Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II induction of PDGF-C expression is mediated by AT1 receptor-dependent Egr-1 transactivation

Platelet-derived growth factors are a family of mitogens and chemoattractants comprising of four ligand genes (A-, B-, C-, D-chains) implicated in many physiologic and pathophysiologic processes, including atherosclerosis, fibrosis and tumorigenesis. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms, which regulate PDGF-C transcription remains incomplete. Transient transfection analysis, conventional and quantitative real-time PCR revealed the induction of PDGF-C transcription and mRNA expression in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) exposed to the peptide hormone angiotensin (ATII), which induces Egr-1. Occupancy of a G + C-rich element in the proximal region of the PDGF-C promoter was unaffected by ATII. Instead we discovered, using both nuclear extracts and recombinant proteins with EMSA and ChIP analyses, the existence of a second Egr-1-binding element located 500 bp upstream. ATII induction of PDGF-C transcription is mediated by the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) and Egr-1 activation through this upstream element. DNAzyme ED5 targeting Egr-1 blocked ATII-inducible PDGF-C expression. Moreover, increased PDGF-C expression after exposure to ATII depends upon the differentiation state of the SMCs. This study demonstrates the existence of this novel ATII-AT1R-Egr-1-PDGF-C axis in SMCs of neonatal origin, but not in adult SMCs, where ATII induces Egr-1 but not PDGF-C.
SDF — Solar-aware distributed flow in wireless sensor networks

Energy is the most limiting factor in wireless sensor networks. Harvesting solar energy is a feasible solution to overcome the energy-constraint in some applications. It enables a theoretically infinite network lifetime, sustaining a mode of operation termed energy neutral consumption rate. The challenge arises, how can the harvested energy be utilized to maximize the performance of the sensor network. Considering a field monitoring application the performance is measured as the sustained sampling rate of the sensors. Maximizing the sampling rate needs to take the spatio-temporal distribution of load and energy into account, to prevent the overloading of nodes. In [12] they introduced a optimal, theoretical solution based on perfect global knowledge. In this paper we propose the solar-aware distributed flow (SDF) approach. SDF enables each node to predict the harvested energy, calculate a sustainable flow and control its local neighborhood. Extensive simulations confirmed that SDF achieves over 80% of the theoretical optimum, while introducing negligible overhead.
Enhanced mobile node’s reachability through anycasting for MIPv6 regional registrations

Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) provides an efficient solution to solve the wide-area host mobility problem. MlPv6's registration process introduces overhead in case of local-area mobility when coupled with a high rate of change of the mobile node's point of attachment. Regional-aware router hierarchies along with a regional registration framework have been introduced to reduce binding update overhead for local-area mobility. In this paper, a framework which leverages IPv6 anycasting functionality is introduced to enhance MIPv6 regional registrations. The novel framework is designed to promote fault tolerance and improve the mobile node's reachability in the foreign domain. Roots of regional-aware router hierarchies are members of the same anycast group where the anycast address is the care-of address for mobile nodes. Mobility management state is accessible from all hierarchies either through push data replication among roots of regional-aware router hierarchies or by deploying a mobility support service in the foreign domain. Our framework enables the mobile node to be reachable, while moving across domain hierarchies, even if the domain suffers from n-1 failures of hierarchies' roots where n is the number of hierarchies in the domain.
Outcomes Reported by Spanish-Speaking Families in Early Intervention

In this study, the authors use data from two states to compare how families participating in early intervention who completed a Spanish version of the Family Outcomes Survey (FOS) ( n = 291) compared with Hispanic (n = 486) and non-Hispanic ( n = 2,363) families who completed the English version. In general, most families reported positive outcomes, but there was variability in their responses. Families completing the survey in Spanish consistently reported lower outcome attainment than both Hispanic and non-Hispanic families completing the FOS in English. They also reported lower perceptions of the helpfulness of early intervention, but the three groups did not differ with regard to perceptions of family-centered practices. Factor analysis revealed that constructs assessed by the survey are similar for both the English and Spanish version of the survey. Hierarchical linear models analysis within the Spanish-language group indicated that family-centered practices were significantly related to family outcomes.
Generic Simulation Tools Based on MAS Organization

This paper presents generic simulation tools which rely on an original methodological approach of designing multi-agent simulators. We will see that these tools are generic specially because they are not related to a particular scheduling method. On the contrary they aim at providing facilities that allow to design complex activation structures that remain comprehensible, analyzable and moreover modifiable, thanks to a problem division. To achieve this, the main idea of this methodology is to express the multi-agent system (MAS) simulator as a particular MAS itself and use explicitly its subjacent organizational structure. We will show how the sc Aalaadin organizational model enables us to finely apply such a methodology. Precisely, we will present a particular agent of sc MadKit (the platform that relies on sc Aalaadin): the it Scheduler agent and its tool called it Activator.
Ceramide Mediates Tumor-Induced Dendritic Cell Apoptosis1

Induction of apoptosis in dendritic cells (DC) is one of the escape mechanisms of tumor cells from the immune surveillance system. This study aimed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of tumor-induced DC apoptosis. The supernatants (SN) of murine tumor cell lines B16 (melanoma), MCA207, and MCA102 (fibrosarcoma) increased C16 and C24 ceramide as determined by electrospray mass spectrometry and induced apoptosis in bone marrow-derived DC. N-oleoylethanolamine or d-l-threo 1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP), which inhibits acid ceramidase or glucosylceramide synthase and then increases endogenous ceramide, enhanced DC apoptosis and ceramide levels in the presence of tumor SN. Pretreatment with l-cycloserine, an inhibitor of de novo ceramide synthesis, or phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate reduced endogenous ceramide levels and protected DC from tumor-induced apoptosis. However, other DC survival factors, including LPS and TNF-α, failed to do so. The protective activity of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate is abrogated by pretreatment with phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002. Therefore, down-regulation of PI3K is the major facet of tumor-induced DC apoptosis. Tumor SN, N-oleoylethanolamine, or PDMP suppressed Akt, NF-κB, and bcl-xL in DC, suggesting that the accumulation of ceramide impedes PI3K-mediated survival signals. Taken together, ceramide mediates tumor-induced DC apoptosis by down-regulation of the PI3K pathway.
The Proteome of Human Liver Peroxisomes: Identification of Five New Peroxisomal Constituents by a Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics Survey

The peroxisome is a key organelle of low abundance that fulfils various functions essential for human cell metabolism. Severe genetic diseases in humans are caused by defects in peroxisome biogenesis or deficiencies in the function of single peroxisomal proteins. To improve our knowledge of this important cellular structure, we studied for the first time human liver peroxisomes by quantitative proteomics. Peroxisomes were isolated by differential and Nycodenz density gradient centrifugation. A label-free quantitative study of 314 proteins across the density gradient was accomplished using high resolution mass spectrometry. By pairing statistical data evaluation, cDNA cloning and in vivo colocalization studies, we report the association of five new proteins with human liver peroxisomes. Among these, isochorismatase domain containing 1 protein points to the existence of a new metabolic pathway and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 2 protein is likely involved in the transport or β-oxidation of fatty acids in human peroxisomes. The detection of alcohol dehydrogenase 1A suggests the presence of an alternative alcohol-oxidizing system in hepatic peroxisomes. In addition, lactate dehydrogenase A and malate dehydrogenase 1 partially associate with human liver peroxisomes and enzyme activity profiles support the idea that NAD+ becomes regenerated during fatty acid β-oxidation by alternative shuttling processes in human peroxisomes involving lactate dehydrogenase and/or malate dehydrogenase. Taken together, our data represent a valuable resource for future studies of peroxisome biochemistry that will advance research of human peroxisomes in health and disease.
Out-of-pocket expenditure in accessing healthcare services among Chronic Kidney Disease patients in Anuradhapura District

Introduction Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has significant economic impact on both patients’ households and the country. Objectives To assess the out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure of accessing health services among CKD patients in Anuradhapura District Methods This community based cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1174 registered CKD patients from all 19 Medical Officer of Health areas in the District of Anuradhapura. Trained para-medical staff visited the households and administered an interviewer administered questionnaire to gather information. Results A total of 1118 CKD patients participated. Mean age was 58.3 (SD 10.8) years. Fifty nine (5.3%) patients had been hospitalized during the six months preceding data collection. The total OOP for a hospital admission for one patient was Rs. 3625 (IQR 1650-8760). Thirty eight (3.4%) patients were on dialysis. The median direct cost per patient for an episode of dialysis was Rs.595 (IQR 415-995) while the median direct cost for a dialysis patient per month was Rs.5490 (IQR 3950-10934). In the study population a total of 1095 (98.0%) had attended clinic at least once during the six months preceding the study. The OOP expenditure for a single clinic visit for one patient was Rs.434 (IQR 200- 860). Conclusions CKD patients living in the Anuradhapura District spent significant amounts on accessing health care which can worsen their economic hardships. Planned interventions are warranted in order to improve their quality of life and financial situation.
The R3-MYB Gene GhCPC Negatively Regulates Cotton Fiber Elongation

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) fibers are single-cell trichomes that arise from the outer epidermal layer of seed coat. Here, we isolated a R3-MYB gene GhCPC, identified by cDNA microarray analysis. The only conserved R3 motif and different expression between TM-1 and fuzzless-lintless mutants suggested that it might be a negative regulator in fiber development. Transgenic evidence showed that GhCPC overexpression not only delayed fiber initiation but also led to significant decreases in fiber length. Interestingly, Yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed an interaction complex, in which GhCPC and GhTTG1/4 separately interacted with GhMYC1. In transgenic plants, Q-PCR analysis showed that GhHOX3 (GL2) and GhRDL1 were significantly down regulated in −1–5 DPA ovules and fibers. In addition, Yeast one-hybrid analysis demonstrated that GhMYC1 could bind to the E-box cis-elements and the promoter of GhHOX3. These results suggested that GhHOX3 (GL2) might be downstream gene of the regulatory complex. Also, overexpression of GhCPC in tobacco led to differential loss of pigmentation. Taken together, the results suggested that GhCPC might negatively regulate cotton fiber initiation and early elongation by a potential CPC-MYC1-TTG1/4 complex. Although the fibers were shorter in transgenic cotton lines than in the wild type, no significant difference was detected in stem or leaf trichomes, even in cotton mutants (five naked seed or fuzzless), suggesting that fiber and trichome development might be regulated by two sets of genes sharing a similar model.
A survey of modal logics characterising behavioural equivalences for non-deterministic and stochastic systems

Behavioural equivalences are a means of establishing whether computing systems possess the same properties. The specific set of properties that are preserved by a specific behavioural equivalence clearly depends on how the system behaviour is observed and can usually be characterised by means of a modal logic. In this paper we consider three different approaches to the definition of behavioural equivalences – bisimulation, testing and trace – applied to three different classes of systems – non-deterministic, probabilistic and Markovian – and we survey the nine resulting modal logic characterisations, each of which stems from the Hennessy–Milner logic. We then compare the nine characterisations with respect to the logical operators, in order to emphasise the differences between the three approaches in the definition of behavioural equivalences and the regularities within each of them. In the probabilistic and Markovian cases we also address the issue of whether the probabilistic and temporal aspects should be treated in a local or global way and consequently whether the modal logic interpretation should be qualitative or quantitative.
Characterization of a VLK-protease from Symbiodinium sp . strain KB 8

A cysteine protease was characterized from Symbiodinium sp. strain KB8 isolated from Cassiopea ornata. The protease was purified 36-fold with a yield of 1.8%, by four chromatographic steps using DE-52, DEAE-Toyopearl, MonoQ, and Superdex 200 HR. Among the six substrates tested, the enzyme showed highest activity toward t-butyloxycarbonyl-Val-Leu-Lys-4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide (Boc-VLK-MCA), and Z-LLEMCA (approximately 60% of Boc-VLK-MCA). Other substrates were hydrolyzed at lower rates (less than 25%), indicating that this enzyme uses substrates specific for Boc-VLK-MCA. This enzyme activity was almost completely inhibited by the cysteine protease inhibitors, leupeptin and E64, as well as moderately inhibited by serine protease inhibitors. These results suggest that this enzyme is not metallo and aspartic protease, but likely belongs to cysteine protease. pH optimum of the enzyme was estimated to be pH 4.5 by the analysis in the pH range from 3 to 6. From the triplicate data at six concentrations of the substrate from 0 to 200 μmol, the Km and Vmax values were calculated to be 140 μM and 79 μM min, respectively, for Boc-VLK-MCA. As far as we know, this is the first report on the isolation and characterization of a protease from Symbiodinium.
An Elementary View of Maxwell's Displacement Current

Maxwell's displacement current is addressed in the most basic of terms, starting from Coulomb's law. The aim of this approach is to shed new light on some questions that have dogged the concept, and to help understanding of the key issues involved, in particular, cause and effect, common origin of induced magnetic field and displacement current, differences resulting from a fundamental physical view as opposed to a purely phenomenological view, and finally the appropriate choice of magnetic source terms.
Tris[2-(2-pyridylsulfanyl)ethyl]ammonium perchlorate

In the title molecular salt, C21H25N4S3 +·ClO4 −, an intramolecular N—H⋯N hydrogen bond stabilizes the conformation of the cation. The three N—C—C—S torsion angles are 91.7 (2), 100.9 (2) and 167.02 (14)°.
Career Development From Adolescence Through Emerging Adulthood

Career development theories suggest that social-contextual experiences are influential in individuals' career interests, aspirations, and skill development and may be a source of gender and ethnic differences in certain career fields. In this mixed methods study, we examine the supportive and obstructive career-related experiences of 13 men and 13 women (modal age 25). Interviews focused primarily on the pathway toward or away from an information technology (IT) career. Thematic coding indicated that parents were mostly supportive, while experiences in school and work occasionally made individuals reconsider their career plans. Social influences often changed developmentally as participants entered full-time jobs. Gendered participation in IT was often attributed to women's perception that it is a male-oriented field.
Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme modulates the autoregulation of regional cerebral blood flow in hypertensive rats.

The inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activities is considered to favorably modulate the hemodynamics of the brain. We designed the present study to examine the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on regional differences in the lower limits of cerebral blood flow autoregulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (either 10 mg/kg captopril or SQ 29,852 in saline) were intravenously injected 15 minutes before hemorrhagic hypotension was induced. Cerebral blood flows to the parietal cortex and thalamus were simultaneously measured by hydrogen clearance. Both captopril and SQ 29,852 significantly decreased mean arterial pressure by 14 to 18 mm Hg and also reduced calculated cerebral vascular resistance by 11% to 15% of resting values, which resulted in a well-maintained cerebral blood flow. The lower limits of autoregulation were 76 +/- 2% (mean +/- SEM) and 77 +/- 2% of resting values in the cortex and thalamus, respectively, in control rats. Administration of either captopril or SQ 29,852 significantly reduced the lower limits to 65 +/- 3% (P < .01 versus control) and 67 +/- 2% (P < .05), respectively, in the cortex, which were slightly but always larger than the 71 +/- 3% and 71 +/- 2% reduction, respectively, in the thalamus. The inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activities thus may be more protective against acute hypotension for cerebral microcirculation in the cortex than in the thalamus.
Single Parenting and Academic Performance of Children in Primary Schools in Sierra Leone

It remains unquestionable that pupils’ educational achievement is related to parents’ social class yet the mechanisms that form this relationship are not well understood. For decades and even centuries, one of the major concerning issues to the conservatives and modern African literate, is the issue of single-parenting. Single-parenting is already becoming a fast and rapidly growing trend in the society. In most parts of Africa, parental roles are culturally determined. Maternal role is characteristic of child care and home making while the paternal role revolves around economic responsibilities and discipline of children. Generally, it will be the responsibility of the family, to train and bring up the child in the norms and values of the society. They both are responsible for the educational and career development, together with the psychological and emotional welfare of the child. However, divorce and separation of various kinds or death of one spouse may leave such roles in the hands of a single parent. The family structure, ideally, will provide a sense of security and stability that will be necessary for children. When there shall be a breakdown in the family structure, it will have a tremendous impact on a child and their ability to function ordinarily or achieve academically.
The Scaling of Latent and Observed Variables in State-Trait Models

Eid and Langeheine (this issue) are to be commended for providing an easily understandabledepictionofhowlatentclassanalysismaybeapplied toevaluatestate–trait models when population subgroups are expected to show different patterns of stability and change. Such developments are welcome, as state–trait models represent one important way of conceptualizing individual differences in intraindividual change (see also Meredith & Tisak, 1990; Nesselroade, 2001). Rather than critique the state–trait model itself, I direct my commentary primarily at scaling issues, namely, the scaling of the latent variables and the scaling of the observed variables, and how scaling issues may impact on the validity of the procedure. My concerns about scaling are two-fold. First, I question whether traits and states are best represented as categorical latent variables (typologies) rather than continuous latent variables (dimensions). Second, I am concerned that estimates of the proportion of cases within each latent subgroup (or chain) may be affected by utilizing crudely categorized observed variables as indicators. That is, I wonder to what extent the estimates of the model reflect the scaling of the observed measures rather than the actual structure of individual differences. I first address the scaling of the latent variables, and then proceed to consider the scaling of the observed variables. MEASUREMENT: INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND PERSPECTIVES, 1(3), 207–231 Copyright © 2003, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
Why Robots Should Be Social: Enhancing Machine Learning through Social Human-Robot Interaction

Social learning is a powerful method for cultural propagation of knowledge and skills relying on a complex interplay of learning strategies, social ecology and the human propensity for both learning and tutoring. Social learning has the potential to be an equally potent learning strategy for artificial systems and robots in specific. However, given the complexity and unstructured nature of social learning, implementing social machine learning proves to be a challenging problem. We study one particular aspect of social machine learning: that of offering social cues during the learning interaction. Specifically, we study whether people are sensitive to social cues offered by a learning robot, in a similar way to children’s social bids for tutoring. We use a child-like social robot and a task in which the robot has to learn the meaning of words. For this a simple turn-based interaction is used, based on language games. Two conditions are tested: one in which the robot uses social means to invite a human teacher to provide information based on what the robot requires to fill gaps in its knowledge (i.e. expression of a learning preference); the other in which the robot does not provide social cues to communicate a learning preference. We observe that conveying a learning preference through the use of social cues results in better and faster learning by the robot. People also seem to form a “mental model” of the robot, tailoring the tutoring to the robot’s performance as opposed to using simply random teaching. In addition, the social learning shows a clear gender effect with female participants being responsive to the robot’s bids, while male teachers appear to be less receptive. This work shows how additional social cues in social machine learning can result in people offering better quality learning input to artificial systems, resulting in improved learning performance.