Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stromal cell‐derived factor 1α (SDF‐1α) induces gene‐expression of early growth response‐1 (Egr‐1) and VEGF in human arterial endothelial cells and enhances VEGF induced cell proliferation

Abstract. Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1), mainly known as a chemotactic factor for haematopoietic progenitor cells, also provides angiogenetic potency. Since the intracellular signalling of SDF‐1‐induced neovascularization remains unclear, we studied in human umbilical arterial endothelial cells (HUAEC) the influence of SDF‐1α on induction of the genes of early growth response‐1 (Egr‐1) and VEGF, as well as the activation of extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2, which are all known to be involved in endothelial cell proliferation. We found a time‐dependent induction of Egr‐1 and VEGF mRNA expression and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by SDF‐1α. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Egr‐1 expression is dependent on ERK 1/2 activation. Finally, we tried to confirm the relevance of the induced gene expression by detecting the [3H]thymidine incorporation as a marker for cell proliferation in HUAEC after stimulation with SDF‐1α alone or together with VEGF. This particular test showed, that SDF‐1α alone has no effect, but is able to significantly enhance VEGF induced DNA synthesis. In summary, SDF‐1α is involved in different steps of endothelial cell proliferation, but, since Egr‐1 and VEGF offer different functions, it may also play a so far undefined role on other conditions of the endothelium.
Structure and mechanism of the complex between cytochrome P4503A4 and ritonavir

Ritonavir is a HIV protease inhibitor routinely prescribed to HIV patients that also potently inactivates cytochrome P4503A4 (CYP3A4), the major human drug-metabolizing enzyme. By inhibiting CYP3A4, ritonavir increases plasma concentrations of other anti-HIV drugs oxidized by CYP3A4 thereby improving clinical efficacy. Despite the importance and wide use of ritonavir in anti-HIV therapy, the precise mechanism of CYP3A4 inhibition remains unclear. The available data are inconsistent and suggest that ritonavir acts as a mechanism-based, competitive or mixed competitive-noncompetitive CYP3A4 inactivator. To resolve this controversy and gain functional and structural insights into the mechanism of CYP3A4 inhibition, we investigated the ritonavir binding reaction by kinetic and equilibrium analysis, elucidated how the drug affects redox properties of the hemoprotein, and determined the 2.0 Å X-ray structure of the CYP3A4-ritonavir complex. Our results show that ritonavir is a type II ligand that perfectly fits into the CYP3A4 active site cavity and irreversibly binds to the heme iron via the thiazole nitrogen, which decreases the redox potential of the protein and precludes its reduction with the redox partner, cytochrome P450 reductase.
Chemical synthesis of proteins using hydrazide intermediates

Protein chemical synthesis offers useful and otherwise-difficulty-to-obtain biomacromolecules for biological and pharmaceutical studies. Recently, the hydrazide chemistry has drawn attentions in this field as peptide or protein hydrazides can be used as key intermediates for different synthesis and modification purposes. Besides being a traditional bioorthogonal chemical handle, a hydrazide group can serve as a readily accessible precursor of a thioester. This strategy significantly improves the efficiency and scope of native chemical ligation for protein chemical synthesis. Here we review the chemical transformations of peptide or protein hydrazides and total/semi/enzymatic protein synthesis methods involving peptide or protein hydrazides. Several examples of protein chemical synthesis using peptide hydrazides as key intermediates are described.
National Culture and Governance on Bondholder Wealth: Evidence from Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances around the World

This paper examines bondholder wealth effects in global business collaborations with the form of cross-border joint ventures (JVs) and strategic alliances (SAs). Based on a sample of 1,898 event-firms from 2009 to 2015, we find significant and positive abnormal returns for bondholders. On average, bondholder value increases 14.4 basis points in a 3-month observation window. We find that country-level governance and national culture are dominant drivers of bondholder wealth effects. More specifically, bondholders benefit more from JVs and SAs if they are from countries with poorer institutional governance or greater regulatory governance in creditor protection (higher creditor rights and lower shareholder rights). In addition, bondholders gain more when they are from countries characterized with greater individualism, less power distance, a higher level of trust, or larger culture distance. Robustness tests and subsample analyses confirm the main findings. We find a positive impact of JVs and SAs on stockh.
INPUT SPLIT FREQUENT PATTERN TREE USING MAPREDUCE PARADIGM IN HADOOP

Big data has been attracted in information industry and in the society in the recent years, due to the wide availability of huge amount of data in the Internet and the complexity of data is growing every day. Hence distributed data mining algorithms has decided to exploit big data adaptable to current technology. Since there exist some limitations in traditional algorithm for dealing with the massive volume of data set which degrades the performance. So, thereby we require fast and efficient scalable frequent item sets for storing and processing large data sets. Existing algorithm like apriori algorithm performs a multiple scans from external storage, which leads to heavy burden for I/O devices. In this paper, we proposed Association Rule Mining based on Hadoop Distributed File System for storing huge amount of data and implemented using MapReduce object oriented programming paradigm for processing of a data.
A Study to Increase the Quality of Financial and Operational Performances of Call Centers using Speech Technology

Everyone knows technology and automation are not the solutions to every business problem. But when used for the right reasons-and deployed and maintained wisely-speech based contact center applications can be good for the customers as well as business, if the money and time spent to implement and maintain contact center business. Speech based application is an experimental conversational speech system. Experience with redesigning the system based on user feedback indicates the importance of adhering to conversational conventions when designing speech interfaces, particularly in the face of speech recognition errors. Study results also suggest that speech-only interfaces should be designed from scratch rather than directly translated from their graphical counterparts. This paper examines a set of challenging issues facing speech interface designers and describes approaches to address some of these challenges. Let us highlight some of the specific constrains involved in this process of using speech technology in the main stream of business in general and of a Call Center specific and being resolved through the Industrial process. So the real challenge is “Developing a new Business Process Model for an Industry application, for a Call Center specific. And that paves the way to design and analyze the “Financial and Operational performance of call centers through the business process model using speech technology”.
Multiple description coding in networks with congestion problem

Suppose that the description of a stochastic process needs to be sent to a destination through a communication network. Also assume there is a risk that the description may be lost. A technique to reduce the risk of losing such descriptions is by sending two (or more) descriptions and hoping that in this way at least one of the descriptions will get through. This problem is referred to as multiple description coding (MDC) and was first introduced by Gersho, Witsenhausen, Wolf, Wyner, Ziv and Ozarow (1979). So far, the main focus of research on this subject has been on the achievable rate-distortion functions and the related structural design issues for such encoders and decoders. Little effort has focused on the performance of such coding schemes in simple communication networks and relation of the overall distortion with respect to some network parameter such as congestion. In this paper, a double description coding (DDC) system in a simple network represented by a set of parallel queues is studied. Comparison is made with a single description coding system and it is shown that DDC significantly improves the overall average end-to-end distortion at high network loading.
Alpha subunit variants of the human glycine receptor: primary structures, functional expression and chromosomal localization of the corresponding genes.

Two cDNAs encoding variants (alpha 1 and alpha 2) of the strychnine binding subunit of the inhibitory glycine receptor (GlyR) were isolated from a human fetal brain cDNA library. The predicted amino acid sequences exhibit approximately 99% and approximately 76% identity to the previously characterized rat 48 kd polypeptide. Heterologous expression of the human alpha 1 and alpha 2 subunits in Xenopus oocytes resulted in the formation of glycine‐gated strychnine‐sensitive chloride channels, indicating that both polypeptides can form functional GlyRs. Using a panel of rodent‐human hybrid cell lines, the gene encoding alpha 2 was mapped to the short arm (Xp21.2‐p22.1) of the human X chromosome. In contrast, the alpha 1 subunit gene is autosomally located. These data indicate molecular heterogeneity of the human GlyR at the level of alpha subunit genes.
Effects of several factors on the heat-shock-induced thermotolerance of Listeria monocytogenes

The influence of the temperature at which Listeria monocytogenes had been grown (4 or 37 degrees C) on the response to heat shocks of different durations at different temperatures was investigated. For cells grown at 4 degrees C, the effect of storage, prior to and after heat shock, on the induced thermotolerance was also studied. Death kinetics of heat-shocked cells is also discussed. For L. monocytogenes grown at 37 degrees C, the greatest response to heat shock was a fourfold increase in thermotolerance. For L. monocytogenes grown at 4 degrees C, the greatest response to heat shock was a sevenfold increase in thermotolerance. The only survival curves of cells to have shoulders were those for cells that had been heat shocked. A 3% concentration of sodium chloride added to the recovery medium made these shoulders disappear and decreased decimal reduction times. The percentage of cells for which thermotolerance increased after a heat shock was smaller the milder the heat shock and the longer the prior storage.
Ionic mechanisms for the subthreshold oscillations and differential electroresponsiveness of medial entorhinal cortex layer II neurons.

1. Layer II of the medial entorhinal cortex is composed of two electrophysiologically and morphologically distinct types of projection neurons: stellate cells (SCs), which are distinguished by rhythmic subthreshold oscillatory activity, and non-SCs. The ionic mechanisms underlying their differential electroresponsiveness, particularly in the subthreshold range of membrane potentials, were investigated in an "in vitro" slice preparation. 2. In both SCs and non-SCs, the apparent membrane input resistance was markedly voltage dependent, respectively decreasing or increasing at hyperpolarized or subthreshold depolarized potential levels. Thus the neurons displayed inward rectification in the hyperpolarizing and depolarizing range. 3. In the depolarizing range, inward rectification was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM) in both types of neurons and thus shown to depend on the presence of a persistent low-threshold Na+ conductance (gNap). However, in the presence of TTX, pronounced outward rectification became manifest in the subthreshold depolarizing range of membrane potentials (positive to -60 mV) in the SCs but not in the non-SCs. 4. The rhythmic subthreshold membrane potential oscillations that were present only in the SCs were abolished by TTX and not by Ca2+ conductance block with Cd2+ or Co2+. Subthreshold oscillations thus rely on the activation of voltage-gated Na+, and not Ca2+, conductances. The Ca2+ conductance block also had no effect on the subthreshold outward rectification. 5. Prominent time-dependent inward rectification in the hyperpolarizing range in the SCs persisted after Na(+)- and Ca2+ conductance block. This rectification was not affected by Ba2+ (1 mM), but was blocked by Cs+ (1-4 mM). Therefore, it is most probably generated by a hyperpolarization-activated cationic current (Q-like current). However, the Q-like current appears to play no major role in the generation of subthreshold rhythmic membrane potential oscillations, because these persisted in the presence of Cs+. 6. On the other hand, in the SCs, the fast, sustained, outward rectification that strongly developed (after Na+ conductance block) at the oscillatory voltage level was not affected by Cs+ but was blocked by Ba2+ (1 mM). Barium was also effective in blocking the subthreshold membrane potential oscillations. 7. In the non-SCs, which do not generate subthreshold rhythmic membrane potential oscillations or manifest subthreshold outward rectification in TTX, Ca2+ conductance block abolished spike repolarization and caused the development of long-lasting Na(+)-dependent plateau potentials at a high suprathreshold voltage level. At this level, where prominent delayed rectification is present, the Na+ plateaus sustained rhythmic membrane potential oscillations. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Crowdfunding Investment Contracts

This article examines the first wave of crowdfunding investment contracts that were offered in the U.S. during the first month after crowdfunding investment became legal in May 2016. Assessing the earliest possible data sample of crowdfunding investment contracts is particularly important because crowdfunding investment platforms create influential path dependencies that drive start-up companies to use the standardized contract templates that the platforms promote. This paper provides a basis, grounded in actual crowdfunding investment contracts, for recommending improvements to the agreements that govern the emerging field of crowdfunding investments while also establishing a baseline from which to measure future evolution of crowdfunding investment contracting practices.Initial crowdfunding investment offerings include contracts for six distinct types of investments: common stock, preferred stock, interest-bearing loans, revenue-sharing arrangements, convertible debt, and future equity. In addition, many of the initial crowdfunding investment offerings also include a rewards component, in the style of Kickstarter crowdfunding campaigns.This article’s analysis of each type of crowdfunding investment contract leads to four primary observations. First, crowdfunding investors may garner more practical protections from their collective leverage through social media than from formal contract rights. Second, crowdfunding investment intermediaries (i.e., websites known as funding portals) profoundly influence crowdfunding contracting practices by forging the standardized channels through which crowdfunding investments flow. Third, in the initial set of crowdfunding investment contracts, debt securities were significantly less likely to be offered than equity securities, and hybrid revenue-sharing securities were even less common, even though debt and revenue-sharing securities are well-suited for stable businesses with positive cash flows that seek investments from the crowd. Fourth, two new forms of simplified contracts — the “SAFE” and the “KISS”, which are specially tailored for crowdfunding investment offerings with high-growth potential — hold great promise, though not without drawbacks, for efficiently providing crowdfunding investors with the types of protections that venture capitalists typically demand when investing in seed-stage start-up companies.
Genome‐wide arrays in routine diagnostics of hematological malignancies

Over the last three decades, cytogenetic analysis of malignancies has become an integral part of disease evaluation and prediction of prognosis or responsiveness to therapy. In most diagnostic laboratories, conventional karyotyping, in conjunction with targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, is routinely performed to detect recurrent aberrations with prognostic implications. However, the genetic complexity of cancer cells requires a sensitive genome‐wide analysis, enabling the detection of small genomic changes in a mixed cell population, as well as of regions of homozygosity. The advent of comprehensive high‐resolution genomic tools, such as molecular karyotyping using comparative genomic hybridization or single‐nucleotide polymorphism microarrays, has overcome many of the limitations of traditional cytogenetic techniques and has been used to study complex genomic lesions in, for example, leukemia. The clinical impact of the genomic copy‐number and copy‐neutral alterations identified by microarray technologies is growing rapidly and genome‐wide array analysis is evolving into a diagnostic tool, to better identify high‐risk patients and predict patients' outcomes from their genomic profiles. Here, we review the added clinical value of an array‐based genome‐wide screen in leukemia, and discuss the technical challenges and an interpretation workflow in applying arrays in the acquired cytogenetic diagnostic setting. Hum Mutat 33:941–948, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determinants of Anemia among Preschool Children in the Philippines

Objective: Our objective was to identify the determinants of anemia among rural Filipino children aged 12–71 months. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2090 preschool children from 8 rural villages in Cebu, an area non-endemic for malaria and schistosomiasis. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was determined using a HemoCue hemoglobinometer and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) concentration was measured with a hematofluorometer. A 3-day non-consecutive 24-hour food recall interview with the child's primary caregiver was done to estimate the child's dietary intake. Stool analysis for presence of soil-transmitted helminths was performed through a concentration technique. A separate interview on household socio-economic status with the child's primary caregiver was conducted. Results: Mean Hb concentration was 12.0 g/dL (SD 1.3). 16.1% were anemic. Age and sex had a significant interaction in their effect on Hb concentration. Females had higher Hb concentration between 12 to 23 months of age. Hb levels equalize between the 2 genders at around 24 months and increase with similar increments until 71 months of age. All dietary parameters improved Hb concentration with increasing intake. In the multiple regression, however, only the index for bioavailable iron and vitamin C intakes remained independent factors. None of the helminths or combination of helminths had significant effects on Hb concentration. Among the socio-economic variables, maternal educational attainment and water supply were significant independent factors. Mean ZPP concentration was 72.07 (SD 46.45) and 30.8% were iron deficient. As with Hb concentration, age and sex had a significant interaction in their effect on ZPP concentration, with females having lower ZPP levels before 24 months of age. Bioavailable iron (animal iron + 0.3*plant iron) had a significant effect on ZPP concentration at levels of at least 15% of the iron requirement. This was seen even after controlling for multivitamin supplementation. Conclusion: The control of anemia among preschoolers can be achieved through a combination of various nutritional interventions such as micronutrient supplementation, food fortification and nutrition education. Our findings emphasize the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to nutritional problems –the importance of empowering women (through engagement and education) and of maintaining a healthy physical environment (water and sanitation) are often peripheral concerns of nutritionists. Our study highlights the importance of supporting initiatives that address these issues not only for their core benefit, but also for the potential benefit to nutrition.
Domperidone withdrawal in a breastfeeding woman

Domperidone is a peripheral dopamine D2-receptor antagonist with both gastrokinetic and antiemetic activity via its inhibitory effects on dopamine receptors in gastrointestinal smooth muscle and the chemoreceptor trigger zone.1 Health Canada–approved indications include the management of symptoms associated with upper gastrointestinal motility disorders, as well as the prevention of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the use of dopamine agonists in Parkinson disease.2 Despite a lack of official indication, domperidone has also been used to improve lactation in nursing mothers by stimulating prolactin release from the pituitary gland.1,3-6 Its efficacy as a galactogogue has been shown in a few small randomized controlled trials of moderate to high quality, and no maternal or neonatal adverse events have been observed in any of the trials.3-6 Current practice suggests doses of 60 mg per day (20 mg 3 times daily) up to 160 mg per day (40 mg 4 times daily) to improve breast milk volume.2,7 It is generally recommended to taper domperidone upon discontinuation to prevent engorgement or a sudden drop in milk supply, but there are few reports regarding the negative effects of abruptly discontinuing domperidone, as well as tapering schedule recommendations.8 We report a case of domperidone withdrawal in a nursing woman, along with a tapering schedule that appears to decrease the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms. We believe this case will shed light on the importance of tapering domperidone as well as provide a description of the symptoms of domperidone withdrawal in this population.
Graph-Based MDP to Mobile Source with Energy Harvesting in Delay Tolerant Networks System

We consider a mobile delay tolerant networks (MDTNs) with energy harvesting capabilities. In order to determine energy management policies that will improve network capacity, packet delivery ratio and maximize the system throughput. we consider that a source node seeks to send packets to a destination node. The optimal policy for the source varies according to its system state, which allows it to guarantee a maximum delivery probability rate. Our problem is modeled by decision theory; as a start, We are interested in the MDP, which are used to model and solve such sequential decision problems. Our goal is to optimize, for each node, a utility depending on a random environment and decisions made by the node. As the MDP formalism reaches its limits when it is necessary to take into account the interactions between the different several nodes, we will start using the Graph-based MDP where the state and action spaces are factorizable by variables. The transition functions and rewards are then decomposed into local functions and the dependency relations between the nodes are represented by a graph. To calculate the optimal policy, we propose Mean Field Approximation (MFA) and Approximate linear-programming (ALP) algorithms for solving GMDP problem.