Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single polymer dynamics for molecular rheology

Single polymer dynamics offers a powerful approach to study molecular-level interactions and dynamic microstructure in materials. Direct visualization of single polymer chains has uncovered new ideas regarding the rheology and nonequilibrium dynamics of macromolecules, including the importance of molecular individualism, dynamic heterogeneity, and molecular subpopulations in governing macroscopic behavior. In recent years, the field of single polymer dynamics has been extended to new materials, including architecturally complex polymers such as combs, bottlebrushes, and ring polymers and entangled solutions of long chain polymers in flow. Single molecule visualization, complemented by modeling and simulation techniques such as Brownian dynamics and Monte Carlo methods, allow for unparalleled access to the molecular-scale dynamics of polymeric materials. In this review, recent progress in the field of single polymer dynamics is examined by highlighting major developments and new physics to emerge from thes.
Overexpression of SOX18 promotes prostate cancer progression via the regulation of TCF1, c-Myc, cyclin D1 and MMP-7.

Sex determining region Y (SRY)-box 18 (SOX18) gene encodes transcription factors that have been recently confirmed to be overexpressed in various human types of cancer and maintain the malignant behavior of cancer cells. However, the role and its potential function in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been demonstrated and the mechanisms of SOX18 involved in tumor progression remain largely unclear. In the present study, the expression of SOX18 was analyzed in 98 PCa and 81 adjacent non-tumor tissues using immunohistochemistry. The data showed that SOX18 was overexpressed in 72 of 98 (73.5%) PCa tissues compared with that in 28 of 81 (34.6%) non-tumor tissues. In addition, the expression of SOX18 was related with the clinical features of patients with PCa. To explore the potential role of SOX18 in PCa cells, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), migration, invasion and xenograft assays were performed. Our data showed that knockdown of SOX18 decreased the proliferation, migration and invasion of PCa cells in vitro, in addition to the tumor growth in vivo. Markedly, SOX18 knockdown caused the decreased expression of TCF1, c-Myc, cyclin D1 and MMP-7. In conclusion, SOX18 was overexpressed in PCa and may regulate the malignant capacity of cells via the upregulation of TCF1, c-Myc, cyclin D1 and MMP-7.
Lethal vascular leak syndrome after denileukin diftitox administration to a patient with cutaneous gamma/delta T‐cell lymphoma and occult cirrhosis

Denileukin diftitox (Ontak) is an immunotoxin used in the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. Vascular leak syndrome is a known complication of this therapy, although the syndrome is most often self‐limited. We report the case of a patient with cutaneous gamma/delta (γδ) T‐cell lymphoma and previous undiagnosed liver disease treated with denileukin diftitox. Just 4 days after initiating drug therapy, the patient developed profound vascular leak syndrome characterized by a rapid fall in his previously normal serum albumin to levels below the limit of detection. The patient then quickly deteriorated into rhabdomyolysis and eventual death. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a death directly related to denileukin diftitox therapy. The purpose of this case is to increase awareness and improve management of patients who are treated with denileukin diftitox with resulting vascular leak syndrome leading to hypoalbuminemia. Am. J. Hematol. , 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Time to Be SHY? Some Comments on Sleep and Synaptic Homeostasis

Sleep must serve an essential, universal function, one that offsets the risk of being disconnected from the environment. The synaptic homeostasis hypothesis (SHY) is an attempt to identify this essential function. Its core claim is that sleep is needed to reestablish synaptic homeostasis, which is challenged by the remarkable plasticity of the brain. In other words, sleep is “the price we pay for plasticity. ” In this issue, M. G. Frank reviewed several aspects of the hypothesis and raised several issues. The comments below provide a brief summary of the motivations underlying SHY and clarify that SHY is a hypothesis not about specific mechanisms, but about a universal, essential function of sleep. This function is the preservation of synaptic homeostasis in the face of a systematic bias toward a net increase in synaptic strength—a challenge that is posed by learning during adult wake, and by massive synaptogenesis during development.
Mesures de champs de déformations par corrélations d'images pour l'identification de modèles mécaniques microscopiques de composites à matrice polymère

Des essais de traction in-situ sous Microscope Électronique à Balayage (MEB) sur un composite tissé carbone/époxyde ont été eﬀectués pour observer et suivre l’évolution des premiers stades d’endommagement à l’échelle microscopique (échelle de la ﬁbre et de la matrice). Une méthode de corrélation d’images numériques par approche globale régularisée a été appliquée sur les images obtenues pour déterminer les champs de déplacement et déformations à la surface du matériau. Cette méthode initialement prévue pour des matériaux homogènes a été adaptée pour l’étude des matériaux hétérogènes à l’échelle microscopique grâce à l’utilisation d’un maillage conforme à la microstructure et par la prise en compte de la diﬀérence de comportement mécanique entre les constituants. Les champs de déplacement ainsi obtenus sont comparés avec une modélisation mécanique par éléments ﬁnis du composite. Un bon accord au niveau des champs de déplacement entre les essais et les calculs est observé. Abstract In-situ tensile tests within a Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) on a carbon/epoxy woven composite were carried out to observe and follow the evolution of the ﬁrst damages at the microscopic scale (the scale at which ﬁbres and matrix are treated separately). Global and regularised Digital Image Correlation was applied to the SEM pictures in order to obtain displacement and strain ﬁelds at the surface of the materials. This method initially developed for homogeneous materials, was adapted for the study of heterogeneous materials at the microscopic scale using a mesh that is adapted to the microstructure and diﬀerent elastic properties for the constituents. The measured displacement ﬁelds are compared with a ﬁnite element model of the mechanical behaviour of the composite. The numerical and experimental displacement ﬁelds are in good agreement.
Heat Shock Protein 27 Functions in Inflammatory Gene Expression and Transforming Growth Factor-β-activated Kinase-1 (TAK1)-mediated Signaling*

Heat shock protein (HSP) 27 has long been known to be a component of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. p38 MAPK has important functions in the inflammatory response, but the role of HSP27 in inflammation has remained unknown. We have used small interfering RNAs to suppress HSP27 expression in HeLa cells and fibroblasts and found that it is required for pro-inflammatory cell signaling and the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. HSP27 is needed for the activation by interleukin (IL)-1 of TAK1 and downstream signaling by p38 MAPK, JNK, and their activators (MKK-3, -4, -6, -7) and IKKβ. IL-1-induced ERK activation appears to be independent of HSP27. HSP27 is required for both IL-1 and TNF-induced signaling pathways for which the most upstream common signaling protein is TAK1. HSP27 is also required for IL-1-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase-2, IL-6, and IL-8. HSP27 functions to drive cyclooxygenase-2 and IL-6 expression by augmenting the activation of the kinase downstream of p38 MAPK, MK2, resulting in stabilization of cyclooxygenase-2 and IL-6 mRNAs. The mechanism may not occur in cells of myeloid lineage because HSP27 protein was undetectable in human monocytes and murine macrophages.
A Faster Algorithm for Generalized Multiple-Instance Learning

In our prior work, we introduced a generalization of the multiple-instance learning (MIL) model in which a bag’s label is not based on a single instance’s proximity to a single target point. Rather, a bag is positive if and only if it contains a collection of instances, each near one of a set of target points. This generalized model is much more expressive than the conventional multipleinstance model, and our first algorithm in this model had significantly lower generalization error on several applications when compared to algorithms in the conventional MIL model. However, our learning algorithm for this model required significant time and memory to run. Here we present and empirically evaluate a new algorithm, testing it on data from drug discovery and content-based image retrieval. Our experimental results show that it has the same generalization ability as our previous algorithm, but requires much less computation time and memory.
Use of Computerized Tomography in the Evaluation of a Capd Patient with a Foramen of Morgagni Hernia: A Case Report

Since the advent ofCAPD, a variety of mechanical complications have been described. The diagnosis of these complications is continuing to evolve and has incorporated techniques such as peritoneal scintigraphy, peritoneography with water-soluble contrast, and computed axial tomography (CT). Herein, we report a case of a CAPD patient with a hernia through the foramen of Morgagni that presented as a mediastinal mass.
Chlamydial Heat Shock Protein 60 Activates Macrophages and Endothelial Cells Through Toll-Like Receptor 4 and MD2 in a MyD88-Dependent Pathway1

Active inflammation and NF-κB activation contribute fundamentally to atherogenesis and plaque disruption. Accumulating evidence has implicated specific infectious agents including Chlamydia pneumoniae in the progression of atherogenesis. Chlamydial heat shock protein 60 (cHSP60) has been implicated in the induction of deleterious immune responses in human chlamydial infections and has been found to colocalize with infiltrating macrophages in atheroma lesions. cHSP60 might stimulate, enhance, and maintain innate immune and inflammatory responses and contribute to atherogenesis. In this study, we investigated the signaling mechanism of cHSP60. Recombinant cHSP60 rapidly activated NF-κB in human microvascular endothelial cells (EC) and in mouse macrophages, and induced human IL-8 promoter activity in EC. The inflammatory effect of cHSP60 was heat labile, thus excluding a role of contaminating LPS, and was blocked by specific anti-chlamydial HSP60 mAb. In human vascular EC which express Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA and protein, nonsignaling TLR4 constructs that act as dominant negative blocked cHSP60-mediated NF-κB activation. Furthermore, an anti-TLR4 Ab abolished cHSP60-induced cellular activation, whereas a control Ab had no effect. In 293 cells, cHSP60-mediated NF-κB activation required both TLR4 and MD2. A dominant-negative MyD88 construct also inhibited cHSP60-induced NF-κB activation. Collectively, our results indicate that cHSP60 is a potent inducer of vascular EC and macrophage inflammatory responses, which are very relevant to atherogenesis. The inflammatory effects are mediated through the innate immune receptor complex TLR4-MD2 and proceeds via the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. These findings may help elucidate the mechanisms by which chronic asymptomatic chlamydial infection contribute to atherogenesis.
The thioredoxin reductase‐glutaredoxins‐ferredoxin crossroad pathway for selenate tolerance in Synechocystis PCC6803

Most organisms use two systems to maintain the redox homeostasis of cellular thiols. In the thioredoxin (Trx) system, NADPH sequentially reduces thioredoxin reductases (NTR), Trxs and protein disulfides. In the glutaredoxin (Grx) system, NADPH reduces the glutathione reductase enzyme occurring in most organisms, glutathione, Grxs, and protein disulfides or glutathione‐protein mixed disulfides. As little is known concerning these enzymes in cyanobacteria, we have undertaken their analysis in the model strain Synechocystis PCC6803. We found that Grx1 and Grx2 are active, and that Grx2 but not Grx1 is crucial to tolerance to hydrogen peroxide and selenate. We also found that Synechocystis has no genuine glutathione reductase and uses NTR as a Grx electron donor, in a novel integrative pathway NADPH‐NTR‐Grx1‐Grx2‐Fed7 (ferredoxin 7), which operates in protection against selenate, the predominant form of selenium in the environment. This is the first report on the occurrence of a physical interaction between a Grx and a Fed, and of an electron transfer between two Grxs. These findings are discussed in terms of the (i) selectivity of Grxs and Feds (Synechocystis possesses nine Feds), (ii) crucial importance of NTR for cell fitness and (iii) resistance to selenate, in absence of a Thauera selenatis‐like selenate reductase.
Parallel varying mutation genetic algorithms

We study a model of a GA that applies varying mutation parallel to crossover and background mutation, puts the operators in a cooperative-competitive stand with each other via extinctive selection, and uses an adaptation and mutation strategy to enhance the effectiveness of parallel mutation. The relevance of major components of the model to the performance of parallel varying mutation GAs is discussed.
The effect of insulation on charring of timber frame members

This report describes the effect of insulation materials on the charring of timber members. Particular attention is paid to new types of glass wool with high maximum service temperatures. The aim is to verify the protective effect of stone wool and to determine similar properties for heat-resistant glass wool, intended for use in accordance with EN 1995-1-2. When cladding has fallen off, traditional glass wool insulation provides no significant protection against fire in the post-protection phase. However, a new form of glass wool insulation, suitable for use at high maximum service temperatures, is now available. The behaviour of this material in fire is closer to that of stone wool than is the behaviour of traditional glass wool. This report describes analysis of the effects of insulation to protect against the charring of timber members, based on full-scale wall tests.
Bone Resorption and Environmental Exposure to Cadmium in Women: A Population Study

Background Environmental exposure to cadmium decreases bone density indirectly through hypercalciuria resulting from renal tubular dysfunction. Objective We sought evidence for a direct osteotoxic effect of cadmium in women. Methods We randomly recruited 294 women (mean age, 49.2 years) from a Flemish population with environmental cadmium exposure. We measured 24-hr urinary cadmium and blood cadmium as indexes of lifetime and recent exposure, respectively. We assessed the multivariate-adjusted association of exposure with specific markers of bone resorption, urinary hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) and lysylpyridinoline (LP), as well as with calcium excretion, various calciotropic hormones, and forearm bone density. Results In all women, the effect sizes associated with a doubling of lifetime exposure were 8.4% (p = 0.009) for HP, 6.9% (p = 0.10) for LP, 0.77 mmol/day (p = 0.003) for urinary calcium, –0.009 g/cm2 (p = 0.055) for proximal forearm bone density, and –16.8% (p = 0.065) for serum parathyroid hormone. In 144 postmenopausal women, the corresponding effect sizes were –0.01223 g/cm2 (p = 0.008) for distal forearm bone density, 4.7% (p = 0.064) for serum calcitonin, and 10.2% for bone-specific alkaline phosphatase. In all women, the effect sizes associated with a doubling of recent exposure were 7.2% (p = 0.001) for urinary HP, 7.2% (p = 0.021) for urinary LP, –9.0% (p = 0.097) for serum parathyroid hormone, and 5.5% (p = 0.008) for serum calcitonin. Only one woman had renal tubular dysfunction (urinary retinol-binding protein > 338 μg/day). Conclusions In the absence of renal tubular dysfunction, environmental exposure to cadmium increases bone resorption in women, suggesting a direct osteotoxic effect with increased calciuria and reactive changes in calciotropic hormones.
Human dyskerin: beyond telomeres

Abstract Human dyskerin is an evolutively conserved protein that participates in diverse nuclear complexes: the H/ACA snoRNPs, that control ribosome biogenesis, RNA pseudouridylation, and stability of H/ACA snoRNAs; the scaRNPs, that control pseudouridylation of snRNAs; and the telomerase active holoenzyme, which safeguards telomere integrity. The biological importance of dyskerin is further outlined by the fact that its deficiency causes the X-linked dyskeratosis congenita disease, while its over-expression characterizes several types of cancers and has been proposed as prognostic marker. The role of dyskerin in telomere maintenance has widely been discussed, while its functions as H/ACA sno/scaRNP component has been so far mostly overlooked and represent the main goal of this review. Here we summarize how increasing evidence indicates that the snoRNA/microRNA pathways can be interlaced, and that dyskerin-dependent RNA pseudouridylation represents a flexible mechanism able to modulate RNA function in different ways, including modulation of splicing, change of mRNA coding properties, and selective regulation of IRES-dependent translation. We also propose a speculative model that suggests that the dynamics of pre-assembly and nuclear import of H/ACA RNPs are crucial regulatory steps that can be finely controlled in the cytoplasm in response to developmental, differentiative and stress stimuli.
Use of Nasa A-train and Namma Observations to Evaluate a New Dust Source Scheme in Geos-4

We have implemented a new dust source scheme in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-4) atmospheric general circulation model and data assimilation system. By linking our dust source scheme more closely to the surface, the new scheme is a more physically based scheme than previous incarnations of the model. Here we use A-Train observations from MODIS and CALIPSO along with AERONET and NAMMA LASE data to evaluate simulated dust distributions using the new source scheme during 2006.
Blood pressure evolution in young patients with acute ischemic stroke: a new model for understanding the natural course of spontaneous hypertension?

ABSTRACT Background: Approximately 80% of patients suffering an acute ischemic stroke develop transient hypertension. The physiopathological mechanism remains unclear. Due to the lack of vascular risk factors, young adults could be a useful model for understanding blood pressure (BP) evolution in this setting. Methods: Patients between 18 and 55 years old admitted with an acute ischemic stroke were included. BP was evaluated during the following 48 h. Hypertension was defined as: systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg. Patients were divided into two groups: RF group included those who had a previous vascular risk factor and/or other medical condition known to affect the autonomic function; noRF group included patients without any of the previously stated conditions. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included: mean age: 44.26 years old, 21 were males (53.8%). Mean SBP and DBP at admission were 139.77 ± 5.35 mmHg (range: 90–243) and 84.44 ± 3.02 mmHg (range: 60–128), respectively; 43.58% patients were hypertensive at admission. SBP decreased significantly during the first 48 h (p = 0.044) for the entire population. RF group has higher SBP (p = 0.009) and DBP (p = 0.011) at admission than the noRF group. Conclusion: Most patients were normotensive at admission and BP fell spontaneously despite BP at admission. Young patients without medical conditions that could alter the autonomic system function could be a useful model for understanding acute hypertension in ischemic stroke.
Filtering and fault detection schemes for a trolley crane system

This paper presents several measurement filtering schemes that are implemented on a laboratory-scale trolley crane system. An ultrasound measurement system for the load angle is implemented, and problems related to the filtering of ultrasound and load angle estimation using Kalman filters are discussed. The filtering stages at the ultrasound pulse detection are explained and the performance of two Kalman filter candidates is compared in angle estimation. In addition, an ultrasound based fault detection scheme for the potentiometers of the measurement system is proposed and discussed.
Code Size Reduction in Embedded Systems with Redesigned ISA for RISC Processors

Reducing the size of a program is a major goal in modern embedded systems. Large code occupies more space in the Chip and also causes higher power consumption because of increased memory traffic. In this paper, a revised architecture is proposed for embedded processors by replacing the Loadstore Architecture with Register-Memory Architecture for selected instructions. Analysis of RISC object code for Embedded Applications, using an offline tool developed by the authors, establishes the scope for a new class of processor exclusively for embedded applications. We have used this tool to simulate Register-Memory Architecture for MIPS processor. Based on the results, MIPS processor's instruction set is enhanced with 12 new instructions of Register-Memory Architecture. Experimental results for MiBench Benchmark programs with Register-Memory Architecture Simulation reveal that code size reduction up to 22% can be achieved with modified MIPS Architecture. This is also applicable for microMIPS processor that claims 35% code space saving with 16-bit instructions, thus offering a total of over 55% code space reduction compared to MIPS32 Architecture, for embedded systems. Equivalent memory reduction achieved is very significant for Embedded Systems built using SOCs. Processor design modifications, required at microarchitecture level, are also identified. Other additional features that can be combined with Register-Memory Architecture for an efficient embedded processor are identified. General Terms Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems
Case-control resting-state fMRI study of brain functioning among adolescents with first-episode major depressive disorder

Background Adolescent depression results in severe and protracted suffering for affected individuals and their family members, but the underlying mechanism of this disabling condition remains unclear. Objectives Compare resting-state brain functioning between first-episode, drug-naïve adolescents with major depressive disorder and matched controls. Methods Fifteen adolescents with major depressive disorder and 16 controls underwent a resting-state fMRI scan performed using a 3T magnetic resonance scanner. The amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was used to assess resting-state brain function. Results Adolescents with depression had higher mean (sd) scores on the Children Depression Inventory (CDI) than controls (22.13 [9.21] vs. 9.37 [5.65]). Compared with controls, adolescents with depression had higher ALFF in the posterior cingulate gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, right insula, right parietal lobe, and right fusiform gyrus; they also exhibited lower ALFF in the bilateral cuneus, the left occipital lobe, and the left medial frontal lobe. Conclusions Adolescent depression is associated with significant changes in the functioning of several regions of the brain.