Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Factors Affecting Facial Growth

Malocclusion is the manifestation of complex genetic and environmental interactions on the development of the oral-facial region. Historically, orthodontists have been interested in genetics as a means to better understand why a patient has a particular occlusion, and to determine the best course of treatment for the malocclusion. The application of genetic information in treatment, however, has been hampered by several factors including: 1) the presumption that heritability studies have some clinical relevance to the individual patient, which they do not (Harris, 2008); 2) the presumption that whatever genetic factors may have contributed to the occlusion will also affect how the patient responds to treatment, which they may not; and 3) a lack of understanding to the extent at which genetic factors may interact with environmental factors (such as those created during orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments) to influence single gene (Mendelian) traits versus “Complex” traits which are more frequently observed in the clinic. (Hartsfield, 2011)
Cell Surface Expression of GluR5 Kainate Receptors Is Regulated by an Endoplasmic Reticulum Retention Signal*

Kainate receptors (KARs) are mediators of excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system, and their efficient targeting and trafficking is critical for normal synaptic function. A key step in the delivery of KARs to the neuronal plasma membrane is the exit of newly assembled receptors from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here we report the identification of a novel ER retention signal in the alternatively spliced C-terminal domain of the GluR5–2b subunit, which controls receptor trafficking in both heterologous cells and neurons. The ER retention motif consists of a critical arginine (Arg-896) and surrounding amino acids, disruption of which promotes ER exit and surface expression of the receptors, as well as altering their physiological properties. The Arg-896-mediated ER retention of GluR5 is regulated by a mutation that mimics phosphorylation of Thr-898, but not by PDZ interactions. Furthermore, two positively charged residues (Arg-900 and Lys-901) in the C terminus were also found to regulate ER export of the receptors. Taken together, our results identify novel trafficking signals in the C-terminal domain of GluR5–2b and demonstrate that alternative splicing is an important mechanism regulating KAR function.
BMP-mediated inhibition of FGF signaling promotes cardiomyocyte differentiation of anterior heart field progenitors

The anterior heart field (AHF) encompasses a niche in which mesoderm-derived cardiac progenitors maintain their multipotent and undifferentiated nature in response to signals from surrounding tissues. Here, we investigate the signaling mechanism that promotes the shift from proliferating cardiac progenitors to differentiating cardiomyocytes in chick embryos. Genomic and systems biology approaches, as well as perturbations of signaling molecules, in vitro and in vivo, reveal tight crosstalk between the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways within the AHF niche: BMP4 promotes myofibrillar gene expression and cardiomyocyte contraction by blocking FGF signaling. Furthermore, inhibition of the FGF-ERK pathway is both sufficient and necessary for these processes, suggesting that FGF signaling blocks premature differentiation of cardiac progenitors in the AHF. We further revealed that BMP4 induced a set of neural crest-related genes, including MSX1. Overexpression of Msx1 was sufficient to repress FGF gene expression and cell proliferation, thereby promoting cardiomyocyte differentiation. Finally, we show that BMP-induced cardiomyocyte differentiation is diminished following cranial neural crest ablation, underscoring the key roles of these cells in the regulation of AHF cell differentiation. Hence, BMP and FGF signaling pathways act via inter- and intra-regulatory loops in multiple tissues, to coordinate the balance between proliferation and differentiation of cardiac progenitors.
Quality in ubiquitous information system design

Information systems become ubiquitous. This opens a large spectrum of the possibilities for the end-users, but the design complexity is increasing. Therefore insuring quality during design is more than ever a challenge. In this article, we study this challenge by identifying the specificities of ubiquitous computing design and by considering the influence of these specificities on the quality of the various aspects of information system design (models, languages, processes and tools). For each aspect, we discuss its requirements on quality and present related works valuable for the definition and the evaluation of ubiquitous information system design quality.
Is There Diurnal Variation in Initial and Delayed Orthostatic Hypotension During Standing and Head-up Tilt?

Moving rapidly from a supine to a standing posture is a common daily activity, yet a significant physiological challenge. Syncope can result from the development of initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH) involving a transient fall in systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) of >40/20 mm Hg within the first 15 s, and/or a delayed orthostatic hypotension (DOH) involving a fall in systolic/diastolic BP of >20/10 mm Hg within 15 min of posture change. Although epidemiological data indicate a heightened syncope risk in the morning, little is known about the diurnal variation in the IOH and DOH mechanisms associated with postural change. The authors hypothesized that the onset of IOH and DOH occurs sooner, and the associated cardiorespiratory and cerebrovascular changes are more pronounced, in the early morning. At 06:00 and 16:00 h, 17 normotensive volunteers, aged 26 ± 1 yrs (mean ± SE), completed a protocol involving supine rest, an upright stand, and a 60° head-up tilt (HUT) during which continuous beat-to-beat measurements of middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv), mean arterial BP (MAP), heart rate, and end-tidal Pco2 (PETco2) were obtained. Mean MCAv was ∼12% lower at baseline in the morning (p ≤ .01) and during the HUT (p < .01), despite a morning elevation in PETco2 by ∼2.2 mm Hg (p = .01). The decline in MAP during initial standing (morning vs. afternoon: 50% ± 4% vs. 49% ± 3%) and HUT (39% ± 3% vs. 38% ± 3%) did not vary with time-of-day (p > .30). In conclusion, although there is a marked reduction in MCAv in the morning, there is an absence of diurnal variation in the onset of and associated physiological responses associated with IOH and DOH. These responses, at least in this population, are unlikely contributors to the diurnal variation in orthostatic tolerance. (Author correspondence: N.C.Lewis@2004.ljmu.ac.uk)
Reasoning on an imperative object-based calculus in Higher Order Abstract Syntax

We illustrate the benefits of using Natural Deduction in combination with weak Higher-Order Abstract Syntax for formalizing an object-based calculus with objects, cloning, method-update, types with subtyping, and side-effects, in inductive type theories such as the Calculus of Inductive Constructions. This setting suggests a clean and compact formalization of the syntax and semantics of the calculus, with an efficient management of method closures. Using our formalization and the Theory of Contexts, we can prove formally the Subject Reduction Theorem in the proof assistant Coq, with a relatively small overhead.
The Speed of Experience: The Co‐Narrative Method in Experience Economy Education

This paper proposes a management learning technique called the co-narrative method. This approach is seen as a useful means of capturing the subtler nuances of experience economy interactions, as well as learning ethics and corporate social responsibility, by nurturing empathy and compassion. A method is presented based on the example of the idea of slow as fast side of organizational and festival experiences, which is explored through autoethnographic studies of participation in experience economy events. It builds upon insights into improving management education through the use of the humanistic approach. The so-called co-narrative method is based on a syzygic mode uniting the two oppositions (while preserving their inherent contradictions). It encourages its users to exercise understanding of the experience of the Other, while teaching about concrete cases and events.
Civilian Population and Constructive Transformation of an Internal Armed Conflict: an Application to the Colombian Case

a b s t r a c t The goal of this study is to explore a set of psychosocial variables that may contribute to the constructive transformation of a violent sociopolitical conflict. Based upon several authors in Social and Political Psychology, we propose an analysis of the conflict through thirteen variables. These variables are stated from the perspective of the non-combatant population within the context of a real armed conflict. The variables are related to beliefs about the conflict’s actors, perceptions of threat, confidence and costs, ethnocentric attitudes and interaction preferences with the adversaries. An attitude towards the conflict questionnaire was created and applied, with acceptable psychometric indexes. It confirms thirteen dimensions adjusted to the initial proposal.
Waist Circumference, Not Body Mass Index, Is Associated with Renal Function Decline in Korean Population: Hallym Aging Study

Background Prospective investigation of obesity and renal function decline in Asia is sparse. We examined the associations of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with renal function decline in a prospective study of Korean population. Methods A total of 454 participants who had baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels of more than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Hallym Aging Study (HAS) were included and followed for 6 years. Renal function decline was defined as follows: (1) an eGFR decline ≥3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year (n = 82 cases); (2) an eGFR decrease of 20% or greater (n = 87 cases) at follow-up; (3) an eGFR decrease of 20% greater at follow-up or eGFR decline ≥3 mL/min/1.73 m2/year (n = 91 cases); and (4) an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at follow-up (n = 54 cases). eGFR was determined based on the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the association between obesity and renal function decline. Results We found that central obesity was associated with faster renal function decline. Comparing WC of >95 cm in men or >90 cm in women with ≤90 cm in men or ≤85 cm in women, ORs (95% CIs) ranged from 2.31 (1.14–4.69) to 2.78 (1.19–6.50) for the 4 definitions of renal function decline (all p-values for trend <0.05). Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) also was associated with renal function decline. There was no significant association of BMI with renal function decline. Conclusions Central obesity, but not BMI, is associated with faster renal function decline in Korean population. Our results provide important evidence that simple measurement of central fat deposition rather than BMI could predict decline in renal function in Korean population.
Intact eukaryotic initiation factor 4G is required for hepatitis A virus internal initiation of translation.

The requirements for optimal activity of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) internal ribosome entry segment (IRES) differ substantially from those of other picornavirus IRESes. One such difference is that, to date, the HAV IRES is the only one whose efficiency is severely inhibited in the presence of the picornaviral 2A proteinase. Here we describe experiments designed to dissect the mechanism of proteinase-mediated inhibition of HAV translation. Using dicistronic mRNAs translated in vitro, we show that the HAV IRES is inhibited by the foot-and-mouth disease virus Lb proteinase, as well as by the human rhinovirus 2A proteinase. Furthermore, using mutant Lb proteinase, we demonstrate that proteolytic activity is required for inhibition of HAV IRES activity. Translation inhibition correlated closely with the extent of cleavage of the one identified common cellular target for the 2A and Lb proteinases, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G, a component of the eIF4F cap-binding protein complex. Total rescue of HAV IRES activity was possible if purified eIF4F was added to translation extracts. In contrast, if the added eIF4F contained cleaved eIF4G, no rescue of HAV IRES activity was evidenced. Thus the HAV IRES requires intact eIF4G for activity. This is unique among the picornavirus IRESes studied to date and may help explain why HAV does not inhibit host cell translation during viral infection.
Mena and Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein Are Required for Multiple Actin-Dependent Processes That Shape the Vertebrate Nervous System

Ena/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) proteins regulate the geometry of the actin cytoskeleton, thereby influencing cell morphology and motility. Analysis of invertebrate mutants implicates Ena/VASP function in several actin-dependent processes such as axon and dendritic guidance, cell migration, and dorsal closure. In vertebrates, genetic analysis of Ena/VASP function is hindered by the broad and overlapping expression of the three highly related family members Mena (Mammalian enabled), VASP, and EVL (Ena-VASP like). Mice deficient in either Mena or VASP exhibit subtle defects in forebrain commissure formation and platelet aggregation, respectively. In this study, we investigated the consequence of deleting both Mena and VASP. Mena-/-VASP-/- double mutants die perinatally and display defects in neurulation, craniofacial structures, and the formation of several fiber tracts in the CNS and peripheral nervous system.
On the a posteriori error analysis for equations of prescribed mean curvature

We present two approaches to the a posteriori error analysis for prescribed mean curvature equations. The main difference between them concerns the estimation of the residual: without or with computable weights. In the second case, the weights are related to the eigenvalues of the underlying operator and thus provide local and computable information about the conditioning. We analyze the two approaches from a theoretical viewpoint. Moreover, we investigate and compare the performance of the derived indicators in an adaptive procedure. Our theoretical and practical results show that it is advantageous to estimate the residual in a weighted way.
An efficient mining algorithm for key segment from DNA sequences

Unlike transaction sequences in business, DNA sequences typically have a small alphabet and a long length, and so mining DNA sequences faces different challenges from other applications. This paper deals with the problem of mining key segments from long DNA sequences. We design a compact data structure, called Association Matrix, to maintain in memory the statistical information from scanning DNA sequences. Based on the Association Matrix structure, we present an algorithm for mining key segments from a super long DNA sequence. We also evaluate the approach on synthetic and real life data sets, and its good performances in time and space are approved by the experiments.
An On-Chip Digital Environment Monitor for Field Test

An on-chip environment monitor that can estimate a chip temperature and a power supply voltage has been developed to assist accurate circuit delay measurement by field test. The monitor consists of digital circuits and satisfies several features desired for the field test. This paper describes the architecture of the monitor and how to estimate the temperature and voltage in field, and finally shows simulation and TEG results on estimation accuracy.
The association between PD-L1 and EGFR status and the prognostic value of PD-L1 in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with EGFR-TKIs

Backgrounds Recent clinical trials have shown that immune-checkpoint blockade yields remarkable response in a subset of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, few studies directly focus on the association between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational status and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. We examined whether PD-L1 is related to clinicopathologic factors and prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Methods One-hundred and seventy patients with advanced NSCLC were explored. Paraffin-embedded tumour sections were stained with PD-L1 antibody. EGFR mutation was examined by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The correlations between PD-L1 expression and EGFR status and survival parameters were analyzed. Results The overall frequency of PD-L1 over-expression was 65.9% (112/170). In lung adenocarcinoma, PD-L1 tended to be associated with mutant EGFR (PD-L1 overexpression in mutant and wild-type EGFR, 64/89 (71.9%) vs. 32/56 (57.1%), respectively; p=0.067). Subgroup analyses showed that high PD-L1 expression was associated with significantly shorter overall survival (OS) in EGFR wild-type patients (p=0.029) but not in EGFR mutant patients (p=0.932) treated with EGFR-TKIs. Even more, for EGFR mutant patients, higher expression of PD-L1 might only signal better outcome with TKIs. Conclusions High PD-L1 expression was likely to be associated with the presence of EGFR mutation in advanced lung adenocarcinoma. For EGFR wild-type patients, the PD-L1 over expression can be considered as a poor prognostic indicator of OS.
Brief announcement: serial-parallel reciprocity in dynamic multithreaded languages

In dynamically multithreaded platforms that employ work stealing, there appears to be a fundamental tradeoff between providing provably good time and space bounds and supporting SP-reciprocity, the property of allowing arbitrary calling between parallel and serial code, including legacy serial binaries. Many known dynamically multithreaded platforms either fail to support SP-reciprocity or sacrifice on the provable time and space bounds that an efficient work-stealing scheduler could otherwise guarantee. We describe PR-Cilk, a design of a runtime system that supports SP-reciprocity in PR-Cilk and provides provable bounds on time and space. In order to maintain the space bound, PR-Cilk uses subtree-restricted work stealing. We show that with subtree-restricted work stealing, PR-Cilk provides the same guarantee on stack space usage as ordinary Cilk. The completion time guaranteed by PR-Cilk is slightly worse than ordinary Cilk. Nevertheless, if the number of times a C function calls a Cilk function is small, or if each Cilk function called by a C function is sufficiently parallel, PR-Cilk still guarantees linear speedup.
Job Satisfaction as a Mediator in the Relationship between Job Factors and Organizational Commitment: A Study of B-School Teachers

The paper examines the mediating effect of job satisfaction between job factors (pay, promotion opportunities, supervision&work-schedule flexibility) and organizational commitment. In all 310 responses were generated from teachers of management institutes located in India through a self-administered questionnaire. SEM in LISREL was used to analyze data. Path analysis of the structural model revealed that pay satisfaction and workschedule flexibility have a positive relationship with job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Satisfaction with supervision was positively correlated to job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was found to be a strong mediator in the relationship between job related factors and organizational commitment. The study is unique in the sense that it is conducted in the context of management institutes in India. Keeping in mind the fact that there is acute shortage of teaching staff in management institutes in India, the present study is both relevant and purposeful.
Identification of protein antigens of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1

Growth of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in yeast extract broth was standardized, and protein profiles of detergent-solubilized cells were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Over 30 protein bands were identified, 6 of which were more prominent both in Coomassie brilliant blue-stained profiles and in fluorograms with intrinsically radiolabeled bacteria. These major proteins were 22,000 dalton (22K), 24K, 43K, 63K, 76K, and 78K. We found that the 24K and 63K major proteins were antigenic, as demonstrated both by radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP) of [35S]methionine-labeled organisms and by immunoblotting with rabbit hyperimmune sera. In addition, both techniques detected antigens migrating at 58K, 72K, 76K, and 78K. The major 22K and 43K major proteins and antigens migrating at 25.5K, 29K, and 46K were only detected by radioimmunoprecipitation, whereas antigens of 19K, 48K, 53K, and 68K were detected only by immunoblotting. Cell-surface localization of the proteins was determined by a modified radioimmunoprecipitation assay designed to react specifically with surface antigens and by the use of hyperimmune sera that had been extensively preabsorbed with intact cells to deplete the sera of antibodies directed against surface components. The 22K, 24K, 43K, 63K, and 78K major proteins and several minor proteins were found to be located on the surface of L. pneumophila cells.
FRAME LEVEL AUDIO SIMILARITY - A CODEBOOK APPROACH

Modeling audio signals by the long-term statistical distribution of their local spectral features - often denoted as bag of frames approach (BOF) - is a popular and powerful method to describe audio content. While modeling the distribution of local spectral features by semi-parametric distributions (e.g. Gaussian Mixture Models) has been studied intensively, we investigate a non-parametric variant based on vector quantization (VQ) in this paper. The essential advantage of the proposed VQ approach over stateof-the-art similarity measures is that the proposed audio similarity metric forms a normed vector space. This allows for more powerful search strategies, e.g. KD-Trees or Local Sensitive Hashing (LSH), making content-based audio similarity available for even larger music archives. Standard VQ approaches are known to be computationally very expensive; to counter this problem, we propose a multi-level clustering architecture. Additionally, we show that the multi-level vector quantization approach (ML-VQ), in contrast to standard VQ approaches, is comparable to state-ofthe-art frame-level similarity measures in terms of quality. Another important finding w.r. t. the ML-VQ approach is that, in contrast to GMM models of songs, our approach does not seem to suffer from the recently discovered hub problem.
An algorithm for searching a polygonal region with a flashlight

We present an algorithm for a single pursuer with one flashlight searching for an unpredictable, moving target in a 2D environment. The algorithm decides whether a simple polygon with n edges and m concave regions can be cleared by the pursuer, and if so, constructs a search schedule of length O(m) in time O(m2+mlogn+n). The key ideas in this algorithm include a representation called "visibility obstruction diagram" and its "skeleton": a combinatorial decomposition based on a number of critical visibility events. An implementation is presented along with a computed example.