Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Expression of Notch Signaling Genes in Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells

In neural stem/progenitor cells, expression of the Notch effector Hes1, a transcriptional repressor, oscillates with a period of 2–3 h by negative feedback, and Hes1 oscillations induce the oscillatory expression of the proneural gene Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) and the Notch ligand gene Delta-like1 (Dll1). Dll1 oscillation leads to the mutual activation of Notch signaling between neighboring cells, thereby maintaining a group of cells in the undifferentiated state. Not all cells express Hes1 in an oscillatory manner: cells in boundary regions such as the isthmus express Hes1 in a sustained manner, and these cells are rather dormant with regard to proliferation and differentiation. Thus, Hes1 allows cell proliferation and differentiation when its expression oscillates but induces dormancy when its expression is sustained. After Hes1 expression is repressed, Ngn2 is expressed in a sustained manner, promoting neuronal differentiation. Thus, Ngn2 leads to the maintenance of neural stem/progenitor cells by inducing Dll1 oscillation when its expression oscillates but to neuronal differentiation when its expression is sustained. These results indicate that the different dynamics of Hes1 and Ngn2 lead to different outcomes.
Impact of Efficiency gain under Competitive Pressure on Indian Households : A General Equilibrium Approach

The study makes an attempt to look into the question how competitive pressure would impact upon the income distribution and poverty of household groups through the change in productivity-efficiency in the economy using an input-output analysis in a general equilibrium framework. We consider three sources of growth: efficient utilization of available resources, technical progress and gain from terms of trade by re-orientation of trade. Welfare maximization under competitive spirit has resulted in efficiency gain, but at the cost of adverse income distribution. Rural household groups suffer more than the urban ones. It is noticed that change in income at the optimal allocation is the dominant factor in affecting household poverty. Urban households also enjoy significantly more reduction in poverty than the rural households. In fact, some of the rural households, involved in agricultural wage activity, suffer from increase in poverty. When capital is allowed to mobile across the sectors, there is higher gain in productivity and higher income disparity vis-à-vis the sector-specific capital. But, poverty effect is better, though marginally; in case capital is sector specific than mobile. The study shows that competitive pressure has positive effect on productivity-efficiency and poverty, but adverse effect on income distribution in Indian economy.
Towards an objective measurement of emotional stress: Preliminary analysis based on heart rate variability

This paper presents a study performed in 25 young healthy subjects measuring the evolution of heart rate variability (HRV) indices during emotional stress. Acute emotional stress was generated with a modified version of Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The TSST comprises several tasks which include a memory test, anticipation of stress, public exposition, and an arithmetic task. Each task has different demanding conditions, carrying subjects' emotional stress to different states. An autogenic relaxation was done before TSST. Significant differences in HRV indices were observed in the arithmetic and memory task with respect to the relaxation stage. In particular during the arithmetic task, mean heart rate increased 22% (p-value <;0.00001) the power in the very low frequency band increased 47% (p-value <;0.00001 and normalized power in the low frequency (LF) band increased 19% (p-value <;0.04). These results support a sympathetic activation during these tasks.
Lower postprandial gastric volume response in diabetic patients with vagal neuropathy

Poor relaxation in the stomach after a meal may contribute to disturbed gastric emptying and abdominal discomfort in patients with diabetes mellitus. In this study we aimed to compare barostat‐recorded postprandial volume responses in these patients to those in healthy controls, and to study the relationship between the proximal volume responses, antral filling and vagal neuropathy.
Polycomb Target Genes Are Silenced in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a genetically heterogeneous disease, which to date remains fatal. Finding a common mechanism for initiation and progression of MM continues to be challenging. By means of integrative genomics, we identified an underexpressed gene signature in MM patient cells compared to normal counterpart plasma cells. This profile was enriched for previously defined H3K27-tri-methylated genes, targets of the Polycomb group (PcG) proteins in human embryonic fibroblasts. Additionally, the silenced gene signature was more pronounced in ISS stage III MM compared to stage I and II. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay on purified CD138+ cells from four MM patients and on two MM cell lines, we found enrichment of H3K27me3 at genes selected from the profile. As the data implied that the Polycomb-targeted gene profile would be highly relevant for pharmacological treatment of MM, we used two compounds to chemically revert the H3K27-tri-methylation mediated gene silencing. The S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitor 3-Deazaneplanocin (DZNep) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 (Panobinostat), reactivated the expression of genes repressed by H3K27me3, depleted cells from the PRC2 component EZH2 and induced apoptosis in human MM cell lines. In the immunocompetent 5T33MM in vivo model for MM, treatment with LBH589 resulted in gene upregulation, reduced tumor load and increased overall survival. Taken together, our results reveal a common gene signature in MM, mediated by gene silencing via the Polycomb repressor complex. The importance of the underexpressed gene profile in MM tumor initiation and progression should be subjected to further studies.
Versatile Intelligent Portable Robot Platform for flexible robotic cells with AGV

The paper studies the flexible robotic cells in cooperation with automated guided vehicle (AGV), in the presence of obstacles, at constant or variable speed and variable load, aiming to optimizing the interaction between AGV and flexible robotic cell components. Overall system performance is analyzed by using modeling tools for discrete event systems like Generalized Stochastic Petri Net (GSPN). The interaction between AGV and flexible robotic cell components is implemented through communication messages using serial data received from an optical XY encoder, communication protocol receive function is modeled with GSPN. Improving of the stability performances and real time motion control are analyzed and the virtual projection method is adopted using the Versatile Intelligent Portable Robot Platform VIPRO. The obtained results, validated on the experimental RTOS robotic platform and DMQX language extension for robotic applications, lead to higher performance in relation to interaction optimization, decrease the flexible cell's cycle time, increase mobility and stability of the AGV and also the development of new technological capabilities of the control systems.
Career Path Appreciation (CPA) Data Reduction and Analysis

Abstract : The Career Path Appreciation (CPA) is an assessment interview that theoretically gives insight into conceptual capacity. CPA interviews were conducted with 148 active-duty Army officers in residence at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Each volunteered to be interviewed. The interrater reliability, based on 57 cases scored by two raters, was . 81. Considering the quasiclinical nature of the assessment interview, this is highly acceptable. In addition, modest construct validity was demonstrated for the CPA Current Conceptual Capacity scores. War college instructors, who rated a substample on strategic thinking skill as demonstrated in War College seminar groups, tended to rate those who scored higher on the CPA as better thinkers than those who scored lower (r = .57 and .51 on two different thinking skill measures). Examination of individual responses to the PHRASES task by subjects classified into four conceptual capacity levels on the basis of their investigator-rated CPA performances suggested ways to improve some of the PHRASES item sets. Conceptual skills, Stratified systems theory, Assessment, Strategic leadership.
Estimating the size of Web applications by using a simplified function point method

Software size estimation is a key factor to determine the amount of time and effort needed to develop software systems, and the Web applications are no exception. In this paper a simplified way of the IFPUG (International Function Point Users Group) function points based on the simplification ideas suggested by NESMA (Netherlands Software Metrics Association) to estimate size of management information systems is presented. In an empirical study, twenty Web applications were analyzed. The estimates using the simplified method were close to the ones using the IFPUG detailed method. Based on the results, it was possible to establish a simplified method to estimate the size of Web applications according to the development characteristics of the studied company.
A dwell time approach to the stability of switched linear systems based on the distance between eigenvector sets

In this article, a sufficient condition on the minimum dwell time that guarantees the stability of switched linear systems is given. The proposed method interprets the stability of switched linear systems through the distance between the eigenvector sets of subsystem matrices. Thus, an explicit relation in view of stability is obtained between the family of the involved subsytems and the set of admissible switching signals.
A visuospatial variant of mild cognitive impairment

Background: AD causes visuospatial disorientation that is associated with posterior cortical atrophy and impaired visual motion processing. Objective: The authors characterized memory capacity and visual motion processing in young normal (YN) and older normal (ON) adult subjects and in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD to see if deficits in these realms occur as isolated impairments. Methods: Each participant underwent neuropsychological testing and gave push-button responses to indicate perception of panoramic visual motion stimuli. Results: One fifth of the ON subjects, one third of the patients with MCI, and half of the patients with AD showed increasingly pervasive impairments of visual motion perception. These impairments were associated with poorer performance on the Money Road Map test of spatial navigation but not with verbal or visual memory deficits. Conclusion: Impaired visual motion processing may accompany memory deficits in MCI or AD, or may occur alone in otherwise intact ON subjects. This suggests that visuospatial impairment may develop as an independent sign of neurodegenerative disease, possibly preceding the clinical onset of AD.
Effects of interleukin 6 on megakaryocytes and on canine platelet function

The multifunctional cytokine interleukin 6 (IL‐6) is a potent promoter of megakaryocytic maturation in vitro. In vivo, IL‐6 has similar effects on the maturation of megakaryocytes, as shown by enhancing size, ploidy and platelet production. IL‐6 is capable of augmenting the platelet count in both normal animals and those with reduced megakaryocyte mass; ongoing clinical trials suggest a similar thrombocytopoietic effect in man. Moreover, IL‐6 alters platelet function, rendering them more sensitive to activation by thrombin and platelet activating factor. Finally, IL‐6 promotes increases in plasma fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, and a decrease in free protein S concentration. These modifications of the platelet and coagulant phases of the clotting mechanism may result in an overall prohemostatic tendency, which may prove beneficial for the amelioration of bleeding propensity following chemotherapy. However, additional investigation will be required to determine if IL‐6‐mediated alterations of hemostasis may lead to pathologic thrombosis.
Rapid Development of T Cell Memory1

Prime-boost immunization is a promising strategy for inducing and amplifying pathogen- or tumor-specific memory CD8 T cell responses. Although expansion of CD8 T cell populations following the second Ag dose is integral to the prime-boost strategy, it remains unclear when, after priming, memory T cells become competent to proliferate. In this study, we show that Ag-specific CD8 T cells with the capacity to undergo extensive expansion are already present at the peak of the primary immune response in mice. These early memory T cells represent a small fraction of the primary immune response and, at early time points, their potential to proliferate is obscured by large effector T cell populations that rapidly clear Ag upon reimmunization. With sufficient Ag boosting, however, secondary expansion of these memory cells can be induced as early as 5–7 days following primary immunization. Importantly, both early and delayed boosting result in similar levels of protective immunity to subsequent pathogen challenge. Early commitment and differentiation of memory T cells during primary immunization suggest that a short duration between priming and boosting is feasible, providing potential logistic advantages for large-scale prime-boost vaccination of human populations.
Relación entre los estilos de crianza parental y el desarrollo de ansiedad y conductas disruptivas en niños de 3 a 6 años

Relationship between the parental styles and the development of anxiety and disruptive behaviors in children between 3 and 6 years old. Parental rearing patterns play a key role on the child evolutionary development, affecting in internalizing disorders (anxiety, not evolutionary fears), as well as externalizing (oppositional behaviors, aggressiveness, coping strategies, social competences). The aim of the present study is to investigate the relation between parental rearing styles and the development of anxiety symptoms and disruptive behaviors in children aged between 3 and 6 years. Participants were fathers and mothers of pre-school children (3-6 years old), who belong to two schools located in Madrid and Toledo. The variables which were measured are: disruptive behaviors in children, emotional adjustment and parental attitudes towards child rearing, through the following questionnaires: BASC, PCRI-M y CBCL. The results obtained showed that, particular attitudes and rearing practices (levels of discipline and support, involvement and satisfaction with parenting, autonomy and role orientation), affect in a significant way to the development and maintenance of disruptive behaviors and emotional disorders in children. It is discussed the need to develop educational programs in the family context which bring changes in the way of raise, in disciplinarian practices and in the attention paid to children, as preventive strategies for their future learning.
The ticking clock of Cayo Santiago macaques and its implications for understanding human circadian rhythm disorders

The circadian clock disorders in humans remain poorly understood. However, their impact on the development and progression of major human conditions, from cancer to insomnia, metabolic or mental illness becomes increasingly apparent. Addressing human circadian disorders in animal models is, in part, complicated by inverse temporal relationship between the core clock and specific physiological or behavioral processes in diurnal and nocturnal animals. Major advantages of a macaque model for translational circadian research, as a diurnal vertebrate phylogenetically close to humans, are further emphasized by the discovery of the first familial circadian disorder in non‐human primates among the rhesus monkeys originating from Cayo Santiago. The remarkable similarity of their pathological phenotypes to human Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), high penetrance of the disorder within one branch of the colony and the large number of animals available provide outstanding opportunities for studying the mechanisms of circadian disorders, their impact on other pathological conditions, and for the development of novel and effective treatment strategies. Am. J. Primatol. 78:117–126, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Primatology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and Evaluation of an Ontology-based Drug Application Database

Summary Objectives: Several recently published cases of preventable adverse drug reactions were associated with flaws in drug application. However, current clinical decision support (CDS) systems do not properly consider drug application issues and thus do not support effective prevention of such medication errors. With the aim to improve CDS in this respect, we developed a comprehensive model precisely describing all aspects of drug application. Methods: The model consists of 1) a schema comprising all relevant attributes of drug application and 2) an ontology providing a hierarchically structured vocabulary of terms that describe the possible values of the schema’s attributes. Finally, medical products were annotated by a semi-automatic term assignment process. For evaluation, we developed an algorithm that uses our model to compute a meaningful similarity between medicinal products with respect to their drug application characteristics. Results: Our schema consists of 22 attributes. The ontology contains 248 terms, textual descriptions, and synonym lists. More than 58,700 medicinal products were automatically annotated with >386,600 terms. 2450 drugs were manually reviewed by experts, adding > 4500 terms. The annotation and similarity measure allow for (similarity) searches, clustering, and proper discrimination of drugs with different drug application characteristics. We demonstrated the value of our approach by means of a set of case studies. Conclusion: Our model enables a detailed description of drug application, allowing for semantically meaningful comparisons of drugs. This is an important prerequisite for improving the ability of CDS systems to prevent prescription errors.
A conceptual model for business and information technology stratetegic alignment from the perspective of small and medium enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the economy, especially in poverty relief, job creation, and economic growth. To effectively improve the competitiveness and performance of SMEs, the adoption of Information Technology (IT) should be aligned with their business objectives. Despite the importance of the IT-business strategic alignment, past researches are concentrated on large organizations in the developed nations. Up to date, there is dearth of researches undertaken on SMEs, particularly in developing nations. Though voluminous strategic alignment models are available for large organizations, the inherent differences between SMEs and large organizations make these models irrelevant to SMEs. Thus, this study aims to propose a conceptual IT-business strategic alignment model for SMEs operating in Saudi Arabia. The proposed model is expected to serve as the stepping stone for the future researches to design more effective strategic alignment approaches for SMEs.
Sabotaging public engagement with science: Missing scientific principles in newspaper stories about the Wakefield MMR-Autism controversy

This study examines numbers of stories published about the MMR-autism controversy – and frames those stories employed — by The Times of London and The Daily Mail from 1998-2011. Statistically significant correlations were found between total numbers of related stories published by all newspapers indexed by LexisNexis (1998-2011) and numbers of measles cases. During the timeframe examined, The Times of London published 134 stories on the controversy; The Daily Mail, 209. The two newspapers emphasized different frames. The Times stressed, among others, scientific support for vaccine safety; danger of leaving children unvaccinated; media irres - ponsibility; parents’ poor science literacy, irrationality and emotionalism; debunking vaccine danger claims; and failures in the peer review process by the scholarly journal publishing Wakefield’s research. The Daily Mail, on the other hand, featured frames including competing views of scientific issues; government greed, power mongering, and untrustworthiness; arrogance and lack of approachability of most physicians; and Wakefield as responsive and caring victim of a government witch hunt. Neither paper explained scientific principles sufficiently to make informed decisions about MMR safety or to facilitate public engagement with the debate.
Deletion 1q43‐44 in a patient with clinical diagnosis of Warburg–Micro syndrome

Warburg–Micro syndrome (WARBM) is an autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by microcephaly, microphthalmia, microcornea, congenital cataracts, optic atrophy and central nervous system malformations. This syndrome is caused by mutations in the RAB3GAP1/2 and RAB18 genes, part of the Rab family, and in the TBC1D20 gene, which contributes to lipid droplet formation/metabolism. Here we present a patient with clinical diagnosis of WARBM syndrome, who did not have mutations in either the RAB3GAP1/2 genes, in the main exons of RAB18, nor in the TBC1D20 gene. However, the analysis with CGH‐array detected a 9.6 Mb deletion at 1q43‐qter. We performed a genotype–phenotype correlation using 20 previously published patients in whom the coordinates of the deleted regions were defined. The comparative analysis revealed that the current patient and three of the other 20 patients share the loss of six genes, four of which are related with the family of G proteins, and are strongly expressed in the brain, retina, heart and kidney. Consequently, their haploinsufficiency may result in different combinations of clinical alterations, including some of those of WARBM syndrome. In addition, the haploinsufficiency of other genes may contribute to other defects and clinical variability. Additionally, for the genotype–phenotype correlation, one must also consider molecular pathways that can result in the observed alterations. To early confirm a genetic diagnosis is essential for the patient and family. The current patient was considered as having a recessive syndrome, but since he had a “de novo” deletion, there was not an increased recurrence risk. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computational intelligence methods and data understanding

Experts in machine learning and fuzzy system frequently identify understanding the data with the use of logical rules. Reasons for inadequacy of crisp and fuzzy rule-based explanations are presented. An approach based on analysis of probabilities of classification p(Ci|X;ρ) as a function of the size of the neighborhood ρ of the given case X is presented. Probabilities are evaluated using Monte Carlo sampling or – for some models – using analytical formulas. Coupled with topographically correct visualization of the data in this neighborhood this approach, applicable to any classifiers, gives in many cases a better evaluation of the new data than rule-based systems. Two real life examples of such interpretation are