Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glutamine promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation through the mTOR/S6 pathway

Glutamine is one of the main nutrients used by tumor cells for biosynthesis. Therefore, targeted inhibition of glutamine metabolism may have anti-tumorigenic implications. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of glutamine on ovarian cancer cell growth. Three ovarian cancer cell lines, HEY, SKOV3, and IGROV-1, were assayed for glutamine dependence by analyzing cytotoxicity, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cell stress, and glucose/glutamine metabolism. Our results revealed that administration of glutamine increased cell proliferation in all three ovarian cancer cell lines in a dose dependent manner. Depletion of glutamine induced reactive oxygen species and expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins. In addition, glutamine increased the activity of glutaminase (GLS) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) by modulating the mTOR/S6 and MAPK pathways. Inhibition of mTOR activity by rapamycin or blocking S6 expression by siRNA inhibited GDH and GLS activity, leading to a decrease in glutamine-induced cell proliferation. These studies suggest that targeting glutamine metabolism may be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Ja n 20 07 Evolutionary game dynamics in inhomogeneous populations

To our knowledge, the populations are generally assumed to be homogeneous in the traditional approach to evolutionary game dynamics. Here, we focus on the inhomogeneous populations. A simple model which can describe the inhomogeneity of the populations and a microscopic process which is similar to Moran Process are presented. By studying the replicator dynamics, it is shown that this model also keeps the fixed points unchanged and can affect the speed of converging to the equilibrium state. The fixation probability and the fixation time of this model are computed and discussed. In the inhomogeneous populations, there are different situations that characterize the time scale of evolution; and in each situation, there exists an optimum solution for the time to the equilibrium points, respectively. Moreover, these results on the speed of evolution are valid for infinite and finite populations. PACS numbers: 87.23. Kg, 02.50. Le, 02.50. Ey Submitted to: J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. Evolutionary game dynamics in inhomogeneous populations 2
Middle Schools Under Siege: Points of Attack.

The history of middle level education is more than a little complicated. Founded with support from a coalition of groups interested in such disparate agendas as abolishing child labor, accelerating preparation for college, giving vocation al guidance to dropouts, relieving overcrowding in ele mentary schools, and distinguishing adolescence from childhood, the purpose of the junior high school was ambiguous from the beginning. And though middle school advocates have tried to give more clear direction over the past forty years, there is still widespread dis agreement in the public and the profession about what middle level schools are for, indeed, among some, even continuing puzzlement about why middle schools dis placed junior high schools. Now, as we approach the end of the century, over almost all of which the middle level story stretches, mid dle schools are in the spotlight again, not because they are about to be promoted, as they were a decade ago, but because they are under attack. There is a certain irony about this condition for those who have studied the history of the middle level. Despite the mix of agen das, the rhetoric of middle level education has almost always led with talk about making these schools good for the young adolescents who attend them. That rhetoric has sometimes been sincere, but more often it has been a front for less appealing interests such as relieving overcrowding or consolidating smaller schools.
Studying the Perceived Quality Variation over Time for Video Quality Assessment

Reliably predicting how humans assess video quality aspects remains an academic challenge, partly due to our limited understanding of human visual system and of how it affects the perception of spatial and temporal distortions. In current video chains, the perceived quality varies over time, depending on the compression level and video content. However, the impact of both factors on the extent of such variation is unknown, while this knowledge would be highly beneficial for video quality modeling. In this paper, a perception experiment is conducted with human observers rating the quality and meanwhile the extent of quality variation over time (QVT) for a set of video sequences. Preliminary results show that QVT tends to be less observed in the low and high quality regions; and that QVT seems to be sensitive to video content independent of compression level.
Analog and mixed-signal testing by wavelet transformations of power supply current measurements

In this paper a test method based on wavelet transformation of the measured supply current (IPS) waveforms is presented. The method is simple, offers a single-point test measurement solution and may easily be adapted to test various analog and mixed-signal systems. Experimental comparative results between the proposed method, a test method based on the RMS value of IPS, and a test method utilizing the harmonic magnitude components of the IPS spectrum are presented showing the effectiveness of the proposed testing scheme.
The Mission of the High School: A New Consensus of the Purposes of Public Education? Policy Information Perspective.

Preface Acknowledgments A s the mission of the high school is redefined and implemented to prepare all students to be both college-and career-ready, it is increasingly important that policymakers have access to comprehensive information on a variety of related issues. The stakes are high for society, for our economy, and for the students themselves. In this Policy Information Perspective, Paul E. Barton and Richard J. Coley discuss a variety of issues that need to be addressed as the mission of the high school is being transformed. They gather and present data and information that can be useful to people who are in the midst of discussions about reformulating this critical component of the public education system. While Barton and Coley agree that preparing more students to be ready for college and other postsecondary education is necessary, they make a case for needing more knowledge of and understanding about what it means to tie high school curricula and standards to the varying and moving targets of college readiness that are set by a wide variety of higher education institutions. And while Barton and Coley also agree about the need to prepare today's students to be career ready, they note that there is much ambiguity and variation in the types of skills that are required in different jobs and careers, both today and even more so in the jobs of the future. Barton and Coley call attention to the importance and supply of high school guidance personnel in helping students stay on track and navigate the critical pathways to college and careers. They also note the stagnation in the high school completion rate of the nation and how this situation will need to be addressed in efforts to restructure the mission of the high school. That mission should be ambitious: to prepare all students for whatever paths they choose in their transition to adulthood — for jobs and careers, for postsecondary education and training, and for the lifelong learning that will be required for work now and in the future. In implementing this reformulated mission, policymakers need to be aware and take account of the considerable implications that any such reformulation of the mission of the U.S. high school may have for our nation. Eileen Kerrigan was the editor and Marita Gray designed the cover. Errors of fact or interpretation are those of the authors.
Technostress: negative effect on performance and possible mitigations

We investigate the effect of conditions that create technostress, on technology‐enabled innovation, technology‐enabled performance and overall performance. We further look at the role of technology self‐efficacy, organizational mechanisms that inhibit technostress and technology competence as possible mitigations to the effects of technostress creators. Our findings show a negative association between technostress creators and performance. We find that, while traditional effort‐based mechanisms such as building technology competence reduce the impact of technostress creators on technology‐enabled innovation and performance, more empowering mechanisms such as developing technology self‐efficacy and information systems (IS) literacy enhancement and involvement in IS initiatives are required to counter the decrease in overall performance because of technostress creators. Noting that the professional sales context offers increasingly high expectations for technology‐enabled performance in an inherently interpersonal‐oriented and relationship‐oriented environment with regard to overall performance, and high failure rates for IS acceptance/use, the study uses survey data collected from 237 institutional sales professionals.
A Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Secreting Clone of the Schwann Cell Line SCTM41 Enhances Survival and Fiber Outgrowth from Embryonic Nigral Neurons Grafted to the Striatum and to the Lesioned Substantia Nigra

We have developed a novel Schwann cell line, SCTM41, derived from postnatal sciatic nerve cultures and have stably transfected a clone with a rat glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) construct. Coculture with this GDNF-secreting clone enhances in vitro survival and fiber growth of embryonic dopaminergic neurons. In the rat unilateral 6-OHDA lesion model of Parkinson’s disease, we have therefore made cografts of these cells with embryonic day 14 ventral mesencephalic grafts and assayed for effects on dopaminergic cell survival and process outgrowth. We show that cografts of GDNF-secreting Schwann cell lines improve the survival of intrastriatal embryonic dopaminergic neuronal grafts and improve neurite outgrowth into the host neuropil but have no additional effect on amphetamine-induced rotation. We next looked to see whether bridge grafts of GDNF-secreting SCTM41 cells would promote the growth of axons to their striatal targets from dopaminergic neurons implanted orthotopically into the 6-OHDA-lesioned substantia nigra. We show that such bridge grafts increase the survival of implanted embryonic dopaminergic neurons and promote the growth of axons through the grafts to the striatum.
A Hierarchical Work-Stealing Framework for Multi-core Clusters

Work-stealing has been widely used in task-based parallel programming for dynamic load balancing. The overhead of work-stealing on distributed memory systems is much higher than that on shared memory systems. To minimize the overhead of work-stealing on a multi-core cluster, we propose a hierarchical work-stealing framework, in which work-stealing is performed inside a node before across the node boundary. Two key techniques used in our framework to reduce the inter-node steals are: a) adaptive initial partitioning for different task parallel patterns; b) centralized control for inter-node work-stealing, which improves the efficiency of victim selection and termination detection. We compare our technique to the classical work-stealing scheme and a state-of-the-art work-stealing scheme [1] for multi-core clusters. Our technique outperforms them by 19% and 8% respectively.
The application of ray tracing and the geometrical theory of diffraction to indoor channel modelling

Ray tracing and the geometrical theory of diffraction are applied to a simulation of the radio channel experienced by equipment communicating inside buildings. Comparisons are made between the simulated results and electromagnetic measurements through the use of probability distributions fitted to the data. The system parameters are determined from the simulation, and used to recreate the channel in a statistical manner, demonstrating that a limited set of information on the channel is sufficient to model the channel. <<ETX>>
TOWARD A THEORY OF ASTROPHYSICAL PLASMA TURBULENCE AT SUBPROTON SCALES

We present an analytical study of subproton electromagnetic fluctuations in a collisionless plasma with a plasma beta of the order of unity. In the linear limit, a rigorous derivation from the kinetic equation is conducted focusing on the role and physical properties of kinetic-Alfvén and whistler waves. Then, nonlinear fluid-like equations for kinetic-Alfvén waves and whistler modes are derived, with special emphasis on the similarities and differences in the corresponding plasma dynamics. The kinetic-Alfvén modes exist in the lower-frequency region of phase space, ω ≪ k⊥vTi, where they are described by the kinetic-Alfvén system. These modes exist both below and above the ion-cyclotron frequency. The whistler modes, which are qualitatively different from the kinetic-Alfvén modes, occupy a different region of phase space, k⊥vTi ≪ ω ≪ kzvTe, and they are described by the electron magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) system or the reduced electron MHD system if the propagation is oblique. Here, kz and k⊥ are the wavenumbers along and transverse to the background magnetic field, respectively, and vTi and vTe are the ion and electron thermal velocities, respectively. The models of subproton plasma turbulence are discussed and the results of numerical simulations are presented. We also point out possible implications for solar-wind observations.
A high gain observer for enclosed mass estimation in a spark ignited engine

A high gain non linear observer is implemented to estimate the enclosed mass in the combustion chamber of a spark ignited engine. The observer uses the cylinder pressure measurement during the compression and combustion strokes to estimate the enclosed mass. An engine model is proposed and used as a virtual engine to build the observer. The model is validated by comparison with real measurements, obtained from experimental tests. The results of the observer are compared with the virtual engine model.
Recent variability of the solar spectral irradiance and its impact on climate modelling

The lack of long and reliable time series of solar spectral irradiance (SSI) measurements makes an accurate quantification of solar contributions to recent climate change difficult. Whereas earlier SSI observations and models provided a qualitatively consistent picture of the SSI variability, recent measurements by the SORCE (SOlar Radiation and Climate Experiment) satellite suggest a significantly stronger variability in the ultraviolet (UV) spectral range and changes in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) bands in anti-phase with the solar cycle. A number of recent chemistry-climate model (CCM) simulations have shown that this might have significant implications on the Earth's atmosphere. Motivated by these results, we summarize here our current knowledge of SSI variability and its impact on Earth's climate. We present a detailed overview of existing SSI measurements and provide thorough comparison of models available to date. SSI changes influence the Earth's atmosphere, both directly, through changes in shortwave (SW) heating and therefore, temperature and ozone distributions in the stratosphere, and indirectly, through dynamical feedbacks. We investigate these direct and indirect effects using several state-of-the art CCM simulations forced with measured and modelled SSI changes. A unique asset of this study is the use of a common comprehensive approach for an issue that is usually addressed separately by different communities. We show that the SORCE measurements are difficult to reconcile with earlier observations and with SSI models. Of the five SSI models discussed here, specifically NRLSSI (Naval Research Laboratory Solar Spectral Irradiance), SATIRE-S (Spectral And Total Irradiance REconstructions for the Satellite era), COSI (COde for Solar Irradiance), SRPM (Solar Radiation Physical Modelling), and OAR (Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma), only one shows a behaviour of the UV and visible irradiance qualitatively resembling that of the recent SORCE measurements. However, the integral of the SSI computed with this model over the entire spectral range does not reproduce the measured cyclical changes of the total solar irradiance, which is an essential requisite for realistic evaluations of solar effects on the Earth's climate in CCMs. We show that within the range provided by the recent SSI observations and semi-empirical models discussed here, the NRLSSI model and SORCE observations represent the lower and upper limits in the magnitude of the SSI solar cycle variation. The results of the CCM simulations, forced with the SSI solar cycle variations estimated from the NRLSSI model and from SORCE measurements, show that the direct solar response in the stratosphere is larger for the SORCE than for the NRLSSI data. Correspondingly, larger UV forcing also leads to a larger surface response. Finally, we discuss the reliability of the available data and we propose additional coordinated work, first to build composite SSI data sets out of scattered observations and to refine current SSI models, and second, to run coordinated CCM experiments.
Using Bid Data for the Management of Sequential, Multi-Unit, Online Auctions With Uniformly Distributed Bidders Valuations

Internet auctions for consumers' goods are an increasingly popular selling venue. We have observed that many sellers, instead of offering their entire inventory in a single auction, split it into sequential auctions of smaller lots, thereby reducing the negative market impact of larger lots. Information technology also makes it possible to collect and analyze detailed bid data from online auctions. In this paper, we develop and test a new model of sequential online auctions to explore the potential benefits of using real bid data from earlier auctions to improve the management of future auctions. Assuming a typical truth-revealing auction model, we quantify the effect of the lot size on the closing price and derive a closed-form solution for the problem of allocating inventory across multiple auctions when bidder valuation distributions are known. We also develop a decision methodology for allocating inventory across multiple auctions that dynamically incorporates the results of previous auctions as feedback into the management of subsequent auctions, and updating the lot size and number of auctions. We demonstrate how information signals from previous auctions can be used to update the auctioneer's beliefs about the customers' valuation distribution, and then to significantly increase the seller's profit potential. We use several examples to reveal the benefits of using detailed transaction data for the management of sequential, multi-unit, online auctions and we demonstrate how these benefits are influenced by the inventory holding costs, the number of bidders, and the dispersion of consumers' valuations.
COOH Terminus of Occludin Is Required for Tight Junction Barrier Function in Early Xenopus Embryos

Occludin is the only known integral membrane protein localized at the points of membrane– membrane interaction of the tight junction. We have used the Xenopus embryo as an assay system to examine: (a) whether the expression of mutant occludin in embryos will disrupt the barrier function of tight junctions, and (b) whether there are signals within the occludin structure that are required for targeting to the sites of junctional interaction. mRNAs transcribed from a series of COOH-terminally truncated occludin mutants were microinjected into the antero–dorsal blastomere of eight-cell embryos. 8 h after injection, the full-length and the five COOH-terminally truncated proteins were all detected at tight junctions as defined by colocalization with both endogenous occludin and zonula occludens-1 demonstrating that exogenous occludin correctly targeted to the tight junction. Importantly, our data show that tight junctions containing four of the COOH-terminally truncated occludin proteins were leaky; the intercellular spaces between the apical cells were penetrated by sulfosuccinimidyl-6-(biotinamido) Hexanoate (NHS-LC-biotin). In contrast, embryos injected with mRNAs coding for the full-length, the least truncated, or the soluble COOH terminus remained impermeable to the NHS-LC-biotin tracer. The leakage induced by the mutant occludins could be rescued by coinjection with full-length occludin mRNA. Immunoprecipitation analysis of detergent-solubilized embryo membranes revealed that the exogenous occludin was bound to endogenous Xenopus occludin in vivo, indicating that occludin oligomerized during tight junction assembly. Our data demonstrate that the COOH terminus of occludin is required for the correct assembly of tight junction barrier function. We also provide evidence for the first time that occludin forms oligomers during the normal process of tight junction assembly. Our data suggest that mutant occludins target to the tight junction by virtue of their ability to oligomerize with full-length endogenous molecules.
Flexible Metadata Management for Block-level Storage System

The ever growing storage demands of modern applications cultivate a promising area of storage system management, centered upon metadata servers. Some of the works are done at the file system level, which care little about device level data organization. In this paper we present the design of managing metadata at block-level by using storage virtualization techniques. We propose both static and dynamic block mapping policies to meet the diverse needs of applications, balance disk workload and improve storage system performance. We build our prototype in a virtual interface based storage area network, and the evaluation results demonstrate that metadata management at block-level can be efficient and flexible
When natural mutants do not fit our expectations: the intriguing case of patients with XRCC4 mutations revealed by whole-exome sequencing

Mutations in the XRCC4 gene have been recently identified through whole-exome sequencing (WES). While the overall clinical presentation of the patients (severe short stature, microcephaly, gonadal failure) generally conforms with what is expected for the defect of a critical non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) DNA repair factor, the absence of consequence on the proper development of the immune system is rather surprising, given the role of NHEJ in V(D)J recombination. Several hypotheses can be envisioned to explain this discrepancy. Overall, these findings highlight the power of WES in identifying new molecular causes for human diseases while providing with new exciting scientific question to address.