Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dephosphorylation of Sp1 by Protein Phosphatase 1 Is Involved in the Glucose-mediated Activation of the Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase Gene*

When mouse 30A5 preadipocytes are exposed to high glucose concentrations, acetyl-CoA carboxylase is induced through glucose activation of promoter II of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene. Glucose treatment of the cells increases Sp1 binding to two GC-rich glucose response elements in promoter II. We have investigated the mechanism by which glucose increases Sp1 binding and transactivation of promoter II in 30A5 cells. DNA mobility shift assays have shown that nuclear extracts from glucose-treated cells exhibit increased Sp1 binding activity. This increase in the binding activity is not due to glucose-mediated changes in the amount of Sp1 in the nucleus but to an increase in the activity that modifies Sp1 so that it binds more effectively to the promoter sequence. This Sp1 modifying activity is inhibited by okadaic acid and phosphatase inhibitor 2, and has a molecular mass of 38–42 kDa. The catalytic subunit of type 1 protein phosphatase, whose molecular mass is 38 kDa, also increased the ability of Sp1 to bind to promoter II. Treatment of nuclear extract with antibodies against the catalytic subunit partially suppressed the nuclear activity for Sp1 activation. From these results, we conclude that the Sp1 transcription factor exhibits enhanced binding to promoter II and transcriptional activation is the result of glucose-induced dephosphorylation by type 1 phosphatase.
Direct Release of Test Results to Patients Increases Patient Engagement and Utilization of Care

An important focus for meaningful use criteria is to engage patients in their care by allowing them online access to their health information, including test results. There has been little evaluation of such initiatives. Using a mixed methods analysis of electronic health record data, surveys, and qualitative interviews, we examined the impact of allowing patients to view their test results via patient portal in one large health system. Quantitative data were collected for new users and all users of the patient portal. Qualitative interviews occurred with patients who had received an HbA1c or abnormal Pap result. Survey participants were active patient portal users. Our main measures were patient portal usage, factors associated with viewing test results and utilizing care, and patient and provider experiences with patient portal and direct release. Usage data show 80% of all patient portal users viewed test results during the year. Of survey respondents, 82.7% noted test results to be a very useful feature and 70% agreed that patient portal has made their provider more accessible to them. Interviewed patients reported feeling they should have direct access to test results and identified the ability to monitor results over time and prepare prior to communicating with a provider as benefits. In interviews, both patients and physicians reported instances of test results leading to unnecessary patient anxiety. Both groups noted the benefits of results released with provider interpretation. Quantitative data showed patient utilization to increase with viewing test results online, but this effect is mitigated when results are manually released by physicians. Our findings demonstrate that patient portal access to test results was highly valued by patients and appeared to increase patient engagement. However, it may lead to patient anxiety and increase rates of patient visits. We discuss how such unintended consequences can be addressed and larger implications for meaningful use criteria.
Reduced dietary intake of simple sugars alters perceived sweet taste intensity but not perceived pleasantness.

BACKGROUND Individuals who adhere to reduced-sodium diets come to prefer less salt over time, but it is unclear whether sweet taste perception is modulated by reduced sugar intake. OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine how a substantial reduction in dietary intake of simple sugars affects sweetness intensity and pleasantness of sweet foods and beverages. DESIGN Healthy men and women aged 21-54 y participated for 5 mo. After the baseline month, 2 subject groups were matched for demographic characteristics, body mass index, and intake of simple sugars. One group (n = 16; 13 of whom completed key experimental manipulations) was randomly assigned to receive a low-sugar diet during the subsequent 3 mo, with instructions to replace 40% of calories from simple sugars with fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates. The other (control) group (n = 17; 16 of whom completed the study) did not change their sugar intake. During the final month, both groups chose any diet they wished. Each month subjects rated the sweetness intensity and pleasantness of vanilla puddings and raspberry beverages that varied in sucrose concentration. RESULTS ANOVA showed no systematic differences between groups in rated sweetness during the baseline or first diet month. During the second diet month, the low-sugar group rated low-sucrose pudding samples as more intense than did the control group (significant group-by-concentration interaction, P = 0.002). During the third diet month, the low-sugar subjects rated both low and high concentrations in puddings as ∼40% sweeter than did the control group (significant effect of group, P = 0.01). A weaker effect on rated sweetness was obtained for the beverages. Rated pleasantness was not affected for either of the stimuli. CONCLUSIONS This experiment provides empirical evidence that changes in consumption of simple sugars influence perceived sweet taste intensity. More work is needed to determine whether sugar intake ultimately shifts preferences for sweet foods and beverages. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02090478.
A Low Cost Solution for 2D Memory Access

Many of the new coding tools in the H.264/AVC video coding standard are based on 2D processing resulting in row-wise and column-wise memory accesses starting from arbitrary memory locations. This paper proposes a low cost solution for efficient realization of these 2D block memory accesses on sub-word parallel processors. It is based on the use of simple register-based data permutation networks placed between the processor and memory. The data rearrangement capabilities of the networks can further be extended with more complex control schemes. With the proposed control schemes, the networks enable row and column accesses from arbitrary memory locations for blocks of data while maintaining full pipelinability and minimizing the number of the unnecessary memory accesses.
A New Preparation Method for Ophthalmic Drug Nanoparticles

The most challenging task in ophthalmic therapy has long been the formulation of suitable ocular drug delivery systems due to the unique structure of the eye that restricts entry of the drug molecule at the site of action. Recently, the use of nanotechnology in the ophthalmic field has gained much attention, since nanoparticulate drug delivery is considered to be one of the most promising technologies to overcome poor drug stability and the difficulties in delivering drugs across biological barriers (improvement of bioavailability). This review demonstrates the usefulness of ophthalmic formulations containing drug nanoparticles. Furthermore, in this review, we introduce a new method established in our laboratory for the preparation of drug solid nanoparticles. This information provides significant information that can be used to design further studies aimed at developing less toxic eye drops.
Unified Cortical Surface Morphometry and Its Application to Quantifying Amount of Gray Matter

In quantifying the amount of gray matter in a population, voxelbased morphometry (VBM) and cortical thickness analysis are the two most widely used techniques. There are still many unanswered methodological questions regarding these methods. It is not clear what is the optimal amount of registration needed in VBM. It is assumed that the gray matter density obtained in the VBM will be positively correlated to cortical thickness but there is no systematic study that compared these two disparate measurements. The gray matter density is a 3D measurement defined in voxels in 3D whole brain volume while the thickenss is a 1D measurement defined along the 2D cortical surface. Due to this disparate dimensionality, it is not clear how to compare them in a systematic fashion. In this paper, we present a novel weighted Fourier Series (WFS) representation for the cortical surface that enables us to address these questions in a unified mathematical framework. The WFS representation is a data smoothing technique formulated as a solution of the Cauchy problem. This representation provides the explicit smooth functional estimation of true unknown cortical boundary as a linear combination of basis functions. Based on this new representation, cortical thickness and gray matter density can be defined and compared naturally. The basic theory underlying the weighted Fourier Series representation and its numerical implementation issues are presented in detail. As an illustration, this unified approach is applied in the cortical thickness analysis and the VBM in a group of autistic subjects. The thickness analysis and VBM results are compared in parallel.
Design of a Progressively Expandable Stent Using Finite Elements

Currently, a minimally invasive surgery called stenting is extensively used to increase the lumen of partially obstructed arteries. Unfortunately, restenosis, a postoperative phenomenon in which the lumen of the artery is reduced due to a traumatism of the artery, is still a concern. The most popular solution that has been adopted by stent manufacturers comprises drug-eluting stents. This paper presents a new stent concept in which the treatment of restenosis is carried out from a completely different angle. Indeed, instead of traumatizing the artery, and then trying to control restenosis with drugs, the new stent minimizes the traumatism of the artery by expanding itself, not instantaneously, but progressively, and in a controlled manner. To achieve this, a nitinol stent over which a series of polymer rings are installed tries to reach a fully deployed configuration, but the polymer rings, which act as a retainer, become soft over time due to creeping. Thus, after the initial deployment in the artery, the stent continues its expansion autonomously over an extended period of time (a few weeks). It is believed that the artery has enough time to adapt to the expansion, leading to minimum traumatism. This paper presents the stent design.
Searching the Annotated Portuguese Childes Corpora

Annotated corpora of child language data are valuable resources for language acquisition studies, for instance, providing the basis for developmental comparisons and evaluation of different hypotheses. For computational investigations annotated corpora can serve as an approximation to the linguistic environment to which a child is exposed, as discussed by Wintner (2010).
Impact of cyber-attack on isolated power system

In this modern era of civilization demand of electricity from interconnected grid system is increasing day by day. That is why improving the reliability of the power system has become the main concern to the experts. This article investigates the impact of cyber-attack on an isolated power station in frequency disturbing aspects during sudden changes of load of the system. Stable limit of the speed regulation for load frequency control (LFC) and integral controller gain for automatic generation control (AGC) is derived from their characteristic equations. Depending upon the nature of cyber-attack (positive biased attack or negative biased attack) simulation curves are developed to show the frequency deviations and oscillations of the power system. Most severe attack is also characterized to protect power system from unstable situation.
Information-theoretic neuro-correlates boost evolution of cognitive systems

Genetic Algorithms (GA) are a powerful set of tools for search and optimization that mimic the process of natural selection, and have been used successfully in a wide variety of problems, including evolving neural networks to solve cognitive tasks. Despite their success, GAs sometimes fail to locate the highest peaks of the fitness landscape, in particular if the landscape is rugged and contains multiple peaks. Reaching distant and higher peaks is difficult because valleys need to be crossed, in a process that (at least temporarily) runs against the fitness maximization objective. Here we propose and test a number of information-theoretic (as well as network-based) measures that can be used in conjunction with a fitness maximization objective (so-called ``neuro-correlates") to evolve neural controllers for two widely different tasks: a behavioral task that requires information integration, and a cognitive task that requires memory and logic. We find that judiciously chosen neuro-correlates can significantly aid GAs to find the highest peaks.
Morphosys: case study of a reconfigurable computing system targeting multimedia applications

In this paper, we present a case study for the design, programming and usage of a reconfigurable system-on-chip, MorphoSys, which is targeted at computation-intensive applications. This 2-million transistor design combines a reconfigurable array of cells with a RISC processor core and a high bandwidth memory interface. The system architecture, software tools including a scheduler for reconfigurable systems, and performance analysis (with impressive speedups) for target applications are described.
Apoptosis-related protein expression during pre- and post-natal testicular development after administration of glucocorticoid in utero in the sheep.

Pre-natal glucocorticoids are used in women at risk of preterm delivery to induce foetal lung maturation. However, glucocorticoids can produce negative outcomes for other tissues such as the reproductive system. We therefore tested the effects of pre-natal betamethasone on testicular morphology and apoptotic protein immune expression during pre- and post-natal development. Pregnant ewes (n = 42) bearing singleton male foetuses were randomly allocated to receive intramuscular injections of saline or betamethasone (0. 5 mg/kg) at 104, 111 and 118 days of gestation (DG). Testes were collected at 121 and 132 DG, and at 45 and 90 post-natal days (PD) and subjected to morphometric analysis (volume densities of sex cords and interstitial tissues; sex cord diameter). Immunohistochemistry (% stained area) was used to assess active caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2 and cell-cycle proteins (PCNA). Compared with control values, betamethasone treatment decreased sex cord diameter at 121 DG, 45 and 90 PD, and sex cord volume at 90 PD. Active caspase-3 was decreased by betamethasone at 121 DG and 90 PD, but Bax was increased in all betamethasone groups. Bcl-2 and PCNA decreased in the betamethasone groups at 121 DG and 45 PD, but increased at 132 DG and 90 PD. We conclude that high levels of pre-natally administered glucocorticoid reduce foetal testicular development, perhaps via changes in the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins and cell-cycle proteins. These outcomes could compromise the future spermatogenic potential of male offspring.
Uncoupling Protein 1 Decreases Superoxide Production in Brown Adipose Tissue Mitochondria*

In thermogenic brown adipose tissue, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) catalyzes the dissipation of mitochondrial proton motive force as heat. In a cellular environment of high oxidative capacity such as brown adipose tissue (BAT), mitochondrial uncoupling could also reduce deleterious reactive oxygen species, but the specific involvement of UCP1 in this process is disputed. By comparing brown adipose tissue mitochondria of wild type mice and UCP1-ablated litter mates, we show that UCP1 potently reduces mitochondrial superoxide production after cold acclimation and during fatty acid oxidation. We address the sites of superoxide production and suggest diminished probability of “reverse electron transport” facilitated by uncoupled respiration as the underlying mechanism of reactive oxygen species suppression in BAT. Furthermore, ablation of UCP1 represses the cold-stimulated increase of substrate oxidation normally seen in active BAT, resulting in lower superoxide production, presumably avoiding deleterious oxidative damage. We conclude that UCP1 allows high oxidative capacity without promoting oxidative damage by simultaneously lowering superoxide production.
Location Consistency-A New Memory Model and Cache Consistency Protocol

Existing memory models and cache consistency protocols assume the memory coherence property which requires that all processors observe the same ordering of write operations to the same location. In this paper, we address the problem of defining a memory model that does not rely on the memory coherence assumption and also the problem of designing a cache consistency protocol based on such a memory model. We define a new memory consistency model, called Location Consistency (LC), in which the state of a memory location is modeled as a partially ordered multiset (pomset) of write and synchronization operations. We prove that LC is strictly weaker than existing memory models, but is still equivalent to stronger models for the common case of parallel programs that have no data races. We also describe a new multiprocessor cache consistency protocol based on the LC memory model. We prove that this LC protocol obeys the LC memory model. The LC protocol does not need to enforce single write ownership of memory blocks. As a result, the LC protocol is simpler and more scalable than existing snooping and directory-based cache consistency protocols.
Operating principles versus operating conditions in the distinction between associative and propositional processes

Abstract Drawing on our Associative-Propositional Evaluation (APE) Model, we argue for the usefulness of distinguishing between basic operating principles of learning processes (associative linking vs. propositional reasoning) and secondary features pertaining to the conditions of their operation (automatic vs. controlled). We review empirical evidence that supports the joint operation of associative and propositional processes in the formation of new associations.
Development of high-resolution 4D in vivo-CT for visualization of cardiac and respiratory deformations of small animals

The interest in small animal models of human diseases has generated a need to design a computed tomography (CT) system that operates at a microscopic level. It is particularly important to be able to visualize the dramatic rhythmical motion of organs such as the heart and lungs. In order to evaluate the motion of the heart and lungs of small animals (rats and mice), we developed in the present study a high-resolution 4D in vivo-CT system for small animals that uses synchrotron radiation. To reduce motion artifacts and the radiation dose, the projections were synchronized with airway pressure, the ECG, the x-ray shutter and the CCD shutter. For cardiovascular imaging, a blood pool contrast agent was injected and the data sets were acquired at several ECG points during the end-expiratory phase. For imaging of the lungs, the data sets were acquired at several airway pressures during diastole. The dynamic motion of the cardiovascular system (the ventricles and coronary arteries) and small airways (diameter > 250 µm of rats and 125 µm of mice) was visualized. This high-resolution imaging tool may be very useful for the development of novel drugs in murine models, in addition to its use in the study of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology.
Runtime Dynamic Structural Changes of Scientific Workflows in Clouds

Existing Scientific Workflow Management Systems (i.e. SWfMS) effectively support workflows that do not need dynamic changes at runtime. SWfMS execute workflows by providing process management, provenance data and distributed execution on clusters and clouds. However, the support for dynamic changes in workflows is still an open, yet important, problem. For example, when the program associated to an activity of the workflow is taking more time than expected to produce results or if the results do not comply with some quality criteria, the scientist may want to try an alternative algorithm implementation. However, scientists may not want to re-execute the entire workflow for each change they make in the workflow structure. Alternatively, changing the structure of the workflow dynamically (i.e. change the programs associated with workflow activities) can improve the workflow execution without restarting the execution. In this paper, we propose DynAdapt, a dynamic approach that allows scientist to perform structural changes of the workflow specification at runtime. We evaluated DynAdapt using SciPhy, a large-scale bioinformatics workflow, and results show up to 40% of execution improvement.
Nurses' Attitudes Towards Shiftwork and Quality of Life

Nurses' Altitudes Towards Shiftwork and quality of Life. Vicenta Escriba-Agüir. (Institut Valencià d'Estudis en Salut Público, Spain). The repercussions on the social and family life of shiftworkers are important. The objectives of this work are to compare the attitudes to permanent and rotating shiftwork, and the impact of shiftwork on social and family life. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in 606 female and 367 male nurses chosen at random from public hospitals in the Valencian region. Information was gathered by means of a questionnaire, and descriptive analysis was carried out. It can be concluded that workers on rotating shifts who are dissatisfied with their working hours give incompatibility with social and family life as the main reason. Furthermore, working nights (permanently or rotating) disturbs harmony between working hours and days off of the spouse.
Stevioside and Related Compounds – Molecules of Pharmaceutical Promise: A Critical Overview

Stevioside, an ent‐kaurene type of diterpenoid glycoside, is a natural sweetener extracted from leaves of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni. Stevioside and a few related compounds are regarded as the most common active principles of the plant. Such phytochemicals have not only been established as non‐caloric sweeteners, but reported to exhibit some other pharmacological activities also. In this article, natural distribution of stevioside and related compounds, their structural features, plausible biosynthetic pathways along with an insight into the structure–sweetness relationship are presented. Besides, the pharmacokinetics, wide‐range of pharmacological potentials, safety evaluation and clinical trials of these ent‐kaurene glycosides are revisited.