Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unmasking the information encoded as structural motifs of viral RNA genomes: a potential antiviral target

RNA viruses show enormous capacity to evolve and adapt to new cellular and molecular contexts, a consequence of mutations arising from errors made by viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase during replication. Sequence variation must occur, however, without compromising functions essential for the completion of the viral cycle. RNA viruses are safeguarded in this respect by their genome carrying conserved information that does not code only for proteins but also for the formation of structurally conserved RNA domains that directly perform these critical functions. Functional RNA domains can interact with other regions of the viral genome and/or proteins to direct viral translation, replication and encapsidation. They are therefore potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies. This review summarises our knowledge of the functional RNA domains of human RNA viruses and examines the achievements made in the design of antiviral compounds that interfere with their folding and therefore their function. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absolute value of visceral fat area measured on computed tomography scans and obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors in large-scale Japanese general population (the VACATION-J study)

Abstract Background. The management of cardiovascular risk factors is important for prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ACVD). Visceral fat accumulation plays an important role in the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors, leading to ACVD. The present study investigated the gender- and age-specific relationship between obesity-related cardiovascular risk factor accumulation and computed tomography (CT)-measured fat distribution in a large-scale Japanese general population. Methods and results. Fat distribution was measured on CT scans in 12,443 subjects (males/females = 10,080/2,363), who underwent medical health check-up at 9 centers in Japan. The investigated obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors were hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and elevated blood pressure. Visceral fat area (VFA) for all males and old females showed almost symmetric distribution, while that of young females showed skewed distribution with a marked left shift. Only a small proportion of young females had large visceral fat and cardiovascular risk accumulation. The mean number of risk factors exceeded 1.0 at around 100 cm2 for VFA in all groups, irrespective of gender, age (cut-off age 55), and BMI (cut-off BMI 25 kg/m2). Conclusions. In this large-scale Japan-wide general population study, an absolute VFA value of about 100 cm2 equated with obesity-related cardiovascular risk factor accumulation, irrespective of gender, age, and BMI. Clinical trial registration information. https://upload.umin. ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi? function=brows&action=brows&type=summary&recptno=R000002780&language=E.
Temporal patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation in the epidemiologically important drone fly, Eristalis tenax

Eristalis tenax L. (Diptera: Syrphidae) is commonly known as the drone fly (adult) or rat‐tailed maggot (immature). Both adults and immature stages are identified as potential mechanical vectors of mycobacterial pathogens, and early‐stage maggots cause accidental myiasis. We compared four samples from Mount Fruška Gora, Serbia, with the aim of obtaining insights into the temporal variations and sexual dimorphism in the species. This integrative approach was based on allozyme loci, morphometric wing parameters (shape and size) and abdominal colour patterns. Consistent sexual dimorphism was observed, indicating that male specimens had lighter abdomens and smaller and narrower wings than females. The distribution of genetic diversity at polymorphic loci indicated genetic divergence among collection dates. Landmark‐based geometric morphometrics revealed, contrary to the lack of divergence in wing size, significant wing shape variation throughout the year. In addition, temporal changes in the frequencies of the abdominal patterns observed are likely to relate to the biology of the species and ecological factors in the locality. Hence, the present study expands our knowledge of the genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity of E. tenax. The quantification of such variability represents a step towards the evaluation of the adaptive potential of this species of medical and epidemiological importance.
Adaptive Operator Selection With Bandits for a Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Decomposition

Adaptive operator selection (AOS) is used to determine the application rates of different operators in an online manner based on their recent performances within an optimization process. This paper proposes a bandit-based AOS method, fitness-rate-rank-based multiarmed bandit (FRRMAB). In order to track the dynamics of the search process, it uses a sliding window to record the recent fitness improvement rates achieved by the operators, while employing a decaying mechanism to increase the selection probability of the best operator. Not much work has been done on AOS in multiobjective evolutionary computation since it is very difficult to measure the fitness improvements quantitatively in most Pareto-dominance-based multiobjective evolutionary algorithms. Multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) decomposes a multiobjective optimization problem into a number of scalar optimization subproblems and optimizes them simultaneously. Thus, it is natural and feasible to use AOS in MOEA/D. We investigate several important issues in using FRRMAB in MOEA/D. Our experimental results demonstrate that FRRMAB is robust and its operator selection is reasonable. Comparison experiments also indicate that FRRMAB can significantly improve the performance of MOEA/D.
An energy-aware methodology for mapping and scheduling of concurrent applications in MPSoC architectures

Mapping and Scheduling are two central and critical steps in design flow of the Networks on Chips (NoCs). They deal with implementation of the applications on NoCs. In this paper a novel energy aware algorithm, called EAMS, for mapping and scheduling of concurrent applications to NoC platforms is developed. It is considered that, the NoC architecture consists of a set of heterogeneous IP cores. The introduced algorithm finds a mapping of the tasks of the application to available IP cores so that the overall energy consumption, meeting task deadlines, is minimized.
MISTRAL+: dedicated tool for under-resourced languages analysis

This paper presents MISTRAL+, a dedicated tool for the study of under-resourced languages. MISTRAL+ is the upgrated version of an automatic tool created in 2004 called MELISM. The entire process has been modified in order to simplify and enhance the study of under-resourced languages. MISTRAL+ is composed of two separated modules: MISTRAL_Praat a plugin integrated to the tool PRAAT, and MISTRAL_xls a VBA module. MISTRAL_Praat enables the creation of an approximation of the signal that is studied, it performs an automatic tonal annotation and exports all data in a xls standard file. Using MISTRAL_xls, the user is able to easily and quickly extract from the data generated by MISTRAL_praat the information he needs for his study. In the first part, MISTRAL+ and its main functionalities will be presented. In the second part, a closer look will be put on MISTRAL_praat. The third part will describe the second module MISTRAL_xls. The last part will present the study done using MISTRAL+ on the study of the Mio Pu, a vietnamese under-resourced language.
Early Disability Risk Factors for Low Back Pain Assessed at Outpatient Occupational Health Clinics

Study Design. Inception cohort (≤14 days after pain onset) with 1-month follow-up. Objective. To determine whether disability risk factors provided by patients and clinicians at a first medical visit for acute occupational low back pain predict outcomes. Summary of Background Data. Improving health and work outcomes for patients with occupational low back pain may require early identification of risk factors for persistent pain and disability. Previous studies of back pain prognosis have not assessed patients at the time of initial provider contact, and many have not differentiated between occupational and nonoccupational injuries. Method. Patients (183 female, 385 male) presenting to occupational health clinics with recent onset occupational low back pain (≤14 days duration) completed a 16-item survey of potential disability risks including demographic, injury, workplace, psychosocial, and symptom factors. After the initial visit, clinicians completed an additional 10-item questionnaire of symptoms and initial prognosis. Outcome variables of functional limitation and work status were assessed 1 month after pain onset. Results. In multivariate analyses, functional improvement and return to work were more strongly predicted by employer factors (job tenure, physical work demands, availability of modified duty, earlier reporting to employer) and self-ratings of pain and mood than by health history or physical examination. A logistic regression model had a sensitivity of 74.3% to predict those remaining out of work and a specificity of 70.1%. Conclusions. Early screening for disability risk factors may be helpful to identify those patients at greatest risk for delayed recovery from occupational low back pain. Intervention strategies for high-risk patients might be improved by focusing on job factors, pain coping strategies, and expectations for recovery.
Genetic variation of CTNNB1 gene is associated with susceptibility and prognosis of gastric cancer in a Chinese population.

UNLABELLED Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide with a low 5-year survival (S5y) after initial diagnosis. Although aberrant Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1) signaling has been observed in multiple human cancers, there is no information on the role of CTNNB1 polymorphisms in gastric cancer risk and S5y. We performed a genetic association study to analyse the correlation between the five tagged SNPs (tSNPs) (rs4135385, rs1798808, rs1880481, rs11564465 and rs2293303) of CTNNB1 and gastric cancer risk and survival. A total of 944 patients with complete follow-up information and 848 cancer-free controls were enrolled in this study. The rs1880481 polymorphism was correlated with decreased risk of gastric cancer [AC/AA vs. CC: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.63-0.91], whereas the three other SNPs showed opposite effect (AG/AA vs. GG: adjusted OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.08-1.57 for rs4135385; GG vs. AA/AG: 2.09, 1.02-4.28 for rs11564475; TT vs. CC/CT 4.87, 2.72-8.71 for rs2293303). We further investigated if these tSNPs were related to the S5y of gastric cancer, and the results displayed that only the SNP rs4135385 AG/AA genotypes were significantly associated with a favorable gastric cancer survival compared with the GG genotype [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.66-0.97], and the association was more prominent among patients with non-cardia gastric cancer (NCGC) than those with cardia gastric cancer (CGC) (Log-rank P = 0.007 for NCGC and 0.417 for CGC). Our results indicated that the genetic variants of CTNNB1 could be used as predictors of gastric cancer susceptibility and prognosis.
Understanding the conduction and breakdown properties of polyethylene nanodielectrics: effect of deep traps

Due to the variation of charge transport characteristics by introduction of nanostructured filler, the conduction and dielectric breakdown properties of nanodielectrics are poorly understood. This work studies on the effect of deep trap on the dc conduction and breakdown properties of nanodielectrics. X-ray diffraction technique is conducted to study the crystallization behavior of LDPE/Al2O3 nanocomposites. Thermally stimulated current (TSC) is applied to measure the trap parameters of specimens. Breakdown strength and volume resistivity are also measured. The results indicate that small amount of nanoalumina enhances the crystallinity, volume resistivity and breakdown strength, and decreases the crystallite size. The TSC results show that the deep trap level and density both increase at low nanoparticle loading samples (<;1 wt%). It is concluded that the independent interfacial region brought by small amount of nanoparticles generates a new potential barrier φ2. It interacts with the original trap sites in LDPE matrix, resulting in the increase of deep traps in nanocomposites. Nanoparticle may act as nucleating agents to modify the morphology and change the deep traps, leading to the reduction of electrical conduction and the improvement of breakdown properties. Both deep trap level and density are benefit to enhance the volume resistivity and breakdown strength. The reduction in mobility of charge carriers, the enhanced height of barrier, the decrease of low density region and the formation of homocharges caused by deep traps are of importance to the reduced conduction and high breakdown performance.
Hospitalizations for Asthma in Children Are Linked to Undertreatment and Insufficient Asthma Education

Background. Most hospital admissions for asthma exacerbation are avoidable with adequate disease management. Objectives. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of children hospitalized with an asthma exacerbation to identify modifiable factors leading to hospitalization. Methods. The study was conducted in 14 pediatric units and included children 3–17 years of age who were hospitalized for an asthma exacerbation. The present analysis covers 498 children with known asthma. Staff physicians used a standardized questionnaire to collect data. Asthma history came from a parental interview and included usual asthma care, frequency of symptoms and quick-relief medication use in the previous month, frequency of exacerbations and number of unscheduled healthcare visits during the past year, and prior asthma-related hospitalizations. Results. More than half the children had previously been hospitalized for an exacerbation, 42% used continuous inhaled corticosteroids, and 57% had a regular follow-up for asthma. Asthma had been well controlled over the past year for 11%, 12% had experienced exacerbations during the past year but that had been optimally controlled during the previous month, and 11% had recently become poorly controlled (infrequent exacerbations in the previous year and non-optimal control in the previous month). The remaining 327 children (66%) were consistently poorly controlled (non-optimal asthma control in the previous month and frequent exacerbations over the previous year). Among this group, 69% had at least one of the following preventable risk factors for hospitalization: no regular controller therapy (49%), no asthma action plan (40%), or no follow-up for asthma (35%). Conclusions. Two-thirds of the children with asthma hospitalized for an exacerbation had been consistently poorly controlled during the previous year. They were frequently undertreated and insufficiently educated about asthma. Further efforts are needed to improve asthma treatment and education in France.
Suturing of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon to the entire volar plate in distal zone I injuries

Purpose: The author conducted an anatomical and a prospective clinical study to address the technique and complications of using the entire volar plate (VP) as a distally-based flap for distal Zone I flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon repair. Methods: In the anatomical study, eight fresh finger specimens were dissected to study the anatomy of the VP as well as the stability of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) after raising the entire VP as a distally-based flap. In the clinical series, six patients underwent repair of distal Zone I FDP lacerations using the VP flap technique and were assessed at a mean of 9 months for range of motion as well as DIPJ deformities. Results: The results of the anatomical study showed that the intact collateral ligaments can still maintain the stability of the DIPJ after loss of joint support from the VP. In the clinical series, none of the patients showed joint hyper-extension or flexion contracture at the DIPJ. Using Moiemen-Elliot criteria, the post-operative active range of motion at the DIPJ was rated as excellent in one, good in three, and fair in two patients. Conclusion: It was concluded that the use of the entire VP as a distally based flap is an acceptable technique to repair distal FDP injuries and the technique does not result in DIPJ instability or flexion contracture.
The analysis of online users’ emotions based on data mining

With the rapid development of social network, analysis for online users' emotions and tendencies has gradually developed. Sentiment analysis and social relations analysis on social network has made significant progress. Based on data mining, this study summarized the existing work about users' emotion analysis, and summarized three sentiment analysis methods of online users. Furthermore, compared the differences of sentiment analysis between Chinese and English.
Nonpolarized Distribution of Glycosylphosphatidylinositols in the Plasma Membrane of Polarized Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Cells (*)

Glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) are ubiquitous in eukaryotes and serve to anchor a variety of proteins to the exoplasmic leaflet of cellular membranes. GPIs are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in excess of the amount needed for protein modification. The fate of the excess GPIs is unknown, but they may be retained in the ER, transported to other membranes, and/or metabolized. In relation to this problem, we were interested in determining whether GPIs were transported to the plasma membrane and whether, like GPI-anchored proteins, their presence was confined to the apical plasma membrane domain in polarized epithelial cells. Polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cell monolayers were incubated with [H]mannose or [H]ethanolamine to label GPIs and then infected with enveloped viruses. We used influenza virus (flu) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) for these experiments as these viruses are assembled at the cell surface and acquire their envelope lipids from the plasma membrane. Furthermore, flu and VSV bud specifically from the apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains, respectively. Flu and VSV were isolated from the apical and basolateral media, respectively, and subjected to lipid analysis. Radiolabeled GPIs were found in both viruses. Moreover, the membrane concentration of GPIs (i.e. GPI radioactivity normalized to membrane mass) in the two viruses was essentially the same. These observations suggest that (i) non-protein-linked GPIs are located at the plasma membrane; (ii) since GPIs are synthesized in the ER, they must be transported from the ER to the plasma membrane; and (iii) transport of non-protein-linked GPIs is not influenced by the sorting processes that target GPI-anchored proteins exclusively to the apical plasma membrane.
[Quality of childhood brain tumour information on the Internet in French language].

The continuing growth of the Internet has transformed the access to medical information. However, there are still little data on the quality of e-Health information available. This study examined the content and readability of paediatric neuro-oncology information on the Internet in the French language. The first 30 uniform/universal resource locators (URLs) from each of six search engines using the search terms "medulloblastoma", "ependymoma", "craniopharyngioma", "brainstem glioma" and "low grade glioma" were retrieved for accuracy and evaluation when appropriate. Eligible web sites were rated using the Discern instrument and a 13-items checklist. Readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease score. Out of 815 sites visited, only 22 fulfilled the evaluation criteria. Most sites rated either fair (25%), poor (59%) or very poor (13%). The mean readability score was 19.8 (6-32), indicative of poor accessibility by readability and complex vocabulary content. The poor quality of e-Health information is not specific of Web sites in French. The role of cooperative groups and the Health Care System in providing and disseminating clear and compelling medical information is essential.
The Cyclic AMP Receptor Protein Modulates Colonial Morphology in Vibrio cholerae

ABSTRACT Inactivation of the quorum-sensing regulator HapR causes Vibrio cholerae El Tor biotype strain C7258 to adopt a rugose colonial morphology that correlates with enhanced biofilm formation. V. cholerae mutants lacking the cyclic AMP (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP) produce very little HapR, which results in elevated expression of Vibrio exopolysaccharide (vps) genes and biofilm compared to the wild type. However, Δcrp mutants still exhibited smooth colonial morphology and expressed reduced levels of vps genes compared to isogenic hapR mutants. In this study we demonstrate that deletion of crp and cya (adenylate cyclase) converts a rugose ΔhapR mutant to a smooth one. The smooth ΔhapR Δcrp and ΔhapR Δcya double mutants could be converted back to rugose by complementation with crp and cya, respectively. CRP was found to enhance the expression of VpsR, a strong activator of vps expression, but to diminish transcription of VpsT. Ectopic expression of VpsR in smooth ΔhapR Δcrp and ΔhapR Δcya double mutants restored rugose colonial morphology. Lowering intracellular cAMP levels in a ΔhapR mutant by the addition of glucose diminished VpsR expression and colonial rugosity. On the basis of our results, we propose a model for the regulatory input of CRP on exopolysaccharide biosynthesis.
Distribution of Protein Superfamilies in the Three Superkingdoms of Life

The Superfamily database provides structural assignments to protein sequences. This assignment enable us to analyze the distribution of specific superfamilies within and across the genomes. Here, we focus on the distributions of superfamilies in archaeal, bacterial and eukaryotic genomes. The distribution of the most common superfamilies in archaea and bacteria are very similar (6 of the top 10 superfamilies are the same) but distinct in eukaryotes. But there is only p-loop superfamily in the top 10 superfamilies in the three superkingdoms. When the total number of domains in a genome is larger, duplication of the 6 common superfamilies in archaea and bacteria are more but relative abundant distribution is lower. This phenomenon is more obvious in metazoa. The 6 superfamilies occur almost in all discussial completed genomes, and the structures are lined to alpha/beta structural class, and their functions are mainly enzyme. So these superfamilies are important for more genomes, even eukaryote genome, although these superfamilies are not mainly duplicated in eukaryote genomes.