Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinase-mediated signaling cascades in mood disorders and antidepressant treatment

Abstract Kinase-mediated signaling cascades regulate a number of different molecular mechanisms involved in cellular homeostasis, and are viewed as one of the most common intracellular processes that are robustly dysregulated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders such as depression. Newly emerged, rapid acting antidepressants are able to achieve therapeutic improvement, possibly in part, through stimulating activity of kinase-dependent signaling pathways. Thus, advancements in our understanding of how kinases may contribute to development and treatment of depression seem crucial. However, current investigations are limited to a single or small number of kinases and are unable to detect novel kinases. Here, we review fast developing kinome profiling approaches that allow identification of multiple kinases and kinase network connections simultaneously, analyze technical limitation and challenges, and discuss their future applications to mood disorders and antidepressant treatment.
Monitoring home network traffic via programmable routers

The explosive growth of Internet-connected consumer devices in the digital home has made home networks one of the important emerging topics in networking research. A rich body of research efforts have been made to study broadband performance and home network management, little is known about network traffic that are exchanged within home networks or between Internet-connected devices in home networks and end hosts on the Internet. In this paper we design and implement a built-in traffic monitoring system on programmable home routers to collect and analyze incoming, outgoing and internal traffic for residential home networks. To illustrate the applications of the proposed built-in traffic monitoring system, we deploy the system in two real home networks, and demonstrate its capabilities of detecting unwanted traffic towards home networks as well as those suspicious traffic originating from compromised devices in home networks. In addition, our correlation analysis on unwanted traffic towards distributed home networks reveals aggressive scanners on the Internet and sheds lights on traffic characteristics of these scanners.
The Eastern Partnership Initiative: A New Opportunity for Neighbours?

The EU's relationship with its neighbours to the east has long been founded on the aspiration to build a kind of partnership that does not automatically offer the prospect of membership to former Soviet republics apart from the Baltic States. The mechanism for this was initially the European Neighbourhood Policy, embracing a wider range of countries, which has been further buttressed by the Eastern Partnership initiative (EaP) in an effort to revitalize the partnership-building process in the east. Although more differentiated and versatile, the EaP has nevertheless inherited the Neighbourhood Policy's original conceptual limitations, especially concerning the ill-defined nature of partnership. Practical limitations, on the other hand, include the policy's lack of coherence and management, as well as its low visibility and public appreciation on the ground across the board. The East European response to the EU's initiative reveals further tensions and contradictions, especially pertaining to partner countries' geopolitics and cultural and civilization differences. It is clear that the EU's ‘politics of inclusion’ needs further conceptualization in order to shift the balance away from the EU towards the partner countries themselves. Only in these circumstances of de-centring can the notion of partnership become true and effective.
Decreased expression of VLDLR is inversely correlated with miR‐200c in human colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and has a high rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Very‐low‐density‐lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), a member of the low‐density‐lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) superfamily, is a multifunctional receptor that regulates cellular signaling by binding numerous ligands. Several studies reported the altered expression of VLDLR and suggested that VLDLR may play a critical role in tumor development by affecting cell proliferation and metastasis. However, the function of VLDLR and regulation of its expression by miRNAs have not been investigated in CRC. In the present study, we investigated the expression of VLDLR in CRC patients and found it to be significantly decreased in tumors in comparison with paired adjacent non‐tumor tissues. Moreover, VLDLR over‐expression inhibited the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. We also found that VLDLR expression was negatively regulated by miR‐200c in CRC cells and that their expression levels were inversely correlated in CRC patients. These data suggest that VLDLR down‐regulation mediated by the increased expression of miR‐200c may be involved in the development of CRC.
Controlling surface waves with metasurfaces: From planar propagation to conformal cloaking

Surface electromagnetic modes, occasionally formed by natural-existing 2D boundary conditions, can be enhanced and controlled transforming contact surfaces into artificially manipulated metasurfaces: propagation and radiation patterns can be properly shaped according to the desired specifications. Focusing the attention on microstrip technology, deep investigations based on dispersion engineering show how controlling surface waves lead to exotic applications, spanning from tunable planar propagation (creation of pass/stop bands) to conformal radiation control for cloaking purpose.
Race to the Top Era of Education Consulting: A Call to Reform the Reformers

As non-public entities play an increasingly pivotal role in education reform, much of school reform now rests, not in the hands of elected officials, but in the hands of private corporations with their own sets of interests and values. In this article, we describe how the ―business‖ of education reform has worked to produce a lucrative teacher professional development market - one in which private education consulting firms increasingly take up identities as ―partners‖ in reform. Given the magnitude of the role outside organizations play in determining the direction of education reform efforts worldwide, we have carefully studied and attended to the images and messages one such entity has presented to the public about schools and reform efforts in Tennessee, a state that was recently granted over a half billion dollars for education reform. We analyze the implicit and explicit messages about schooling and reform within publically available materials and discuss their implications for local and global reform efforts. Finally, we discuss the implications and offer a response to these images in terms of the potential for progress and for the further marginalization of already marginalized groups.
Allowance for Corporate Equity and Tax Aggressiveness: Do Family Firms Differ from Non-Family Firms?

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between family ownership and tax aggressiveness in private companies by taking into account a regulatory framework including an “allowance for corporate equity” system. The results, obtained from a sample of 215 private Belgian firms, suggest a positive relationship between family involvement in business and tax aggressiveness. Moreover, the introduction of the notional interests system in 2006 induces a significant raise in the corrected equity, used as a specific tax aggressiveness indicator, without distinction between Belgian private family and non-family firms. The results indicate that the origins of the family firms’ tax activism must still be analysed in depth.
Self-Learning Control Using Dual Heuristic Programming with Global Laplacian Eigenmaps

In this paper, to solve nonlinear optimal control problems which can be modeled as Markov decision processes (MDPs), we present an online self-learning control algorithm called dual heuristic programming with global Laplacian Eigenmaps (GLEM-DHP). The GLEM-DHP algorithm makes use of GLEM, which is an improved manifold learning approach with global information, to learn the features for value function approximation of the MDP. Different from traditional feature representation methods using neural networks, the manifold-based features can be learned before the online learning process by collecting samples from the MDP. More importantly, in addition to local features, global information can also be utilized by using the geodesic minimum spanning tree (GMST) approach. Based on the theoretical property of GMST, it is shown that the GLEM-based features can represent the intrinsic geometric property of MDP states, which is beneficial to improve the performance of value function approximation and, hence, leads to better learning control properties. To compare the proposed method with previous learning control algorithms, the performance of GLEM-DHP is evaluated on two nonlinear control problems, which include the cart-pole problem and the ball-plate control problem. Simulation and experimental results show that the GLEM-DHP algorithm can obtain better learning control performance than previous learning control algorithms with manually designed features, as well as manifold features only with local information.
Generalized Empirical Formulas of Threshold Distance to Characterize Cyclone–Cyclone Interactions

This paper presents a framework of using remote sensing imagery and image processing techniques to analyze the interaction among typhoons or tropical cyclones (TCs) with and without the involvement of mid-tropical depressions (TDs) or tropical storms (TSs). The cyclone-cyclone interaction (named the Fujiwhara effect) could happen when two TCs are located at a distance within 1400 km. However, when there exists a mid-TD between the two TCs even with a distance of more than 1400 km, but usually within a distance of 1500-2700 km, the mid-TD may induce impacts on the two cyclones, defined as a TD-inlaid cyclone-cyclone interaction. The existence of the mid-TD significantly complicates weather forecasting due to difficulty in modeling its influence on the two cyclones. In this paper, we proposed innovative empirical formulas of threshold distance to characterize cyclone-cyclone interactions either with or without the involvement of the TD(s). We generalize empirical formulas for interaction distances between TCs and TD/TS related to current-intensity number, size factor, height difference, and rotation factor. To validate the appropriateness of the generalized empirical formulas, we choose and analyze seven sets of two-typhoon events. It is shown that the generalized formulas successfully predicted the impact of mid inlaid TC/TS quantitatively. The mid-TD's effects on the two cyclones represent a new aspect and a significantly improved understanding for the prediction of more complicated cyclone-cyclone interactions. Note that the empirical formulas are derived from a very small set of events and that they must be verified with a sufficient data set for future practical use.
Joint Prediction of Word Alignment with Alignment Types

Current word alignment models do not distinguish between different types of alignment links. In this paper, we provide a new probabilistic model for word alignment where word alignments are associated with linguistically motivated alignment types. We propose a novel task of joint prediction of word alignment and alignment types and propose novel semi-supervised learning algorithms for this task. We also solve a sub-task of predicting the alignment type given an aligned word pair. In our experimental results, the generative models we introduce to model alignment types significantly outperform the models without alignment types.
CtrA controls cell division and outer membrane composition of the pathogen Brucella abortus

Brucella abortus is a pathogen infecting cattle, able to survive, traffic, and proliferate inside host cells. It belongs to the Alphaproteobacteria, a phylogenetic group comprising bacteria with free living, symbiotic, and pathogenic lifestyles. An essential regulator of cell cycle progression named CtrA was described in the model bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. This regulator is conserved in many alphaproteobacteria, but the evolution of its regulon remains elusive. Here we identified promoters that are CtrA targets using ChIP‐seq and we found that CtrA binds to promoters of genes involved in cell cycle progression, in addition to numerous genes encoding outer membrane components involved in export of membrane proteins and synthesis of lipopolysaccharide. Analysis of a conditional B. abortus ctrA loss of function mutant confirmed that CtrA controls cell division. Impairment of cell division generates elongated and branched morphologies, that are also detectable inside HeLa cells. Surprisingly, abnormal bacteria are able to traffic to the endoplasmic reticulum, the usual replication niche of B. abortus in host cells. We also found that CtrA depletion affected outer membrane composition, in particular the abundance and spatial distribution of Omp25. Control of the B. abortus envelope composition by CtrA indicates the plasticity of the CtrA regulon along evolution.
Stimulation of total CO2 flux by 10% CO2 in rabbit CCD: role of an apical Sch-28080- and Ba-sensitive mechanism.

These studies examine the effect of ambient PCO2 on net bicarbonate (total CO2) absorption by the in vitro perfused cortical collecting duct (CCD) from K-replete rabbits and the mechanism responsible for this effect. Exposure to 10% CO2 increased net bicarbonate flux (total CO2 flux, JtCO2) by 1.8-fold (P < 0.005), and this effect was inhibited by luminal 10 microM Sch-28080, an H-K-adenosinetriphosphatase (H-K-ATPase) inhibitor. In contrast, exposure to 10% CO2 significantly decreased Rb efflux, and this decrement in Rb efflux was blocked by luminal 2 mM Ba, a K channel blocker. Thus transepithelial tracer Rb flux did not increase upon exposure to 10% CO2 as we have observed in this segment under K-restricted conditions. The observation that 10% CO2 increased net bicarbonate absorption without a change in absorptive Rb flux suggested that 10% CO2 increased apical K recycling. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether luminal Ba inhibited the stimulation of luminal acidification induced by 10% CO2. If apical K exit were necessary for full activation of proton secretion, then inhibiting K exit should indirectly affect the stimulation of JtCO2 by 10% CO2. In fact, the effect of 10% CO2 on JtCO2 in the presence of 2 mM luminal Ba was quantitatively indistinguishable from the effect of 10% CO2 on JtCO2 in the presence of 10 microM luminal Sch-28080. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The World Bank's Fundamental Misconception in Africa

In an earlier article in this Journal, ‘Structural Adjustment in Africa: a failing grade so far’, Vol. 32, No. 4, December 1994, pp. 679–92, I scrutinised the World Bank's major attempt to demonstrate the efficacy of its set of programmes known as ‘structural adjustment’. By relying solely on data selected and arranged in Adjustment in Africa: reforms, results, and the road ahead (New York, 1994), and using the categories and ratings of reform performance in that policy research report (hereinafter referred to as AIA), I showed that they not only failed to support its conclusions but actually bolstered the contrary thesis: namely, that implementation of structural adjustment most often causes poorer performance.
Deliberate reduction of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase expression of influenza virus leads to an ultraprotective live vaccine in mice

A long-held dogma posits that strong presentation to the immune system of the dominant influenza virus glycoprotein antigens neuraminidase (NA) and hemagglutinin (HA) is paramount for inducing protective immunity against influenza virus infection. We have deliberately violated this dogma by constructing a recombinant influenza virus strain of A/PR8/34 (H1N1) in which expression of NA and HA genes was suppressed. We down-regulated NA and HA expression by recoding the respective genes with suboptimal codon pair bias, thereby introducing hundreds of nucleotide changes while preserving their codon use and protein sequence. The variants PR8-NAMin, PR8-HAMin, and PR8-(NA+HA)Min (Min, minimal expression) were used to assess the contribution of reduced glycoprotein expression to growth in tissue culture and pathogenesis in BALB/c mice. All three variants proliferated in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells to nearly the degree as WT PR8. In mice, however, they expressed explicit attenuation phenotypes, as revealed by their LD50 values: PR8, 32 plaque-forming units (PFU); HAMin, 1.7 × 103 PFU; NAMin, 2.4 × 105 PFU; (NA+HA)Min, ≥3.16 × 106 PFU. Remarkably, (NA+HA)Min was attenuated >100,000-fold, with NAMin the major contributor to attenuation. In vaccinated mice (NA+HA)Min was highly effective in providing long-lasting protective immunity against lethal WT challenge at a median protective dose (PD50) of 2.4 PFU. Moreover, at a PD50 of only 147 or 237, (NA+HA)Min conferred protection against heterologous lethal challenges with two mouse-adapted H3N2 viruses. We conclude that the suppression of HA and NA is a unique strategy in live vaccine development.
Effects of Trade Unions on the Earnings Differential between Males and Females: Canadian Evidence

This paper examines whether trade unions have affected the earnings gap between male and female workers in Canada. Based on a sample of 4,093 individuals derived from the Survey of Union Membership, the results of regression analysis suggest that unions have increased the relative earnings of male workers, even after the difference in the level of unionization between males and females is accounted for. The results also indicate that the relative wage effect differs substantially between the public and private sectors.
Aromatase Inhibitor Associated Musculoskeletal Symptoms are associated with Reduced Physical Activity among Breast Cancer Survivors

Physical activity (PA) has numerous health benefits for breast cancer survivors. Recent data suggest that some breast cancer survivors treated with aromatase inhibitors may experience aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms. It is unknown whether aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms are associated with reduced PA and what other risk factors are associated with such PA reductions. We conducted a cross‐sectional study at a large university‐based breast cancer clinic among breast cancer survivors prescribed an aromatase inhibitor. At routine follow‐up, we surveyed participants about aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms, as well as pre‐aromatase inhibitor, and current, PA levels. Among 300 participants, 90 (30%) reported a reduction of PA since the initiation of aromatase inhibitor therapy. Those with aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms were more likely to report decreased PA (62% versus 38%, p = 0.001) compared with those without aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms. In multivariate analyses, aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 2.29 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36–3.86]), and body mass index (OR = 1.06 [95% CI: 1.02–1.12]) were associated with reductions in PA. In subgroup analysis among breast cancer survivors with aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms, self‐reported lower extremity joint pain (OR = 1.23 [95% CI: 1.00–1.50]) and impaired lower extremity physical function (OR = 1.07 [95% CI: 1.01–1.14]) were associated with reductions in PA. Breast cancer survivors with aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms were more likely to report reductions in PA since initiating aromatase inhibitor therapy compared with those without aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms. Our findings suggest that tailored interventions targeting lower extremity functional limitations are needed to enable breast cancer survivors with aromatase inhibitor associated musculoskeletal symptoms to participate in PA.
Telemedicine for Specialist Geriatric Care in Small Rural Hospitals: Preliminary Data

Small rural hospitals admit and manage older adults who, in city hospitals, would usually be offered geriatrician‐supported comprehensive geriatric assessment and coordinated subacute care if required. Distance and diseconomies of scale prohibit access to the conventional in‐person approach. A telegeriatric service model involving a geriatrician consulting remotely using wireless, mobile, high‐definition videoconferencing; a trained host nurse at the rural site; structured geriatric assessment configured on a web‐based clinical decision support system; routine weekly virtual rounds; and support from a local multidisciplinary team was established to overcome these barriers. This was a prospective observational study to examine the feasibility and sustainability of the model. Patient characteristics were recorded using the interRAI Acute Care assessment system. Usage patterns were derived from health service data sets and a service statistics database. Patients had characteristics that are consistent with characteristics of individuals typically referred for geriatric assessment. Overall, 53% of patients had cognitive impairment, 75% had limitations with activities of daily living, and the average Frailty Index was 0.44 ± 0.12. Stable patterns of consultation occurred within 6 months of start‐up and continued uninterrupted for the remainder of the 24‐month observation period. The estimated overall rate of initial consultation was 1.83 cases per occupied bed per year and 2.66 review cases per occupied bed per year. The findings indicate that the model was feasible and was sustained throughout and beyond the study period. This telegeriatric service model appears suitable for use in small rural hospitals.
Use of the human MDR1 promoter for heat‐inducible expression of therapeutic genes

The promoter of the human multidrug resistance gene (mdr1) harbors stress‐responsive elements, which can be induced e.g., by heat or cytostatic drugs. In previous studies the drug‐responsiveness of the mdr1 promoter was successfully used for the drug‐inducible expression of the human TNF‐α gene in vitro and in vivo. Beside the drug‐responsive elements of the mdr1 promoter, heat‐shock responsive elements have also been identified, which could be exploited for construction of heat‐inducible expression vectors. To analyze the hyperthermia‐inducibility of the mdr1 promoter we used the pmdr‐p‐CAT and pM3mdr‐p‐hTNF vector constructs. Both constructs carry the mdr1 promoter fragment spanning from −207 to +153 to drive expression of the CAT‐reporter or TNF‐α gene. We tested the heat‐induced CAT‐reporter and TNF‐α expression in vitro in transduced HCT15 and HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells. For the studies the transduced tumor cells were treated with hyperthermia at 41.5°C or 43°C for 2 hr to induce CAT or TNF‐α expression. Cells and supernatants were harvested before hyperthermia and at certain time points (0–120 hr) after heat shock. The heat‐induced CAT‐reporter expression or TNF‐α secretion was determined by specific ELISA. The experiments indicate that hyperthermia activates the mdr1 promoter in a temperature and time dependent manner. This induction leads to an 2‐ to 4‐fold increase in CAT‐reporter or 2‐ to 7‐fold increase in TNFα expression in the tumor cell lines. These experiments reveal that the mdr1 promoter driven expression of therapeutic genes can be employed for combined cancer gene therapy approaches. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.