Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ZIZO: A Novel Zoom-In–Zoom-Out Search Algorithm for the Global Parameters of Echo-State Networks

Echo-state networks (ESNs) are a distinct architecture for recurrent neural networks (RNNs). The great advantage of ESN is that they offer an easy way to train the RNN. To make full use of ESN, one needs to first identify their global (hyper) parameters. These are input scaling, leaking rate (for leaky ESN), spectral radius, and the size of the ESN. The most recommended way to get their optimal (or suboptimal) values is by trial-and-error. However, in practice, this method has a very low efficiency. In order to tackle this problem, we propose a novel “zoom-in-zoom-out” (ZIZO) algorithm for generating the global parameters automatically. The proposed technique consists of two major parts. First, we generate random ranges for the parameters of ESNs. Then, based on bootstrap-sampling, we search the optimal solution within the fixed specific ranges. To evaluate the proposed method, we use two different data sets, which are collected from the literature. The obtained results demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of ZIZO.
An acoustic telemetry system for monitoring the heart rate of pike, Esox lucius L., and other fish in their natural environment.

Heart rate can be telemetered from fish using FM radio transmitters (Nomura & Ibaraki, 1969), FM acoustic transmitters (Wardle & Kanwisher, 1974), acoustic pulsed transmitters (Priede & Young, 1977), electromagnetic transmitters (Priede et al. 1985) and acoustic transponders (Storeton-West et al. 1978). Most of these systems transmit only over short distances or cannot be used with the standard equipment used in animal-tracking studies. This paper describes an acoustic transmitter which emits a high-power pulse triggered by the R wave of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and is compatible with normal field equipment for tracking fish. The design is based on the concept of Priede & Young (1977) but has a 75 kHz output usable in fresh or salt water, modern integrated circuits with low power consumptions, and lithium batteries. The circuit (Fig. 1A) is made on a miniature printed circuit board using chip-type surface-mounting components. Power is provided by a two-cell lithium battery (Duracell PX28L) which is centre-tapped to provide a nominal ±3V supply. For safety reasons, care should be taken not to heat the battery excessively during soldering. One input is connected to the earth (IP2) and the other to IP1. Al amplifies the ECG signal. Cl in the feedback circuit filters out most high-frequency noise such as muscle activity. C2 provides a.ccoupling to the second amplifier stage A2. Values of Cl and C2 can be adjusted for different rise-times of ECGs of fish living at different temperatures. A3 is configured as a comparator, the output of which changes polarity whenever the input exceeds a threshold set by adjusting R9. A negative-going transition triggers a pulse from the acoustic output stage of 5 ms duration at 75 kHz and source level 174 dB re l^Paat lm. The circuit was enclosed in a polypropylene tube (52 mm long, 16 mm diameter) filled with oil to protect the components and provide acoustic coupling to the surrounding water. The mass in air was 19 g and life under test at 60 beats min" was 28 days. The PVC-insulated electrode leads (RS Components 357-154) were threaded through a flexible rubber seal in the end of the casing using a hypodermic
Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma presenting as acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) is a rare pancreatic neoplasm, and its presentation with acute pancreatitis has not been reported previously. CASE OUTLINE A 70-year-old man presented with acute pancreatitis, and a spiral CT scan showed a 5-cm tumour in the body of the pancreas. Distal pancreatectomy was performed, and histological examination showed an ACC. DISCUSSION This is a newly reported mode of presentation for a rare pancreatic tumour.
Proteolytic components of serum IgG preparations

Chemical catalysis, an effector mechanism utilized by fully assembled antibodies, can also be mediated by the isolated antibody subunits. Because trace amounts of free light chains (L chains) are present in IgG preparations, a detailed study was undertaken to identify the constituents responsible for the polyreactive proteolytic activity of IgG purified from human sera, determined as the extent of cleavage of the model peptide substrate Pro‐Phe‐Arg‐methylcoumarinamide. Two proteolytic species with approximate mass of 50 kD and 150 kD were separated by repetitive gel filtration in a denaturing solvent (6 m guanidine hydrochloride). The activity of the renatured 50‐kD fraction (in fluorescence units/μg protein) was more than 45‐fold greater than of the 150‐kD fraction. Both fractions lost the activity following immunoadsorption on immobilized anti‐IgG antibody. Fab fragments prepared from the 150‐kD IgG fraction retained the activity. Reducing and non‐reducing SDS‐electrophoresis suggested the 50‐kD fraction isolated from the IgG preparations to be a mixture of heavy chain (H chain) monomers and disulphide bonded L chain dimers. Electrophoretically homogeneous monomers of 50‐kD H chains and 25‐kD L chains were prepared by gel filtration of reduced and alkylated IgG from seven human subjects. Each of the alkylated L chain preparations displayed the proteolytic activity. The activity in alkylated H chains was undetectable or only marginally greater than the background values. L chain dimers appear to be the major species responsible for the polyreactive proteolytic activity of serum IgG preparations, with a smaller contribution furnished by tetrameric IgG.
Pharmacotherapy for community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly

ABSTRACT Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an increasing problem in the elderly that is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Given the expected increased life expectancy, this problem is only likely to worsen, so it has been considered that treatment effects must be examined separately in elderly adults with CAP. Areas covered: In this narrative review, we give an update of the available data of antibiotics for elderly patients with CAP. Clinical features, drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, and outcomes differ in CAP depending on patient age. Older age, for example, can affect the effect of specific antibiotic regimens on important CAP clinical outcomes. Current guidelines do not offer specific recommendations for the management of CAP in elderly patients. Expert opinion: Most of our knowledge about the treatment of CAP in elderly patients has been gained from studies in young populations. However, elderly patients with CAP deserve special attention because there are several factors in this population that could influence their response to antibiotic regimens in CAP.
Hyponatremia in Neurologic Patients: Consequences and Approaches to Treatment

Background:Hyponatremia is a common fluid-electrolyte disturbance, particularly in patients with neurologic disorders, in part because of the major role the central nervous system (CNS) plays in the regulation of sodium and water homeostasis. Review Summary:The classification of hyponatremia is based on an assessment of serum sodium concentration ([Na+]), serum and urine osmolality, and body volume status. In most cases, hyponatremia is associated with hypotonicity, which causes water to move into the brain. Adaptive responses limit the impact of cerebral edema in chronic hyponatremia, but CNS symptoms and death may occur in response to rapid or large decreases in serum [Na+]. The prompt correction of serum [Na+] is mandatory in symptomatic patients, but overly rapid correction must be avoided to limit the risk of myelinolysis. In neurologic disorders, euvolemic hyponatremia (usually caused by the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone) must be distinguished from hypovolemic states such as cerebral salt wasting because the treatment of the 2 conditions differs. Vasopressin antagonists represent a new approach to the treatment of euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia secondary to arginine vasopressin dysregulation. Conclusion:The optimal treatment of hyponatremia is controversial, but appropriate treatment must be determined according to the osmolality and volume status of the patient. If left untreated, serious CNS complications and adverse outcomes, including an increased risk of death, can occur.
Formaliser les langues avec l'ordinateur. De INTEX à NooJ.

INTEX et NooJ sont des environnements de developpement linguistique utilises comme outils de formalisation des langues naturelles, comme outils d'analyse de corpus, et aussi comme outils de developpement d'applications de Traitement Automatique des Langues Naturelles (TALN). Depuis 1993, s'est developpee une veritable communaute d'utilisateurs qui partagent les memes preoccupations scientifiques et techniques, suivent une meme methodologie, et mettent en commun leurs outils et ressources linguistiques. A ce jour, une quinzaine de langues disposent de modules INTEX et NooJ, et plusieurs sites Internet, ainsi qu'un forum electronique, federent cette communaute.
Mitigation of TCR failures in a Colombian SVC

This article presents the results of the model tests that studied the behavior of the Chinú SVC, installed in the Colombian 500 kV system. The article presents the selected results of the simulations and field tests completed during fault research, fault mitigation analysis, and corrective activities performed at the TCR of the Chinú SVC.
Specific Structural Determinants Are Responsible for the Antioxidant Activity and the Cell Cycle Effects of Resveratrol*

Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a natural phytoalexin found in grapes and wine, which shows antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. In this study we have investigated whether these properties are dependent on similar or different structural determinants of the molecule. To this purpose, resveratrol derivatives, in which all or each single hydroxylic function were selectively substituted with methyl groups, were synthesized. Analogues with the stilbenic double bond reduced or with the stereoisomery modified were also investigated. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was evaluated by measuring the inhibition of citronellal thermo-oxidation, or the reduction of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical. In addition, the protection against lipid peroxidation was determined in rat liver microsomes, and in human primary cell cultures. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated by a clonogenic assay, and by analysis of cell cycle progression and DNA synthesis. The results showed that the hydroxyl group in 4′ position is not the sole determinant for antioxidant activity. In contrast, the presence of 4′-OH together with stereoisomery in the trans-conformation (4′-hydroxystyryl moiety) was absolutely required for inhibition of cell proliferation. Enzymatic assays in vitro demonstrated that inhibition of DNA synthesis was induced by a direct interaction of resveratrol with DNA polymerases α and δ.
Abscisic Acid Increases Arabidopsis ABI5 Transcription Factor Levels by Promoting KEG E3 Ligase Self-Ubiquitination and Proteasomal Degradation[W][OA]

This work shows that KEG E3 ligase activity is required for regulation of the abundance of the ABA responsive transcription factor ABI5. It shows that KEG undergoes autoubiquitination in response to ABA and is degraded by the 26S proteasome, allowing ABI5 levels to increase and mediate cellular ABA responses. The Arabidopsis thaliana RING-type E3 ligase KEEP ON GOING (KEG) is a negative regulator of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Seedlings homozygous for T-DNA insertions in KEG accumulate high levels of the ABA-responsive transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5). Here, we demonstrate that KEG E3 ligase activity is required for the regulation of ABI5 abundance. KEG ubiquitinates ABI5 in vitro, and a functional KEG RING domain is required to restore the levels of ABI5 in keg-1 to that of the wild type. Overexpression of KEG leads to ABA insensitivity, which correlates with KEG protein levels. In the presence of ABA, ABI5 levels increase drastically via a decrease in ubiquitin-meditated proteasomal degradation. Our results indicate that ABA promotes ABI5 accumulation by inducing the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of KEG. A functional RING domain is required for the ABA-induced degradation of KEG, suggesting that the loss is due to self-ubiquitination. Mutations within KEG's kinase domain or treatments with kinase inhibitors prohibit the ABA-induced ubiquitination and degradation of KEG, indicating that phosphorylation, possibly self-phosphorylation, is involved in the ABA regulation of KEG protein levels. We discuss a model for how ABA may negatively regulate KEG protein abundance, leading to accumulation of ABI5 and ABA-dependent cellular responses.
Metalloproteinases in Drosophila to Humans That Are Central Players in Developmental Processes*

Many secreted proteins are synthesized as precursors with propeptides that must be cleaved to yield the mature functional form of the molecule. In addition, various growth factors occur in extracellular latent complexes with protein antagonists and are activated upon cleavage of such antagonists. Research in the separate fields of embryonic patterning and extracellular matrix formation has identified members of the BMP1/Tolloid-like family of metalloproteinases as key players in these types of biosynthetic processing events in species ranging from Drosophila to humans.
An Empirical Study for Detecting Fake Facebook Profiles Using Supervised Mining Techniques

Our social life and the way of people communicate are greatly affected by the social media technologies. The variety of stand-alone and built-in social media services such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and alike facilitate users to create highly interactive platforms. However, these overwhelming technologies made us sank in an enormous amount of information. Recently, Facebook exposed data on 50 million Facebook unaware users for analytical purposes. Fake profiles are also used by Scammers to infiltrate networks of friends to wreak all sorts of havoc as stealing valuable information, financial fraud, or entering other user's social graph. In this paper, we turn our focus to Facebook fake profiles, and proposed a smart system (FBChecker) that enables users to check if any Facebook profile is fake. To achieve that, FBChecker utilizes the data mining approach to analyze and classify a set of behavioral and informational attributes provided in the personal profiles. Specifically, we empirically examine these attributes using four supervised data mining algorithms (e.g., k-NN, decision tree, SVM, and naive Bayes) to determine how successfully we can recognize the fake profiles. To demonstrate the validity of our conceptual work, the selected classifiers have been implemented using RapidMiner data science platform with a dataset of 200 profiles collected from the authors’ profile and a honeypot page. Two experiments are developed; in the first one, the k-NN schema is applied as an estimator model for imputation the missing data with substituted values, whereas in the second experiment a filtering operator is applied to exclude the profiles with missing values. Results showed high accuracy rate with the all classifiers, however, the SVM outperforms other classifiers with an accuracy rate of 98.0% followed by Naive Bayes.
Mutational analysis of the proposed FG loop of poliovirus proteinase 3C identifies amino acids that are necessary for 3CD cleavage and might be determinants of a function distinct from proteolytic activity

Mutations were introduced into a cDNA clone of poliovirus resulting in single-amino-acid substitutions within the region of the proposed FG loop of proteinase 3C. RNAs were made by in vitro transcription with T7 RNA polymerase and used to transfect HeLa cells. Virus viability was assessed as indicated by cell lysis. In parallel, RNAs were translated in vitro by using a HeLa cell lysate, and the patterns of the processed poly-proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Replacement of Lys-78, Arg-79, and Glu-81 had apparently no effect on virus viability and on proteolytic processing. In contrast, virus viability was abolished by mutation of Phe-83, Arg-84, Asp-85, Ile-86, and Arg-87. With respect to substitution of Phe-83, Asp-85, and Arg-87, these effects correlated with impaired processing of the 3CD cleavage site, separating 3C and 3D, and, to a lesser extent, of the P1 precursor. Replacement of Arg-84 and Ile-86, on the other hand, did not alter the processing pattern. Thus, the lethal effects in these mutant genomes may not have been caused by impaired processing. A special case was the mutant of Lys-82-Gln. Virus recovered from cells transfected with RNA carrying this mutation always contained an A-to-G transition which resulted in the replacement of glutamine for arginine. Our data suggest that residues in the proposed FG loop of proteinase 3C influence 3CD cleavage and that they are determinants of a function unrelated to proteolytic processing.
A Review of Computational Intelligence Methods for Eukaryotic Promoter Prediction

In past decades, prediction of genes in DNA sequences has attracted the attention of many researchers but due to its complex structure it is extremely intricate to correctly locate its position. A large number of regulatory regions are present in DNA that helps in transcription of a gene. Promoter is one such region and to find its location is a challenging problem. Various computational methods for promoter prediction have been developed over the past few years. This paper reviews these promoter prediction methods. Several difficulties and pitfalls encountered by these methods are also detailed, along with future research directions.
Magnetic properties of superparamagnetic particles by a Monte Carlo method.

We develop and carry out Monte Carlo simulations for an ensemble of superparamagnetic particles uniformly distributed in a nonmagnetic matrix. We find the magnetization below the blocking temperature TB when it shows hysteresis and above TB in the superparamagnetic region. We determine the blocking temperature for a set of anisotropy strengths from the magnetization and the susceptibility of the particles. A fixed number of Monte Carlo steps with a constrained acceptance rate is shown to be equivalent to an observation time in the simulations that is much shorter than experimental observation times. We show how the blocking temperature obtained in the simulations can be converted into the corresponding experimentally measurable blocking temperature by using this difference in the observation times. This provides a new method to compare Monte Carlo simulation results with experiments, such as recent ones on fcc Co particles.
L'impact de la rémunération sur objectifs de santé publique sur la pratique du dépistage du cancer du sein par les médecins généralistes de Paris

Introduction : le depistage organise du cancer du sein n’atteint pas les objectifs attendus par les autorites de tutelle. Des mesures incitatives ont ete mises en œuvre aupres des medecins generalistes par l’intermediaire de la ROSP. Le but de cette etude etait de verifier sur un echantillon des medecins generalistes parisiens si le paiement a la performance avait incite ces medecins a faire evoluer leur pratique en ce qui concerne le depistage du cancer du sein. Materiel et methodes : c’etait une enquete descriptive, declarative sur une periode de 26 jours durant laquelle un questionnaire evaluant les pratiques professionnelles avait ete diffuse et transmis aux medecins generalistes installes dans le 18e et 19e arrondissement de Paris. Resultats : sur 75 medecins ayant participe a notre etude, 100% avaient confirme leur role central dans le depistage du cancer du sein mais 60% avouent ne pas avoir change de pratiques grâce aux mesures incitatives. Les recommandations de bonnes pratiques produites par l’HAS (60%) et l’experience professionnelle (56%) semblent etre les sources majeures des connaissances chez ses medecins. Le rapport benefice/risque parait etre le frein majeur (67%) pour ne pas participer a ce programme de depistage. Conclusion : les mesures incitatives telles qu’elles ont ete engagees par la ROSP n’ont pas permis la modification des pratiques de notre echantillon.
Coinfections of the Respiratory Tract: Viral Competition for Resources

Studies have shown that simultaneous infection of the respiratory tract with at least two viruses is common in hospitalized patients, although it is not clear whether these infections are more or less severe than single virus infections. We use a mathematical model to study the dynamics of viral coinfection of the respiratory tract in an effort to understand the kinetics of these infections. Specifically, we use our model to investigate coinfections of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, and human metapneumovirus. Our study shows that during coinfections, one virus can block another simply by being the first to infect the available host cells; there is no need for viral interference through immune response interactions. We use the model to calculate the duration of detectable coinfection and examine how it varies as initial viral dose and time of infection are varied. We find that rhinovirus, the fastest-growing virus, reduces replication of the remaining viruses during a coinfection, while parainfluenza virus, the slowest-growing virus is suppressed in the presence of other viruses.
Analysis of insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue of patients with primary aldosteronism.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to assess the effect of high aldosterone levels on insulin sensitivity of adipose tissue in humans. METHODS Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was obtained from patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA; n=14) and, as controls, nonfunctioning adenoma (NFA; n=14) undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Homeostasis model assessment index was higher and potassium was lower in APA than NFA (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR were used to detect and quantify mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression. Transcript levels of peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor-gamma, insulin receptor, glucose transporter 4, insulin receptor substrate-1 and -2, leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-alpha, 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B) type 1, and HSD11B2 were quantified. The effect of increasing aldosterone concentrations on 2-deoxy-[3H]d-glucose uptake was tested in human sc abdominal adipocytes. RESULTS Expression of MR was demonstrated in VAT, with no difference between APA and NFA as to mRNA levels of MR, GRalpha, HSD11B1, and glucose metabolism and inflammation factors. In cultured adipocytes, basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake were unaffected by 1-100 nM (normal/hyperaldosteronism) and impaired only by much higher, up to 10 microM, aldosterone concentrations. The impairment was prevented by RU486 but not by eplerenone. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression of insulin signaling/inflammatory molecules was similar in VAT of APA and NFA patients, not supporting an effect of aldosterone excess on insulin sensitivity of adipose tissues. Only at pharmacological concentrations and through GR activation, aldosterone reduced glucose uptake in adipocytes. Insulin resistance in primary aldosteronism might occur in compartments other than fat and/or depend on concurrent environmental factors.