Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of HIF1α and PDK Induces Cell Death of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain tumors. GBMs, like other tumors, rely relatively less on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and utilize more aerobic glycolysis, and this metabolic shift becomes augmented under hypoxia. In the present study, we investigated the physiological significance of altered glucose metabolism and hypoxic adaptation in the GBM cell line U251 and two newly established primary GBMs (GBM28 and GBM37). We found that these three GBMs exhibited differential growth rates under hypoxia compared to those under normoxia. Under normoxia, the basal expressions of HIF1α and the glycolysis-associated genes, PDK1, PDK3, and GLUT1, were relatively low in U251 and GBM28, while their basal expressions were high in GBM37. Under hypoxia, the expressions of these genes were enhanced further in all three GBMs. Treatment with dichloroacetate (DCA), an inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), induced cell death in GBM28 and GBM37 maintained under normoxia, whereas DCA effects disappeared under hypoxia, suggesting that hypoxic adaptation dominated DCA effects in these GBMs. In contrast, the inhibition of HIF1α with chrysin suppressed the expression of PDK1, PDK3, and GLUT1 and markedly promoted cell death of all GBMs under both normoxia and hypoxia. Interestingly, however, GBMs treated with chrysin under hypoxia still sustained higher viability than those under normoxia, and chrysin and DCA co-treatment was unable to eliminate this hypoxia-dependent resistance. Together, these results suggest that hypoxic adaptation is critical for maintaining viability of GBMs, and targeting hypoxic adaptation can be an important treatment option for GBMs.
Accurate and quasi-automatic lip tracking

Lip segmentation is an essential stage in many multimedia systems such as videoconferencing, lip reading, or low-bit-rate coding communication systems. In this paper, we propose an accurate and robust quasi-automatic lip segmentation algorithm. First, the upper mouth boundary and several characteristic points are detected in the first frame by using a new kind of active contour: the "jumping snake. " Unlike classic snakes, it can be initialized far from the final edge and the adjustment of its parameters is easy and intuitive. Then, to achieve the segmentation, we propose a parametric model composed of several cubic curves. Its high flexibility enables accurate lip contour extraction even in the challenging case of a very asymmetric mouth. Compared to existing models, it brings a significant improvement in accuracy and realism. The segmentation in the following frames is achieved by using an interframe tracking of the keypoints and the model parameters. However, we show that, with a usual tracking algorithm, the keypoints' positions become unreliable after a few frames. We therefore propose an adjustment process that enables an accurate tracking even after hundreds of frames. Finally, we show that the mean keypoints' tracking errors of our algorithm are comparable to manual points' selection errors.
Speed-up of Self-Organizing Networks for Routing Problems in a Polygonal Domain

Routing problems are optimization problems that consider a set of goals in a graph to be visited by a vehicle (or a fleet of them) in an optimal way, while numerous constraints have to be satisfied. We present a solution based on multidimensional scaling which significantly reduces computational time of a self-organizing neural network solving a typical routing problem -- the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) in a polygonal domain, i.e. in a space where obstacles are represented by polygons. The preliminary results show feasibility of the proposed approach and although the results are presented only for TSP, the method is general so it can be used also for other variants of routing problems.
Effects of (R)‐(−)‐5‐methyl‐1‐nicotinoyl‐2‐pyrazoline on glutamate transporter 1 and cysteine/glutamate exchanger as well as ethanol drinking behavior in male, alcohol‐preferring rats

Alcohol consumption is largely associated with alterations in the extracellular glutamate concentrations in several brain reward regions. We recently showed that glutamate transporter 1 (GLT‐1) is downregulated following chronic exposure to ethanol for 5 weeks in alcohol‐preferring (P) rats and that upregulation of the GLT‐1 levels in nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex results, in part, in attenuating ethanol consumption. Cystine glutamate antiporter (xCT) is also downregulated after chronic ethanol exposure in P rats, and its upregulation could be valuable in attenuating ethanol drinking. This study examines the effect of a synthetic compound, (R)‐(−)‐5‐methyl‐1‐nicotinoyl‐2‐pyrazoline (MS‐153), on ethanol drinking and expressions of GLT‐1 and xCT in the amygdala and the hippocampus of P rats. P rats were exposed to continuous free‐choice access to water, 15% and 30% ethanol, and food for 5 weeks, after which they received treatments of MS‐153 or vehicle for 5 days. The results show that MS‐153 treatment significantly reduces ethanol consumption. It was revealed that GLT‐1 and xCT expressions were downregulated in both the amygdala and the hippocampus of ethanol–vehicle‐treated rats (ethanol–vehicle group) compared with water‐control animals. MS‐153 treatment upregulated GLT‐1 and xCT expressions in these brain regions. These findings demonstrate an important role for MS‐153 in these glutamate transporters for the attenuation of ethanol‐drinking behavior. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluctuations in oxygen influence facultative endothermy in bumblebees

Bumblebees are facultative endotherms, having the ability to elevate thorax temperature above ambient temperature by elevating metabolism. Here, we investigated the influence of hypoxia on metabolic demands and thermoregulatory capabilities of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris. We measured thorax temperature, rates of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, and abdominal pumping rates of bees randomly exposed to oxygen levels of 20, 15, 10 and 5 kPa at 26°C. Under normoxia, bumblebees maintained an elevated mean thorax temperature of 35.5°C. There was no significant change in thorax temperature at 15 kPa O2 (33.4°C). Mean thorax temperature decreased significantly at 10 kPa O2 (31.6°C) and 5 kPa O2 (27.3°C). Bees were able to maintain an elevated metabolic rate at 15 and 10 kPa O2. In normoxia, endothermic bees exhibited periods of rapid abdominal pumping (327 min−1) interspaced by periods of no abdominal pumping. At 10 kPa O2, abdominal pumping rate decreased (255 min−1) but became more continuous. Upon exposure to 5 kPa, metabolic rate and abdominal pumping rate (152 min−1) decreased, although the animals continued abdominal pumping at the reduced rate throughout the exposure period. Bumblebees are able to meet the energetic demands of endothermy at 15 kPa O2, but become compromised at levels of 10 kPa O2 and below.
DSP Based Experimental Validation Technique Applied to the Development of a New Vienna Rectifier Small Signal Model

In this paper, a new small signal model is theoretically established and validated by both simulation and experiments for a three-phase three-level boost-type AC/DC Vienna converter. The adopted identification methodology consists of three steps: first, the converter steady state and dynamic models are derived from the nonlinear state space equations, initially expressed in the dqo synchronous reference frame, by means of a local linearization around the nominal operating point, thus yielding twenty transfer functions relating the inputs to the outputs of the system. The second step is the numerical verification using both the averaged state space model built in SIMULINK, and the converter circuit simulation using SPS of Matlab. Finally, an experimental validation of the transfer functions on a 1.5 kW laboratory prototype, supported by the DS 1104 real-time controller board of dSPACE is carried out. The results are quantified and compared as magnitude and phase Bode graphs. It is confirmed that the proposed new small signal model represents rather accurately the real plant and is, therefore, reliable for further tasks such as dynamic analysis, numerical simulation and controller design purposes
The Labour Demand and the Innovation Behaviour of Firms / Die Arbeitsnachfrage und das Innovationsverhalten von Unternehmen

Summary From a theoretical point of view the introduction of process and product innovations has contrary impacts on labour demand even at the level of the innovating firm. We present an empirical study of the relationship between labour demand and innovation behaviour using the Ifo Business Panel for the West German manufacturing sector in the years 1980-1992. A dynamic labour demand function is estimated by the method of instrumental variables. Our main findings can be summarized as follows: The labour demand at the firm level is mainly affected by wages, user costs of capital and the demand side. The impact of product innovations on employment is significantly positive. Finally, we find no empirical evidence for the often-quoted statement that the introduction of process innovations destroys jobs in the enterprise. Zusammenfassung Aus theoretischer Sicht hat die Einführung von Prozeß- und Produktinnovationen gegenläufige Effekte auf die Arbeitsnachfrage des innovierenden Unternehmens. In dieser Arbeit werden die Zusammenhänge zwischen den Innovationsaktivitäten und der Arbeitsnachfrage von Unternehmen anhand des ifo Unternehmenspanels für das westdeutsche Verarbeitende Gewerbe empirisch untersucht. Eine dynamische Arbeitsnachfragefunktion wird mit Hilfe von Instrumentenvariablen geschätzt. Die wichtigsten Ergebnisse der Paneldaten-Analyse lassen sich wie folgt zusammenfassen: Die Arbeitsnachfrage der Firmen wird hauptsächlich von den Löhnen, den Kapitalnutzungskosten und von der Nachfrageseite beeinflußt. Der Einfluß der Produktinnovationen auf die Beschäftigung ist signifikant positiv. Schließlich finden wir keine empirische Evidenz dafür, daß die Einführung von Prozeßinnovationen Arbeitsplätze in den Unternehmen zerstört.
Pretransplant Physical Activity Predicts All-Cause Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background: Low physical activity (PA) has been associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in the general population. Despite the benefits of kidney transplantation, kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remain at elevated risk for CVD and mortality compared to individuals without kidney disease. Methods: A prospective cohort of 507 adult KTRs from three academic centers completed the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) at transplantation. PASE scores were divided into tertiles. Results: PA was lower with older age, history of CVD, smoking, and diabetes. During the median 8-year follow-up period, 128 individuals died, among whom 101 had a functioning allograft. In multivariable Cox regression for all-cause mortality, greater PA was strongly associated with better survival (HR: 0.52 for most active vs. inactive tertiles, 95% CI: 0.31–0.87, p = 0.01). Secondary analyses, in which (1) death with a functioning graft was the primary outcome, and (2) PASE scores were converted to the metabolic equivalent of task, revealed similar results. We did not find an association between change of PA after transplantation and mortality. Conclusions: PA at the time of kidney transplantation is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality and death with graft function. Evaluation of PA level among kidney transplant candidates may be a useful method to risk-stratify patients for survival after kidney transplantation. Kidney transplant candidates and recipients should also be encouraged to be physically active.
Role of Spinophilin in Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Endocytosis, Signaling, and Synaptic Plasticity*

Activation of Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) activates signaling cascades, resulting in calcium release from intracellular stores, ERK1/2 activation, and long term changes in synaptic activity that are implicated in learning, memory, and neurodegenerative diseases. As such, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying Group I mGluR signaling is important for understanding physiological responses initiated by the activation of these receptors. In the current study, we identify the multifunctional scaffolding protein spinophilin as a novel Group I mGluR-interacting protein. We demonstrate that spinophilin interacts with the C-terminal tail and second intracellular loop of Group I mGluRs. Furthermore, we show that interaction of spinophilin with Group I mGluRs attenuates receptor endocytosis and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, an effect that is dependent upon the interaction of spinophilin with the C-terminal PDZ binding motif encoded by Group I mGluRs. Spinophilin knock-out results in enhanced mGluR5 endocytosis as well as increased ERK1/2, AKT, and Ca2+ signaling in primary cortical neurons. In addition, the loss of spinophilin expression results in impaired mGluR5-stimulated LTD. Our results indicate that spinophilin plays an important role in regulating the activity of Group I mGluRs as well as their influence on synaptic activity.
Incidental magnetization transfer contrast in fast spin‐echo imaging of cartilage

In this article, the authors illustrate the contributions of incidental magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) to the signal characteristics of patellar cartilage on routine, multiplanar fast spin‐echo (FSE) images. Incidental MTC diminishes the signal of patellar cartilage by 30% on routine FSE scans. Spectral fat saturation does not significantly increase incidental MTC on multislice FSE acquisitions. By increasing the contrast between synovial fluid and patellar cartilage, incidental MTC may account for greater conspicuousness of chondromalacia on FSE as compared to conventional spin‐echo images. Incidental MTC may also alter or obscure the normal, laminar appearance of hyaline cartilage on short‐TE, FSE images.
Characterization of vascular neuropeptide Y receptors

1 In the present study we compared neuropeptide Y (NPY) and NPY‐related analogues for their ability to activate or bind to vascular NPY receptors in four experimental set‐ups. Previous results have suggested the existence of different receptor subtypes, Y1 receptors requiring full‐length NPY (1–36) or [Pro34]‐NPY, and Y2 receptors recognizing also N‐terminally truncated forms of NPY but not [Pro34]‐NPY. 2 NPY 1–36 and [Pro34]‐NPY dose‐dependently increased arterial pressure in the anaesthetized rat with a similar magnitude and potency. NPY 2–36 was much less potent than NPY 1–36. NPY 4–36 and NPY 11–36 were inactive even at a dose as high as 10 nmol kg−1. 3 NPY 1–36, [Pro34]‐NPY, NPY 2–36 and NPY 5–36 concentration‐dependently increased the coronary resistance in the Langendorff preparation of the rat. NPY 1–36 and [Pro34]‐NPY were equipotent, while NPY 2–36 and NPY 5–36 were about 7 and 20 times less potent. At 0.3 μm, NPY 11–36, NPY 20–36 and NPY 22–36 induced a slight contraction while NPY 23–36 was inactive. 4 NPY 1–36, [Pro34]‐NPY, NPY 2–36, NPY 4–36, NPY 5–36 and NPY 11–36 evoked concentration‐dependent contractions in the isolated inferior caval vein of the rat and guinea‐pig. [Pro34]‐NPY was more potent than NPY 1–36. NPY 2–36 was equipotent with NPY 1–36, while NPY 4–36, NPY 5–36 and NPY 11–36 were approximately 30 times less potent. 5 [Pro34]‐NPY was equipotent with NPY 1–36 in displacing the 125I‐labelled gut hormone peptide ([125I]‐PYY) from rat aortic smooth muscle cells, while NPY 2–36 and shorter forms of NPY were much less potent or inactive. 6 In caval vein smooth muscle cells of the rat, the displacement pattern was more complex than in aortic smooth muscle cells, in that both [Pro34]‐NPY and NPY 13–36 effectively displaced the radioligand, albeit none of them completely. 7 In conclusion, the NPY‐evoked pressor response in the whole rat and coronary vessels seems to be mediated by vascular Y1 receptors and the binding characteristics of the NPY‐related peptides in the aortic smooth muscle cells correspond to a population of such receptors. In the caval vein, the profile of the bioactivity and the binding affinity of the NPY‐related peptides suggest a mixed population of Y1/Y2 receptors.
The landing–take-off asymmetry of human running is enhanced in old age

SUMMARY The landing–take-off asymmetry of running was thought to derive from, or at least to be consistent with, the physiological property of muscle to resist stretching (after landing) with a force greater than it can develop during shortening (before take-off). In old age, muscular force is reduced, but the deficit in force is less during stretching than during shortening. The greater loss in concentric versus eccentric strength with aging led us to hypothesize that older versus younger adults would increase the landing–take-off asymmetry in running. To test this hypothesis, we measured the within-step changes in mechanical energy of the centre of mass of the body in old and young subjects. The difference between the peaks in kinetic energy attained during the fall and during the lift of the centre of mass is greater in the old subjects. The difference between the time to lift and accelerate the centre of mass (positive work) and to absorb the same amount of energy during the downward displacement (negative work) is also greater in the old subjects. Both these findings imply a difference in force between stretching and shortening during the bounce, which is greater in the old subjects than in the young subjects. This is qualitatively consistent with the more asymmetric force–velocity relation found in aged muscle and supports, even if does not prove, the hypothesis that the landing–take-off asymmetry in running derives from the different response of muscle to stretching and shortening.
Heritability of left ventricular dimensions and mass in American Indians: The Strong Heart Study

Objective We sought to determine the heritability of left ventricular dimensions and mass in adult American Indians. Methods Echocardiograms were analysed in 1373 American Indian participants, from 445 families, in the Strong Heart Study (SHS) to determine the heritability of left ventricular dimensions and mass. Heritability calculations were performed using variance component analysis in SOLAR, a computer analysis program. Results The SHS participants analysed in this study included 1305 relative pairs, predominantly (n = 1077) sib-pairs. After simultaneously adjusting for sex, age and centre, the proportion of the residual phenotypic variance due to additive genetic effects or heritability (h2) of left ventricular mass was 0.27 (SE = 0.08, P < 0.001). Addition of body weight, height, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, medications and diabetes into the polygenic model attenuated the residual h2 of left ventricular mass to 0.17 (SE = 0.09, P < 0.05). The residual h2 for left ventricular end-diastolic chamber diameter (LVID), after simultaneously adjusting for sex, age and centre was 0.36 (SE = 0.08, P < 0.001) for the analysed families. The residual h2 for interventricular septal wall thickness was 0.26 (SE = 0.07), while that of left ventricular posterior wall thickness was 0.19 (SE = 0.08, both P < 0.001). While adjustment for body weight, height, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, medications and diabetes reduced the h2 of LVID to 0.33 (SE = 0.09, P < 0.001), the h2 of septal (0.12, SE = 0.10) and posterior wall thickness (0.09, SE = 0.09) were no longer significant after similar adjustment. The residual h2 for relative wall thickness, a measure of left ventricular geometry, was 0.22 (SE = 0.07, P < 0.001) after adjusting for sex, age and centre, and 0.17 (SE = 0.08, P < 0.05) after additional adjustment for body weight, height, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, medications and diabetes. Conclusions A substantial proportion of the variance of left ventricular dimensions and mass can be explained by heredity, independent of the effects of sex, age, body size, blood pressure, heart rate, medications and diabetes. Identification of genes influencing left ventricular size and geometry may provide mechanistic and therapeutic targets to prevent left ventricular hypertrophy.
Secure Machine-Type Communications toward LTE Heterogeneous Networks

Machine-type communication is undergoing ubiquitous development by connecting with trillions of intelligent devices and providing a broad range of applications through all of our lives. MTC can access different networks, which is similar to a fusion of heterogeneous networks, including LTE, WiFi, ZigBee, and so on. However, security and privacy issues still bring about a great challenge for the development of MTC, particularly secure transmission under heterogeneous networks. This article first presents an overview of the MTC architecture and its evolution toward LTE, security threats, and solutions. Then, as 5G systems have been designed to support a diverse set of communications, we propose a scalable cross-layer authentication solution based on MTC devices’ hardware fingerprints toward an LTE heterogeneous network.
Primary classical Hodgkin lymphoma of rectum: Report of an extremely rare case and review of the literature

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) commonly presents as nodal disease, but in a subset of cases, the disease primarily develops in extranodal sites. Primary classical HL of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an extremely rare occurrence. Primary nature of the disease is confirmed after a complete lymphoma work up including chest radiograph, computed tomography scan, peripheral blood, and bone marrow studies. Only a few cases of primary GI lymphomas with limited immunohistochemical or molecular confirmation have been reported in literature. We report the case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent woman with primary rectal HL. She presented with constipation, and on sigmoidoscopy examination, she was detected to have an ulceroproliferative circumferential growth in the rectum. Considering the possibility of rectal carcinoma, a low anterior resection was done. Histology was suggestive of mixed cellularity classical HL. She was started on combination chemotherapy, and she responded well to treatment. However, she developed pulmonary complication after the fourth cycle of chemotherapy and succumbed to the illness. Primary rectal HL is extremely rare, and to the best of our knowledge, only 16 cases have been reported previously. We believe that reporting this case will add to the scarce data about this unusual presentation in immunocompetent patients.
Aurora B controls the association of condensin I but not condensin II with mitotic chromosomes

The assembly of mitotic chromosomes is controlled by condensin complexes. In vertebrates, condensin I binds to chromatin in prometaphase, confers rigidity to chromosomes and enables the release of cohesin complexes from chromosome arms, whereas condensin II associates with chromosomes in prophase and promotes their condensation. Both complexes are essential for chromosome segregation in anaphase. Although the association of condensins with chromatin is important for the assembly and segregation of mitotic chromosomes, it is poorly understood how this process is controlled. Here we show that the mitotic kinase Aurora B regulates the association of condensin I, but not the interaction of condensin II with chromatin. Quantitative time-lapse imaging of cells expressing GFP-tagged condensin subunits revealed that Aurora B is required for efficient loading of condensin I onto chromosomes in prometaphase and for maintenance of the complex on chromosomes in later stages of mitosis. The three non-SMC subunits of condensin I are Aurora B substrates in vitro and their mitosis-specific phosphorylation depends on Aurora B in vivo. Our data indicate that Aurora B contributes to chromosome rigidity and segregation by promoting the binding of condensin I to chromatin. We have also addressed how Aurora B might mediate the dissociation of cohesin from chromosome arms.