Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ARGLU 1 is a Glucocorticoid Receptor Coactivator and Splicing Modulator Important in Stress Hormone Signaling and Brain Development

2 Summary Prolonged exposure to glucocorticoid stress hormones precipitates mood and cognitive disorders. We identified arginine and glutamate rich 1 (ARGLU1) in a screen for new modulators of glucocorticoid signaling in the CNS. Biochemical studies found that the glutamate rich C-terminus coactivates the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the arginine rich N-terminus interacts with splicing factors and RNA. RNA-seq of neuronal cells ±siARGLU1found significant changes in the expression and alternative splicing of distinct genes involved in neurogenesis. Loss of ARGLU1 was embryonic lethal in mice, and knockdown in zebrafish caused neurodevelopmental and heart defects. Treatment with dexamethasone, a GR activator, also induced changes in the pattern of alternatively spliced genes, highlighting an underappreciated global mechanism of glucocorticoid action in neuronal cells. Thus, in addition to its basal role, ARGLU1 links glucocorticoid-mediated transcription and alternative splicing in neural cells, providing new avenues from which to investigate the molecular underpinnings of cognitive stress disorders. 3 Highlights  ARGLU1 is a new GR coactivator that is nuclear localized and highly expressed in the CNS.  Dexamethasone, a GR ligand, induces alternative splicing changes in neural cells that are ARGLU1-dependent.  ARGLU1 impacts two layers of gene regulation (transcription and alternative splicing) on largely mutually exclusive genes.  Loss of ARGLU1 is embryonic lethal in mice and knockdown in zebrafish causes heart and brain defects. Short Summary Stress hormones, such as cortisol, significantly alter developing and adult neurons by signaling through the glucocorticoid receptor. We identified ARGLU1 as a glucocorticoid-receptor coactivator and RNA binding protein implicated in the regulation of both transcription and alternative splicing in neuronal cells. Glucocorticoid treatment caused widespread changes in alternative splicing that were abrogated in the absence of ARGLU1. Our data support a critical role for ARGLU1 in both basal and glucocorticoid-mediated alternative splicing and transcription, processes important for neuronal development. 4 The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) plays a fundamental role in coordinating the transcriptional response to stress hormones, such as cortisol, and is essential for organismal development, glucose homeostasis and immune function (Kadmiel and Cidlowski, 2013). Chronic stress, or administration of glucocorticoid drugs, is known to impair working memory and precipitate the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders (Judd et al., 2014; Lupien et al., 2007). In the brain, GR is highly expressed in the hippocampus where it has been shown to play a central role in modulating the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells (Fitzsimons et al., 2016; …
Use of Autologous Costal Cartilage in Asian Rhinoplasty

Background: The authors present the senior author's experience and evolution of techniques with the use of autologous costal cartilage grafts in Asian rhinoplasty. Methods: Eighty-three patients who had rhinoseptoplasty with autologous costal cartilage grafts were included in this retrospective review. The types of grafts, complications related to the graft itself and graft harvesting, surgical outcome, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. The techniques of graft carving and cartilage harvesting were also reviewed. Results: The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 29.5 months. Of 83 cases, 39 were revision cases. Autologous costal cartilage grafts were used for the dorsum in 83 cases, for the tip in 66 cases, for the septum in 58 cases, and for the ala in 23 cases. The complication rate related to grafts was 12 percent, which included five warped grafts and five infections. All infections were controlled with intravenous antibiotics. Two patients who had infection developed mild resorption of the grafts. Graft exposure, mobility, or significant resorption was not observed. Two patients underwent revision surgery for aesthetic dissatisfaction and one was planned. The length of chest incision for graft harvesting was 2.4 cm on average. There was no pneumothorax or significant donor-site pain. The donor-site scar was minimal, although two patients developed a hypertrophic chest scar. Overall, functional and aesthetic outcome was satisfactory in most patients. Conclusions: Autologous costal cartilage grafts in Asian rhinoplasty is a versatile and reliable graft material for both primary and revision cases. Even with minimal complications and morbidities, the possibility of warping in dorsal onlay grafts and the possibility of infection in revision surgery need attention. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.
Gridworld Search and Rescue: A Project Framework for a Course in Artificial Intelligence

This paper describes the Gridworld Search and Rescue simulator: freely available educational software that allows students to develop an intelligent agent for a search and rescue application in a partially observable gridworld. It permits students to focus on high-level AI issues for solving the problem rather than low-level robotic navigation. The complexity of the search and rescue problem supports a wide variety of solutions and AI techniques, including search, logical reasoning, planning, and machine learning, while the high-level GSAR simulator makes the complex problem manageable. The simulator represents a 2D disaster-stricken building for multiple rescue agents to explore and rescue autonomous injured victims. It was successfully used as the semester project for CMSC 471 (Artificial Intelligence) in Fall 2007 at UMBC.
Protein A Mutants of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus Cowan I was exposed to nitrosoguanidine or ethyl-methanesulfonate, and survivors were screened on nutrient agar plates containing rabbit anti-protein A serum for loss of protein A production. More than half of all protein A-deficient mutants also lacked nuclease, coagulase, alpha hemolysin, fibrinolysin, mannitol utilization, and the phage-type pattern. Mutants with a spectrum of these properties were also isolated. Induced or spontaneous reversions of the mutants were observed. The properties of the protein A-deficient mutants suggest that synthesis or release (or both) of a number of extracellular products of S. aureus is controlled by a common regulatory mechanism.
Improving statistical machine translation by classifying and generalizing inflected verb forms

This paper introduces a rule-based classification of single-word and compound verbs into a statistical machine translation approach. By substituting verb forms by the lemma of their head verb, the data sparseness problem caused by highly-inflected languages can be successfully addressed. On the other hand, the information of seen verb forms can be used to generate new translations for unseen verb forms. Translation results for an English to Spanish task are reported, producing a significant performance improvement.
Viral Genetic Evolution in Macaques Infected with Molecularly Cloned Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Correlates with the Extent of Persistent Viremia

ABSTRACT Genetic evolution of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) envelope glycoprotein was evaluated in a group of six macaques (Macaca nemestrina) infected with the molecularly cloned, moderately pathogenic SIVsm62d. The extent of envelope evolution was subsequently evaluated within the context of the individual pattern of viremia and disease outcome. Two macaques in this cohort developed AIDS by 1.5 years postinoculation (progressors), whereas the remaining four macaques remained asymptomatic (nonprogressors). Compared with the nonprogressor macaques, the two progressor macaques exhibited higher persistent plasma viremia, higher homologous neutralizing antibody titers, and more extensive mutation and evolution in the V1 region of envelope. Although clearly distinct in each of these parameters from the progressors, the four nonprogressors exhibited more individual variability with respect to the extent of persistent viremia and genetic evolution of the V1 region of envelope. The extent of V1 envelope varied from no apparent V1 evolution in a macaque with good viral containment to extensive evolution in one macaque with persistent viremia. This study underscores the critical role of persistent replication in the genetic evolution of SIV.
Determination of corrosion rate of orthodontic wires based on nickel‐titanium alloy in artificial saliva

The goal of this study was to determine corrosion behavior of three orthodontic wires based on nickel‐titanium alloy (NiTi) in artificial saliva at temperature of 37 °C as function of immersion time. Following orthodontic wires were used: uncoated (NiTi), rhodium coated (Rh NiTi) and nitrified (N NiTi) orthodontic wires. Corrosion of investigated orthodontic wires were monitored by measuring of Ni2+ and Ti4+ ions released in artificial saliva by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) after 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of immersion. Obtained results indicate that corrosion reaction of the NiTi wires in artificial saliva follows the parabolic rate law. According to the obtained values of parabolic corrosion rate constants, corrosion susceptibility of orthodontic wires decreases in the following order: Rh NiTi wire (Kp = 2.48 μg2/cm4 h) > NiTi wire (Kp = 1.6 × 10–3 μg2/cm4 h) > N NiTi wire (Kp = 6.0 × 10–4 μg2/cm4 h). These results indicate that in comparison with uncoated NiTi wire, rhodium coating significantly increases corrosion susceptibility, while nitrification effectively suppresses the release of Ni2+ and Ti4+ ions.
Sympathetic activity as the cause of the morning increase in cardiac events. A likely culprit, but the evidence remains circumstantial.

The well-documented morning increase in myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and other cardiovascular disorders provides a new opportunity to identify the causes of disease onset. In this issue of Circulation , Middlekauff and Sontz1 report on efforts to determine whether the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the increase in disease onset in the morning. They have picked a prime candidate for a causal role, because (1) events associated with increased sympathetic discharge, such as heavy exertion, have been shown to trigger infarction onset2 ; (2) morning is a time associated with a transition from low to high sympathetic activity3 ; and (3) both observational and randomized studies have demonstrated elimination of the morning peak of disease onset in individuals receiving β-adrenergic blocking agents.4 5 Middlekauff and Sontz directly measured firing rates of sympathetic nerves to skeletal muscle at rest and during stress in the morning and afternoon. The study was conducted in eight healthy subjects who had spent the previous night in the Clinical Research Center. The morning measurements (obtained between 6:30 and 8:30 am) were compared with afternoon measurements (obtained between 2 and 4 pm). After basal levels were recorded, lower-body negative pressure was applied (to simulate the stress of assuming the upright …
Possibility of grain size prediction in AA5754 aluminium ingots using neural networks

Abstract The approach to the grain size prediction in AA5754 Al alloy ingots based on artificial neural networks (ANN) has been used in the present study. The ANN has been trained on data that was measured in the real industrial conditions during the process of direct chill Al ingots casting. A very complex relation between the numerous casting parameters and the microstructure of the ingots justifies the application of neural networks, which are known for mapping complex and non-linear systems. A feed forward ANN model with the resilient back-propagation learning algorithm and weight decay regularisation has been developed to relate the grain size to casting rate, meniscus level, casting temperature, water flow for the metal mould cooling and speed of wire for master alloy addition. The results obtained from the ANN are found to be consistent with the theoretical researches and experience from the foundry.
Chronic Reduction of Plasma Free Fatty Acid Improves Mitochondrial Function and Whole-Body Insulin Sensitivity in Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Individuals

Insulin resistance and dysregulation of free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism are core defects in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) and obese normal glucose tolerant (NGT) individuals. Impaired muscle mitochondrial function (reduced ATP synthesis) also has been described in insulin-resistant T2DM and obese subjects. We examined whether reduction in plasma FFA concentration with acipimox improved ATP synthesis rate and altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Eleven NGT obese and 11 T2DM subjects received 1) OGTT, 2) euglycemic insulin clamp with muscle biopsy, and 3) 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of tibialis anterior muscle before and after acipimox (250 mg every 6 h for 12 days). ATP synthesis rate and ROS generation were measured in mitochondria isolated from muscle tissue ex vivo with chemoluminescence and fluorescence techniques, respectively. Acipimox 1) markedly reduced the fasting plasma FFA concentration and enhanced suppression of plasma FFA during oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin clamp in obese NGT and T2DM subjects and 2) enhanced insulin-mediated muscle glucose disposal and suppression of hepatic glucose production. The improvement in insulin sensitivity was closely correlated with the decrease in plasma FFA in obese NGT (r = 0.81) and T2DM (r = 0.76) subjects (both P < 0.001). Mitochondrial ATP synthesis rate increased by >50% in both obese NGT and T2DM subjects and was strongly correlated with the decrease in plasma FFA and increase in insulin-mediated glucose disposal (both r > 0.70, P < 0.001). Production of ROS did not change after acipimox. Reduction in plasma FFA in obese NGT and T2DM individuals improves mitochondrial ATP synthesis rate, indicating that the mitochondrial defect in insulin-resistant individuals is, at least in part, reversible.
MicroRNA and Pathogenesis of Enterovirus Infection

There are no currently available specific antiviral therapies for non-polio Enterovirus infections. Although several vaccines have entered clinical trials, the efficacy requires further evaluation, particularly for cross-strain protective activity. Curing patients with viral infections is a public health problem due to antigen alterations and drug resistance caused by the high genomic mutation rate. To conquer these limits in the development of anti-Enterovirus treatments, a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between Enterovirus and host cells is urgently needed. MicroRNA (miRNA) constitutes the biggest family of gene regulators in mammalian cells and regulates almost a half of all human genes. The roles of miRNAs in Enterovirus pathogenesis have recently begun to be noted. In this review, we shed light on recent advances in the understanding of Enterovirus infection-modulated miRNAs. The impacts of altered host miRNAs on cellular processes, including immune escape, apoptosis, signal transduction, shutdown of host protein synthesis and viral replication, are discussed. Finally, miRNA-based medication provides a promising strategy for the development of antiviral therapy.
Solution of a Classical Cryptarithmetic Problem by using parallel genetic algorithm

The term CryptArithm: it is a mathematical puzzle which involves the replacement of digits with alphabets, symbols and letters. The art and science of solving CryptArithms is known as Cryptarithmetic. CryptArithmetic is related to constraint satisfaction problems (CSP) which uses Operators (Arithmetic) e.g +, -, between relevant words to make mathematical relations in a way that final outcome is logically true. It also ensures that the assigning of values every letter of each word and numbers will produce the accurate result. The numbers are assigned in such a way that no letter should have two numbers (0.9), each letter should contain different number from 0 to 9. Solving CryptArithmetic generally includes a mixed approach of derivation and huge possibility tests. This paper is an effort to find a solution of a Classical CryptArithmetic Problem (CAT+RAN=AWAY) which is computationally expensive and time consuming by using parallel genetic algorithm.
Advanced cancer: aiming for the best in care.

Cancer is a common disease; it affects about one in three people, and eventually 27% of men and 24% of women will die of it. ' Many different professionals, in hospital and in the community, may be involved in the care of a person with advanced cancer. They include general practitioners; hospital staff such as general physicians, oncologists, surgeons, specialists in palliative medicine and medicine for elderly people, and nurses; community nurses; social workers; physiotherapists; and, in some cases, psychiatrists. This paper deals with the effectiveness, humanity, and equity of care of patients with advanced cancer and considers mechanisms to improve care. Prevention and treatment aimed at curing cancer are not included.
Progression to the persistent form in asymptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND This study investigated the progression of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) to the persistent form in Japanese asymptomatic AF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS Data were derived from a single hospital-based cohort in the Shinken Database 2004-2012 (n=19,994), in which 1,176 patients were diagnosed as having paroxysmal AF. AF progression occurred in 115 patients (6.0%/year) during the mean follow-up period (1,213±905 days). Although patients who were asymptomatic at the initial visit (n=468) had a low-risk profile compared with symptomatic patients, they had greater AF progression at follow-up (unadjusted hazard ratio, 1.611; 95% CI: 1.087-2.389; P=0.018). Absence of symptoms, male sex, and cardiomyopathy were independent predictors for AF progression in the multivariate model. It was noted that asymptomatic patients were less likely to undergo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In addition, the interaction term between asymptomatic AF and absence of PVI could be another independent predictor for AF progression. Prognosis was similar between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with AF. CONCLUSIONS Irrespective of low-risk profile, patients with asymptomatic paroxysmal AF had greater progression of AF compared with symptomatic patients. This paradoxical result appeared to be the result of less intensive clinical management, including invasive rhythm control.
Development of vision-based sensor of smart gripper for industrial applications

In recent years, robotic gripper is widely used for different tasks in various fields. Grippers operate with industrial robots for handling and manipulation of objects. Grippers also operate with hard automation for assembling; micro assembling, machining and packaging. This paper aims to develop vision-based sensor of smart gripper which integrates together with its robotic arm for industrial applications. This system incorporates a camera by means vision sensor to automatically detect and recognize the object that having different weight and shapes and send the information to the robot for next task. Gripper with two fingers has been proposed. This finger is designed to move in translational mode where one finger moves and the other is fixed. This smart gripper adopts force sensor that mounted into the finger tip in order to control the force applied when working with wide range of objects that having different weight without crushed or damaged it. Four servo motors are used to drive the four degree of freedom (D. O. F) of a robotic arm. Basic Stamp 2 microcontroller (BS2) is used as a controller unit to control the position and the movement of the smart gripper. A series of experiment shows that the proposed system is able to detect and recognize the object and then send the information/command directly to the robot to execute grasping and lifting phase of the object to the desired location that has been assigned.
Statistical Utterance Comparison for Speaker Clustering Using Factor Analysis

We propose a novel method of measuring the similarity between two or more speech utterances for speaker clustering, based on probability theory and factor analysis. The similarity function is formulated as the probability that the utterances originated from the same speaker, and uses statistical eigenvoice and eigenchannel models to incorporate physical knowledge of interspeaker and intraspeaker variabilities, allowing the similarity function to be trainable and robust. The comparison function can be efficiently computed using a compact set of sufficient statistics for each speech utterance, allowing the acoustic features to be discarded. We begin using only eigenvoices, and then show how the eigenchannels can be incorporated into the equation to result in an identical form but with a different set of sufficient statistics. We test the proposed model in a speaker clustering task using the CALLHOME telephone conversation corpus and show that it performs better than two other well-known similarity measures: the Cross-Likelihood Ratio (CLR) and Generalized Likelihood Ratio (GLR).
Synthesis of Upconversion β-NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ Particles with Enhanced Luminescent Intensity through Control of Morphology and Phase

Hexagonal NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ microcrystals and nanocrystals with well-defined morphologies and sizes have been synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The rational control of initial reaction conditions can not only result in upconversion (UC) micro and nanocrystals with varying morphologies, but also can produce enhanced and tailored upconversion emissions from the Yb3+/Er3+ ion pairs sensitized by the Nd3+ ions. The increase of reaction time converts the phase of NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ particles from the cubic to the hexagonal structure. The added amount of oleic acid plays a critical role in the shape evolution of the final products due to their preferential attachment to some crystal planes. The adjustment of the molar ratio of F−/Ln3+ can range the morphologies of the β-NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ microcrystals from spheres to nanorods. When excited by 808 nm infrared laser, β-NaYF4:Nd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ microplates exhibit a much stronger UC emission intensity than particles with other morphologies. This phase- and morphology-dependent UC emission holds promise for applications in photonic devices and biological studies.