Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in levels of urinary estrogen metabolites after oral indole-3-carbinol treatment in humans.

BACKGROUND The oxidative metabolism of estrogens in humans is mediated primarily by cytochrome P450, many isoenzymes of which are inducible by dietary and pharmacologic agents. One major pathway, 2-hydroxylation, is induced by dietary indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which is present in cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage and broccoli). PURPOSE Because the pool of available estrogen substrates for all pathways is limited, we hypothesized that increased 2-hydroxylation of estrogens would lead to decreased activity in competing metabolic pathways. METHODS Urine samples were collected from subjects before and after oral ingestion of I3C (6-7 mg/kg per day). In the first study, seven men received I3C for 1 week; in the second study, 10 women received I3C for 2 months. A profile of 13 estrogens was measured in each sample by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS In both men and women, I3C significantly increased the urinary excretion of C-2 estrogens. The urinary concentrations of nearly all other estrogen metabolites, including levels of estradiol, estrone, estriol, and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone, were lower after I3C treatment. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis that I3C-induced estrogen 2-hydroxylation results in decreased concentrations of several metabolites known to activate the estrogen receptor. This effect may lower estrogenic stimulation in women. IMPLICATIONS I3C may have chemopreventive activity against breast cancer in humans, although the long-term effects of higher catechol estrogen levels in women require further investigation.
Cloning and Characterization of Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase Gene Involved in Triterpenoids Biosynthesis from Poria cocos

Poria cocos (P. cocos) has long been used as traditional Chinese medicine and triterpenoids are the most important pharmacologically active constituents of this fungus. Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS) is a key enzyme of triterpenoids biosynthesis. The gene encoding FPS was cloned from P. cocos by degenerate PCR, inverse PCR and cassette PCR. The open reading frame of the gene is 1086 bp in length, corresponding to a predicted polypeptide of 361 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 41.2 kDa. Comparison of the P. cocos FPS deduced amino acid sequence with other species showed the highest identity with Ganoderma lucidum (74%). The predicted P. cocos FPS shares at least four conserved regions involved in the enzymatic activity with the FPSs of varied species. The recombinant protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified. Gas chromatography analysis showed that the recombinant FPS could catalyze the formation of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) from geranyl diphosphate (GPP) and isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). Furthermore, the expression profile of the FPS gene and content of total triterpenoids under different stages of development and methyl jasmonate treatments were determined. The results indicated that there is a positive correlation between the activity of FPS and the amount of total triterpenoids produced in P. cocos.
Shape Retrieval for Khon 3D Model

We proposed a method for shape retrieval on collection of Khon 3D model. Khon is Thai traditional mask dance. Khon 3D model is important for not only the archival of dance but also for dance technology or digital content. Furthermore, Khon 3D model are complex and unique especially their structure and surface. Moreover, Khon 3D model compose of numerous components and costume with Thai patterns, demonstrating the aesthetic of Thai culture. Therefore our method proposes using Reeb graph to represent structural properties and decomposition into subparts to represent complex Khon 3D model. Moreover, the surface of each subpart is described by a Pose Oblivious Shape Signature. We measure similarity by comparing structure of Khon 3D model based on the Approximate Maximum Common Sub graph which preserves topology. From average precision, we successfully to retrieval on Khon 3D model. The average precision of our method is 0.61 while previous work is 0.51.
Pedestrian Intention and Pose Prediction through Dynamical Models and Behaviour Classification

Pedestrian protection systems are being included by many automobile manufacturers in their commercial vehicles. However, improving the accuracy of these systems is imperative since the difference between an effective and a non-effective intervention can depend only on a few centimeters or on a fraction of a second. In this paper, we describe a method to carry out the prediction of pedestrian locations and pose and to classify intentions up to 1 s ahead in time applying Balanced Gaussian Process Dynamical Models (B-GPDM) and naïve-Bayes classifiers. These classifiers are combined in order to increase the action classification precision. The system provides accurate path predictions with mean errors of 24.4 cm, for walking trajectories, 26.67 cm, for stopping trajectories and 37.36 cm for starting trajectories, at a time horizon of 1 second.
PERFORMANCE of DATAGRAM CONGESTION CONTROL PROTOCOL DCCP-TCP-LIKE and DCCP-TFRC on SENSOR NETWORK

Congestion control, managing reliable data transmission between a source and destination, is a major issue in all kinds of networks. In case of structured networks the presently available algorithms provide satisfactory performance, where as the performance is inferior with high density Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), due to the underlying techniques. In this paper it is attempted to identify the most suitable transport protocol among the selected available protocols, viz. DCCP TCP Like Congestion Control (DCCP_TCPLike) and DCCP TCP Friendly Congestion Control (DCCP_TFRC), by estimating their performance with respect to certain suitable metrics. The congestion scenario is simulated for both the protocols and their performances are evaluated on Network Simulator (NS2) and analyzed based on the selected metrics. It is found that the performance of DCCP_TFRC based protocol is better and more suitable than its counterpart considered in this work. KeywordsCongestion Control, Transport Protocols, Sensor Network, TCP, UDP, SCTP, DCCP.
School Locations and Traffic Emissions — Environmental (In)Justice Findings Using a New Screening Method

It has been shown that the location of schools near heavily trafficked roads can have detrimental effects on the health of children attending those schools. It is therefore desirable to screen both existing school locations and potential new school sites to assess either the need for remedial measures or suitability for the intended use. Current screening tools and public guidance on school siting are either too coarse in their spatial resolution for assessing individual sites or are highly resource intensive in their execution (e.g., through dispersion modeling). We propose a new method to help bridge the gap between these two approaches. Using this method, we also examine the public K-12 schools in the Sacramento Area Council of Governments Region, California (USA) from an environmental justice perspective. We find that PM2.5 emissions from road traffic affecting a school site are significantly positively correlated with the following metrics: percent share of Black, Hispanic and multi-ethnic students, percent share of students eligible for subsidized meals. The emissions metric correlates negatively with the schools’ Academic Performance Index, the share of White students and average parental education levels. Our PM2.5 metric also correlates with the traffic related, census tract level screening indicators from the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool and the tool’s tract level rate of asthma related emergency department visits.
Immunological Derangement in Hypocellular Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Hypocellular or hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndromes (HMDS) are a distinct subgroup accounting for 10–15% of all MDS patients, that are characterized by the presence of bone marrow (BM) hypocellularity, various degree of dysmyelopoiesis and sometimes abnormal karyotype. Laboratory and clinical evidence suggest that HMDS share several immune-mediated pathogenic mechanisms with acquired idiopathic aplastic anemia (AA). Different immune-mediated mechanisms have been documented in the damage of marrow hematopoietic progenitors occurring in HMDS; they include oligoclonal expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), polyclonal expansion of various subtypes of T helper lymphocytes, overexpression of FAS-L and of the TNF–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), underexpression of Flice-like inhibitory protein long isoform (FLIPL) in marrow cells as well as higher release of Th1 cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). It has also been documented that some HMDS patients have higher frequency of polymorphisms linked both to high production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and transforming growth factor-β and to the inhibition of T-cell mediated immune responses such as interleukin-10, further suggesting that immune-mediated mechanisms similar to those seen in AA patients may also operate in HMDS. Clinically, the strongest evidence for immune–mediated hematopoietic suppression in some HMDS is the response to immunosuppression including mainly cyclosporine, anti-thymocyte globulin and/or cyclosporine, or alemtuzumab. Here we review all these immune mechanisms as well as the influence of this deranged cellular and humoral immunologic mileau on the initiation and possible progression of MDS. All these observations are pivotal not only for a better understanding of MDS pathophysiology, but also for their immediate clinical implications, eventually leading to the identification of MDS patients who may benefit from immunosuppression.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of exendin‐4, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analog, on human peripheral lymphocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by dysregulation of immunity, oxidative stress and reduced incretin effects. Experimental studies suggest that glucagon‐like peptide (GLP‐1) might have immunomodulating effects. We hypothesize that GLP‐1 receptor agonist, exendin‐4, might reduce inflammatory response in type 2 diabetes.
Performance Comparison Study of Connected Dominating Set Algorithms for Mobile Ad hoc Networks under Different Mobility Models

The high-level contribution of this paper is an exhaustive simulation-based comparison study of three categories (density, node id and stability-based) of algorithms to determine connected dominating sets (CDS) for mobile ad hoc networks and evaluate their performance under two categories (random node mobility and grid-based vehicular ad hoc network) of mobility models. The CDS algorithms studied are the maximum density-based (MaxD-CDS), node ID-based (ID-CDS) and the minimum velocity-based (MinV-CDS) algorithms representing the density, node id and stability categories respectively. The node mobility models used are the Random Waypoint model (representing random node mobility) and the City Section and Manhattan mobility models (representing the grid-based vehicular ad hoc networks). The three CDS algorithms under the three mobility models are evaluated with respect to two critical performance metrics: the effective CDS lifetime (calculated taking into consideration the CDS connectivity and absolute CDS lifetime) and the CDS node size. Simulations are conducted under a diverse set of conditions representing low, moderate and high network density, coupled with low, moderate and high node mobility scenarios. For each CDS, the paper identifies the mobility model that can be employed to simultaneously maximize the lifetime and minimize the node size with minimal tradeoff. For the two VANET mobility models, the impact of the grid block length on the CDS lifetime and node size is also evaluated.
Sāmoan settlement pattern and star mounds of Manono Island

The small island of Manono, positioned between 'Upolu and Savai'i in the Samoan Archipelago, is known in oral traditions of West Polynesia as having had an important political role during the immediate pre-Christian period. An archaeological programme carried out between 2012 and 2015 has mainly concentrated on the mapping of parts of the northern half of the island, around Salua Village. This has allowed us to study in detail a portion of the slope as well as the central plateau of Manono, known to preserve a star mound first mapped in the 1960s during the large-scale programme organised under the direction of R.C. Green and J.M. Davidson. Our mapping of the 9ha fortified ridge has identified another 13 star mounds of different shapes and types, representing the largest concentration of this specifically Samoan layout known to date in this part of the archipelago. These are associated with another two structures of distinctively Tongan typology, referred to as 'sia heu lupe'. Initially we present the general settlement pattern of the northern part of Manono Island. This is followed by a review of the main characteristics of the 14 mapped star mounds and data on their chronology. The diversity of size, height and number of arms is addressed, showing significant differences in work expenditure between individual platforms. This variability is best illustrated by the identification of three star mounds that lack central fill and are only recognised as wild pigeon-snaring structures by the presence of raised branches/arms. Finally, the Manono settlement pattern data are positioned in relation to the larger study of the pre-Christian history of Samoa.
Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Red Clover and Its Rhizobial Symbiont

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are in consideration to be used in plant protection products. Before these products can be placed on the market, ecotoxicological tests have to be performed. In this study, the nitrogen fixing bacterium Rhizobium trifolii and red clover were exposed to two TiO2 NPs, i.e., P25, E171 and a non-nanomaterial TiO2. Growth of both organisms individually and their symbiotic root nodulation were investigated in liquid and hydroponic systems. While 23 and 18 mg l-1 of E171 and non-nanomaterial TiO2 decreased the growth rate of R. trifolii by 43 and 23% respectively, P25 did not cause effects. Shoot length of red clover decreased between 41 and 62% for all tested TiO2 NPs. In 21% of the TiO2 NP treated plants, no nodules were found. At high concentrations certain TiO2 NPs impaired R. trifolii as well as red clover growth and their symbiosis in the hydroponic systems.
Design of a force-decoupled compound parallel alignment stage for high-resolution imprint lithography

Parallel surface contact between the template and the substrate is very important in imprint lithography. In this paper, a novel force-decoupled compound parallel alignment stage is proposed for high-resolution imprint lithography. It mainly consists of a high-stiffness spherical air bearing (SAB) and a multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) flexure-based mechanism that functions for both the active and passive alignments. Apart from the function of the parallel alignment, the proposed stage can also endure a large imprinting force of more than 1000 N but does not cause any damage to the delicate components, which is mainly attributed to its force-decoupled characteristic. Through the stiffness modeling and finite element analysis (FEA), the performance is evaluated to satisfy the design requirement. Finally, experimental tests are conducted on the parallel alignment stage for the hot embossing process, and the grating patterns with linewidth of 2.5 μm are successfully transferred from the silicon template to the polymethy methacrylate (PMMA) substrate. This result demonstrates that the proposed stage can be used in the hot embossing process without degrading its alignment accuracy.
Exploring Faculty and Students’ Attitudes About Consensual Sexual Relationships and Sexual Harassment on College Campuses

Over the last several years, there has been an increased awareness regarding consensual sexual relationships (CSRs) between professors and students. Specifically, there has been a growing movement for academic institutions to develop policies addressing, discouraging, and/or prohibiting these relationships due to the potential for sexual harassment cases. Even though the appropriateness of such relationships has been widely debated among the university community, a limited amount of empirical work has examined this issue with the majority focusing on attitudinal studies. The current exploratory study consists of a content analysis of 278 faculty and student responses to the question, “If there is a difference between consensual sexual relationships and sexual harassment, what is it? ” Responses indicate that there are several overlapping themes for both faculty and students in how they view these differences, with a large number of responses specifically indicating themes such as “CSR is consensual” while “sexual harassment is one sided. ” There are also some unique perspectives given by faculty regarding the complexities and acceptability of CSRs, who are generally more specific and nuanced in their answers. Considering the complexities of this issue, it is the recommendation of the current study that much more research fully exploring the attitudes of faculty and students is needed to develop a well-rounded and comprehensive policy.
Differential Proteomics Analysis of Colonic Tissues in Patients of Slow Transit Constipation

Objective. To investigate and screen the different expression of proteins in STC and normal group with a comparative proteomic approach. Methods. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was applied to separate the proteins in specimens from both 5 STC patients and 5 normal controls. The proteins with statistically significant differential expression between two groups were identified by computer aided image analysis and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Results. A total of 239 protein spots were identified in the average gel of the normal control and 215 in patients with STC. A total of 197 protein spots were matched and the mean matching rate was 82%. There were 14 protein spots which were expressed with statistically significant differences from others. Of those 14 protein spots, the expression of 12 spots increased markedly, while that of 2 spots decreased significantly. Conclusion. The proteomics expression in colonic specimens of STC patients is statistically significantly different from that of normal control, which may be associated with the pathogenesis of STC.
The Escherichia coli Peripheral Inner Membrane Proteome*

Biological membranes are essential for cell viability. Their functional characteristics strongly depend on their protein content, which consists of transmembrane (integral) and peripherally associated membrane proteins. Both integral and peripheral inner membrane proteins mediate a plethora of biological processes. Whereas transmembrane proteins have characteristic hydrophobic stretches and can be predicted using bioinformatics approaches, peripheral inner membrane proteins are hydrophilic, exist in equilibria with soluble pools, and carry no discernible membrane targeting signals. We experimentally determined the cytoplasmic peripheral inner membrane proteome of the model organism Escherichia coli using a multidisciplinary approach. Initially, we extensively re-annotated the theoretical proteome regarding subcellular localization using literature searches, manual curation, and multi-combinatorial bioinformatics searches of the available databases. Next we used sequential biochemical fractionations coupled to direct identification of individual proteins and protein complexes using high resolution mass spectrometry. We determined that the proposed cytoplasmic peripheral inner membrane proteome occupies a previously unsuspected ∼19% of the basic E. coli BL21(DE3) proteome, and the detected peripheral inner membrane proteome occupies ∼25% of the estimated expressed proteome of this cell grown in LB medium to mid-log phase. This value might increase when fleeting interactions, not studied here, are taken into account. Several proteins previously regarded as exclusively cytoplasmic bind membranes avidly. Many of these proteins are organized in functional or/and structural oligomeric complexes that bind to the membrane with multiple interactions. Identified proteins cover the full spectrum of biological activities, and more than half of them are essential. Our data suggest that the cytoplasmic proteome displays remarkably dynamic and extensive communication with biological membrane surfaces that we are only beginning to decipher.
Running Header: Early-Childhood Texting Experiment Too Little or Too Much? Actionable Advice in an Early-Childhood Text Messaging Experiment

Text-message based parenting programs have proven successful in improving parental engagement and preschoolers’ literacy development. This study seeks to identify mechanisms of the overall effect of such programs. It investigates whether actionable advice alone drives previous study’s results and whether additional texts of actionable advice improve program effectiveness. The findings provide evidence that text messaging programs can supply too little or too much information. A single text per week is not as effective at improving parenting practices as a set of three texts that also include information and encouragement, but a set of five texts with additional actionable advice is also not as effective as the three-text approach. The results on children’s literacy development depend on the child’s pre-intervention literacy skills. For children in the lowest quarter of the pre-treatment literacy assessments, providing one example of an activity improves literacy scores by 0.19 standard deviations less than providing three texts. Literacy scores of children in higher quarters are marginally higher with only one tip per week than with three. We find no positive effects of increasing to five texts per week. JEL Classification: I21, I24, J18.
The 2nd International Conference on Intelligent Control and Information Processing the Discussion of Information Entropy of Fuzzy Knowledge System under Thea-level

This paper presents definitions of a fuzzy knowledge system and fuzzy logic formulae. Information entropies of the fuzzy logic formulae and information entropies of fuzzy rules of the fuzzy knowledge system are described, and relative properties of these definitions are discussed. And then, classification and evaluation of the MISO fuzzy system are given based on the information entropy. Finally, validity of the classification and evaluation of the fuzzy rules is obtained by a real example.