Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient Activation of the HOG MAPK Pathway Regulates Bimodal Gene Expression

Bimodal expression of genes is activated in response to osmotic stress. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are conserved signaling modules that control many cellular processes by integrating intra- and extracellular cues. The p38/Hog1 MAPK is transiently activated in response to osmotic stress, leading to rapid translocation into the nucleus and induction of a specific transcriptional program. When investigating the dynamic interplay between Hog1 activation and Hog1-driven gene expression, we found that Hog1 activation increases linearly with stimulus, whereas the transcriptional output is bimodal. Modeling predictions, corroborated by single-cell experiments, established that a slow stochastic transition from a repressed to an activated transcriptional state in conjunction with transient Hog1 activation generates this behavior. Together, these findings provide a molecular mechanism by which a cell can impose a transcriptional threshold in response to a linear signaling behavior.
Efficacy and Tolerability Profile of Etoricoxib in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo and Active-comparator Controlled 12-Week Efficacy Trial

Summary Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 12 weeks of treatment with etoricoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip. Methods: In the 12-week placebo- and active comparator-controlled period of a randomized, double-blind study, eligible patients were treated with etoricoxib 60 mg once daily (n = 224), naproxen 500 mg twice daily (n = 221), or placebo (n = 56). Western Ontario McMaster's Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and physical function subscales and patient's global assessment of disease status were primary end points. Key secondary and other end points were patient's and investigator's global assessment of response to therapy, WOMAC stiffness subscale, investigator's global assessment of disease status, rescue paracetamol use, proportion of patients discontinuing due to lack of efficacy, and study joint tenderness. Results: Etoricoxib 60 mg demonstrated efficacy significantly superior to placebo (p ≤ 0.005) and comparable to naproxen 500mg twice daily as assessed by the primary efficacy end points. Secondary and other end points confirmed these results. Treatment effects were evident by day 2, maximal by week 2, and sustained over the entire 12 weeks. Etoricoxib was well tolerated for 12 weeks. Conclusions: Etoricoxib showed rapid and durable treatment effects in patients with OA of the knee or hip. Etoricoxib was generally well tolerated.
Politics and Power within Multinational Corporations: Mainstream Studies, Emerging Critical Approaches and Suggestions for Future Research

Given the increased public interest in the use and misuse of power in multinationals in the aftermath of the financial crisis, it is notable that power relations in multinational corporations (MNCs) have not gained enhanced attention in the academic community. What is missing so far in the study of MNCs is a systematic examination of how power and politics within MNCs have been addressed in mainstream international business (IB) and sociological research studying the MNC. This paper starts by critically reviewing these two mainstream approaches in the study of MNCs as organizations and seeking to understand the shortcomings of former research. Next, it reviews new emergent critical perspectives, which the authors call socio‐political studies of MNCs, where power and politics are addressed not just more prominently, but also differently, from a more bottom‐up and actor‐centred perspective. After reviewing this emergent stream of research, the authors propose that future studies should take a more micro‐political perspective and focus in more detail on the micro‐foundations of power relations. In the concluding section, the authors show how future studies of MNCs can learn from both critical interactionist and discursive theories when analysing organizational politics and power relations. A framework is proposed for the study of micro‐level political game‐playing in MNCs, based on a three‐dimensional framework for organizational power (episodic, rules of the game and domination), and some key research questions for future studies are suggested.
IRS1 Regulation by Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and Varied Contribution of IRS1 to the Neoplastic Phenotype

Dysregulation of β-catenin levels and localization and constitutive activation of β-catenin/TCF (T cell factor)-regulated gene expression occur in many cancers, including the majority of colorectal carcinomas and a subset of ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinomas. Based on the results of microarray-based gene expression profiling we found the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) gene as one of the most highly up-regulated genes upon ectopic expression of a mutant, constitutively active form of β-catenin in the rat kidney epithelial cell line RK3E. We demonstrate expression of IRS1 can be directly activated by β-catenin, likely in part via β-catenin/TCF binding to TCF consensus binding elements located in the first intron and downstream of the IRS1 transcriptional start site. Consistent with the proposal that β-catenin is an important regulator of IRS1 expression in vivo, we observed that IRS1 is highly expressed in many cancers with constitutive stabilization of β-catenin, such as colorectal carcinomas and ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinomas. Using a short hairpin RNA approach to abrogate IRS1 expression and function, we found that IRS1 function is required for efficient de novo neoplastic transformation by β-catenin in RK3E cells. Our findings add to the growing body of data implicating IRS1 as a critical signaling component in cancer development and progression.
Redundancy and testability in digital filter datapaths

Test issues in application-specific digital filter datapaths are investigated. It is found that such designs can contain hundreds of redundant faults, making it difficult to accurately determine fault coverage. Since these redundant faults tend to appear in the same general location as test-resistant faults, the presence of many redundant faults can hide significant untested faults despite high overall test coverage. Classes of redundant faults that arise in digital filter datapaths are described, and we propose a suite of techniques for identifying and eliminating the most common redundancies based on arithmetic optimization. The approach is suitable as a front-end to more accurate fault simulation, or can be used in the design process to eliminate redundant logic. The approach is validated as a tool for developing very high-coverage built-in self-test circuits, showing that 100% fault coverage can be achieved in 24k-gate filters with as little as 1% area overhead. When used as a datapath optimization technique, the average area reduction over 15 designs was 8.9%, compared with moderately optimized designs. As a front-end to fault simulation, the approach yielded a 97.9% average reduction in the number of undetected faults across the 15 designs.
Activity of Praziquantel Enantiomers and Main Metabolites against Schistosoma mansoni

ABSTRACT A racemic mixture of R and S enantiomers of praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the treatment of choice for schistosomiasis. Though the S enantiomer and the metabolites are presumed to contribute only a little to the activity of the drug, in-depth side-by-side studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro activities of PZQ and its main metabolites, namely, R- and S-cis- and R- and S-trans-4′-hydroxypraziquantel, against adult worms and newly transformed schistosomula (NTS). Additionally, we explored the in vivo activity and hepatic shift (i.e., the migration of the worms to the liver) produced by each PZQ enantiomer in mice. Fifty percent inhibitory concentrations of R-PZQ, S-PZQ, and R-trans- and R-cis-4′-hydroxypraziquantel of 0.02, 5.85, 4.08, and 2.42 μg/ml, respectively, for adult S. mansoni were determined in vitro. S-trans- and S-cis-4′-hydroxypraziquantel were not active at 100 μg/ml. These results are consistent with microcalorimetry data and studies with NTS. In vivo, single 400-mg/kg oral doses of R-PZQ and S-PZQ achieved worm burden reductions of 100 and 19%, respectively. Moreover, worms treated in vivo with S-PZQ displayed an only transient hepatic shift and returned to the mesenteric veins within 24 h. Our data confirm that R-PZQ is the main effector molecule, while S-PZQ and the metabolites do not play a significant role in the antischistosomal properties of PZQ.
Identification of risk factors for type II diabetes in Almadinah Almunawara, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The goal of this study is to identify the risk factors of type II diabetes (T2D) in Al Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Data were collected from the Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) of Al Madinah, KSA, from 2009 to 2014. The data are grouped or summarized, where the patients have different types of diabetes. The dependent variable is the type of T2D, and the independent variables (risk factors) are age (145+ years), gender (male and female), and nationality (Saudis and non-Saudis). A multinomial logit model is used since the response, a nominal categorical variable, has four levels measured on nominal scale: ‘diabetes during pregnancy & delivery’, ‘diabetes with other complications’, ‘diabetes without complications’, and ‘acetone diabetes’. The results from the fit of multinomial logit model show that all predictors are statistically significant (p> 0.05).
Genetic risk factor APOEε4 associates with plasma amyloid beta in amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

Background: APOEe4 is a strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD itself has been associated with reduced Aβ clearance from the brain and plasma. Understanding the potential pathogenic link between APOEe4 and plasma Aβ might allow for earlier identification of people at risk of developing AD. The aim of this study is to find out the correlation between APOEe4 and plasma Aβ in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD patients. Methods: This is a comparative cross-sectional study of patients attending a memory clinic in Siloam Hospital Lippo Karawaci, Tangerang, during the period of 2013-2014. Subjects were categorized into three categories: normal aging, aMCI, and AD. We performed blood test to examine APOEe4, plasma Aβ 4o level, and plasma Aβ 42 level. All data analyses were performed using correlation test and logistic regression. Results: Sixty subjects (normal aging = 23, aMCI = 17, AD = 20) were included. There were 19 (31.7%) subjects with APOEe4 positive. Subjects carrying e4 allele were more likely to have AD by 3.9-fold than subjects with APOE e4 allele negative. There is a significant difference between the mean of plasma Aβ 40 in aMCI group and AD group. We also found correlation between APOEe4 (+) and higher plasma Aβ 42 (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is a correlation between APOEe4 and plasma Aβ 42 level, which supports the hypothesis that this genetic isoform accelerates the rate and progression of AD through Aβ-dependent pathways.
Targets detection and analysis in coastal area using Polarimetric SAR images

Polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) is sensitive to orientation and characteristics of object thus may yield several new descriptive radar target detection parameters and leads to improvement of radar detection algorithms. Ship detection is one of the most important tasks of the seaport surveillance. In this paper, some methods, such as polarimetric target decomposition, time-frequency analysis, and radon transform, are proposed to detect and analyze moving targets using PolSAR image. We generate a validity test using multi-look X-band PolSAR image acquired by PiSAR in coastal Area. Both moving target and stationary target are included in the images. Results show the potential capability of proposed methods for moving target detection and analysis.
On the efficient computation of independent contact regions for force closure grasps

Since the introduction of independent contact regions in order to compensate for shortcomings in the positioning accuracy of robotic hands, alternative methods for their generation have been proposed. Due to the fact that (in general) such regions are not unique, the computation methods used usually reflect the envisioned application and/or underlying assumptions made. This paper introduces a parallelizable algorithm for the efficient computation of independent contact regions, under the assumption that a user input in the form of initial guess for the grasping points is readily available. The proposed approach works on discretized 3D-objects with any number of contacts and can be used with any of the following models: frictionless point contact, point contact with friction and soft finger contact. An example of the computation of independent contact regions comprising a non-trivial task wrench space is given.
Parallel sequential minimal optimization for the training of support vector machines

Sequential minimal optimization (SMO) is one popular algorithm for training support vector machine (SVM), but it still requires a large amount of computation time for solving large size problems. This paper proposes one parallel implementation of SMO for training SVM. The parallel SMO is developed using message passing interface (MPI). Specifically, the parallel SMO first partitions the entire training data set into smaller subsets and then simultaneously runs multiple CPU processors to deal with each of the partitioned data sets. Experiments show that there is great speedup on the adult data set and the Mixing National Institute of Standard and Technology (MNIST) data set when many processors are used. There are also satisfactory results on the Web data set.
Experiences using group support systems to improve strategic planning in the Air Force

Strategic planning is an essential part of establishing the US Air Force's direction. Using a group support system (GSS) for strategic planning is one avenue to make effective use of technology and improve the strategic planning process. This research implements a GSS as a facilitation tool to improve the strategic planning process at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho with the support of the 366th Wing. The project focused on learning multiple lessons when a GSS augmented the current strategic planning process. Implementation of a GSS on the strategic planning process was expected to: (1) improve the quality of the strategic plan, (2) reduce time to completion, (3) increase satisfaction with the process, and (4) increase commitment to the strategic plans developed. Overall, however, although computer-supported strategic planning improved the quality of the strategic plans, reduced the time to completion and increased satisfaction with the process, there was not a statistically significant increase in the level of commitment to implementation.
Behind the Curtains of e-State: Determinants of Online Sexual Harassment Among Estonian Children

This article analyses the risk of receiving online sexual messages and experiencing harm among Estonian children. In particular, the paper examines the association between receiving sexual messages and behavioural, psychological and demographic characteristics, and the social mediation of children’s Internet use. Estonian data from ‘EU Kids Online’ survey are used, involving 780 children aged 11-16. Results demonstrate that 19% of children who use the Internet have received online sexual messages, and 6% have felt disturbed. The probability of receiving sexual messages online is higher for children with risky online and oﬄ ine behaviour and psychological diﬃ culties. Perceiving online messages as sexually harassing is higher among children with excessive Internet use, lower levels of parental monitoring and higher levels of peer mediation of Internet use. The risk of exposure to harassing sexual messages also diﬀ ers by age and, more notably, by the minority status. Mediation by parents and teachers plays an insigniﬁ cant role in reducing teenagers’ risks of receiving sexual messages.
Prototyping a recommendation system for Ukiyo-e using hybrid recommendation algorithm

This paper introduces a recommendation system for Ukiyo-e prints. Although there are some services available online which recommends Ukiyo-e prints to users, they have not supported a recommendation function, yet. To meet the complex preferences of the users, the hybrid algorithm can fit as a feasible solution to realize the Ukiyo-e recommendation. In this paper, our prototype recommendation system for Ukiyo-e using it is proposed. Our proposed system adapts item-based collaborative filtering, user-based collaborative filtering and popularity-based filtering to predict which Ukiyo-e prints the user may like to view. Also this paper addresses the cold start problem and ways to profile users when limited authentication information is available.
Olvido dirigido de falsas memorias: ¿Podemos olvidar intencionadamente una falsa memoria?

Directed forgetting of false memories: Can we forget a false memory? In two directed forgetting experiments subjects were required to forget some false memories. In experiment 1 the 13 words from list 1 were related to a non presented critical word whereas the 13 words from list 2 were unrelated. In experiment 2 both list 1 and 2 had 18 words: 6 words related to a first critical word, 6 related to a second critical word, and the last 6 words to a third critical word. None of both experiments found inhibition of such false memories suggesting that is not possible to forget a false memory. Even in experiment 2 there was a trend to the appearance of a postsuppression rebound that would indicate that the attempt of forgetting a false memory could be even counterproductive.
In-band adaptive update step based on local content activity

In this paper we present an adaptive version of the update step in the lifting implementation of MCTF (Motion Compensated Temporal Filtering). We explicitly take into account the local image content in order to avoid ghosting artifacts in the updated low-pass frame, tuning the update weighting factor where such artifacts are more likely to be perceived. The proposed solution is integrated into a 2D+t (in-band) wavelet based video codec and improves the subjective quality of sequences reconstructed at reduced frame rate.
Swallowable medical devices for diagnosis and surgery: The state of the art

Abstract The first wireless camera pills created a revolutionary new perspective for engineers and physicians, demonstrating for the first time the feasibility of achieving medical objectives deep within the human body from a swallowable, wireless platform. The approximately 10 years since the first camera pill has been a period of great innovation in swallowable medical devices. Many modules and integrated systems have been devised to enable and enhance the diagnostic and even robotic capabilities of capsules working within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This article begins by reviewing the motivation and challenges of creating devices to work in the narrow, winding, and often inhospitable GI environment. Then the basic modules of modern swallowable wireless capsular devices are described, and the state of the art in each is discussed. This article is concluded with a perspective on the future potential of swallowable medical devices to enable advanced diagnostics beyond the capability of human visual perception, and even to directly deliver surgical tools and therapy non-invasively to interventional sites deep within the GI tract.
Analysis of writing as a linguistic modality

Enabling is defined as the set of conditions that permits an active response form when the contact with the stimulus events occurred under reactive modalities. Thirty undergraduate students of psychology participated. Experiment 1 evaluated the enabling effect of the verbal written response in a first-order matching-tosample procedure in which stimuli were presented in three reactive modalities (Group 1 observing mode, Group 2 reading mode, Group 3 listening mode). In all three cases, the matching response was written. The results showed that all reactive modalities enabled the matching-to-sample writing response. However, a higher level of enabling was noted from observing mode to writing mode, while reading and listening modes showed a similar level of enabling. The rationale of Experiment 2 was the same as Experiment 1 but in this case the reactive mode was introduced with the talking active mode. The results followed the same trend in Experiment 1, but the enabling was lower in all cases. The results are discussed in terms of the concept of enabling and the linguistics modes.
Simulation of Infinitely Divisible Random Fields

Two methods to approximate infinitely divisible random fields are presented. The methods are based on approximating the kernel function in the spectral representation of such fields, leading to numerical integration of the respective integrals. Error bounds for the approximation error are derived and the approximations are used to simulate certain classes of infinitely divisible random fields.
Nonparametric Bayesian Clustering via Infinite Warped Mixture Models

We introduce a flexible class of mixture models for clustering and density estimation. Our model allows clustering of non-linearly-separable data, produces a potentially low-dimensional latent representation, automatically infers the number of clusters, and produces a density estimate. Our approach makes use of two tools from Bayesian nonparametrics: a Dirichlet process mixture model to allow an unbounded number of clusters, and a Gaussian process warping function to allow each cluster to have a complex shape. We derive a simple inference scheme for this model which analytically integrates out both the mixture parameters and the warping function. We show that our model is effective for density estimation, and performs much better than infinite Gaussian mixture models at discovering meaningful clusters.
Le pouvoir d'tat en Chine

Staatsmacht in China. Zum ersten Mal in der Geschichte politischer Praxis wurde in einigen grosen Konigreichen Chinas im Laufe des vierten und dritten vorchristlichen Jahrhunderts von einer rationellen Theorie der Staatsmacht ausgegangen. Diese Theorie hatte im Namen militarischer und okonomischer Erstarkung die Konzentration aller Macht in den Handen des Prinzen unter Beseitigung all derjenigen im Auge, liber die bis dahin noch einige alte Adelsfamilien verfugten. Diese wurden in ihren erblichen Funktionen durch eine zentralisierte und hierarchisierte autonome Verwaltung abgelost, die bis in die Besetzung von Stellen hinein objektiven Gesetzen und Vorschriften und einer rationellen Aufgabenteilung zwischen verschiedenen Diensten unterworfen und regelmafsig kontrolliert war, so wie sie ihrerseits die Gesamtheit des Herrschaftsgebiets tiberwachte. Es entwickelte sich in diesem Corps von Staatsdienern auch schon fruh eine Moral des Dienstes am offentlichen Wohl und die Idee eines die Person des Fursten selbst ubersteigenden hoheren Interesses. Das System enthielt demnach eine standige Quelle von Spannungen und Konflikten zwischen dem kaiserlichen Flof und dem kaiserlichen Beamtencorps. Die politische Geschichte Chinas beruht vor allem auf diesen aus der Dualitat von Macht und Milieus hervorgegangenen Auseinandersetzungen : einerseits der Hof mit seinen Vertrauten und Verwandten, auf anderen Seite die Staatsbediensteten, darauf bedacht, im Namen von Gewohnheitsrechten und dem offentlichen Interesse ihre Autoritat zu behaupten und gegebenenfalls wiederherzustellen, sowie auf den Kampfen einzelner Partien innerhalb dieser Verwaltung. Besonders seit dem 11. Jahrhundert nahm durch die Rekrutierungspraxis des grosten Teils der kaiserlichen Beamten durch Aufnahmeprufungen das System Formen an, in denen die einzelnen Jahrhunderte voneinander unterscheidbar werden. Diesen Besonderheiten des politischen und administrativen Systems in China geht der Artikel nach.