlled doses of psilocybin. Data were pooled and analyzed from five laboratory experiments in which participants (n=184) received a moderate to high oral dose of psilocybin (at least 20 mg/70 kg). Results of confirmatory factor analysis demonstrate the reliability and internal validity of the MEQ30. Structural equation models demonstrate the external and convergent validity of the MEQ30 by showing that latent variable scores on the MEQ30 positively predict persisting change in attitudes, behavior, and well-being attributed to experiences with psilocybin while controlling for the contribution of the participant-rated intensity of drug effects. These findings support the use of the MEQ30 as an efficient measure of individual mystical experiences. A method to score a “complete mystical experience” that was used in previous versions of the mystical experience questionnaire is validated in the MEQ30, and a stand-alone version of the MEQ30 is provided for use in future research.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO NATURAL DISASTERS AND THEIR ABILITY TO ALTER HOW SAFE TOURISTS PERCIEVE AFFECTED DESTINATIONS TO BE. SPECIFIC FOCUS UPON TOURISTS WHO HAVE BEEN TO FLORIDA AND THEIR OPINIONS REGARDING ITS SAFETY AFTER HURRICANE MATTHEW.

3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 5-7 LIST OF FIGURES.8 CONTENTS OF INTRODUCTION.9 INTRODUCTION.10-15 1.1 BACKGROUND.10-12 1.2 PURPOSE OF STUDY.12-13 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.13 1.4 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES.13-14 1.5 METHODOLOGY AND RATIONALE . 14 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY.14-15 1.7 LIMITATIONS OF STUDY.15 CONTENTS OF LITERATURE REVIEW.16 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.17-25 2.