Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Programming in the Rat Is Linked to Long-Lasting Changes in Nutrient Sensing and Energy Homeostasis in the Hypothalamus

Background Nutrient deficiency during perinatal development is associated with an increased risk to develop obesity, diabetes and hypertension in the adulthood. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental programming of the metabolic syndrome remain largely unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings Given the essential role of the hypothalamus in the integration of nutritional, endocrine and neuronal cues, here we have analyzed the profile of the hypothalamus transcriptome in 180 days-old rats born to dams fed either a control (200 g/kg) or a low-protein (80 g/kg) diet through pregnancy and lactation. From a total of 26 209 examined genes, 688 were up-regulated and 309 down-regulated (P<0.003) by early protein restriction. Further bioinformatic analysis of the data revealed that perinatal protein restriction permanently alters the expression of two gene clusters regulating common cellular processes. The first one includes several gate keeper genes regulating insulin signaling and nutrient sensing. The second cluster encompasses a functional network of nuclear receptors and co-regulators of transcription involved in the detection and use of lipid nutrients as fuel which, in addition, link temporal and nutritional cues to metabolism through their tight interaction with the circadian clock. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, these results indicate that the programming of the hypothalamic circuits regulating energy homeostasis is a key step in the development of obesity associated with malnutrition in early life and provide a valuable resource for further investigating the role of the hypothalamus in the programming of the metabolic syndrome.
Active Learning Algorithm for Threshold of Decision Probability on Imbalanced Text Classification Based on Protein-Protein Interaction Documents

The study of host pathogen protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is essential to understand the disease-causing mechanisms of human pathogens. A large number of scientific findings about PPIs are generated in the biomedical literatures. Building a document classification system can accelerate the process of mining and curation of PPI knowledge. With more and more imbalanced dataset appearing, how to handle the imbalanced classification problem is becoming a hot topic in machine learning field. In this paper, we propose an Active Learning algorithm for Threshold of Decision Probability (ALTDP) to solve problem of misclassifying the minority class based on imbalanced host pathogen PPIs data set. The results demonstrate the proposed approach is significant to improve the accuracy of classification on imbalanced data set.
The Development Process and Design of a Hybrid Fuzzy Knowledge-Based System for Multiobjective Optimization of Power Distribution System Operations

A hybrid fuzzy knowledge-based system with crisp and fuzzy rules as well as numerical methods was developed for multiobjective optimization of power distribution system operations. The development process and knowledge acquisition process for the fuzzy knowledge-based system are described in detail. The fuzzy knowledge-based system has a four-level rule hierarchy. After a heuristic preprocessor proposes a list of switch openings that would seem to reduce system losses, network radiality rules consider whether to open a particular switch and find a corresponding switch that can be closed to maintain radiality. Network parameter rules determine if the proposed switching combination will violate network integrity. Network performance rules find the degree of desirability of proposed switching combinations for enhancing multiple objectives.
Tunable Balanced Bandpass Filter With Wide Tuning Range of Center Frequency and Bandwidth Using Compact Coupled-Line Resonator

A tunable balanced bandpass filter using a short coupled-line resonator is proposed. The design aims at achieving a wide tuning range in the differential-mode for both of the center frequency and bandwidth with high common-mode suppression. The proposed filter uses a short section (about one-eighth of one wavelength) of parallel-coupled lines connecting the differential ports of the device and five pairs of varactors. A theoretical analysis using the even-odd mode theory is presented to verify the tunability of the design and calculate the initial values of its design parameters. For validation, a prototype is designed, fabricated and tested. The measured results indicate that the differential-mode tuning range for the center frequency and 3 dB- bandwidth extend from 0.58 to 1.22 GHz, and from 65 to 180 MHz, respectively, with more than 30 dB of common-mode suppression in the operating differential-mode passband. Moreover, the proposed device has a compact size (with respect to the guided wavelength) of only 0. 12λG×0. 08λG.
The Present and the Future of Neuroimaging in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

SUMMARY: In patients with ALS, conventional MR imaging is frequently noninformative, and its use has been restricted to excluding other conditions that can mimic ALS. Conversely, the extensive application of modern MR imaging−based techniques to the study of ALS has undoubtedly improved our understanding of disease pathophysiology and is likely to have a role in the identification of potential biomarkers of disease progression. This review summarizes how new MR imaging technology is changing dramatically our understanding of the factors associated with ALS evolution and highlights the reasons why it should be used more extensively in studies of disease progression, including clinical trials.
Dislocation formation in the partially coherent interfaces of an embedded layer in a semi-infinite matrix

The formation of two misfit edge dislocations is theoretically investigated in the interfaces of a layer embedded in a semi-infinite matrix. Assuming the matrix–layer interfaces are partially coherent, the energy variation resulting from the formation of the dislocations from the lateral free surface of the structure has been determined in the shearing stress field due to the partial misfit. The mechanical stability of the structure is analysed with respect to the dislocation formation as a function of the size of the coherent region of the interface and the misfit strain.
Measuring software functional size: towards an effective measurement of complexity

Data manipulation, or algorithmic complexity, is not taken into account adequately in any of the most popular functional size measurement methods. In this paper, we recall some well-known methods for measuring problem complexity in data manipulation and highlight the interest in arriving at a new definition of complexity. Up to now, the concept of effort has always been associated with complexity. This definition has the advantage of dissociating effort and complexity, referring instead to the characteristics and intrinsic properties of the software itself. Our objective is to propose some simple and practical approaches to the measurement of some of these characteristics which we consider particularly relevant and to incorporate them into a functional size measurement method.
The Development of Medical Record Services in Hong Kong Public Hospitals

Medical record service in Hong Kong public hospitals have been developing at different levels. Since 1992, various improvements in medical record services have been carried out in public hospitals, e.g. professional management, record storage, organized medical records, computerization, completion of discharge summaries, and the introduction of a more precise coding system. The aim of the reform is to provide timely, accurate, organized and meaningful clinical information for end-users. Evolving from this reform, work has been started on developing Patient Related Groups and Specialty Clinical Information Systems.
Mutational screening of Indian families with hereditary congenital cataract

Purpose To screen for pathogenic mutations in ten candidate genes in Indian families diagnosed with autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant cataracts. Methods Families with two or more affected individuals with bilateral familial congenital/developmental cataract were ophthalmically evaluated, and blood samples were obtained. Genomic DNA extracted from the blood leukocytes was screened with PCR amplification of the exons and the flanking intronic regions of various genes selected for analysis. The amplified products were subjected to single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. The variants in SSCP analysis were subjected to bidirectional sequencing by automated methods. Results We identified four novel sequence changes that cosegregated with the disease phenotype in each family and were absent in at least 50 ethnically matched unrelated normal controls. These changes include a homozygous missense change of c.649G>A (Val196Met) in GJA8/connexin 50 (Cx50) in a family with autosomal recessive cataract, two heterozygous missense changes, c.658C>T (Pro199Ser) in GJA8/Cx50 and c.589C>T (Pro197Ser) in GJA3/connexin 46 (Cx46) in two separate families with autosomal dominant cataract, and a silent change ( c.84G>A/p.Val28Val, predicted to result in the creation of a new potential branch point) in GJA8 one family with an autosomal dominant inheritance of cataract. Of the four novel mutations identified, three mutations, Val196Met (GJA8), Pro199Ser (GJA8), and Pro197Ser (GJA3), are predicted to be in the second extracellular domain of the respective connexin proteins. Conclusions Our report extends the mutation spectrum of connexin genes GJA8 and GJA3 and confirms that connexin genes are among the most frequently mutated genes in hereditary cataracts. Our results suggest that connexin gene (GJA8 and GJA3) mutations occur in approximately 10% (4/40 families) of families with congenital hereditary cataracts in a population from southern India.
Design of Audio Parametric Equalizer Filters Directly in the Digital Domain

Most design procedures for a digital parametric equalizer begin with analog design techniques, followed by applying the bilinear transform to an analog prototype. As an alternative, an approximation to the parametric equalizer is sometimes designed using pole-zero placement techniques. In this paper, we present an exact derivation of the parametric equalizer without resorting to an analog prototype. We show that there are many solutions to the parametric equalizer design constraints as usually stated, but only one of which consistently yields stable, minimum phase behavior with the upper and lower cutoff frequencies positioned around the center frequency. The conditions for complex conjugate poles and zeros are found and the resultant pole zero placements are examined.
Detecting and Quantifying Topography in Neural Maps

Topographic maps are an often-encountered feature in the brains of many species, yet there are no standard, objective procedures for quantifying topography. Topographic maps are typically identified and described subjectively, but in cases where the scale of the map is close to the resolution limit of the measurement technique, identifying the presence of a topographic map can be a challenging subjective task. In such cases, an objective topography detection test would be advantageous. To address these issues, we assessed seven measures (Pearson distance correlation, Spearman distance correlation, Zrehen's measure, topographic product, topological correlation, path length and wiring length) by quantifying topography in three classes of cortical map model: linear, orientation-like, and clusters. We found that all but one of these measures were effective at detecting statistically significant topography even in weakly-ordered maps, based on simulated noisy measurements of neuronal selectivity and sparse sampling of the maps. We demonstrate the practical applicability of these measures by using them to examine the arrangement of spatial cue selectivity in pallid bat A1. This analysis shows that significantly topographic arrangements of interaural intensity difference and azimuth selectivity exist at the scale of individual binaural clusters.
Localization of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria on plant fibrous materials as determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization and real-time polymerase chain reaction Running title: FISH detection of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 To visualize and localize specific bacteria associated with plant materials, a new fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocol was established. By using this protocol, we successfully minimized the autofluorescence of orchard grass hay and detected rumen bacteria attached to the hay under a fluorescence microscope. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were also employed to quantitatively monitor the representative fibrolytic species Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and also total bacteria attached to the hay. F. succinogenes was found firmly attached to not only the cut edges but also undamaged inner surfaces of the hay. Cells of phylogenetic group 1 of F. succinogenes were detected on many stem and leaf sheath fragments of the hay, even on fragments on which few other bacteria were seen. Cells of phylogenetic group 2 of F. succinogenes were often detected on hay fragments coexisting with many other bacteria. On the basis of 16S rDNA copy number analysis, the numbers of bacteria attached to the leaf sheaths were higher than those attached to the stems (P < 0.05). In addition, R. flavefaciens had a greater tendency than F. succinogenes to be found on the leaf sheath (P < 0.01) with formation of many pits. F. succinogenes, particularly phylogenetic group 1, is suggested to possibly play an important role in fiber digestion, because it is clearly detectable by FISH and is the bacterium with the largest population size in the less easily degradable hay stem.
‘Mental health is everybody's business’: Roles for an intersectoral approach in South Africa

Intersectoral action is increasingly recognized as necessary to address the social determinants of mental health. This study aims to assess South Africa's progress in intersectoral collaboration for mental health, and provide recommendations for intersectoral collaboration, to generate lessons for other low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a survey of the existing mental health system in South Africa using the World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems. We also conducted 96 semi-structured interviews and 12 focus group discussions with a range of stakeholders at national, provincial and district level. Data were analysed thematically to understand the roles and responsibilities of different sectors in realizing the right to mental health. A range of key sectors were identified as having roles in mental health promotion, illness prevention and service delivery. In discussing South Africa's progress, respondents gave several suggestions about how to formulate an intersectoral response in this context, including increasing high level political commitment, and using leadership from the health sector. We outline roles and responsibilities for various sectors and lessons that can be learnt from this context. These include the importance of developing programmes alongside legislation, employing targeted awareness-raising to engage sectors, and developing a structured approach to intersectoral action.
APPLICATION OF THE REVERSE ENGINEER IN THE MODELING OF A FRANCIS TURBINE IN A HYDROELECTRIC MINIPOWER STATION

This article presents a method for the geometry reconstruction of a Francis turbine installed in a hydroelectric Minipower-station in Colombia. In order to obtain the geometrical CAD model techniques as basic metrology, surface scanning, 3D digitalization, and development of moulds were used. The modeling process was based on the measurements taken directly from the machine and matched against the original incomplete drawings. The Francis Turbine is composed for five main components: Spiral case, Runner, Covers with Fixed Blades, Regulatory Blades and Draft Tube. The importance of this reconstruction method is that the resulting CAD geometry can be use in: a) restoration and rehabilitation using robotic repairing systems through the automatic generation of CNC codes and schematic groups of profiles, b) Simulation of the fluid dynamics and structural behavior by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Methods (FEM), c) Estimation of remaining life using CFD, FEM and experimental techniques in site, and d) Development of diagnostic methods from vibration measurements.
Dislocation dynamics simulation of Frank-Read sources in anisotropic α-Fe

Frank-Read sources are among the most important examples of dislocation sources in crystals, and their operation facilitates dislocation multiplication and hence yield and plastic flow. Iron is known to become highly elastically anisotropic as the α–γ transition at 912 °C is approached, a temperature regime of critical importance for emerging technologies such as fusion and next-generation fission power generation. Using dislocation dynamics simulations based on anisotropic linear elasticity theory, we show that the isotropic elastic approximation leads to large errors in the activation stress of Frank-Read sources in iron at high temperatures. The critical stresses obtained from anisotropic elasticity are very different from the isotropic calculations and vary significantly between orientations. In particular, the increased variation of the dislocation energy with orientation leads to certain source configurations becoming operational at very low applied stresses, a result which is incompatible with isotropic elasticity, and is consistent with the very low yield stresses observed experimentally in α-Fe at high temperatures.
FPGA implementation of logarithm of a number to base 2

The miraculous powers of modern day calculations rests on three important discoveries namely Arabic notation, decimal fractions and logarithm. The concept of logarithm has been used for more than three hundred years and it has simplified lot of calculations but in today's modern systems such as FPGAs which are employed in Software Defined Radios there is a need to efficiently implement logarithm on these programmable devices. But logarithms are implemented either with a look-up table or CORDIC processing system where each has their own drawbacks. In this paper logarithm to the base of any number has been implemented using simple operations such as addition and shift operations with high degree of accuracy. The implementation is done by writing a HDL code for a Artix-7 series FPGA device.
A cell-free enzymatic activity assay for the evaluation of HIV-1 drug resistance to protease inhibitors

Due to their high frequency of genomic mutations, human retroviruses often develop resistance to antiretroviral drugs. The emergence of drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a significant obstacle to the effective long-term treatment of HIV infection. The development of a rapid and versatile drug-susceptibility assay would enable acquisition of phenotypic information and facilitate determination of the appropriate choice of antiretroviral agents. In this study, we developed a novel in vitro method, termed the Cell-free drug susceptibility assay (CFDSA), for monitoring phenotypic information regarding the drug resistance of HIV-1 protease (PR). The CFDSA utilizes a wheat germ cell-free protein production system to synthesize enzymatically active HIV-1 PRs directly from PCR products amplified from HIV-1 molecular clones or clinical isolates in a rapid one-step procedure. Enzymatic activity of PRs can be readily measured by AlphaScreen (Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay Screen) in the presence or absence of clinically used protease inhibitors (PIs). CFDSA measurement of drug resistance was based on the fold resistance to the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of various PIs. The CFDSA could serve as a non-infectious, rapid, accessible, and reliable alternative to infectious cell-based phenotypic assays for evaluation of PI-resistant HIV-1.
Evaluation of parenchymal and nonparenchymal cell injury after different conditions of storage and reperfusion

Abstract We used the isolated perfused rat liver model (IPRL) to assess parenchymal and nonparenchymal cell integrity after different conditions of storage and reperfusion. Two studies were performed. In study 1, the IPRL was applied to evaluate the effects of 30 min of normothermic reperfusion with Elohes solution, enriched William's medium (Wif), or Carolina rinse solution (CRS) following 24 h of cold preservation in high-K+ or high-Na+ UW solution. As indicated by creatine kinase-BB (CK-BB) release, reperfusion with CRS provided greater protection of endothelial cells after storage in high-K+ UW solution than after storage in high-Na+ UW solution. In study 2, livers were cold-preserved (24 h, 4 °C) in either high-K+ or high-Na+ UW solution, then flushed with either CRS or Wif solution at room temperature before reperfusion (120 min, 37 °C) with 5 % albumin-William's medium E. There was no statistical difference between the rinse solutions for bile flow and transaminases release. However, CRS improved bile indocyanine green excretion, which is known to be a marker of parenchymal and nonparenchymal cell integrity. Therefore, we can assume that this rinse solution protects rat liver grafts from reperfusion-induced microvascular damage.
Perception of consonant clusters in Japanese native speakers: influence of foreign language learning

Previous research on the perception of consonant clusters by Japanese native speakers has revealed that they are highly likely to perceive a vowel between the two consonants even if there are no vowels inserted (Dupoux et al. 1999). The present study further investigates this issue but by dividing the group of Japanese native speakers into two groups: Japanese-English bilinguals and Japanese monolinguals. This study aims to look into the influence of language learning experience on the perception of foreign sounds. Results of the perception test revealed that bilinguals made less error than monolinguals in identifying pseudowords with and without consonant cluster.
Recommendations on Future Operational Environments Command Control and Cyber Security

It is a well-known fact that today a nation's telecommunication networks, critical infrastructure, and information systems are vulnerable to growing number of attacks in cyberspace. Cyber space contains very different problems involving various sets of threats, targets and costs. Cyber security is not only problem of banking, communication or transportation. It also threatens core systems of army as command control. Some significant recommendations on command control (C2) and cyber security have been suggested for army computing environment in this paper. This study addresses priorities of "what should be done for a better army cyber future" to cyber security researchers.