Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prenatal and Early Life Exposure to Stressful Life Events and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Population-Based Studies in Sweden and England

Background and Aim Exposure to stressful life events during pregnancy has been suggested as a potential risk factor for offspring Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), but the literature is limited and inconsistent. We tested the hypothesis that maternal exposure to stressful life events would be associated with increased risks of offspring ASD, and that these risks would be highest for exposures during the prenatal period. Methods and Results We used prospectively collected data from two large population based studies in Sweden and England. In the Swedish study of 4429 ASD cases and 43277 controls, our exposure comprised the occurrence of any severe life event before and during pregnancy and the child's early life. In the English study (maximum n = 11554, ASD n = 72), we studied the risk of offspring ASD in relation to a combined maternal exposure to multiple (up to 42) common and rare life events, as well as their perceived impact upon the mother during pregnancy and early life. In crude and adjusted regression analyses in both studies, we found no evidence of an association between prenatal life events, or their number and perceived impact and the risk of offspring ASD. Sub-group analysis of ASD with and without intellectual disability in the Swedish study yielded similar results. Conclusion We found no evidence to support the hypotheses that exposure to stressful life events during the prenatal period is associated with an increased risk of offspring ASD.
The PHD Finger of Human UHRF1 Reveals a New Subgroup of Unmethylated Histone H3 Tail Readers

The human UHRF1 protein (ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1) has emerged as a potential cancer target due to its implication in cell cycle regulation, maintenance of DNA methylation after replication and heterochromatin formation. UHRF1 functions as an adaptor protein that binds to histones and recruits histone modifying enzymes, like HDAC1 or G9a, which exert their action on chromatin. In this work, we show the binding specificity of the PHD finger of human UHRF1 (huUHRF1-PHD) towards unmodified histone H3 N-terminal tail using native gel electrophoresis and isothermal titration calorimetry. We report the molecular basis of this interaction by determining the crystal structure of huUHRF1-PHD in complex with the histone H3 N-terminal tail. The structure reveals a new mode of histone recognition involving an extra conserved zinc finger preceding the conventional PHD finger region. This additional zinc finger forms part of a large surface cavity that accommodates the side chain of the histone H3 lysine K4 (H3K4) regardless of its methylation state. Mutation of Q330, which specifically interacts with H3K4, to alanine has no effect on the binding, suggesting a loose interaction between huUHRF1-PHD and H3K4. On the other hand, the recognition appears to rely on histone H3R2, which fits snugly into a groove on the protein and makes tight interactions with the conserved aspartates D334 and D337. Indeed, a mutation of the former aspartate disrupts the formation of the complex, while mutating the latter decreases the binding affinity nine-fold.
An approximate controllability result with continuous spectrum: the Morse potential with dipolar interaction

This note presents a positive approximate controllability result for a bilinear quantum system modeling a chemical bond. The main difficulties are due to the presence of a continuous spectrum part for the uncontrolled Hamiltonian (modeled by a Morse potential) and the unboundedness of the interaction potential (dipolar interaction). The proof is based on averaging technique and spectral analysis.
A cosmetic prosthetic digit with bioinspired embedded touch feedback

Partial hand amputation is the most frequent amputation level worldwide, accounting for approximately 90% of all upper limb amputations. Passive cosmetic prostheses represent one of the possible choices for its treatment, probably the most affordable one. However, these devices restore very limited motor function and subtle sensory feedback. The latter is an important component for restoring the body schema. In this work we present a simple yet potentially effective and low cost cosmetic digital prosthesis that embeds touch feedback; we dubbed this DESC-finger. It delivers short-lasting vibrotactile bursts when it makes and breaks contact with the environment, based on the Discrete Event-driven Sensory feedback Control (DESC) policy. One prototype was developed and used by one amputee at home, for two months. The effectiveness of the device was experimentally assessed by means of an interview and a virtual eggs test, which showed, albeit preliminarily, that time discrete feedback can improve the motor control of a partial hand prosthesis in daily life conditions. Besides targeting people that already use cosmetic digits, the DESC-finger targets those that do not use them complaining for loss of sensibility. The production costs and manufacturing process makes the DESC-finger suitable for exploitation in high- and low-income countries.
Multitasking rSp 0032 has anti-pathogen binding activities predicting flexible and effective immune responses in sea urchins mediated by the Sp 185 / 333 system

The purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, possesses a sophisticated innate immune system that responds to microbes effectively by swift expression of the highly diverse Sp185/333 gene family. The encoded Sp185/333 proteins show significant sequence diversity and are predicted to have anti-pathogen functions. To address the anti-pathogen hypothesis, functional analysis of a recombinant Sp185/333 protein, rSp0032, shows that it exhibits specific binding to a marine Vibrio species and to Baker’s yeast but not to two Bacillus species. rSp0032 binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), β-1,3-glucan and flagellin but not to peptidoglycan. rSp0032 binding to LPS is competed by LPS, β-1,3-glucan and flagellin but not by peptidoglycan. In silico predictions suggest that rSp0032 is intrinsically disordered and its multiple binding targets suggest adoption of different conformations for binding to different PAMPs and pathogens. Based on rSp0032 binding to a range of targets, and that hundreds of different isoforms of Sp185/333 proteins are expressed in individual sea urchins, each may have different binding activities imparting a wide range of overlapping binding targets by this family of immune response proteins. The outcome may be very effective host protection against a broad array of potential pathogens in the marine environment.
Genetic factors influencing the reduction of central corneal thickness in disorders affecting the eye

ABSTRACT Background: The aim was to summarize and discuss the current knowledge about genetic factors influencing the reduction of central corneal thickness (CCT) in disorders affecting the eye, such as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), brittle cornea syndrome (BCS), keratoconus (KTCN), Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS; types I, II, and VI), osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), and myopia. Materials and methods: A review of the published literature by use of key databases such as PubMed was undertaken in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and experience based on own research findings was applied. Results: The differences in CCT measurements among those affected with diverse disorders and healthy individuals were evaluated. Then we considered the influence of genetic factors on CCT reduction. Disorders were compared based on phenotypes and sequence variants found in patients. Conclusions: Specific sequence variants in COL8A2, PRDM5 and ZNF469, COL5A1 and ZNF469, and COL5A1 and COL5A2 could probably contribute to a CCT reduction in POAG, BCS, KTCN, and EDS, respectively. Similar sequence variants and phenotypes were identified and assessed in more than one disease.
On the Degrees of Freedom of Parallel Relay Networks

We study the degrees of freedom (DOF) of a single- antenna M-user time-varying parallel relay network, where the communications between M pairs of unconnected sources and destinations are provided by a large number of half-duplex decode-and-forward (DF) relays. Unlike the conventional relaying strategy which demands all the relays to simultaneously assist the sources, we divide the relays into two clusters and permit them to take turns forwarding the source messages. With appropriate interference alignment design, it is proved that the M-user time-varying relay network has M DOF, provided that the number of relays is infinitely large.
Trajectory planning of NAO robot arm based on target recognition

In order to grasp object by NAO robot arm, the position of target object is identified using NaoMarks and an optimal path of arm motion is considered by trajectory planning. Firstly, the kinematics model of the robot arm is established by using D-H modeling method, where D-H kinematic parameters are obtained through the structure analysis of NAO robot arm. Secondly, the target object is located by detecting Naomarks and combining with the Cartesian space and joint space. Trajectory planning is given using inverse kinematics. Finally, experimental results show that the NAO robot arm in motion is smooth, and NAO can grasp objects exactly.
Low-temperature Sol-gel Approach for Creating New Functional Nanomaterials

It is well-known that production of a crystal matrix is as a rule accompanied by using hightemperature processing which considerably limits the area of applied use of the objects. In the present work, we consider new approaches aimed at formation of crystalline highly active oxide phases without using annealing stage by achieving deep intercomponent penetration of disperse particles at the nanolevel during the sol-gel process reactions. The use of these approaches was possible in a single stage for the first time: 1) entrapment of various biological objects in a ceramic biocompatible matrix necessary for obtaining vaccines of new generation; 2) doping a crystal lattice up to 10at. % usingsoft chemistry method; 3) chemical modification of biopolymers for the purpose of developing high-level operational characteristics. In this work, trends in forming crystals from solutions for existing ceramic matrices are analyzed for the first time. The main objects of study are materials of modified titania and alumina.
Adolescent Compulsive Sexual Behavior: Is It a Unique Psychological Phenomenon?

ABSTRACT Adolescent compulsive sexual behavior (CSB), and its associations with other personality predispositions (attachment orientations, temperament), gender, religiosity, and psychopathological tendencies, is the subject of this study. Five alternative empirical models were examined, all based on current theory and research on CSB. The sample included 310 high-school adolescents (183 boys, 127 girls), ranging in age from 16 to 18 years (M = 16.94, SD = .65) and enrolled in the 11th (43.4%) and 12th (56.6%) grades, who completed self-report measures tapping CSB and the above mentioned variables. One model was found to be compatible with the data, indicating that CSB is an independent disorder from other psychopathological tendencies and is associated with religiosity, gender, temperament, and attachment orientations. Findings have implications for understanding the meaning of adolescent CSB as a psychological disorder and treating it differently from other disorders.
Plasma and Pancreas Islet Hormone Concentrations in Lactating Rats Are Associated with Dietary Protein Amounts.

Background Circulating amino acid (AA) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and hepatic gluconeogenesis are affected by previous protein intake. However, information about their relations and islet hormone responses is limited. Objective This study investigated the associations between islet hormone concentrations with circulating AA and NO concentrations as well as with hepatic gluconeogenesis in lactating rats. Methods At delivery, 18 Wistar rats aged 14 wk were assigned either to low-protein (LP; 9% protein), standard-protein (SP; 21% protein), or high-protein (HP; 35% protein) diets for 15 d in groups of 6 pups/dam. Circulating AA and NO concentrations, circulating and pancreas islet hormone concentrations, and the activities and gene expressions of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) were measured at the end of treatment. Results Circulating insulin and glucagon concentrations were greater in the HP than in the LP (25% and 17%, respectively) and SP (37% and 31%) diet groups, whereas compared with the SP group, pancreatic concentrations were lower in the LP (32% and 49%) and HP (34% and 46%) groups (P < 0.01). Hepatic PEPCK and G6Pase activities in the HP group were greater than those in the SP (15% and 15%) and LP (8% and 19%) groups (P < 0.05). In all groups, plasma NO concentrations were correlated negatively to circulating insulin (r = -0.77, P = 0.0003) and positively to pancreas insulin and glucagon concentrations and the insulin-to-glucagon ratio (r = 0.50-0.63; P < 0.05). Some circulating AAs correlated positively to circulating insulin and pancreas insulin and glucagon (r = 0.50-0.82, P < 0.05) but negatively to circulating glucagon (r = -0.53-0.68, P < 0.05). Conclusion Variations in circulating AA and NO concentrations and hepatic gluconeogenic enzyme activities are likely intermediary responses involved in the effects of dietary protein amounts on the synthesis and secretion of islet hormones in lactating rats.
Optimized curvelet-based empirical mode decomposition

The recent years has seen immense improvement in the development of signal processing based on Curvelet transform. The Curvelet transform provide a new multi-resolution representation. The frame elements of Curvelets exhibit higher direction sensitivity and anisotropic than the Wavelets, multi-Wavelets, steerable pyramids, and so on. These features are based on the anisotropic notion of scaling. In practical instances, time series signals processing problem is often encountered. To solve this problem, the time-frequency analysis based methods are studied. However, the time-frequency analysis cannot always be trusted. Many of the new methods were proposed. The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is one of them, and widely used. The EMD aims to decompose into their building blocks functions that are the superposition of a reasonably small number of components, well separated in the time-frequency plane. And each component can be viewed as locally approximately harmonic. However, it cannot solve the problem of directionality of high-dimensional. A reallocated method of Curvelet transform (optimized Curvelet-based EMD) is proposed in this paper. We introduce a definition for a class of functions that can be viewed as a superposition of a reasonably small number of approximately harmonic components by optimized Curvelet family. We analyze this algorithm and demonstrate its results on data. The experimental results prove the effectiveness of our method.
DIntrusion Detection in WSN with an Improved NSA Based on the DE-CMOP

Inspired by the idea of Artificial Immune System, many researches of wireless sensor network (WSN) intrusion detection is based on the artificial intelligent system (AIS). However, a large number of generated detectors, black hole, overlap problem of NSA have impeded further used in WSN. In order to improve the anomaly detection performance for WSN, detector generation mechanism need to be improved. Therefore, in this paper, a Differential Evolution Constraint Multi-objective Optimization Problem based Negative Selection Algorithm (DE-CMOP based NSA) is proposed to optimize the distribution and effectiveness of the detector. By combining the constraint handling and multi-objective optimization technique, the algorithm is able to generate the detector set with maximized coverage of non-self space and minimized overlap among detectors. By employing differential evolution, the algorithm can reduce the black hole effectively. The experiment results show that our proposed scheme provides improved NSA algorithm in-terms, the detectors generated by the DE-CMOP based NSA more uniform with less overlap and minimum black hole ， thus effectively improves the intrusion detection performance. At the same time, the new algorithm reduces the number of detectors which reduces the complexity of detection phase. Thus, this makes it suitable for intrusion detection in WSN.
Reasoning over genetic variance information in cause-and-effect models of neurodegenerative diseases

The work we present here is based on the recent extension of the syntax of the Biological Expression Language (BEL), which now allows for the representation of genetic variation information in cause-and-effect models. In our article, we describe, how genetic variation information can be used to identify candidate disease mechanisms in diseases with complex aetiology such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. In those diseases, we have to assume that many genetic variants contribute moderately to the overall dysregulation that in the case of neurodegenerative diseases has such a long incubation time until the first clinical symptoms are detectable. Owing to the multilevel nature of dysregulation events, systems biomedicine modelling approaches need to combine mechanistic information from various levels, including gene expression, microRNA (miRNA) expression, protein–protein interaction, genetic variation and pathway. OpenBEL, the open source version of BEL, has recently been extended to match this requirement, and we demonstrate in our article, how candidate mechanisms for early dysregulation events in Alzheimer’s disease can be identified based on an integrative mining approach that identifies ‘chains of causation’ that include single nucleotide polymorphism information in BEL models.
Neferine Potentiates the Antitumor Effect of Cisplatin in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells Via a Mitochondria‐Mediated Apoptosis Pathway

Cisplatin is one of the most potent chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of many types of solid tumors but its efficacy is often limited by the development of resistance and dose limiting toxicity. Neferine is an alkaloid isolated from seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera, it has recently been shown to have anticancer effects in various human cancer cell lines. The present investigation is designed to study the chemosensitizing ability of neferine with cisplatin in A549 cells. Neferine potentiates the cisplatin induced apoptosis through the exploration of characteristic apoptotic morphological changes, induced sub‐G1 cell cycle arrest, ROS hypergeneration, significant loss of cellular antioxidant enzymes, as well as loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM). Furthermore our results revealed that neferine combined with cisplatin down regulate the expression of Bcl‐2 and up regulate the expression of Bax, Bad, Bak, release of cytochrome c, p53 levels, then activated cleavage forms of caspase‐9, caspase‐3, and PARP. Moreover neferine and cisplatin combination significantly down regulated the protein levels of FAK and VEGF. In addition, we observed the activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Thus this study provides molecular evidence for the ROS mediated apoptosis of the combinatorial regimen of cisplatin and neferine in lung cancer cells. Thus these results suggest that using neferine with cisplatin combinatorial regimen could be potentiating the effect of cisplatin and neferine reduces the cisplatin dose requirement in cancer chemotherapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2865–2876, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Un algoritmo para detectar la polaridad de opiniones en los dominios de laptops y restaurantes

In this article, we present a study for the detection of polarity over a dataset of opinions of users over Restaurants in the Spanish and English language, as well as, opinions about Laptops in the English language. As a proposed solution, we use Vector Support Machine with cross validation. The best results were presented for the Spanish Restaurant Domain with 74% accuracy.
Pandia: comprehensive contention-sensitive thread placement

Pandia is a system for modeling the performance of in-memory parallel workloads. It generates a description of a workload from a series of profiling runs, and combines this with a description of the machine's hardware to model the workload's performance over different thread counts and different placements of those threads. The approach is "comprehensive" in that it accounts for contention at multiple resources such as processor functional units and memory channels. The points of contention for a workload can shift between resources as the degree of parallelism and thread placement changes. Pandia accounts for these changes and provides a close correspondence between predicted performance and actual performance. Testing a set of 22 benchmarks on 2 socket Intel machines fitted with chips ranging from Sandy Bridge to Haswell we see median differences of 1.05% to 0% between the fastest predicted placement and the fastest measured placement, and median errors of 8% to 4% across all placements. Pandia can be used to optimize the performance of a given workload---for instance, identifying whether or not multiple processor sockets should be used, and whether or not the workload benefits from using multiple threads per core. In addition, Pandia can be used to identify opportunities for reducing resource consumption where additional resources are not matched by additional performance---for instance, limiting a workload to a small number of cores when its scaling is poor.
Combined Gene Therapy Using AdsVEGFR2 and AdsTie2 With Chemotherapy Reduces the Growth of Human Ovarian Cancer and Formation of Ascites in Mice

Objectives Ovarian cancer is highly dependent on tumor microvessels and angiogenesis regulated by vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) and angiopoietins (Ang) and their Tie receptors. We studied the efficacy of adenoviral (Ad) gene therapy with soluble VEGFR2 and Tie2 combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Methods An intraperitoneal human ovarian cancer xenograft model in nude mice (n = 44) was used in this study. Gene therapy was given intravenously when the presence of sizable tumors was confirmed in magnetic resonance imaging. The study groups were as follows: AdCMV as a control (group I), AdCMV with chemotherapy (group II), AdsVEGFR2 and AdsTie2 (group III), and AdsVEGFR2 and AdsTie2 with chemotherapy (group IV). Antitumor effectiveness was assessed by overall tumor growth, ascites, immunohistochemistry, microvessel density, and sequential magnetic resonance imaging analyses. Results AdsVEGFR2 and AdsTie2 gene therapy (group III) significantly reduced tumor weights as compared with group II (P = 0.007). Accumulation of ascites was significantly reduced when the mice were treated with AdsVEGFR2 and AdsTie2 gene therapy or with combined gene therapy and chemotherapy as compared with controls (P = 0.029 and P = 0.010, respectively). Vascular endothelial growth factor and Ang2 levels in ascites fluid were elevated after the gene therapy. Conclusions Combined inhibition of VEGF/VEGFR2 and Ang/Tie2 pathways provided efficient therapy for ovarian cancer in mice. In addition, antiangiogenic gene therapy has potential as a treatment for the accumulation of ascites.