Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of human erythropoietin gene induction by upstream flanking sequences in transgenic mice

Human erythropoietin (Epo) gene expression is inducible by hypoxia or anaemia in the kidney and liver. Previous transgenic mouse experiments have demonstrated that sequences required for Epo gene induction in the kidney reside in a 7.8 kb Bam HI fragment located 6 kb upstream of the gene. To sublocalize these sequences, we performed Desoxyribonuclease I (DNAse I) mapping studies using transgenic mice which carried this DNA fragment. These studies revealed a DNAse I hypersensitive site (DNAse I HS) located 4.6 kb from the upstream end of the 7.8 kb fragment in anaemic kidney and liver samples. Sequence analysis of the region encompassing the DNAse I HS revealed an element with remarkable homology to the 3′ Epo gene hypoxia‐inducible enhancer. This suggested the presence of an additional regulatory element that contributes to the control of hypoxia‐inducible Epo gene expression in kidney and liver. We constructed transgenic mice containing the human Epo gene linked to either the 5 kb upstream or 2.5 kb downstream portion of the 7.8 kb fragment. Inducible expression was limited to the liver. Thus, neither fragment was alone sufficient to confer kidney inducible expression. These findings indicate that sequences more than 8.5 kb upstream of the Epo gene are required for kidney‐specific induction. They suggest that either those sequences reside in an 0.3 kb Hind III fragment located between the 5 kb and the 2.5 kb fragments or that sequences in the 5 kb or 0.3 kb fragments must interact with sequences in the 2.5 kb fragment to allow Epo gene induction in the kidney.
Elevated Proinsulin in Healthy Siblings of IDDM Patients Independent of HLA Identity

Based on the recent demonstration of elevated serum proinsulin levels in cystic fibrosis patients with impaired glucose tolerance, it was hypothesized that proinsulin could be an indicator of altered β-cell function. We therefore analyzed fasting proinsulin levels in 99 siblings of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients, most of them discordant for diabetes for >6 yr. The results from this group were compared with the results from 41 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects with no family history of diabetes. Median (range) fasting proinsulin in siblings was 8.9 pM (1.7–58 pM) vs. 3.8 pM (<1.2–28 pM) in control subjects (P < .00001). There was no difference between the groups in fasting blood glucose concentrations. Both groups had fasting insulin concentrations within the normal range with a tendency toward lower values in the siblings: 108 pM (60–237 pM) vs. 118 pM (71–175 pM) (P = .07). The 99 siblings were subdivided into groups according to HLA sharing with their diabetic proband. The concentration of proinsulin, insulin, and blood glucose among the groups of 33 HLA-identical, 40 HLA-haploidentical, and 26 nonidentical siblings did not differ significantly. The fasting proinsulin level did not correlate with fasting levels of insulin, blood glucose, age, or body weight. We conclude that fasting proinsulin is elevated in healthy siblings of IDDM patients, whereas fasting insulin is normal or slightly decreased independent of HLA identity with their diabetic sibling. Elevated proinsulin levels could represent a family trait, perhaps mirroring a β-cell more vulnerable to destruction, or it could reflect previous β-cell damage that does not lead to IDDM.
Segmentation of Nastaliq script for OCR

In this paper we have presented a novel segmentation technique for the implementation of an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for printed Nastalique text, a calligraphic style of Urdu which uses the Arabic script for its writing.OCR for many of the world major languages have been developed and are being used but at present an OCR for Nastalique is not available and the published research on Nastalique OCR, Urdu OCR or even on any area of Urdu computing is almost non-existent, the reason being the challenges that the Nastalique style poses for its optical recognition. We used Matlab 7 for our experimentation the results are reported in this paper which are very encouraging.
Chemical dissolution of gallstones in Taiwan: An in vitro study

Abstract To evaluate the potential for the chemical dissolution of gallstones, 480 stones from 214 patients were studied. The stones were obtained via surgery or endoscopically. They were classified into cholesterol‐rich mixed stones, brown pigment stones and black stones. The composition of bilirubin and cholesterol was determined by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Two per cent tetrasodium ethylenediamine acetate (EDTA), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or methyl‐tert‐butyl‐ethylene (MTBE) were used to dissolve the stones. To enhance solubility, surfactant polysorbate‐20 was used to mix two of the individual three solvents. Methyl‐tert‐butyl‐ethylene was found to have the best dissolution ability (by dry weight) 94, 13.4 and 20% for mixed, brown and black stones, respectively. Dimethylsulfoxide resulted in 13, 14 and 25% dissolution and EDTA 9.5, 13 and 16.5%. In contrast, pure water dissolved 4, 6 and 10.4% of the stones, respectively. A combination of the dissolution agents did not enhance the dissolution rate. In fact, the combination of solvents unexpectedly reduced the solubility of the stones: EDTA/MTBE was 17.5, 6.7 and 16.0%; DMSO/MTBE 43.2, 21.9 and 18.0%; DMSO/EDTA 9.1, 7.0 and 9.6%. In conclusion, cholesterol‐rich mixed stones were able to be dissolved using MTBE but results of contact dissolution for gallstones are still far from satisfactory.
A study on the relationship between mass concentrations , chemistry and number size distribution of urban fine aerosols in Milan , Barcelona and

S. Rodrı́guez, R. Van Dingenen, J.-P. Putaud, A. Dell’Acqua, J. Pey, X. Querol, A. Alastuey, S. Chenery, K. -F. Ho, R. M. Harrison, R. Tardivo, B. Scarnato, and V. Gianelle Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, T.P. 290, Ispra (VA) 21020, Italy British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK Institute of Earth Science “Jaume Almera”, CSIC, Solé i Sabaŕıs, S/N, 08028, Barcelona, Spain University of Birmingham, Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, TU418, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32-20133 Milan, Italy ARPA-Lombardia, Viale Francesco Restelli, 3/1, 20124 Milan, Italy
Impact of few electron phenomena on floating-gate memory reliability

In this paper we give a quantitative evaluation of the intrinsic reliability limits of floating gate (FG) memories in the deca-nanometer range, due to the reduction of collective phenomena and to the dominance of single electron stochastic behaviours. A new model that quantitatively predicts the intrinsic dispersions of the memory retention time and programming window is proposed. Experimental results obtained on ultra-scaled memory devices (down to 30nm /spl times/ 30nm), with either continuous poly-Si or Si-nanocrystal FG, are also presented. Finally, extrapolations on the intrinsic reliability limits of future generations of Flash memories are done.
Detection and quantification of chronic cerebrovascular disease: comparison of MR imaging, SPECT, and CT.

Twenty patients with angiographically proved occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) (19 unilateral, one bilateral) were studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, iodine-123 iodoamphetamine (IMP) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), xenon-133 SPECT, and computed tomography (CT). All patients had a history of stroke or prolonged reversible ischemic neurologic deficit for more than 4 weeks. By regions of interest, T1, T2, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and the number and size of the lesions were determined. The data were expressed as interhemispheric ratios (diseased/nondiseased). The highest ratios obtained were for MR imaging (T1, 2.60 +/- 0.42; T2, 1.61 +/- 0.22 [mean +/- standard deviation]) followed by Xe-133 SPECT (0.58 +/- 0.13) and IMP SPECT (0.56 +/- 0.13). Correlation coefficients for MR imaging (1/T1, 1/T2) and IMP SPECT were below . 21. The lesion size was greatest on IMP SPECT images, intermediate on MR images, and least on CT scans. However, MR imaging was superior in detection of pathologic areas (detection rates: MR, 100%; IMP SPECT, 91%; CT, 79%). Relaxation times do not correlate with rCBF.
Methodology to Obtain the Security Controls in Multi-cloud Applications

What controls should be used to ensure adequate security level during operation is a non-trivial subject in complex software systems and applications. The problem becomes even more challenging when the application uses multiple cloud services which security measures are beyond the control of the application provider. In this paper, a methodology that enables the identification of the best security controls for multi-cloud applications whose components are deployed in heterogeneous clouds is presented. The methodology is based on application decomposition and modelling of threats over the components, followed by the analysis of the risks together with the capture of cloud business and security requirements. The methodology has been applied in the MUSA EU H2020 project use cases as the first step for building up the multi-cloud applicationsâ security-aware Service Level Agreements (SLA). The identified security controls will be included in the applicationsâ SLAs for their monitoring and fulfilment assurance at operation.
Entering and breaking: virulence effector proteins of oomycete plant pathogens

Oomycete pathogens of plants and animals are related to marine algae and have evolved mechanisms to avoid or suppress host defences independently of other groups of pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi. They cause many destructive diseases affecting crops, forests and aquaculture. The development of genomic resources has led to a dramatic increase in our knowledge of the effectors used by these pathogens to suppress host defences. In particular, a huge, rapidly diverging superfamily of effectors with 100–600 members per genome has been identified. Proteins in this family use the N‐terminal motifs RxLR and dEER to cross the host plasma cell membrane autonomously. Once inside the host cell, the proteins suppress host defence signalling. The importance of this effector family is underlined by the fact that plants have evolved intracellular defence receptors to detect the effectors and trigger a rapid counter‐attack. The mechanisms by which the effector enter host cells, and by which they suppress host defences, remain to be elucidated.
A defragmentation-ready simulation framework for elastic optical networks

In this paper we explore in details the framework ElasticO++, which is a simulation framework for Elastic Optical Networks using OMNeT++. ElasticO++ is the first software available capable of working with spectrum defragmentation in dynamic network scenarios. The flexibility offered by the discussed tool allows both academia and industry to develop and evaluate new algorithms and techniques for Elastic Optical Networks. In this paper, we focus on ElasticO++ architecture, algorithms, and the features which we consider makes our framework unique. Additionally, we present a simulation case study and the newer features we are currently developing.
Advanced glycation endproduct crosslink breaker (alagebrium) improves endothelial function in patients with isolated systolic hypertension

Objectives Arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction are hallmarks of aging, and advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) may contribute to these changes. We tested the hypothesis that AGE crosslink breakers enhance endothelial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in humans and examined the potential mechanisms for this effect. Methods Thirteen adults (nine men, aged 65 ± 2 years) with isolated systolic hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg or pulse pressure > 60 mmHg) on stable antihypertensive therapy were studied. Subjects received placebo (2 weeks) then oral alagebrium (ALT-711; 210 mg twice a day for 8 weeks). Subjects and data analyses were blinded to treatment. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid augmentation index (AI) and brachial artery distensibility (ArtD) using applanation tonometry and Doppler echo, and endothelial function by brachial FMD. Serum markers of collagen metabolism and vascular inflammation were assessed. Results Alagebrium reduced carotid AI by 37% (P = 0.007) and augmented pressure (16.4 ± 10 to 9.6 ± 9 mmHg; P < 0.001). Heart rate, arterial pressures, and ArtD, were unchanged. FMD increased from 4.6 ± 1.1 to 7.1 ± 1.1% with alagebrium (P < 0.05), and was unrelated to altered shear stress or regional arterial distensibility. However, FMD change was inversely related to markers of collagen synthesis, p-selectin and intracellular cell adhesion molecule (all P < 0.05). Alagebrium-associated changes in plasma nitrite plus nitrate was inversely correlated with plasma matrix metalloproteinase 9 and type I collagen (P = 0.007). Conclusions Alagebrium enhances peripheral artery endothelial function and improves overall impedance matching. Improved endothelial function correlates better with reduced vascular fibrosis and inflammation markers than with vessel distensibility. AGE-crosslink breakers may reduce cardiovascular risk in older adults by reduced central arterial stiffness and vascular remodeling.
Amelioration of Ochratoxin A-induced immunotoxic effects by silymarin and vitamin E in White Leghorn cockerels

Silymarin (SL) is the bioactive extract of the plant Silybum marianum and Vitamin E (VE) is an important anti-oxidant. The present study was designed to evaluate potential ameliorative effects of SL and VE against Ochratoxin A (OTA)-induced immunotoxic effects in White Leghorn cockerels. One day-old birds were divided into 12 groups (20 birds/group) and fed basal diets amended with OTA (1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg) alone or in combination with SL (10 g/kg) and/or VE (200 mg/kg) for 42 days. Immunological in situ responses, including antibody formation against sheep red blood cells (7 and 14 days after both primary and booster injections), lymphoproliferative responses to avian tuberculin (30 days of age), and mononuclear phagocytic system function (i.e. by clearance of injected carbon particles) assay (42 days of age), were assessed. Results suggested that silymarin and Vitamin E alone or in combination ameliorated the immunotoxic effects induced by 1.0 mg OTA/kg but could not significantly impact on the effect from ingestion of 2.0 mg OTA/kg. The results of the present study suggested that both SL and VE possess an ability to ameliorate OTA-induced immunotoxicity in chicks. However, it remains to be determined whether/what SL:OTA or VE:OTA ratios are required to assure such mitigation of OTA-induced immunotoxicities.
Comparative Study of Probabilistic Cell Decomposition And Probabilistic Roadmap

This report looks at a new approach to motion planning known as Probabilistic Cell Decomposition (PCD). This approach combines ideas from Approximate Cell Decomposition (ACD) and Sampling-based motion planning to create a planner that can work in highdimensional static configuration space. This report first gives an overview of PCD and then describes the implementation of the planner along with implementation of Probabilistic Roadmap planner (PRM). In addition to that a basic comparison between the two has been done by running the planners on a set of problems. Finally, some of the implementation issues and possible ways of improving the planner are discussed.
Lessons from enterprise resource planning implementations in Ireland – towards smaller and shorter ERP projects

The enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market has been growing at a very fast pace over the last few years and has been predicted to keep growing rapidly in the long term. This has led to an abundance of media reports on the subject of ERP and to managers wondering whether their companies should implement ERP systems. In order to separate the reality of the ERP phenomenon from the hype that surrounds it, we studied 14 ERP implementation projects in Irish organizations and focused on the key relationships between organizations which attempt to implement ERP systems and their implementing partners. We found that the ERP implementations that are going on in Ireland at the moment are different to the projects that have been reported elsewhere in two key respects. Firstly, the organizations interested in ERP software are, on average, far smaller than the case studies reported in the literature and the majority of the cases we reviewed were small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Secondly, the durations of implementation were far shorter than reported elsewhere. These results are not surprising if one considers the smaller average size of Irish organizations, but they indicate that the ERP movement is truly ready for an extension towards the SME market. They also indicate that the duration of the implementation of ERP software may be related to the size and complexity of the client organization and that SMEs can expect to have an easier time implementing ERPs than the current literature suggests. We also found that software implementers play a key role, not only in technical terms, but also in managerial and political terms, because they can help their clients in correcting their expectations and perceptions of ERP systems and ERP implementations.
Optimization of a multi‐stage, multi‐subunit malaria vaccine candidate for the production in Pichia pastoris by the identification and removal of protease cleavage sites

We demonstrated the successful optimization of a recombinant multi‐subunit malaria vaccine candidate protein for production in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris by the identification and subsequent removal of two protease cleavage sites. After observing protein degradation in the culture supernatant of a fed‐batch fermentation, the predominant proteolytic fragment of the secreted recombinant protein was analyzed by mass spectrometry. The MS data indicated the cleavage of an amino acid sequence matching the yeast KEX2‐protease consensus motif EKRE. The cleavage in this region was completely abolished by the deletion of the EKRE motif in a modified variant. This modified variant was produced, purified, and used for immunization of rabbits, inducing high antigen specific antibody titers (2 × 106). Total IgG from rabbit immune sera recognized different stages of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in immunofluorescence assays, indicating native folding of the vaccine candidate. However, the modified variant was still degraded, albeit into different fragments. Further analysis by mass spectrometry and N‐terminal sequencing revealed a second cleavage site downstream of the motif PEVK. We therefore removed a 17‐amino‐acid stretch including the PEVK motif, resulting in the subsequent production of the full‐length recombinant vaccine candidate protein without significant degradation, with a yield of 53 mg per liter culture volume. We clearly demonstrate that the proteolytic degradation of recombinant proteins by endogenous P. pastoris proteases can be prevented by the identification and removal of such cleavage sites. This strategy is particularly relevant for the production of recombinant subunit vaccines, where product yield and stability play a more important role than for the production of a stringently‐defined native sequence which is necessary for most therapeutic molecules. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 659–667. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MENON: automating a Socratic teaching model for mathematical proofs

Adaptive teaching strategies that take the needs of different learners into account are a prerequisite for successful intelligent tutoring systems. They should ideally incorporate elements of all facets of teaching that together are responsible for learning. One such facet is natural language tutorial dialogue, which is crucial to the application of teaching strategies by human teachers. Although there is an increasing amount of research on teaching strategies and on tutorial dialogues, an analysis of the multiple facets of feedback in the context of a tutorial dialogue remains to be investigated. State-of-the-art approaches do not do justice to either of these aspects. Commonly, intelligent tutoring systems concentrate on cognitive and domain-specific content and resort to precompiled feedback. This feedback is either derived from learning theories, or is dictated by human tutors. The feedback is then associated with pre-defined input for specific tasks, and is presented to the student as canned or templatebased natural-language output in fixed sequences. As a result, adaptivity and non-cognitive aspects of feedback are sacrificed for precision of cognitive and domain-specific content designed for individual tasks. Moreover, these menubased variants of dialogue management do not preserve the characteristics of natural-language dialogue that make it effective, such as dialogical and rhetorical structure, expressive power, and mixed initiative of the collocutors. This thesis presents techniques to automatically integrate different aspects of teaching in a unified natural-language output. The automatic production and natural-language generation of feedback enables its personalisation both at the pedagogical and at the natural-language dialogue level. As a result, feedback can be tailored to the needs of the individual students and the discourse context. Our approach moves away from resource-intensive pre-compiled feedback and towards producing adaptive feedback for arbitrary tasks. As a consequence, the number of tasks with pedagogical feedback that can be offered to the student increases, and with it the opportunity for practice. We propose a method for automating adaptive feedback and implement the tutorial manager Menon as a proof-of-concept for the domain of set theory proofs. More specifically, we define a pedagogical model that abides by schema theory and cognitive load theory, and by the synergistic approach to learning. We implement this model in a Socratic teaching strategy whose basic units of feedback are dialogue moves. We use empirical educational data from two domains: an existing corpus on electricity and electronics, and a corpus which we collected