Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Attenuating Oxidative Stress by Paeonol Protected against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most frequent cause of drug-induced acute liver failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether paeonol protected against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Mice treated with paeonol (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) received 400 mg/kg acetaminophen intraperitoneally (i.p.) and hepatotoxicity was assessed. Pre-treatment with paeonol for 6 and 24 h ameliorated APAP-induced hepatic necrosis and significantly reduced the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in a dose-dependent manner. Post-treatment with 100 mg/kg paeonol ameliorated APAP-induced hepatic necrosis and reduced AST and ALT levels in the serum after APAP administration for 24 h. Western blot revealed that paeonol inhibited APAP-induced phosphorylated JNK protein expression but not p38 and Erk1/2. Moreover, paeonol showed anti-oxidant activities with reducing hepatic MDA contents and increasing hepatic SOD, GSH-PX and GSH levels. Paeonol dose-dependently prevented against H2O2 or APAP-induced LDH releasing and ROS production in primary mouse hepatocytes. In addition, the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory genes such as TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β and IL-6 in the liver were dose-dependently reduced by paeonol pre-treatment. Pre-treatment with paeonol significantly inhibited IKKα/β, IκBα and p65 phosphorylation which contributed to ameliorating APAP-induced hepatic inflammation. Collectively, the present study demonstrates paeonol has a protective ability against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and might be an effective candidate compound against drug-induced acute liver failure.
View maintenance in mobile computing

Mobile users of portable computers will soon have onfine access to a large number of databases via wireless networks. For example, while on the road, passengers will access airfine and other carriers schedules, and weather information; investors will access prices of financial instruments, sales people will access inventory and other corporate data, commuters will access traffic information. However, access to an onfine database may be unavailable when the user is out-of-range of the wireless network. Furthermore, sending access-requests from the mobile computer to the onfine database may be expensive due to limited uplink bandwidth, and also due to the fact that sending messages is a significant drain on the portable battery. These two problems can be alleviated by maintaining a materialized view at the mobile computer. This view will be updated using wireless data messages, as the onfine database changes. This will also localize access, thus improving access time to the view. Therefore, to better deal with the problem of disconnection and to improve response time, the view should be materialized at the mobile computer. As explained above, sometimes communication cost can also be reduced by materialized views; but not always. For example, if the materialized
B7-H4 expression is elevated in human U251 glioma stem-like cells and is inducible in monocytes cultured with U251 stem-like cell conditioned medium

Previous studies indicated that B7-H4, the youngest B7 family, negatively regulates T cell-mediated immunity and is significantly overexpressed in many human tumors. Tumor stem cells are purported to play a role in tumor renewal and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. However, the link between B7-H4 and tumor stem cells is unclear. In this study, we investigated B7-H4 expression in the medium of human glioma U251 cell cultures. Immunofluorescence results showed that U251 cells cultured in serum-free medium (supplemented with 2% B27, 20 ng/mL epidermal growth factor, 20 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor) maintained stem-like cell characteristics, including expression of stem cell marker CD133 and the neural progenitor cell markers nestin and SOX2. In contrast, U251 cells cultured in serum-containing medium highly expressed differentiation marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. Flow cytometry analysis showed serum-free medium-cultured U251 cells expressed higher intracellular B7-H4 than serum-containing medium-cultured U251 cells (24%–35% vs. 8%–11%, P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence in purified monocytes from normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed moderate expression of B7-H4 after stimulation with conditioned medium from U251 cells cultured in serum-containing medium. Moreover, conditioned medium from U251 stem-like cells had a significant stimulation effect on B7-H4 expression compared with serum-containing conditioned medium (P < 0.01). Negative costimulatory molecule B7-H4 was preferentially expressed in U251 stem-like cells, and conditioned medium from these cells more effectively induced monocytes to express B7-H4 than conditioned medium from U251 cells cultured in the presence of serum. Our results show that U251 stem-like cells may play a more crucial role in tumor immunoloregulation with high expression of B7-H4.
Study on Application of Apriori Algorithm in Data Mining

with the rapid development of networks and information technology, the endless information has paid more and more attention by people. While in the pursuit of information with high speed, the analysis and mining of the information and rules hidden deep in the data are also paid more emphasis. Data mining technology is to organize and analyze the data, which can extract and discover knowledge from the mass of data, so how to apply the data mining technology into enterprise stock management is the focus of this topic studied. In this paper, combining with data mining theory, Apriori algorithm in association rule mining algorithm is described in detail, the algorithm implementation process is illustrated, and the improved methods of the algorithm are discussed.
Recognizing Actions with Multi-view 2D Observations Recovered from Depth Maps

Depth maps based action recognition has been received much research attention in recent years due to its robustness to environmental elements in capturing and its relatively well performance in protecting user's privacy. Taking the captured sequential depth maps as inputs, we propose a framework in this paper to recognize actions from such data. We first recover multi-view 2D observations in each frame of the sequence and then accumulate them by employing motion energy image (MEI) in each observing view. Action features that combines occupancy and motion descriptors are extracted for capturing the discriminative patterns in resulted MEIs, and then fed to action modeling based on Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) or recognition based on Bayesian theory. Experimental results on MSR Action3D dataset show a better recognition performance by the proposed framework, compared with three competitors, which reveals its effectiveness and priority in depth maps based action recognition.
Physical mechanisms controlling self‐aggregation of convection in idealized numerical modeling simulations

We elucidate the physics of self‐aggregation by applying a new diagnostic technique to the output of a cloud resolving model. Specifically, the System for Atmospheric Modeling is used to perform 3‐ D cloud system resolving simulations of radiative‐convective equilibrium in a nonrotating framework, with interactive radiation and surface fluxes and fixed sea surface temperature (SST). We note that self‐aggregation begins as a dry patch that expands, eventually forcing all the convection into a single clump. Thus, when examining the initiation of self‐aggregation, we focus on processes that can amplify this initial dry patch. We introduce a novel method to quantify the magnitudes of the various feedbacks that control self‐aggregation within the framework of the budget for the spatial variance of column‐integrated frozen moist static energy. The absorption of shortwave radiation by atmospheric water vapor is found to be a key positive feedback in the evolution of aggregation. In addition, we find a positive wind speed‐surface flux feedback whose role is to counteract a negative feedback due to the effect of air‐sea enthalpy disequilibrium on surface fluxes. The longwave radiation feedback can be either positive or negative in the early and intermediate stages of aggregation; however, it is the dominant positive feedback that maintains the aggregated state once it develops. Importantly, the mechanisms that maintain the aggregate state are distinct from those that instigate the evolution of self‐aggregation.
Personality change after Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for depression

Background. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) by Cloninger is a widely used instrument to measure personality dimensions. Two dimensions of the TCI, Harm avoidance (HA) and Self-Directedness (SD), are known to be influenced by depressed mood. This study investigated changes in HA and SD after 10 weeks of Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT) in a sample of clinically depressed subjects (N = 108). Differences in personality changes among treatment responders and non-responders were also investigated. Exploratory investigations on changes for other TCI dimensions, were also conducted. Methods. Depressed subjects were randomized either to ICBT or to a moderated online discussion group, which served as an active control group. The interventions lasted for 10 weeks. TCI was measured at baseline and after treatment. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Results. There were significant changes on HA and SD after ICBT. However, when comparing post-treatment HA and SD to the control, no differences were found. Among responders, larger changes compared to non-responders were found in HA and in SD, as well as in Cooperativeness. Conclusions. The study showed that HA and SD changed after ICBT. The changes in personality seem related to improvement in depression rather than a direct effect of ICBT.
Base Architectures for NLP

Our goal is to develop an object-oriented framework for natu ral language processing (NLP). With this framework it should be possible to create a variety of applications ranging from simple spelling checkers to complex translation systems, j ust by plugging different components (e.g. a morphological lookup component, chart parser component, etc) in the framework. This paper compares two base architectures that can form the core of such an NLP system. The first one considers NLP from a processing point of view (a text gets processed), the second one from a text point of view (a text processes itse lf). Some important considerations are made on how configurable a nd open the system is. Considerations to make the system concurrent and distribut ed to obtain better performance are also discussed.
A Segmentation Posterior Based Endpointing Algorithm

A segmentation posterior probability based endpointing algorithm for robust ASR is proposed. First, each speech signal is partitioned into homogeneous segments via auto-segmentation. Then posterior probabilities of all possible endpoints are computed, based on the segmentation likelihoods of all levels in a selected range. Endpoints with the highest posterior probabilities are finally selected. The new method differs from the previous auto-segmentation and clustering based algorithm on that the former considers hypotheses from several levels, while the latter depends only on one appropriate level. Another potential benefit of the proposed method is that any endpointing or VAD results can be integrated, as hypotheses, into the posterior probability framework. Experiments based on the AURORA2 digit database show the robustness of the proposed method.
Ritual in the psychology field: A repetitive but meaningful behavior

: Ritual is so widespread that people are always involved in these activities. Ritual refers to a predefined sequence of symbolic actions often characterized by formality and repetition that lacks direct instrumental purpose. Integrating theoretical and empirical conceptualizations of rituals, the present research identifies three key criteria for rituals: a fixed sequence of behaviors, symbolic meaning, and non-functional behavior. There are two kinds of research methods of rituals: recall task and scenario task. In addition, individuals’ emotion factors and cognitive factors could predict one’s intention to participate in a ritual. Further, based on five theoretical perspectives–evolutionary theory, embodied cognition theory, interaction ritual chains theory, learning theory, and social control theory, ritual could comfort one’s emotional state, recover one’s attention and control, promote one’s social relationship, and reinforce social norms and social culture. Finally, future research on ritual should pay more attention to the operational definition, the indigenous research design, the double-edged sword effect, the experimental methodology, and the neuro mechanism.
Myo19 is an outer mitochondrial membrane motor and effector of starvation-induced filopodia

ABSTRACT Mitochondria respond to environmental cues and stress conditions. Additionally, the disruption of the mitochondrial network dynamics and its distribution is implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we reveal a new function for Myo19 in mitochondrial dynamics and localization during the cellular response to glucose starvation. Ectopically expressed Myo19 localized with mitochondria to the tips of starvation-induced filopodia. Corollary to this, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of Myo19 diminished filopodia formation without evident effects on the mitochondrial network. We analyzed the Myo19–mitochondria interaction, and demonstrated that Myo19 is uniquely anchored to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) through a 30–45-residue motif, indicating that Myo19 is a stably attached OMM molecular motor. Our work reveals a new function for Myo19 in mitochondrial positioning under stress. Summary: Myo19 is an effector of starvation-induced filopodia formation and is directly anchored to the outer mitochondrial membrane.
Estimation of High-Frequency Volatility: An Autoregressive Conditional Duration Approach

We propose a method to estimate the intraday volatility of a stock by integrating the instantaneous conditional return variance per unit time obtained from the autoregressive conditional duration (ACD) model, called the ACD-ICV method. We compare the daily volatility estimated using the ACD-ICV method against several versions of the realized volatility (RV) method, including the bipower variation RV with subsampling, the realized kernel estimate, and the duration-based RV. Our Monte Carlo results show that the ACD-ICV method has lower root mean-squared error than the RV methods in almost all cases considered. This article has online supplementary material.
A robust learning algorithm based on SURF and PSM for facial expression recognition

This paper proposes a novel machine-learning framework for facial-expression recognition, which is capable of processing images fast and accurately even without having to rely on a large-scale dataset. The framework is derived from Support Vector Machines (SVMs) but distinguishes itself in three key ways. First, the measure of the samples normalization is based on the Perturbed Subspace Method (PSM), which is an effective way to improve the robustness of a training system. Second, the framework adopts SURF (Speeded Up Robust Features) as features, which is more suitable for dealing with real-time situations. Third, we use region attributes to revise incorrectly detected visual features (described by invisible image attributes at segmented regions of the image). Combining these approaches, the proposed method has the following beneficial properties. First, the efficiency of machine learning can be improved. Experiments show that the proposed approach is capable of reducing the number of samples effectively, resulting in an obvious reduction in training time. Second, the recognition accuracy is comparable to state-of-the-art algorithms.
Adenosine A2A Receptor Gene Knockout Prevents l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine-Induced Dyskinesia by Downregulation of Striatal GAD67 in 6-OHDA-Lesioned Parkinson’s Mice

l-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) remains the primary pharmacological agent for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) limits the long-term use of l-DOPA for PD patients. Some data have reported that adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) antagonists prevented LID in animal model of PD. However, the mechanism in which adenosine A2AR blockade alleviates the symptoms of LID has not been fully clarified. Here, we determined to knock out (KO) the gene of A2AR and explored the possible underlying mechanisms implicated in development of LID in a mouse model of PD. A2AR gene KO mice were unilaterally injected into the striatum with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in order to damage dopamine neurons on one side of the brain. 6-OHDA-lesioned mice were then injected once daily for 21 days with l-DOPA. Abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) were evaluated on days 3, 8, 13, and 18 after l-DOPA administration, and real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65 and GAD67 were performed. We found that A2AR gene KO was effective in reducing AIM scores and accompanied with decrease of striatal GAD67, rather than GAD65. These results demonstrated that the possible mechanism involved in alleviation of AIM symptoms by A2AR gene KO might be through reducing the expression of striatal GAD67.
Impaired Atrial Receptor Responses in Dogs with Heart Failure Due to Tricuspid Insufficiency and Pulmonary Artery Stenosis

In a study of the effects of heart failure on the responses of cardiac receptors, ten dogs were subjected to tricuspid avulsion and pulmonary artery stenosis. One case of spontaneous heart failure was included in the series, and the electrical spike responses of atrial receptors to progressive changes in atrial stretch induced by infusion and hemorrhage were contrasted with those in normal control dogs. In the control dogs, the number of spikes per cycle increased very sharply with moderate, i.e., 5–10 cm H2O, venous pressure increments before reaching a maximum at 20 cm H2O. In the experimental dogs, the firing rate failed to increase to the same extent despite large increases in pressure. The resulting sets of curves exhibited a sharp dichotomy. This evidence for the impaired response of elements of the subendocardial receptor network is compatible with a decrease in the sensitivity of feedback mechanisms responsible for the regulation of sodium and water metabolism.
Evaluation of modeled changes in extreme precipitation in Europe and the Rhine basin

In this study, we investigate the change in multi-day precipitation extremes in late winter in Europe using observations and climate models. The objectives of the analysis are to determine whether climate models can accurately reproduce observed trends and, if not, to find the causes of the difference in trends. Similarly to an earlier finding for mean precipitation trends, and despite a lower signal to noise ratio, climate models fail to reproduce the increase in extremes in much of northern Europe: the model simulations do not cover the observed trend in large parts of this area. A dipole in the sea-level pressure trend over continental Europe causes positive trends in extremes in northern Europe and negative trends in the Iberian Peninsula. Climate models have a much weaker pressure trend dipole and as a result a much weaker (extreme) precipitation response. The inability of climate models to correctly simulate observed changes in atmospheric circulation is also primarily responsible for the underestimation of trends in the Rhine basin. When it has been adjusted for the circulation trend mismatch, the observed trend is well within the spread of the climate model simulations. Therefore, it is important that we improve our understanding of circulation changes, in particular related to the cause of the apparent mismatch between observed and modeled circulation trends over the past century.
The implications of training for Special Educational Needs Coordinators; an exploration of self – efficacy, organisational commitment and perceptions of the SENCO role

This thesis consists of three parts. The first part is a literature review exploring and critically analysing research relating to the roles and responsibilities of special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs); as well as SENCOs organisational commitment and self – efficacy. The second part is an empirical study exploring SENCO constructions of SENCO roles and responsibilities, perceptions of organisational commitment and self – efficacy. Two groups of participants are used to explore these concepts. One, a Training Group made up of participants recruited from England including a sample of SENCOs who had completed the NASENCO programme. The second group was a Non – Training Group made up of participants from Wales including a sample of SENCOs who had not completed the NASENCO award. It was possible to make tentative comparisons of the perceptions of roles and responsibilities, self – efficacy and organisational commitment between the two groups. The third section is a reflective summary. This is a critical account of the processes, decisions and directions the researcher chose in order to complete this thesis. This section explores the contribution to knowledge this research has provided, and also provides a critical account of the research practitioner.
Tumor and Stem Cell Biology The Androgen Receptor Induces Integrin a 6 b 1 to Promote Prostate Tumor Cell Survival via NFk B and Bcl-xL Independently of PI 3 K Signaling

Recent studies indicate that androgen receptor (AR) signaling is critical for prostate cancer cell survival, even in castration-resistant disease wherein AR continues to function independently of exogenous androgens. Integrin-mediated adhesion to the extracellular matrix is also important for prostate cell survival. AR-positive prostate cancer cells express primarily integrin a6b1 and adhere to a laminin-rich matrix. In this study, we show that active nuclear-localized AR protects prostate cancer cells from death induced by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition when cells adhere to laminin. Resistance to PI3K inhibition is mediated directly by an ARdependent increase in integrin a6b1 mRNA transcription and protein expression. Subsequent signaling by integrin a6b1 in AR-expressing cells increased NF-kB activation and Bcl-xL expression. Blocking AR, integrin a6, NF-kB, or Bcl-xL concurrent with inhibition of PI3K was sufficient and necessary to trigger death of lamininadherent AR-expressing cells. Taken together, these results define a novel integrin-dependent survival pathway in prostate cancer cells that is regulated by AR, independent of and parallel to the PI3K pathway. Our findings suggest that combined targeting of both the AR/a6b1 and PI3K pathways may effectively trigger prostate cancer cell death, enhancing the potential therapeutic value of PI3K inhibitors being evaluated in this setting. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2739–49. 2011 AACR.
Adaptive Gaussian mixture learning for moving object detection

Adaptive Gaussian mixture learning has been used for moving object detection in video surveillance applications for years. However, the method suffers from low convergence speed in the learning process, especially in complex environments. This paper proposed a novel method which improves adaptive Gaussian mixture leaning from four aspects including calculating the learning rate of means and variances respectively, employing a default minimal value for variances, selecting the optimal match for new pixel and improving renewal equation of weights. Experimental results show that our algorithm is promising, compared with conventional methods.