Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity to exogenous GH and reversibility of the reduced IGF-I gene expression in aging rats.

BACKGROUND IGF-I gene expression and IGF-I plasma concentration decline with age. A decreased sensitivity to GH has been suggested to be a contributory mechanism to this, in addition to attenuated GH secretion. OBJECTIVE This study focuses on the sensitivity to exogenous GH and the reversibility of the reduced IGF-I gene expression in aging male rats. DESIGN Three groups of male Wistar rats aged 3 months (young adult), 11 months (middle-aged) and 27 months (old), received recombinant human GH (rhGH) (150 microg/12 h s.c.) for seven consecutive days. RESULTS This rhGH treatment completely reversed plasma immunoreactive IGF-I (IR-IGF-I) and hepatic IGF-I mRNA levels in 11-month-old and 27-month-old animals to the levels of the young group of animals. The sensitivity in the old group (percentage of increment after the same or lower dose of rhGH per body weight) was increased for both parameters; serum IGF-I increment: 15% in 3-month-old, 42.6% in 11-month-old and 119.1% in 27-month-old rats; and hepatic IGF-Ib mRNA increase: 45% in 3-month-old, 27.8% in 11-month-old and 64.3% in 27-month-old rats. IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) mRNA level in the liver was significantly decreased in the old group and only a partial reversion occurred in this group after rhGH treatment; the percentage of increment was also higher in the old group of rats. In extrahepatic tissues IGF-I mRNA was not significantly different in the kidney and the testis of the three groups, and the rhGH treatment produced a significant and similar increase of IGF-I mRNA level in the kidney of the three groups of rats and in the testis of the 27-month-old animals. The GHr/GHBP mRNA remained unchanged in the liver and in the kidney or the testis of the three groups, and was not influenced by the rhGH treatment. Exogenous rhGH decreased pituitary GH mRNA accumulation in a more intense manner in the old group versus control of each group: young adult, 25%; middle-aged, 41.2%; and old rats, 55%. The action of rhGH on pituitary immunoreactive GH (IR-GH) content was only significantly evident in the young group. CONCLUSIONS These results establish that exogenous rhGH recovers the attenuated liver IGF-I gene expression and the diminished plasma IR-IGF-I in old rats to the levels of young adult animals. They also indicate that the hepatic and extrahepatic (kidney and testis) sensitivity to one established dose per weight of exogenous rhGH is not altered in old animals, or could be potentially increased in some tissues.
The effects of globalization on firm's stock in the selected Asian countries

This study aims to survey the effects of economic globalization on the firm’s stock that is measured by the index of the stock market by using panel data in selected countries in Asia (Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka) during 1997- 2013. Unit root tests indicate that the variables are stationary on the level. The results of F-test, Breusch-Pagan and Hausman tests show that the unilateral fixed effects must be applied. The results show that the economic globalization significantly improves stock market index. Moreover the positive and significant effect on the firm’s stock depend on political globalization and dummy variable, however the negative and significant effect is related to the growth rate of government expenditure, the exchange rate and the interaction effects of economy.
A differential role for CXCR4 in the regulation of normal versus malignant breast stem cell activity

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is known to regulate lung, pancreatic and prostate cancer stem cells. In breast cancer, CXCR4 signalling has been reported to be a mediator of metastasis, and is linked to poor prognosis. However its role in normal and malignant breast stem cell function has not been investigated. Anoikis resistant (AR) cells were collected from immortalised (MCF10A, 226L) and malignant (MCF7, T47D, SKBR3) breast cell lines and assessed for stem cell enrichment versus unsorted cells. AR cells had significantly higher mammosphere forming efficiency (MFE) than unsorted cells. The AR normal cells demonstrated increased formation of 3D structures in Matrigel compared to unsorted cells. In vivo, SKBR3 and T47D AR cells had 7- and 130-fold enrichments for tumour formation respectively, compared with unsorted cells. AR cells contained significantly elevated CXCR4 transcript and protein levels compared to unsorted cells. Importantly, CXCR4 mRNA was higher in stem cell-enriched CD44+ /CD24− - patient-derived breast cancer cells compared to non-enriched cells. CXCR4 stimulation by its ligand SDF-1 reduced MFE of the normal breast cells lines but increased the MFE in T47D and patient-derived breast cancer cells. CXCR4 inhibition by AMD3100 increased stem cell activity but reduced the self-renewal capacity of the malignant breast cell line T47D. CXCR4 + FACS sorted MCF7 cells demonstrated a significantly increased MFE compared with CXCR4- cells. This significant increase in MFE was further demonstrated in CXCR4 over-expressing MCF7 cells which also had an increase in self-renewal compared to parental cells. A greater reduction in self-renewal following CXCR4 inhibition in the CXCR4 over-expressing cells compared with parental cells was also observed. Our data establish for the first time that CXCR4 signalling has contrasting effects on normal and malignant breast stem cell activity. Here, we demonstrate that CXCR4 signalling specifically regulates breast cancer stem cell activities and may therefore be important in tumour formation at the sites of metastases.
A ug 2 00 9 Canonical Analysis of the Algebraic String

We investigate the canonical aspects of the algebraic first order formulation of strings introduced two decades ago by Balachandran and collaborators. We slightly enlarge the Lagrangian framework and show the existence of a self-dual formulation and of an Immirzi-type parameter reminiscent of four-dimensional first order gravity. We perform a full Hamiltonian analysis of the self-dual case: we extract the first class constraints and construct the Dirac bracket associated to the second class constraints. The first class constraints contain the diffeomorphisms algebra on the world sheet, as expected; and the coordinates are shown to be non-commutative with respect to the Dirac bracket. Then, the Hamilton equations in a particular (but very natural) gauge are shown to reproduce the wave equation for the string coordinates. In the general, non-self-dual case, we also explicit the first class constraints of the system and show that, unlike the self-dual formulation, the theory admits an extra propagating degree of freedom than the two degrees of freedom of conventional string theory. This prevents the general algebraic string from being strictly equivalent to the Nambu-Goto string.
Enhancement for multiple-inheritance

Many object-oriented computing languages allow the user to create multiple-inheritance class hierarchies. One use of such inheritance schemes is the packaging of sets of operations in classes that can be mixed into other, usually larger, classes. These rnixins allow the creation of new subclasses which contain added functionality. Although this approach is used quite Frequently, it can create serious problems within the class hierarchy. We propose that in many systems these problems are caused by an improper conceptualization of the role of mixins. Rather than affecting the class of an object, they might be more properly seen as adding functionality to instances of this class. In this paper we first describe problems caused by the present approach and then show how these are more appropriately dealt with by using an “enhancement” technique-the adding of mixins to instances.
A Mixed Analog-digital Artiicial Neural Network Architecture with On-chip Learning

1 A Mixed Analog-Digital Arti cial Neural Network Architecture with On-Chip Learning Alexandre Schmid, Yusuf Leblebici and Daniel Mlynek Abstract|This paper presents a novel arti cial neural network architecture with on-chip learning capability. The issue of straightforward designow integration of an autonomous unit is addressed with a mixed analog-digital approach, by implementing a charge-based arti cial neural network which interacts with digital control and processing units. We demonstrate the circuit architecture and designow approach for the case of a Hamming network performing pixel-pattern recognition. Keywords|Charge-based ANN, mixed-mode ANN hardware architecture, ANN integration designow.
Knot concordance, Whitney towers and L^2 signatures

We construct many examples of nonslice knots in 3-space that cannot be distinguished from slice knots by previously known invariants. Using Whitney towers in place of embedded disks, we define a geometric filtration of the 3-dimensional topological knot concordance group. The bottom part of the filtration exhibits all classical concordance invariants, including the CassonGordon invariants. As a first step, we construct an infinite sequence of new obstructions that vanish on slice knots. These take values in the L-theory of skew fields associated to certain universal groups. Finally, we use the dimension theory of von Neumann algebras to define an L 2 -signature and use this to detect the first unknown step in our obstruction theory.
Shape deformation descriptor using Fourier analysis

Deformation analysis of left ventricle (LV) shape could provide a new quantitative understanding of its abnormality. Currently, there is established motion estimation that allows accurate tracking of every point on the 2D echocardiography (2DE). This method produces a precise movement vector of each point in 2DE sequence. Analyzing this data using Fourier analysis could produce a new pattern to determine normal and abnormal deformation of LV. Observation of this method was performed on dataset acquired from 10 normal subjects and 10 patients. Two standard views (apical 2 and 4 chamber) were analyzed using a proposed technique to determine a novel insight of deformation. The results obtained are very promising and could be used as reference for future cardiac abnormality detection.
Pharmacological treatment of chorea in Huntington’s disease–good clinical practice versus evidence-based guideline

Recently, the American Academy of Neurology published an evidence‐based guideline for the pharmacological treatment of chorea in Huntington's disease. Although the progress in medical care because of the implementation of criteria of evidence‐based medicine is undisputed, the guideline classifies the level of evidence for drugs to reduce chorea based on anchors in the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale‐Total Motor Score chorea sum score, which were chosen arbitrarily and do not reflect validated or generally accepted levels of clinical relevance. Thus, the guideline faces several serious limitations and delivers clinical recommendations that do not represent current clinical practice; these are reviewed in detail, and arguments are presented why these recommendations should not be followed. To remedy the lack of evidence‐based recommendations and provide guidance to a pragmatic symptomatic therapy of chorea in HD, a flow‐chart pathway that follows currently established clinical standards based on expert opinion is presented. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Is Three the Optimal Context Window for Memory-Based Word Sense Disambiguation?

In this work we research the effect of micro-context on a memory-based learning (MBL) system for word sense disambiguation. We report results achieved on the data set provided by the English Lexical Sample Task introduced in the Senseval 3 competition. Our study revisits the belief that the disambiguation task profits more from a wider context and indicates that in reality system performance is highest when a narrower context is considered.
AUTOMATED DNA CURVATURE PROFILE RECONSTRUCTION IN ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE IMAGES

An automatedalgorithmis presentedto determinethe DNA moleculeintrinsic curvatureprofilesandthemolecularspatialorientationsin Atomic ForceMicroscopeimages. The curvatureis composedby staticanddynamiccontributions.Thefirst oneis theintrinsiccurvature,vectorialfunction of theDNA nucletidesequence, while the secondoneis dueto thermal noise. This algorithm allows to reconstructthe intrinsic curvature profile excluding the thermalcontribution and detectsfragmentorientation on AFM imagewith a percentageof molecular -orientationdetection of 96.79% for moleculeswith a high curvaturepeak. Theautomatedapproachallowstominimizetheprocessingtimecomparedto semi-automated methods,avoids errors introducedfrom operatorbias and increasesthe amountof availableinformation.
Corporate Governance and International Location Decisions of Multinational Enterprises

This paper analyses international location decisions of corporations based on corporate governance considerations. Using firm level data on 540 Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) with 44,149 subsidiaries in 188 countries, we test whether firms with relatively good governance standards are more often located in countries with a weak governance system. We find empirical support for this hypothesis, especially for those corporations present in low-income countries.
Global Financial Crises and Time‐Varying Volatility Comovement in World Equity Markets

This paper studies volatility comovement in world equity markets between 1994 and 2008. Global volatility factors are extracted from a panel of monthly volatility proxies relating to 25 developed and 20 emerging stock markets. A dynamic factor model (FM) is estimated using two-year rolling-window regressions. The FM's time-varying variance shares of global factors map variations in volatility comovement over time and across countries. The results indicate that global volatility linkages are significantly stronger during financial crisis periods in Asia (1997-1998), Brazil (1999), Russia (1998) and the United States (2000, 2007-2008). Emerging markets are weakly synchronised with world volatility in comparison with developed markets. In particular, emerging market comovement is significantly lower than developed market comovement during the Asian and US sub-prime crises. This suggests a degree of decoupling of emerging markets from the global drivers of volatility during these periods.
Tool Support for the Participatory Design of End User Oriented Applications in the Automobile

Software is becoming more and more important to the automotive industry as a driver for innovation, thus the number of software-based systems in the automobile value creation constantly rises. Because of this trend, automakers increasingly focus on the development of end-user oriented functions. In order to be able to successfully offer such functions, the requirements of customers for those applications have to be met. The automotive sector, still oriented at developing the product “car” and organized in a strict hierarchy, lacks the means necessary to systematically elicit and analyze the customer requirements thus far. This article shows how a prototyping tool can contribute to the active integration of the customer into the development process during participatory design of applications. One central aspect of the prototyping tool presented here is that the prototypes using it can be integrated into the car and used along with applications that are already in series production. It is hence possible to conduct pilot studies of the application with representatives of its target customer group in the future environment. This enabling of customers to experience the future application allows car manufacturers to systematically elicit and analyze their users’ needs. It also allows the collection and evaluation of innovative ideas by customers for new applications, as well as solutions for existing problems, for later integration into the companies’ products.
Beyond receiver functions: Passive source reverse time migration and inverse scattering of converted waves

We present a wave equation prestack depth migration to image crust and mantle structures using multi‐component earthquake data recorded at dense seismograph arrays. TransmittedP and Swaves recorded on the surface are back propagated using an elastic wave equation solver. The wave modes are separated after the reverse‐time continuation of the wavefield from the surface, and subjected to a (cross‐correlation type) imaging condition forming an inverse scattering transform. Reverse time migration (RTM) does not make assumptions about the presence or properties of interfaces – notably, it does not assume that interfaces are (locally) horizontal. With synthetic experiments, and different background models, we show that passive source RTM can reconstruct dipping and vertically offset interfaces even in the presence of complex wave phenomena (such as caustics and point diffraction) and that its performance is superior to traditional receiver function analysis, e.g., common conversion point (CCP) stacking, in complex geological environments.
Measurements, indicators, and research methods for sustainability

Measurements, Indicators, and Research Methods for Sustainability presents a thorough and accessible overview of the ways in which sustainability is charted worldwide. Some articles introduce basic concepts, such as quantitative versus qualitative data or the weak versus strong sustainability debate; others examine how indicators in specific areas (climate change and soil conservation, agriculture, and mining) have been applied (or not) to different regions. Research analysts explain the modes and media through which these measurements are broadcast, stressing the importance of developing methods that can be understood by both experts and ordinary citizens. They also examine the process of monitoring, itself a controversial topic affecting national or international policy, law, rules, and regulations.
Neurons with Two Sites of Synaptic Integration Learn Invariant Representations

Neurons in mammalian cerebral cortex combine specific responses with respect to some stimulus features with invariant responses to other stimulus features. For example, in primary visual cortex, complex cells code for orientation of a contour but ignore its position to a certain degree. In higher areas, such as the inferotemporal cortex, translation-invariant, rotation-invariant, and even view point-invariant responses can be observed. Such properties are of obvious interest to artificial systems performing tasks like pattern recognition. It remains to be resolved how such response properties develop in biological systems. Here we present an unsupervised learning rule that addresses this problem. It is based on a neuron model with two sites of synaptic integration, allowing qualitatively different effects of input to basal and apical dendritic trees, respectively. Without supervision, the system learns to extract invariance properties using temporal or spatial continuity of stimuli. Furthermore, top-down information can be smoothly integrated in the same framework. Thus, this model lends a physiological implementation to approaches of unsupervised learning of invariant-response properties.
Comparison of H.264/AVC and MPEG-4 part 2 coded video

brief overview of H.264/AVC and MPEG-4 Part 2 standards is given in this paper with focus on differences between them. Experimental quality comparison of H.264/AVC and MPEG-2 Part 2 coded video is done for several sequences and bit rates. The codecs used in the experiment are JVT JM ver. 10.2, as implementation of H.264/AVC, andXviD ver. 1.1. 0, as implementation of MPEG-4 Part 2. The peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and video quality model (VQM) are used as objective quality metrics. The results obtained show that JVT JM codec outperforms XviD codec both in objective and subjective quality.
Coupled dictionary learning on common feature space for medical image super resolution

Resolution in medical images is limited by diverse physical, technological and economical considerations. In conventional medical practice, resolution enhancement is usually performed with bicubic or B-spline interpolations, strongly affecting the accuracy of subsequent processing steps such as segmentation or registration. In this paper, we propose a coupled dictionary learning approach for super resolution of medical images, in which canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is applied to construct a common feature space. Then a pair of coupled dictionaries are learned on the derived space. At last, we seek a sparse representation for each patch of the low-resolution input, and use the sparse coefficients to generate the high-resolution output. The experimental results show that the proposed method is competitive or even superior to the other state-of-the-art SR methods.
Diversifying Query Auto-Completion

Query auto-completion assists web search users in formulating queries with a few keystrokes, helping them to avoid spelling mistakes and to produce clear query expressions, and so on. Previous work on query auto-completion mainly centers around returning a list of completions to users, aiming to push queries that are most likely intended by the user to the top positions but ignoring the redundancy among the query candidates in the list. Thus, semantically related queries matching the input prefix are often returned together. This may push valuable suggestions out of the list, given that only a limited number of candidates can be shown to the user, which may result in a less than optimal search experience. In this article, we consider the task of diversifying query auto-completion, which aims to return the correct query completions early in a ranked list of candidate completions and at the same time reduce the redundancy among query auto-completion candidates. We develop a greedy query selection approach that predicts query completions based on the current search popularity of candidate completions and on the aspects of previous queries in the same search session. The popularity of completion candidates at query time can be directly aggregated from query logs. However, query aspects are implicitly expressed by previous clicked documents in the search context. To determine the query aspect, we categorize clicked documents of a query using a hierarchy based on the open directory project. Bayesian probabilistic matrix factorization is applied to derive the distribution of queries over all aspects. We quantify the improvement of our greedy query selection model against a state-of-the-art baseline using two large-scale, real-world query logs and show that it beats the baseline in terms of well-known metrics used in query auto-completion and diversification. In addition, we conduct a side-by-side experiment to verify the effectiveness of our proposal.