Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
L-3-n-Butylphthalide Protects HSPB8 K141N Mutation-Induced Oxidative Stress by Modulating the Mitochondrial Apoptotic and Nrf2 Pathways

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, is the most common inherited peripheral nerve disorder. Missense mutations, such as K141N, in the small heat shock protein HSPB8 are known to cause distal hereditary motor neuropathy 2A (dHMN2A) or Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy type 2L (CMT2L). However, of critical clinical significance, very few specific therapies for this disease exist. In the present study, we investigated the impact of mutant K141N HSPB8 on mitochondrial distribution and function in a cellular model of CMT2L. Our results indicate that K141N HSPB8 induced mitochondrial aggregation and caused increased oxidative stress injury. As an extraction from Chinese celery Apium graveolens Linn seeds, L-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP), has been reported to exert many neuroprotective effects, we interrogated whether NBP could elicit a protective effect on the cell injury typically caused by HSPB8 K141N mutations. We found NBP could reverse the pathological processes induced by HSPB8 K141N mutation via an antioxidant effect, modulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 mitochondrial apoptotic and Nrf2 pathways. We propose a novel function of HSPB8, highlighting the consequence of the K141N pathogenic mutation. Furthermore, we suggest NBP may have promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of CMT2L.
USING ZOLOTAREV ’ S RATIONAL APPROXIMATION FOR COMPUTING THE POLAR , SYMMETRIC EIGENVALUE , AND SINGULAR VALUE DECOMPOSITIONS

The polar decomposition A = UpH finds many uses in applications, and it is a fundamental tool for computing the symmetric eigenvalue decomposition and the singular value decomposition via a spectral divide-and-conquer process. Conventional algorithms for these decompositions are suboptimal in view of recent trends in computer architectures, which require minimizing communication together with arithmetic costs. Spectral divide-and-conquer algorithms, which recursively decouple the problem into two smaller subproblems, can achieve both requirements. For computing the polar decomposition, the scaled Newton and QDWH iterations are two of the most popular algorithms, as they are backward stable and converge in at most nine and six iterations, respectively. Following this framework, in this paper, we develop a higher-order variant of the QDWH iteration for the polar decomposition. The key idea of this algorithm comes from approximation theory: we use the best rational approximant for the scalar sign function due to Zolotarev in 1877. The algorithm exploits the extraordinary property enjoyed by the sign function that a high-degree Zolotarev function (best rational approximant) can be obtained by appropriately composing low-degree Zolotarev functions. This lets the algorithm converge in just two iterations in double-precision arithmetic, with the whopping rate of convergence seventeen. The resulting algorithms for the symmetric eigenvalue and singular value decompositions have higher arithmetic costs than the QDWH-based algorithms, but are better-suited for parallel computing and exhibit excellent numerical backward stability.
Faces differing in attractiveness elicit corresponding affective responses

We examined whether faces differing in attractiveness elicit positive and negative affect in 7- to 10-year-old children (N=66) and adults (N=73). Facial electromyography measured affective response. Less attractive faces evoked significantly more levator labii superioris responses in adults and children. Attractiveness was negatively correlated with corrugator supercilii activity in adults, but not significantly in children. These results suggest that less attractive faces evoke greater disgust and negative affect than more attractive faces. Perceivers' affective reactions to attractive faces may play an important role in attractiveness preferences and attractiveness stereotypes.
A developmental exploration of language used to accompany symbolic play in young, normal children (2-4 years old).

Summary Observation of play can provide crucial information about a child's developmental level of language. To make this information available categorization and measurement are necessary. By defining, from a cognitive and pragmatic point of view, separate but parallel measures of play and language it was possible to define four different levels of symbolic functioning: (i) representational play; (ii) conceptual play; (iii) programmatic play; and (iv) script play. Careful longitudinal descriptions of language used to accompany symbolic play of ten 2–4-year-old children are presented. Interesting developmental trends in play and cognitive and pragmatic organization of language were found. Gradually language production was considered as the primary mode for symbolic expression between the ages of 2;6 (2 years; 6 months) and 3 years. Language production increased dramatically between the ages of 3 and 3;6, and became better differentiated from the play context. The scientific study of child language using an analytic tool, such as a play procedure, to describe and analyse spontaneous production of spoken language, with a cognitive and pragmatic framework contributes not only a more accurate understanding of normal play and language development, but may also have an efficient clinical value. Suggestions for and implications of exploring components of language used in a standardized play situation are discussed in reference to developmentally disabled children
Characterization and comparative sequence analysis of replication origins from three large Bacillus thuringiensis plasmids

The replication origins of three large Bacillus thuringiensis plasmids, derived from B. thuringiensis HD263 subsp. kurstaki, have been cloned in Escherichia coli and sequenced. The replication origins, designated ori 43, ori 44, and ori 60, were isolated from plasmids of 43, 44, and 60 MDa, respectively. Each cloned replication origin exhibits incompatibility with the resident B. thuringiensis plasmid from which it was derived. Recombinant plasmids containing the three replication origins varied in their ability to transform strains of B. thuringiensis, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus subtilis. Analysis of the derived nucleotide and amino acid sequences indicates that the replication origins are nonhomologous, implying independent derivations. No significant homology was found to published sequences of replication origins derived from the single-stranded DNA plasmids of gram-positive bacteria, and shuttle vectors containing the three replication origins do not appear to generate single-stranded DNA intermediates in B. thuringiensis. The replication origin regions of the large plasmids are each characterized by a single open reading frame whose product is essential for replication in B. thuringiensis. The putative replication protein of ori 60 exhibits partial homology to the RepA protein of the Bacillus stearothermophilus plasmid pTB19. The putative replication protein of ori 43 exhibits weak but extensive homology to the replication proteins of several streptococcal plasmids, including the open reading frame E replication protein of the conjugative plasmid pAM beta 1. The nucleotide sequence of ori 44 and the amino acid sequence of its putative replication protein appear to be nonhomologous to other published replication origin sequences.
Religiosity and Economic Development in Singapore

This paper examines religiosity in modern and industrialized Singapore. Several theories argue that economic development brings about secularization and the general decline of personal religiosity in modern and industrialized societies. Using data gathered from the World Values Survey-Singapore (2002) as well as data from other sources, this article finds that Singaporeans are not very secularized; they are religious (religion is important in people's lives); they have a high level of belief in (metaphysical) religious aspects; and they fulfill their religious obligations and activities. The main reasons for this apparent lack of secularization are, firstly, that religion is deeply embedded in Singapore society; secondly, that the state has both directly and indirectly promoted religion; and thirdly, that a process of religious rationalization has taken place.
The effects of hours of work on health: A meta-analytic review.

A quantitative and qualitative review of existing literature on working hours and health was carried out. Meta-analyses were performed on 21 study samples. Results indicated small, but significant positive mean correlations between overall health symptoms, physiological and psychological health symptoms, and hours of work. Qualitative analysis of 12 other studies supported these findings of a positive relationship between hours of work and ill-health. Different factors which may obscure the relationship between health and hours of work are discussed, together with other moderating influences. Taking these into account it is proposed that the results of the meta-analyses together with the qualitative analysis offer support for a link between hours of work and ill-health.
Mesolithic Dietary Heterogeneity on the European Atlantic Coastline

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data from the bone collagen of human remains excavated in the Sado Valley in the Alentejo region of Portugal provide evidence for the existence of two Mesolithic communities living in close proximity along the shores of an estuarine environment with significantly different diets. These findings add to the limited isotope paleodiet data set from this period in southern Europe and offer a valuable contribution to understandings of the wider European Mesolithic along the Atlantic coastline by (1) providing evidence of coastal Mesolithic hunter-gatherers with mainly terrestrial diets in Europe and (2) suggesting the presence of regional heterogeneity, at a small geographical scale, in subsistence choices among coastal Mesolithic groups. These results show the complexity of human subsistence adaptations in the European Mesolithic and have wider-reaching implications for understanding hunter-gatherer group interactions.
Simulation of Coordinating Sniffer Robots for Building Odor Maps

In this paper we present a method to generate an odor map of a remote environment. The paper consists of three major modules: [1] odor processing- consisting of sensing the odor, recognizing through neural networks and representing it in an appropriate format, [2] algorithms for odor detection in a 3D space and locating odor source in variable wind direction, [3] map building- consisting of autonomous navigation and coordination among multiple robots towards building the map of the environment. The coordination among the robots ensures the best possible odor map building. Thus we propose an approach to build maps using sniffer robots that coordinates in a decentralized manner.
Human malformation syndromes due to inborn errors of cholesterol synthesis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review covers a group of human malformation syndromes, which are caused by inborn errors of cholesterol synthesis. The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive, multiple malformation, and mental retardation syndrome that is the prototypical example of this group of disorders. In the 10 years since the biochemical cause of SLOS was identified, other malformation syndromes have been shown to result from defects in this pathway. These include desmosterolosis, lathosterolosis, X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata type 2 (CDPX2), congenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform erythroderma and limb defects (CHILD syndrome), hydrops-ectopic calcification-moth-eaten skeletal dysplasia (HEM dysplasia), and some cases of Antley-Bixler syndrome. These disorders represent the first true merging of dysmorphology with biochemical genetics. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies report the identification of human lathosterolosis patients, indicate that SLOS is a relatively common genetic disorder that may be a major unrecognized cause of fetal loss, suggest that correction of the biochemical defect can improve central nervous system function, and show that perturbed sonic hedgehog signaling due to decreased sterol levels likely underlies some of the malformations in SLOS and lathosterolosis. SUMMARY Recognition of the biochemical defect in these syndromes has given insight into the role that cholesterol plays during normal development, into understanding the pathophysiological processes that underlie the clinical problems found in these disorders, and into developing therapeutic interventions.
A context-aware computing mediated dynamic service composition and reconfiguration for ubiquitous environment

Context-aware and customization services are expected in the forthcoming ubiquitous computing environment. In order to make SOA provide context-aware services, we propose a SOA-extended architecture, which integrates a Context-aware Decision Making system that can evaluate services for mediating dynamic service composition and reconfiguration according to the context information. In the Context-aware Decision Making system, a semantic multi-dimension model is defined for the context representation and inference. By using this context model, we explore an effective mechanism that can evaluate all services from two aspects: QoS and user preferences. To evaluate user preferences for services, a method based on Association Rules in data mining is defined. This evaluation result is a configuration that can guide SOA to select services that are most appropriate for the current context environment. Finally, a language called Abstract BPEL and a service broker middleware are included to assist our architecture to enable dynamic service composition and reconfiguration. In this paper, a case study with intelligent house is also presented for verifying the featured functionalities of our architecture.
SOX 11 contributes to the regulation of GDF 5 in joint maintenance

Background: Individual skeletal elements of the vertebrate limbs arise through a segmentation process introducing joints in specific locations. However, the molecular pathways controlling joint formation and subsequent joint maintenance are largely unknown. In this study, we focused on SOX11, and its contribution to the regulation of GDF5, a secreted signal necessary for proper joint formation and postnatal joint homeostasis. Results: Sox11 is initially expressed broadly in the murine cartilage condensations at early stages of skeletal development, but its expression is specifically increased in the forming joint interzone as is forms. SOX11 overexpression can directly activate GDF5 expression both in vitro and in micromass cell cultures prepared from chick limb buds. Conserved SOX family binding sites are present in the 5’ UTR region of the GDF5 gene and we show SOX11 can specifically bind to one of them. While misexpression of Sox11 in developing chick limbs through RCAS virus infection does not induce Gdf5 expression in ectopic locations, it does enhance its expression. To explore the roles of Sox11 in joint homeostasis, we analyzed adult knee joints in an osteoarthritis mouse model where the medial meniscus and the medial collateral ligament were removed. We also analyzed knee joints from human subjects who underwent total knee replacement surgery. We find that SOX11 is mainly expressed in the weight-bearing areas of knee joints, and its expression is decreased in degraded cartilage during progression of knee osteoarthritis in both mice and humans. Conclusions: This work implicates SOX11 as a potential regulator of GDF5 expression in joint maintenance and suggests a possible role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
Video Image Tracing Based on Improved SIFT Feature Matching Algorithm

In this paper, we focus on the extraction problem of the target motion trajectory and make deep research. For Euclidean distance of SIFT feature matching algorithm is not adaptively adjustable, a improved SIFT feature matching algorithm based on multi-objective optimization is proposed. The optimization model is established to reduce mismatch rate, which consider Euclidean distance between correlation coefficient and feature point as the goal function and the confidence degree is taken as the constraint condition. Finally, The experiment shows that the method proposed in this paper can accurately achieve the measurement of the target motion trajectory, and is of strong adaptability and reliable.
Computing with matrix invariants

This is an improved version of the talk of the author given at the Antalya Algebra Days VII on May 21, 2005. We present an introduction to the theory of the invariants under the action of GL(n,C) by simultaneous conjugation of d matrices of size n x n. Then we survey some results, old or recent, obtained by a dozen of mathematicians, on minimal sets of generators, the defining relations of the algebras of invariants and on the multiplicities of the Hilbert series of these algebras. The picture is completely understood only in the case n=2. Besides, explicit minimal sets of generators are known for n=3 and any d and for n=4, d=2. The multiplicities of the Hilbert series are obtained only for n=3,4 and d=2. For n > 2 most of the concrete results are obtained with essential use of computers.
Employer Regulation of Off-Duty Smoking: Meeting the Needs of Employers and Employees with Smoking Cessation Programs

While attempting to reduce costs stemming from debilitative health condi­ tions of their employees, many employers have implemented policies regulat­ ing off-duty smoking. Consequently, a majority of the states have passed laws which protect the smoker's right to be free from discrimination. These laws are unsatisfactory due to their uncertain reach and their elevation of smokers to the status of a protected class. Also, employers must have some freedom to strive toward reducing the costs they bear as a result of their employees' smoking habits. However, a tension exists between the needs of employers and the privacy expectations of individuals. Invasive off-duty smoking policies may negatively affect employee attitudes, loyalty, and performance. Smoking cessation programs are a less intrusive means to achieve employers' legitimate goals. As American companies have confronted increasing competitive pressures and sought means to operate in a lean and efficient manner, many have implemented employee policies geared toward cost reduction. Because health care costs are rising rapidly, some companies have endeavored to alter those behaviors of their employees that contribute to debilitative and costly health conditions. Cigarette smoking is the primary preventable cause of illness and premature death in this country [1, p. 43] and is consequently an employee behavior that most employers would desire to modify. Some organizations have actually adopted policies that either prohibit their employees from smoking on and off the job or preclude the
Are two better than one? A comparative study of achievement gaps and family structure

Using data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), the size of the literacy achievement gap between 15‐year‐old students from two‐parent and those from single‐mother households were compared across 18 industrialized nations. This study found that cross‐national differences exist in the association between single motherhood and literacy achievement. The research findings also indicate that economic deprivation and parental involvement moderate the association between family structure and student literacy achievement.
Design of a Mobile Charging Service for Electric Vehicles in an Urban Environment

This paper presents a novel approach to providing a service for electric-vehicle (EV) battery charge replenishment. This is an alternate system in which the charge replenishment is provided by mobile chargers (MCs). These chargers could have two possible configurations: a mobile plug-in charger (MP) or a mobile battery-swapping station (MS). A queuing-based analytical approach is used to determine the appropriate range of design parameters for such a mobile charging system. An analytical analysis is first developed for an idealized system with a nearest-job-next (NJN) service strategy explored for such a system. In a NJN service strategy, the MC services the next spatially closest EV when it is finished with its current request. An urban environment approximated by Singapore is then analyzed through simulation. Charging requests are simulated through a trip generation model based on Singapore. In such a realistic environment, an updated practical NJN service strategy is proposed. For an MP system in an urban environment such as Singapore, there exists an optimal battery capacity with a threshold battery charge rate. Similarly, the battery swap capacity of an MS system does not need to be large for the system to perform.
Landmarks Revisited

Landmarks for propositional planning tasks are variable assignments that must occur at some point in every solution plan. We propose a novel approach for using landmarks in planning by deriving a pseudo-heuristic and combining it with other heuristics in a search framework. The incorporation of landmark information is shown to improve success rates and solution qualities of a heuristic planner. We furthermore show how additional landmarks and orderings can be found using the information present in multi-valued state variable representations of planning tasks. Compared to previously published approaches, our landmark extraction algorithm provides stronger guarantees of correctness for the generated landmark orderings, and our novel use of landmarks during search solves more planning tasks and delivers considerably better solutions.
Spacecraft magnetic attitude control using approximating sequence Riccati equations

This paper presents the results of a spacecraft attitude control system based on magnetic actuators designed for low Earth orbits. The control system is designed by using a nonlinear control technique based on the approximating sequence of Riccati equations. The behavior of the satellite is discussed under perturbations and model uncertainties. Simulation results are presented when the control system is able to guide the spacecraft to the desired attitude in a variety of different conditions.
A Real-Time Pattern Recognition Based Myoelectric Control Usability Study Implemented in a Virtual Environment

Pattern recognition based myoelectric control systems have been well researched; however very few systems have been implemented in a clinical environment. Although classification accuracy or classification error is the metric most often reported to describe how well these control systems perform, very little work research has been conducted to relate this measure to the usability of the system. This work presents a virtual clothespin usability test to assess the performance of pattern recognition based myoelectric control systems. The results suggest that users can complete the virtual task in reasonable time frames when using systems with high classification accuracies. Additionally, results indicate that a clinically-supported classifier training approach (inclusion of the transient potion of contraction signals) may reduce classification accuracy but increase real-time performance.