Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of long term under- and over-feeding on the expression of genes related to glucose metabolism in mammary tissue of sheep

Glucose utilisation for lactose synthesis in the mammary gland involves expression of a large number of genes whose nutritional regulation remains poorly defined. In this study, the effect of long term under- and over-feeding on the expression of genes [glucose transporter 1: GLUT1, glucose transporter 3: GLUT3, Sodium glucose contransporter 1: SGLT1, two isoforms of β- (1,4) galactosyltransferase: β- (1,4) GAT1, β- (1,4) GAT3 and α-lactalbumin: LALBA] related to glucose metabolism in sheep mammary tissue (MT) was examined. Twenty-four lactating dairy sheep were divided into three homogenous sub-groups and fed the same ration in quantities which met 70% (underfeeding), 100% (control) and 130% (overfeeding) of their energy and crude protein requirements. The results showed a significant reduction on mRNA of GLUT1 and LALBA gene in the MT of underfed sheep, compared with the respective controls and overfed and a significant reduction on mRNA level of SGLT1 and β- (1,4) GAT1 in the MT of underfed sheep, compared with the overfed ones. A significant increase in the GLUT3 mRNA accumulation in the MT of both under- and over- fed sheep was found. Additionally, a trend of reduction on β- (1,4) GAT3 mRNA level in the MT of the underfed sheep, compared with the overfed, was observed. A close positive relationship was obtained between the mRNA transcripts accumulation of GLUT1, SGLT1, β- (1,4) GAT1 and LALBA gene with the milk lactose content and milk lactose yield respectively. In conclusion, feeding level and consequently nutrient availability, may affect glucose uptake and utilisation in sheep MT by altering the GLUT1, GLUT3, SGLT1, β- (1,4) GAT1 and LALBA gene expression involved in their metabolic pathways.
Functional Redundancy of Variant and Canonical Histone H3 Lysine 9 Modification in Drosophila

Histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and differential incorporation of variant and canonical histones into chromatin are central modes of epigenetic regulation. Despite similar protein sequences, histone variants are enriched for different suites of PTMs compared to their canonical counterparts. For example, variant histone H3.3 occurs primarily in transcribed regions and is enriched for “active” histone PTMs like Lys9 acetylation (H3.3K9ac), whereas the canonical histone H3 is enriched for Lys9 methylation (H3K9me), which is found in transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. To determine the functions of K9 modification on variant vs. canonical H3, we compared the phenotypes caused by engineering H3.3K9R and H3K9R mutant genotypes in Drosophila melanogaster. Whereas most H3.3K9R, and a small number of H3K9R, mutant animals are capable of completing development and do not have substantially altered protein-coding transcriptomes, all H3.3K9R H3K9R combined mutants die soon after embryogenesis and display decreased expression of genes enriched for K9ac. These data suggest that the role of K9ac in gene activation during development can be provided by either H3 or H3.3. Conversely, we found that H3.3K9 is methylated at telomeric transposons and that this mark contributes to repressive chromatin architecture, supporting a role for H3.3 in heterochromatin that is distinct from that of H3. Thus, our genetic and molecular analyses demonstrate that K9 modification of variant and canonical H3 have overlapping roles in development and transcriptional regulation, though to differing extents in euchromatin and heterochromatin.
Baroreflex modulation of sympathetic nerve activity to muscle in heat-stressed humans.

To identify whether whole body heating alters arterial baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), MSNA and beat-by-beat arterial blood pressure were recorded in seven healthy subjects during acute hypotensive and hypertensive stimuli in both normothermic and heat stress conditions. Whole body heating significantly increased sublingual temperature (P < 0.01), MSNA (P < 0.01), heart rate (P < 0.01), and skin blood flow (P < 0.001), whereas mean arterial blood pressure did not change significantly (P > 0.05). During both normothermic and heat stress conditions, MSNA increased and then decreased significantly when blood pressure was lowered and then raised via intravenous bolus infusions of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine HCl, respectively. The slope of the relationship between MSNA and diastolic blood pressure during heat stress (-128.3 +/- 13.9 U x beats(-1) x mmHg(-1)) was similar (P = 0.31) with normothermia (-140.6 +/- 21.1 U x beats(-1) x mmHg(-1)). Moreover, no significant change in the slope of the relationship between heart rate and systolic blood pressure was observed. These data suggest that arterial baroreflex modulation of MSNA and heart rate are not altered by whole body heating, with the exception of an upward shift of these baroreflex curves to accommodate changes in these variables that occur with whole body heating.
In Bad Taste: Evidence for the Oral Origins of Moral Disgust

In common parlance, moral transgressions “leave a bad taste in the mouth. ” This metaphor implies a link between moral disgust and more primitive forms of disgust related to toxicity and disease, yet convincing evidence for this relationship is still lacking. We tested directly the primitive oral origins of moral disgust by searching for similarity in the facial motor activity evoked by gustatory distaste (elicited by unpleasant tastes), basic disgust (elicited by photographs of contaminants), and moral disgust (elicited by unfair treatment in an economic game). We found that all three states evoked activation of the levator labii muscle region of the face, characteristic of an oralnasal rejection response. These results suggest that immorality elicits the same disgust as disease vectors and bad tastes.
Constraints and Adaptation of Closed-Loop Neuroprosthetics for Functional Restoration

Closed-loop neuroprosthetics aim to compensate for lost function, e.g., by controlling external devices such as prostheses or wheelchairs. Such assistive approaches seek to maximize speed and classification accuracy for high-dimensional control. More recent approaches use similar technology, but aim to restore lost motor function in the long term. To achieve this goal, restorative neuroprosthetics attempt to facilitate motor re-learning and to strengthen damaged and/or alternative neural connections on the basis of neurofeedback training within rehabilitative environments. Such a restorative approach requires reinforcement learning of self-modulated brain activity which is considered to be beneficial for functional rehabilitation, e.g., improvement of β-power modulation over sensorimotor areas for post-stroke movement restoration. Patients with motor impairments, however, may also have a compromised ability for motor task-related regulation of the targeted brain activity. This would affect the estimation of feature weights and hence the classification accuracy of the feedback device. This, in turn, can frustrate the patients and compromise their motor learning. Furthermore, the feedback training may even become erroneous when unconstrained classifier adaptation—which is often used in assistive approaches—is also applied in this rehabilitation context. In conclusion, the conceptual switch from assistance toward restoration necessitates a methodological paradigm shift from classification accuracy toward instructional efficiency. Furthermore, a constrained feature space, a priori regularized feature weights, and difficulty adaptation present key elements of restorative brain interfaces. These factors need, therefore, to be addressed within a therapeutic framework to facilitate reinforcement learning of brain self-regulation for restorative purposes.
A series dynamic resistor based converter protection scheme for doubly-fed induction generator during various fault conditions

This paper proposes a new converter protection method, primarily based on a series dynamic resistor (SDR), that avoids the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) control being disabled by crowbar protection during fault conditions. A combined converter protection scheme based on the proposed series dynamic resistor and conventional crowbar is analysed and discussed. The main protection advantages are due to the series topology when compared with crowbar and DC-chopper protection. Various fault over-current conditions (both symmetrical and asymmetrical) are analysed and used to design the protection in detail, including the switching strategy and coordination with crowbar, and resistance value calculations. PSCAD/EMTDC simulation results show that the proposed method is advantageous for fault over-current protection, especially for asymmetrical faults, in which the traditional crowbar protection may malfunction.
Fruit growth and proximate composition of deshi (Diospyros peregrina) and bilati gab (D. discolor)

Fruit (berry) growth, maturity and nutritional composition of deshi (Diospyros peregrina Gurke) and bilati Gab (D. discolor Gurke) were investigated at the Botanical Garden of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (24o26' and 24054' N and 90015' and 90030' E) between April and August, 2011. Flowers were tagged at first opening (days after flowering, DAF) and fruit growth was investigated up to maturity. Fruit size (length and diameter), individual fruit weight, AGR and proximate composition of matured fruits were investigated. Morphological and growth parameters were recorded at 7-days interval up to 63 DAF in deshi and 85 DAF in bilati gab. All the morphological characters of fruits were gradually increased with increasing DAF and followed sigmoid pattern. The length and diameter of the berry became 5.80 and 4.61 cm, respectively at 63 DAF in deshi gab, and 9.13 and 7.62 cm, respectively at 85 DAF in bilati gab. The fresh and dry weights of berries were also maximum at 63 DAF in deshi and at 85 DAF in bilati gab. The maximum dry weight of seed i.e. PM in deshi gab attained at 56 DAF and that of bilati gab at 83 DAF. The proximate composition of matured berries of deshi and bilati gab at PM showed little variation between the species and hence, average crude protein, crude fat, ash and total carbohydrate was 5.35, 1.08, 3.74 and 67.47%, respectively. It might be concluded that harvest maturity attained around two months after flowering in deshi gab with yellowish green colour on fruit coat and three months from flowering in bilati gab when fruits turn into deep red colour with average fruit fresh weight of 60 g and 220 g, respectively.
Elevated Serum Levels of Soluble TNF Receptors and Adhesion Molecules Are Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type-1 Diabetes

Aims. To examine the association of the serum levels of TNF receptors, adhesion molecules, and inflammatory mediators with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in T1D patients. Methods. Using the multiplex immunoassay, we measured serum levels of eight proteins in 678 T1D subjects aged 20–75 years. Comparisons were made between 482 T1D patients with no complications and 196 T1D patients with DR. Results. The levels of sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II, CRP, SAA, sgp130, sIL6R, sVCAM1, and sICAM1 were significantly higher in the T1D patients with DR as compared to T1D patients with no complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant association for five proteins after adjustment for age, sex, and disease duration (sTNFR-I: OR = 1.57, sgp130: OR = 1.43, sVCAM1: OR = 1.27, sICAM1: OR = 1.42, and CRP: OR = 1.15). Conditional logistic regression on matched paired data revealed that subjects in the top quartile for sTNFR-I (OR = 2.13), sTNFR-II (OR = 1.66), sgp130 (OR = 1.82), sIL6R (OR = 1.75), sVCAM1 (OR = 1.98), sICAM1 (OR = 2.23), CRP (OR = 2.40) and SAA (OR = 2.03), had the highest odds of having DR. Conclusions. The circulating markers of inflammation, endothelial injury, and TNF signaling are significantly associated with DR in patients with T1D. TNFR-I and TNFR-II receptors are highly correlated, but DR associated more strongly with TNFR-I in these patients.
Combining Dynamic A/B Experimentation and Recommender Systems in MOOCs

We consider how dynamic A/B experiments – used to discover and deploy policies for personalizing items – can be interpreted from the perspective of a recommendation problem, where no prior data is available. We present an illustrative data set we collected, to evaluate algorithms for recommending emails (that vary along dimensions like subject lines) that will maximize response rate, from different subgroups of online learners. This problem is formalized as a contextual bandit, and we do an offline regret comparison of how standard bandit algorithms would perform in optimizing response rate. We report a system that provides an API for real–time data exchange and recommendation policy updates from algorithms from external machine learning researchers, and compare our best-performing offline algorithm – Thompson Sampling – against a randomized policy.
Meta-analysis comparison of endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation and endoscopic sphincteropapillotomy.

AIM To assess endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) and endoscopic sphincteropapillotomy (EST) for common bile duct (CBD) stone removal using a meta-analysis. METHODS Randomized controlled trials published from 1990 to 2012 comparing EPBD with EST for CBD stone removal were evaluated. This meta-analysis was performed to estimate short-term and long-term complications of these two treatments. The fixed random effect model or random effect model was established to analysis the data. Results were obtained by analyzing the relative risk, odds ratio, and 95%CI for a given comparison using RevMan 5.1. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Risk of bias was evaluated using a funnel plot. RESULTS Of the 1975 patients analyzed, 980 of them were treated with EPBD and 995 were treated with EST. Of the patient population, patients in the EPBD group were younger (OR = -1.16, 95%CI: -1.49 to 0.84, P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in gender proportion, average size of stones, number of gallstones, previous cholecystectomy, the incidence of duodenal diverticulum, CBD diameter or the total follow-up time between EST and EPBD groups. Compared with EST, the total stone clearance in the EPBD group decreased (OR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.42 to 0.96, P = 0.03), the use of stone extraction baskets significantly increased (OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.41 to 2.59, P < 0.01), and the incidence of pancreatitis significantly increased (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.74 to 4.45, P < 0.0001). The incidence of bleeding (OR = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.04 to 0.34, P < 0.01) and cholecystitis (OR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.20 to 0.84, P = 0.02) significantly decreased. The stone recurrence rate also was significantly reduced in EPBD (OR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.26 to 0.90, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences between the two groups with the incidence of stone removal at first attempt, hours of operation, total short-term complications and infection, perforation, or acute cholangitis. CONCLUSION Although the incidence of pancreatitis was higher, the overall stone clearance rate and risk of bleeding was lower with EPBD compared to EST.
IN SILICO CELL I. HIERARCHICAL APPROACH AND GENERALIZED HILL FUNCTIONS IN MODELING ENZYMATIC REACTIONS AND GENE EXPRESSION REGULATION

SUMMARY Motivation: Development of an in silico cell is an urgent task of systems biology. The core of this cell should consist of mathematical models of intracellular events, including enzymatic reactions and control of gene expression. Results: In this study, we put forward a concept of hierarchical modeling of intracellular processes. A class of generalized Hill functions is determined, and a method for modeling enzymatic reactions and gene expression events with the use of this class is proposed.
Dual Band Wilkinson Power divider without Reactive Components

This paper presents an unequal Wilkinson power divider operating at arbitrary dual band without reactive components(such as inductors and capacitors). To satisfy the unequal characteristic, a novel structure is proposed with two groups of transmission lines and two parallel stubs. Closed-form equations containing all parameters of this structure are derived based on circuit theory and transmission line theory. For verification, two groups of simulation results of different stub shapes for the same schematic design has been done. It can be found that all the analytical features of this unequal power divider can be fulfilled at arbitrary dual band simultaneously.
The Current State of Diagnosis and Treatment for Early Gastric Cancer

The prognosis for gastric cancer depends on its stage; so, detection in the early stage of disease is important, when complete and curative removal is possible. Accurate diagnosis can be facilitated by a sound understanding of the basic findings of white light endoscopy of early gastric cancer, and diagnosis can be refined further by the combined use of other imaging modalities such as image-enhanced endoscopy including chromoendoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography. Minimally invasive endoscopic treatment has come to be the preferred therapeutic approach for early gastric cancer. In addition to conventional endoscopic mucosal resection, a new technique known as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has spread rapidly worldwide. Indeed, strategies for ESD have been established, devices developed, its indications expanded, and its safety and long-term results extensively reported. Some unique combination therapies involving endoscopy and surgical treatment have also been reported. It is anticipated that the number of patients undergoing endoscopic therapy will continue to increase, and the ongoing developments in endoscopic treatment are expected not only to improve gastric cancer prognosis but also to maintain good quality of life after treatment.
Better survival in PMRT of female breast cancer patients with >5 negative lymph nodes

Abstract Many studies have confirmed the role of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) for breast cancer patients with at least 4 lymph nodes invasion in the postoperative therapy. Recently, the number of negative lymph nodes (NLNs) has been increasingly paid attention to and recognized as a prognostic indicator in different kinds of caners. Therefore, it is very necessary to study the association between the number of NLNs and the prognosis of PMRT in breast cancer patients. In our study, we used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population-based data and identified 16,686 breast cancer patients to explore their correlation. The ROC curve and the log-rank &khgr;2 test were applied to determine the appropriate cutoff point of the number of NLNs and 5 was selected as the cutoff point. Furthermore, the cutoff point 5 was validated as an independent prognostic factor affecting cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in breast cancer patients, as confirmed by both univariate and multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that the number of NLNs >5 can be a prognostic indicator in patients with PMRT according to different clinical variables (all, P < 0.001). Importantly, our results showed that PMRT obviously improved CSS and OS in patients regardless of the number of NLNs (P < 0.001). In conclusion, our study showed the number of NLNs is an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer patients with PMRT, and those who have higher number of NLNs have an increased CSS and OS.
Cigarette use among Miami's public school students, 1992 : Fathers versus peers, availability, and family drug/alcohol problems

ABSTRACT This analysis examines cigarette smoking by 829 adolescents in Dade County, Florida public schools during 1992. Statistically significant factors which tend to increase the probability of smoking by adolescents include: the fact that their peers smoke, the fact that they are white, the fact that they are male, the ready access these adolescents have to the substance, and the fact that someone in their families has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Although not statistically significant, adolescents were more likely to smoke if they knew of the risks associated with smoking. Hence, the typical user may be a risk-taker, enjoying the dangers involved with cigarettes. The only statistically significant variable which inhibits the use of cigarettes by Miami adolescents is the fact that their father resides with them. The presence of a father in the household decreased the probability of smoking by adolescents. Although the mother's presence also had the same effect, this was not significant. If they in.
metaSMT: Focus on Your Application not on Solver Integration

Decision procedures are used as core technique in many applications today. In this context, automated reasoning based on Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) is very effective. However, developers have to decide which concrete engine to use and how to integrate the engine into the application. Even if file formats like SMTLIB standardize the input of many engines, advanced features remain unused and the integration of the engine is left to the programmer. This work presents metaSMT, a framework that integrates advanced reasoning engines into the program code of the respective application. metaSMT provides an easy to use language that allows engine independent programming while gaining from high performance reasoning engines. State-of-the-art solvers for satisfiability and other theories are available for the user via metaSMT with minimal programming effort. For two examples we show how metaSMT is used in current research projects.
Dung and nest surveys: estimating decay rates

Summary 1 Wildlife managers often require estimates of abundance. Direct methods of estimation are often impractical, especially in closed-forest environments, so indirect methods such as dung or nest surveys are increasingly popular. 2 Dung and nest surveys typically have three elements: surveys to estimate abundance of the dung or nests; experiments to estimate the production (defecation or nest construction) rate; and experiments to estimate the decay or disappearance rate. The last of these is usually the most problematic, and was the subject of this study. 3 The design of experiments to allow robust estimation of mean time to decay was addressed. In most studies to date, dung or nests have been monitored until they disappear. Instead, we advocate that fresh dung or nests are located, with a single follow-up visit to establish whether the dung or nest is still present or has decayed. 4 Logistic regression was used to estimate probability of decay as a function of time, and possibly of other covariates. Mean time to decay was estimated from this function. 5 Synthesis and applications. Effective management of mammal populations usually requires reliable abundance estimates. The difficulty in estimating abundance of mammals in forest environments has increasingly led to the use of indirect survey methods, in which abundance of sign, usually dung (e.g. deer, antelope and elephants) or nests (e.g. apes), is estimated. Given estimated rates of sign production and decay, sign abundance estimates can be converted to estimates of animal abundance. Decay rates typically vary according to season, weather, habitat, diet and many other factors, making reliable estimation of mean time to decay of signs present at the time of the survey problematic. We emphasize the need for retrospective rather than prospective rates, propose a strategy for survey design, and provide analysis methods for estimating retrospective rates.