Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of MicroRNA-126 on Human Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cells Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury and Inflammatory Response by Activating PI3K/Akt/eNOS Signaling Pathway

Objective: This study explored the protective effects of the microRNA-126 (miR-126)-mediated PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway on human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury and the inflammatory response. Methods: Untreated HCMECs were selected for the control group. After H/R treatment and cell transfection, the HCMECs were assigned to the H/R, miR-126 mimic, mimic-negative control (NC), miR-126 inhibitor, inhibitor-NC, wortmannin (an inhibitor of PI3K) and miR-126 mimic + wortmannin groups. Super oxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured utilizing commercial kits. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect miR-126 expression and the mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory factors. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of key members in the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. ACCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were employed to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The angiogenic ability in each group was detected by the lumen formation test. Results: Compared to the control group, p/t-PI3K, p/t-Akt and p/t-eNOS expression, NO, VEGF and SOD levels, cell proliferation and in vitro lumen formation ability were decreased, while the ROS content, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression and cell apoptosis were significantly increased in the H/R, mimic-NC, miR-126 inhibitor, inhibitor-NC, wortmannin and miR-126 mimic + wortmannin groups. Additionally, in comparison with the H/R group, the miR-126 mimic group had elevated p/t-PI3K, p/t-Akt and p/t-eNOS expression, increased NO, VEGF and SOD contents, and strengthened cell proliferation and lumen formation abilities but also exhibited decreased ROS content, reduced IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α expressions, and weakened cell apoptosis, while the miR-126 inhibitor and wortmannin group exhibited the opposite results. Furthermore, decreased p/t-PI3K, p/t-Akt and p/t-eNOS expressions, decreased NO, VEGF and SOD contents, cell proliferation and lumen formation abilities, as well as increased ROS content, increased IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α expression, and increased cell apoptosis were observed in the miR-126 mimic + wortmannin group compared to themiR-126 mimic group. Conclusions: These findings indicated that miR-126 protects HCMECs from H/R-induced injury and inflammatory response by activating the PI3K/Akt/ eNOS signaling pathway.
Stability Analysis of Fuzzy Identification for Nonlinear Discrete Systems - Part I: Theoretical Study

This paper presents the stability analysis of parameter identification. The Takagi Sugeno fuzzy model is employed to represent the discrete time nonlinear dynamical systems. Once the structure of the fuzzy model is fixed, the parameters can be optimized. The parameter identification is accomplished by applying the gradient method where the iteration rates are specific to each parameter. The stability of this algorithm is discussed by using two approaches which guarantee that the system is stable if the iteration rates satisfy sufficient conditions. The first approach deals with the consequence parameters and the second one deals with the premise parameters.
Initiation of DNA synthesis by human papillomavirus E7 oncoproteins is resistant to p21-mediated inhibition of cyclin E-cdk2 activity

The E6 and E7 proteins from the high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) bind and inactivate the tumor suppressor proteins p53 and Rb, respectively. In HPV-positive cells, expression of E6 proteins from high-risk types results in increased turnover of p53, which leads to an abrogation of p21-mediated G1/S arrest in response to DNA-damaging agents. In contrast, keratinocytes which express E7 alone have increased levels of p53 but, interestingly, also fail to undergo a G1/S arrest. We investigated the mechanism by which E7 bypasses this p21 arrest by using both keratinocytes which stably express E7 as well as U20S cells which stably or transiently express E7. We observed that E7 does not affect the induction of p21 synthesis by p53. While glutathione S-transferase (GST)-E7 bound a low level of in vitro-translated p21, we were unable to detect E7 and p21 in the same complex by GST-E7 binding assays or immunoprecipitations from cell extracts. Furthermore, E7 did not prevent p21-mediated inhibition of cyclin E kinase activity. In keratinocytes expressing E7, increased levels of p53, p21, and cyclin E, as well as increased cyclin E kinase activity, were observed. To determine if this increase in cyclin E activity was necessary for E7's ability to overcome p21-mediated G1/S arrest, we examined U20S cells in which cyclin E levels are not increased in response to E7 expression. U20S cells which stably express E7 were found to initiate DNA synthesis in the presence of DNA-damaging agents despite the inhibition of cyclin E activity by p21. In transient assays, cotransfection of E7 or E2F-1 along with p21 into U20S cells rescued G1 arrest and resulted in S-phase entry, as measured by the ability to incorporate bromodeoxyuridine. These data indicate that E7 is able to overcome G1/S arrest without directly affecting p21 function and likely acts through deregulation of E2F activity.
Design and analysis of an efficient trust management scheme for clustered based MANET using Bayesian method

Nodes communicate through wireless links in the absence of fixed infrastructure in Mobile ad-hoc network (MANET). The two basic routing on the basis of security purpose are cryptographic and trust based mechanism which have been used for performing fundamental functions like message sending, data transmission etc in MANET. Though several trust based protocols have been developed, but most of them are incapable of satisfying the serious problems like resource utilization and reliable trust computation simultaneously in the field of ad-hoc network due to their high overhead and low flexibility. In this work, we have designed a new enhanced and reliable trust management scheme for clustered ad-hoc network based on Bayesian methods which is able to minimize the memory space requirement that ultimately results in better resource utilization. The mathematical analysis shows that, our trust management scheme is efficient in terms of protection against the deceptive behaviour of malicious cluster-members (CMs) and cluster-heads (CHs) both at the intra and inter-cluster levels in MANET.
Quality Perceptions of Private Label Brands: Conceptual Framework and Agenda for Research

The paper examines how retailers can influence the quality perceptions for private label brands by providing additional information cues to the customers. The nature of additional information cues may have differential impact on quality perceptions of private label brands vis-A -vis national brands. The paper proposes extrinsic high scope cues â€“ in form of manufacturerâ€™s name and public quality label â€“ to improve the quality perceptions of private label brands. Furthermore, the familiarity of the product may influence the quality perceptions, consequently influencing the purchase decision. The paper also proposes differential impact of information cues across different product categories on quality perceptions of private label brands. [W.P. No.2008-02-04]
Synthesis of amplitude taper beam steered linear array using Particle Swarm Optimization and Tschebyscheff polynomial

In this paper, a novel method has been proposed to achieve reduced side lobe level (SLL) for beam steered linear array of isotropic elements. Tschebyscheff polynomial and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm has been used to develop the proposed method. In the proposed method search space for PSO has been defined using Tschebyscheff polynomial for an amplitude taper beam steered linear array. PSO with the information of where to search finds the optimum excitation amplitude of the beam steered linear array to achieve reduced SLL.
Adaptive Traffic Signal Control of Bottleneck Subzone based on Grey Qualitative Reinforcement Learning Algorithm

A Grey Qualitative Reinforment Learning algorithm is present in this paper to realize the adaptive signal control of bottleneck subzone, which is described as a nonlinear optimization problem. In order to handle the uncertainites in the traffic flow system, grey theory model and qualitative method were used to express the sensor data. In order to avoid deducing the function relationship of the traffic flow and the timing plan, grey reinforcement learning algorithm, which is the biggest innovation in this paper, was proposed to seek the solution. In order to enhance the generalization capability of the system and avoid the "curse of dimensionality" and improve the convergence speed, BP neural network was used to approximate the Q-function. We do three simulation experiments (calibrated with real data) using four evaluation indicators for contrast and analyze. Simulation results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the traffic situation of bottleneck subzone, and the algorithm has good robustness and low noise sensitivity.
Attitude of small and medium enterprises towards implementation and use of information technology in India - an empirical study

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for major source of employment, technological advancements and competitive advantages for both developed and developing countries. Due to the limited resources available for SMEs, the process of IT adoption in this business sector is slower and different. The purpose of this paper is to identify the influencing factors while adopting IT, benefits of adopting IT and focusing on technology decision making process by reviewing IT adoption literature. Based on the responses to a survey, we measured the level of IT adopted by the SMEs, most effective IT tools used and attitude of SMEs towards adoption of IT. Using this information a generalised but progressive IT adoption framework and path has been recommended. Each SME can self-assess against the framework and decide the next steps that are relevant to it. This may serve as a broad guideline but is a good starting point for IT adoption.
Injury Among Stimulant-Treated Youth With ADHD

Objective: To assess risk factors for injury among children and adolescents treated with stimulants for ADHD. Method: An analysis was performed of pharmacy and service claims data from 2000-2003 California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) focusing on children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years who initiated stimulant therapy for ADHD. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine associations of demographic and clinical characteristics with injury. Results: In a Cox proportional hazard model that controlled for background patient characteristics, patients ages 13 to 17 years, male gender, prescription of anxiolytic/hypnotic medications, and diagnosis of a mood disorder were each independently associated with increased risk of injury, whereas African American ancestry and other minority racial/ethnic ancestry were associated with lower risk. Youth with high stimulant medication possession ratios (MPR) had a nonsignificantly lower risk of injury as compared to those with a low stimulant MPR. Conclusion: These findings reveal several patient characteristics that may be associated with increased risk of injury among children and adolescents treated for ADHD. (J. of Att. Dis. 2008; 12(1) 64-69)
Observational Evidence of Supershell Blowout in GS 018–04+44: The Scutum Supershell

Emission in the H I 21 cm line has been mapped for a region of the Galaxy that includes two known supershells, GS 018-04+44 and GS 034-06+65. We focus on the GS 018-04+44, hereafter referred to as the Scutum Supershell, which is an elongated shell about 5° in diameter extending to -7° below the Galactic plane. The Scutum shell lies at a kinematic distance of ~3300 pc, implying a shell diameter of ~290 pc with a vertical extension of ~400 pc away from the Galactic plane. The Scutum shell contains 6.2 × 105 M☉ swept into the walls. We observe that the top of the shell is missing, and a substantial column of H I rises from the shell walls to b = -11°, culminating in a large cloud of neutral hydrogen, 3.74 × 104 M☉, located ~630 pc from the plane. ROSAT data show X-ray emission that closely anticorrelates with the 21 cm emission. This emission probably originates from hot gas within the Scutum Supershell. After approximately correcting for the foreground absorption, we find that the 1.5 keV X-rays peak at the base of the shell, the 0.75 keV emission peaks in the interior and at the top of the shell, and the 0.25 keV emission extends to high latitudes above the shell. The X-ray luminosity is roughly ~5 × 1036 ergs s-1. The Wisconsin H-Alpha Mapper (WHAM) survey shows the presence of Hα emission that exhibits a morphology similar to that of the H I. Spectra indicate the presence of ionized hydrogen at velocities similar to the H I, placing ionized material at the same kinematic distance as the neutral material. IRAS images in the 60 and 100 μm wavebands reveal the presence of dust correlated with the neutral hydrogen. Infrared surface brightness indicates an excess in the 100 μm emission, which could indicate a molecular hydrogen component with a column density of 2.4 × 1021 cm-2 in the densest regions of the high-latitude cloud of neutral hydrogen. IUE ultraviolet high dispersion spectra of HD 177989 (l = 17.°89, b = -11.°88) and HD 175754 (l = 16.°40, b = -9.°92) reveal the presence of very strong absorption by highly ionized gas at a velocity that associates the absorption with the ejecta of the Scutum Supershell. In the case of HD 177989, the high ion column density ratios suggest an origin in a turbulent mixing layer where hot and cool gases mix in the presence of shear flows. The Hα and X-ray emission suggest that a multitude of energetic phenomena exist in this region, providing the necessary ionizing radiation. Indeed, there are multiple supernova remnants, H II regions, and hot stars, which could all contribute sizeable amounts of energy and ionizing radiation. The combination of these data sets indicates observational evidence of a "blowout" phenomena whereby hot material produced within the Scutum Supershell has blown through the top of the shell and been pushed to high latitude.
A survey on topologies of multilevel converters and study of two novel topologies

In this paper, The development of the topologies in multilevel converters is summarized and the relationship between the different topologies is analyzed. A conclusion that all existing topologies can be deduced from the generalized topology is obtained. Then two novel topologies are proposed. The operating concept and control strategy of the novel topologies are studied. Simulation results show the validity and feasibility of the novel topologies.
Measurements of the Propagation Velocity of an Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Plume by Various Methods

The propagation behavior of atmospheric-pressure plasma plumes has recently attracted lots of attention. In this paper, five different methods are used to measure the propagation velocity of an atmospheric-pressure plasma plume. The first method, named the ¿current method,¿ obtains the propagation velocity of the plasma plume by measuring the currents carried by the plasma plume at different positions. The second method, named the ¿voltage method,¿ obtains the plume propagation velocity by measuring the plasma plume voltage potential at different positions along the plasma jet with a voltage divider. The third method, called the ¿charge method,¿ which significantly interferes with the plume propagation, estimates the plume propagation velocity by measuring the charges deposited on the surface of a quartz tube. The fourth method, which is the noninterference method, obtains the plume propagation velocity by capturing the dynamics of the plasma plume with an intensified charge-coupled device camera. Finally, the fifth method estimates the plume propagation velocity based on the temporal optical-emission intensity measurement of the selected species by using a spectrometer. The advantage and disadvantage of each method are discussed. The experimental results show that plasma plume velocities obtained from the five methods have reasonable agreement with each other. They are all in the range of 104 m/s.
The cellulosomes from Clostridium cellulolyticum

Cellulosomes produced by Clostridium cellulolyticum grown on cellulose were purified and separated using anion‐exchange chromatography. SDS/PAGE analysis of six fractions showed variations in their cellulosomal protein composition. Hydrolytic activity on carboxymethyl cellulose, xylan, crystalline cellulose and hatched straw differed from one fraction to another. Fraction F1 showed a high level of activity on xylan, whereas fractions F5 and F6 were most active on crystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose, respectively. Several cellulosomal components specific to fractions F1, F5 and F6 were investigated using MS analysis. Several hemicellulases were identified, including three xylanases in F1, and several cellulases belonging to glycoside hydrolase families 9 and 5 and, a cystein protease inhibitor were identified in F5 and F6. Synergies were observed when two or three fractions were combined. A mixture containing fractions F1, F3 and F6 showed the most divergent cellulosomal composition, the most synergistic effects and the highest level of activity on straw (the most heterogeneous substrate tested). These findings show that on complex substrates such as straw, synergies occur between differently composed cellulosomes and the degradation efficiency of the cellulosomes is correlated with their enzyme diversity.
Long-term dietary inorganic nitrate increases gastric mucosal blood flow in Mongolian gerbils

Inorganic nitrate is rich in human diet especially in some vegetables. Dietary inorganic nitrate can be absorbed into blood, reduced to nitrite by oral bacteria, and further reduced to nitric oxide (NO) in the acidic stomach, which exerts multiple physiological functions in the body. It was reported that short-term administration of dietary nitrate can increase gastric mucosal blood flow to maintain the gastric mucosal integrity. However, the effect of longterm dietary inorganic nitrate on gastric mucosal blood flow is unknown. Here we show that long-term delivery of dietary nitrate significantly increases gastric mucosal blood flow in Mongolian gerbils. Compared to the sodium chloride treated group, the nitrate treated group had significantly higher nitrate and nitrite levels in blood. Furthermore, the level of gastric mucosal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is crucial in maintaining the cellular integrity via improving gastric blood flow, is significantly enhanced by long-term dietary nitrate. Also, histological analyses showed no abnormalities in the gastric mucosa after the long-term nitrate treatment. This study provides evidences that longterm nitrate supplementation in diet is beneficial for maintaining gastric mucosal blood flow. These findings suggest an important physiological role of nitrate in the diet.
Contact printed masks for 3D microfabrication in negative resists

We present a process based on contact printed shadow masks for three dimensional microfabrication of soft and sensitive overhanging membranes in SU-8. A metal mask is transferred onto unexposed SU-8 from an elastomer stamp made of polydimethylsiloxane. This mask is subsequently embedded into the negative resist to protect buried material from UV-exposure. Unlike direct evaporation-deposition of a mask onto the SU-8, printing avoids high stress and radiation, thus preventing resist wrinkling and prepolymerization. We demonstrate effective monolithic fabrication of soft, 4-/spl mu/m thick and 100-/spl mu/m long cantilevers integrated in a microfluidic system. The process yields very flat and well defined membrane surfaces.
Ensemble of Multimodal Genetic Algorithms for Design and Decision Making Support Problems

Many problems of design and decision making support can be stated as optimization problems. For real-world problems, sometimes it is necessary to obtain many alternative solutions to the problem. In this case multimodal approach can be used. The goal of multimodal optimization (MMO) is to find all optima (global and local) or a representative subset of all optima. In recent years many efficient nature-inspired techniques have been proposed for real-valued MMO problems. At the same time, real-world design and decision making support problems may contain variables of many different types, including integer, rank, binary and others. In this case, the weakest representation (namely binary representation) is used. Unfortunately, there is a lack of efficient approaches for problems with binary representation. In this study, a novel approach based on a selective hyper-heuristic in a form of ensemble for designing multi-strategy genetic algorithm is proposed. The approach controls the interactions of many search techniques (different genetic algorithms for MMO) and leads to the self-configuring solving of problems with a priori unknown structure. The results of numerical experiments for benchmark problems from the CEC competition on MMO and for some real-world problems are presented and discussed.
The Influence of Disorganized Shelf Displays and Limited Product Quantity on Consumer Purchase

The current research explores how shelf display organization and limited product quantity together influence consumer purchase. The authors find that, in certain cases, shelves that are disorganized and not fully stocked tend to reduce sales, but in other cases, disorganized shelves that are not fully stocked tend to increase sales. In particular, for products that are ingested (e.g., juice), purchase likelihood is reduced when the product appears to be disorganized and product quantity is limited. However, for products that are not ingested (e.g., fabric softener), purchase likelihood increases when the product appears to be disorganized and product quantity is limited. Importantly, the authors also show that brand familiarity moderates these effects.
Plasma levels of hydroxy‐flutamide in patients with prostatic cancer receiving the combined hormonal therapy: An LHRH agonist and flutamide

The present study describes a method for the measurement of the plasma levels of hydroxy‐flutamide (Flu‐OH), the biologically active and main circulating metabolite of flutamide. We have observed that two to four hours after oral administration of 250 mg of flutamide to healthy young men, as well as to patients with prostate cancer, the plasma concentration of Flu‐OH reaches a peak at approximately 1.7 μM. The plasma concentration of Flu‐OH measured at months 6, 12, and 18 of treatment shows a minimal basal level of 3.4 μM with a maximal increase at 6.8 to 8.5 μM at 2 to 4 hours. Since the serum levels of testosterone in these patients are approximately 1 nM, the levels of the active antiandrogen are at a 5000‐ to 10000‐fold excess. However, due to the low affinity of the antiandrogen for the androgen receptor, it is extremely important to maintain this concentration of the antiandrogen in plasma constant.