Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid programming of pituitary-adrenal function: mechanisms and physiological consequences.

Increasing epidemiological evidence supports the notion that adverse events in fetal life permanently alter the structure and physiology of the adult offspring, a phenomenon dubbed 'fetal programming'. In particular, low weight or thinness at birth in humans is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders as well as neuroendocrine dysfunction in adult life. Glucocorticoid administration during pregnancy is well-documented to both reduce offspring birth weight and alter the maturation of organs (hence their use to accelerate fetal lung maturation in premature labour). Here data are reviewed which show, in rodents and other models, that antenatal exposure to endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids reduces offspring birth weight and produces permanent hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, altered behaviour and neuroendocrine responses throughout the lifespan. Processes underlying fetal programming include determination of the 'set point' of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and of tissue glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression. Similar HPA axis hyperreactivity occurs in lower birth weight humans and may be an early manifestation of the 'low birth weight' phenotype.
Activation of Stress-activated Protein Kinases/c-Jun N-terminal Protein Kinases (SAPKs/JNKs) by a Novel Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase (MKK7)*

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinases (MKKs) are dual-specificity protein kinases that phosphorylate and activate MAPK. We have isolated a cDNA encoding a novel protein kinase that has significant homology to MKKs. The novel kinase MKK7 has a nucleotide sequence that encodes an open reading frame of 347 amino acids with 11 kinase subdomains. MKK7 is ubiquitously expressed in all adult and embryonic organs but displays high expression in epithelial tissues at later stages of fetal development. When transiently expressed in 293 cells, MKK7 specifically activated stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs)/c-Jun N-terminal protein kinases (JNKs) but not extracellular-regulated kinase or p38 kinase. A kinase-negative mutant of MKK7 inhibits interleukin-1β, lipopolysaccharide, and MEKK1-induced SAPK/JNK activation. Thus, MKK7 is a new member of the MAPK kinase family that functions upstream of SAPK/JNK in the SAPK/JNK signaling pathway.
Estimation of distribution algorithms with niche separation mechanism

Estimation of distribution algorithms are a promising method in evolutionary computation. In the estimation of distribution algorithms, instead of using conventional crossover and mutation operations, probabilistic models are used to sample the genetic information in the next population. Although the use of probabilistic models enables EDAs to have several schema simultaneously, it sometimes causes worse performance due to converse schemata. In this paper, estimation of distribution algorithms with niche separation mechanism is proposed. Coexistence schemata are also newly introduced, where schemata at the same loci but converse information. The proposed method splits population into two subpopulations if such coexistence schemata are found. One of subpopulations is used to constitute the next generation while the probabilistic model of another subpopulation is enqueued. The queued probabilistic model is used if the current population is converged. The experimental results on max-sat problems and Ising spin glass problems show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A novel class of half-mode SIW filters with extracted poles

This paper proposes a novel class of single-sided extracted-pole filters in half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. The design approach is based on the extracted-pole synthesis of a fully canonical low-pass prototype capable of a number of zeros equal to the number of poles, where one reflection zero at infinity is left. This topology allows for filters where the pass-band and the stop-band are relatively close. In the proposed filters, the extracted poles are obtained by using microstrip open stubs. The use of microstrip stubs is possible thanks to the geometry of the half-mode SIW, where the stubs can be easily connected to the open side. To validate the proposed class of filters, a filter with two extracted poles and a filter with four extracted poles were designed, measured, and compared to a classical microstrip filter with similar topology.
Tutoring Strategies in Game-Tree Search

Introduction. According to the analysis of grandmaster-like strategies in Shogi [Iida and Uiterwijk 1993], it is important for a teacher, at the beginning stages of teaching, to intentionally lose an occasional game against a novice opponent, or to play less than optimally in order to give the novice some prospects of winning, without this being noticed by the opponent. Such a strategy is called a tutoring strategy in game-tree search. In this work we consider a loss-oriented search strategy (LO-search for short), by which a player attempts to lose a game, and we show an algorithm for LOsearch based on the minimax strategy and OM-search (opponent-model search; see [Iida et al. 1993]). We further describe characteristics of LO-search, including the concept of intentional error. We next discuss the situation in which a player will notice such an intentional error. We then describe a tutoring search (TUsearch for short) by which a player attempts to lose a game without this being noticed by the opponent. LO-search is based on OM-search, since LO-search also takes the opponent model into account. OM-search is predicated on the assumption that one has complete knowledge of the opponent’s strategy and that this strategy is completely contained in the opponent’s evaluation function. In OM-search, two values are computed for all positions in a search tree. For clarity, the players are distinguished as a max player and a min player.
HF characterisation of the vertical advanced heterojunction MOSFET

This work covers the HF modeling of the vertical Si/Si1-xGex MOSFET. Compact theoretical models have been used to describe the influence of the source/channel heterojunction on the high frequency behaviour of this novel device. Comparison with bulk MOSFETs shows that although the device exhibits a smaller on-state current and thus smaller transconductance, the particular shape of the channel potential influences the intrinsic capacitances thereby counteracting the decrease in Ion and gm.
An Enhanced Rectenna Using Differentially-Fed Rectifier for Wireless Power Transmission

This letter presents an enhanced rectenna with a differentially-driven rectifier for wireless power transmission applications. By utilizing differential feeding, a patch antenna with increased gain is proposed. To be directly connected with the differentially-fed patch antenna as a rectenna, a differentially-driven rectifier is designed so that the use of balun can be omitted. The rectenna shows a maximum efficiency of 73.9% under the input power density of 207 μW/cm2. Furthermore, compared with a reference rectenna of the same aperture size, the proposed rectenna performs higher efficiency and yields larger output DC power, which is more than 1.5 times as high as that of the reference rectenna.
Cost Efficiency in Periodic Tariff Reviews : The Reference Utility Approach and the Role of Interest Groups ♣

This paper uses efficiency estimates obtained from both a parametric and a non-parametric benchmarking model to examine the application of the Model Company approach in periodic tariff reviews and check for potential determinants of firms’ bargaining power in the rate setting process. The investigation indicates a role for political pressures in driving regulatory decisions, points to a possible inaccuracy of the cost parameters employed in the engineering Model Company method and reveals that the regulator’s objectives might not have been welfare maximizing in some situations. The results reveal the influence of more affluent consumers during the rate setting and show that firms which operate in more densely populated areas received substantially lower prices than the economic benchmarking methods would recommend. On the other hand, the findings indicate that significantly higher prices might have been given to companies with the opposite characteristics, to concessionaries which make part of a specific economic group and to firms initially submitted to the review process.
DNA polymerase switching: effects on spontaneous mutagenesis in Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli possesses five known DNA polymerases (pols). Pol III holoenzyme is the cell's main replicase, while pol I is responsible for the maturation of Okazaki fragments and filling gaps generated during nucleotide excision repair. Pols II, IV and V are significantly upregulated as part of the cell's global SOS response to DNA damage and under these conditions, may alter the fidelity of DNA replication by potentially interfering with the ability of pols I and III to complete their cellular functions. To test this hypothesis, we determined the spectrum of rpoB mutations arising in an isogenic set of mutL strains differentially expressing the chromosomally encoded pols. Interestingly, mutagenic hot spots in rpoB were identified that are susceptible to the actions of pols I–V. For example, in a recA730 lexA(Def) mutL background most transversions were dependent upon pols IV and V. In contrast, transitions were largely dependent upon pol I and to a lesser extent, pol III. Furthermore, the extent of pol I‐dependent mutagenesis at one particular site was modulated by pols II and IV. Our observations suggest that there is considerable interplay among all five E. coli polymerases that either reduces or enhances the mutagenic load on the E. coli chromosome.
Management of Cutaneous Locoregional Recurrences of Melanoma: A New Therapeutic Perspective with Imiquimod

Management of Cutaneous Locoregional Recurrences of Melanoma: A New Therapeutic Perspective with Imiquimod Pierre Vereecken a, d, Anne Mathieub, Marianne Laporte a, Michel Petein e, Thierry Velu c, Ahmad Awadad, Michel Heenen a Departments of a Dermatology, bPathology and c Oncology, Erasme Hospital, Free University of Brussels, and dChemotherapy Unit, Bordet Institute, Brussels, and eInstitut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Loverval, Belgium
How Do Plants Deal with Dry Days?

Plants regularly face dry conditions. Not having enough water poses a serious threat to a plant’s ability to grow and develop or even just survive! If plants die, we will not have enough food to eat! How do plants manage to survive during water shortages? They must somehow be able to sense, respond, and adapt to changes in water availability. They do this through a range of techniques that allow for a plant to combat water shortages. A plant’s structural “armor” helps it to decrease the amount of water it loses to the environment and increase water storage. Plants respond to water shortages in very complex ways. These responses can include changes in the plants’ growth and in their ability to protect themselves against toxic chemicals that accumulate in the plant during dry periods. All of a plant’s responses are directly controlled by the plant’s genes. If we can understand the genes that are involved in protecting plants against drought, in the future we might be able to make genetically modified crops that can tolerate global warming and climate changes.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiologic process that allows morphological and genetic changes of carcinoma cells from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype, which is the basis of the high metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer cells. EMT is triggered by various tumor microenvironmental factors, including cytokines, growth factors, and chemotherapeutic agents. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on the molecular mechanisms that support pancreatic cancer EMT and the evidences that support its involvement in invasiveness/aggressiveness, and the drug resistance of pancreatic cancer cells.
Preventing low birth weight: is prenatal care the answer?

Objectives: To review the evidence of effectiveness of prenatal care for preventing low birth weight (LBW). Methods: We reviewed original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and commentaries for evidence of effectiveness of the three core components of prenatal care - risk assessment, health promotion and medical and psychosocial interventions - for preventing the two constituents of LBW: preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Results: Clinical risk assessment will fail to identify the majority of pregnancies at risk for preterm delivery or IUGR. While biophysical and biochemical modalities appear promising, their cost-effectiveness has not been demonstrated, nor can their routine use be recommended in the absence of effective interventions. Smoking cessation programs appear to be modestly effective. There is insufficient evidence to conclude a benefit for nutrition interventions, work counseling or preterm birth education. Only antenatal corticosteroid therapy has demonstrated a clear benefit in the tertiary prevention of preterm delivery. Interventions for which there is insufficient evidence to conclude a benefit include bed rest, hydration, sedation, cerclage, progesterone supplementation, antibiotic treatment, tocolysis without concomitant use of corticosteroids, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, psychosocial support and home visitation. Additionally, there is a paucity of evidence supporting the effectiveness of prenatal interventions, such as low-dose aspirin, bed rest, maternal hyperoxygenation, plasma volume expansion and antenatal fetal assessment, in preventing IUGR or its associated morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: Neither preterm birth nor IUGR can be effectively prevented by prenatal care in its present form. Preventing LBW will require reconceptualization of prenatal care as part of a longitudinally and contextually integrated strategy to promote optimal development of women's reproductive health not only during pregnancy, but over the life course.
miR-33a/b contribute to the regulation of fatty acid metabolism and insulin signaling

Cellular imbalances of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism result in pathological processes, including atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. Recent work from our group and others has shown that the intronic microRNAs hsa-miR-33a and hsa-miR-33b are located within the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 and -1 genes, respectively, and regulate cholesterol homeostasis in concert with their host genes. Here, we show that miR-33a and -b also regulate genes involved in fatty acid metabolism and insulin signaling. miR-33a and -b target key enzymes involved in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation, including carnitine O-octaniltransferase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A, hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase, Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), and AMP kinase subunit-α. Moreover, miR-33a and -b also target the insulin receptor substrate 2, an essential component of the insulin-signaling pathway in the liver. Overexpression of miR-33a and -b reduces both fatty acid oxidation and insulin signaling in hepatic cell lines, whereas inhibition of endogenous miR-33a and -b increases these two metabolic pathways. Together, these data establish that miR-33a and -b regulate pathways controlling three of the risk factors of metabolic syndrome, namely levels of HDL, triglycerides, and insulin signaling, and suggest that inhibitors of miR-33a and -b may be useful in the treatment of this growing health concern.
Promoter architecture and transcriptional regulation of Abf1-dependent ribosomal protein genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ribosomal protein gene (RPG) promoters display binding sites for either Rap1 or Abf1 transcription factors. Unlike Rap1-associated promoters, the small cohort of Abf1-dependent RPGs (Abf1-RPGs) has not been extensively investigated. We show that RPL3, RPL4B, RPP1A, RPS22B and RPS28A/B share a common promoter architecture, with an Abf1 site upstream of a conserved element matching the sequence recognized by Fhl1, a transcription factor which together with Ifh1 orchestrates Rap1-associated RPG regulation. Abf1 and Fhl1 promoter association was confirmed by ChIP and/or gel retardation assays. Mutational analysis revealed a more severe requirement of Abf1 than Fhl1 binding sites for RPG transcription. In the case of RPS22B an unusual Tbf1 binding site promoted both RPS22B and intron-hosted SNR44 expression. Abf1-RPG down-regulation upon TOR pathway inhibition was much attenuated at defective mutant promoters unable to bind Abf1. TORC1 inactivation caused the expected reduction of Ifh1 occupancy at RPS22B and RPL3 promoters, but unexpectedly it entailed largely increased Abf1 association with Abf1-RPG promoters. We present evidence that Abf1 recruitment upon nutritional stress, also observed for representative ribosome biogenesis genes, favours RPG transcriptional rescue upon nutrient replenishment, thus pointing to nutrient-regulated Abf1 dynamics at promoters as a novel mechanism in ribosome biogenesis control.
Preliminary study of three-tone paradigm auditory P300 on aging dementia.

OBJECTIVE To explore the changes of three-tone paradigm P300 and observe the improvement of the diagnostic sensitivity of P300 in aging dementia. METHODS Thirty-four patients of aging dementia underwent traditional P300 (2t-P300) and three-tone paradigm auditory P300 (3t-P300). The results of these two methods were compared. RESULTS Abnormal P300 was found in 18 of 34 dementia cases (52.9%) by 2t-P300, and in 26 of 30 patients who finished the 3t-P300 tests (86.7%). In 2t-P300, 9 of 24 mild cases, 7 of 8 moderate cases and 2 severe cases showed abnormal results. In 3t-P300, 20 of 24 mild cases and all 6 moderate cases showed abnormal results. Abnormal 3t-P300 was found in 13 of 16 cases which showed normal 2t-P300. Besides prolonged and bad-shaped P300, no certain response of P300 to rare non-target stimulus (r-nT) was found in 10 mild cases by 3t-P300. CONCLUSION Three-tone paradigm auditory P300 had higher sensitivity in early diagnosis of aging dementia than traditional auditory P300. No P300 response to r-nT in 3t-P300 is an important index in early diagnosis of mild dementia.
A visualization toolkit for online social network propagation and influence analysis with content features

The propagation and influence is an important problem for online social network. In this paper, we develop a visualization toolkit for online social network propagation and influence analysis and predication which can not only present the main trend of the propagation and influence, but also can present them in multiple views e.g., time and location distribution. Considering the existing works mostly analysis the propagation and influence with the structure of the social network and the features of the individuals, in this paper, we also try to introduce the features of the information content to the problems. The main technologies and implementation results of the toolkit are introduced in this paper.
6 Recent Developments in Molecular Changes Leading to Alzheimer ’ s Disease and Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating progressive neurological disease affecting significant number of individuals above the age of 65 years and even those who are as young as 30 years, around the globe. According to the Alzheimer's Association 2011 facts and figures report, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death and approximately 5.4 million people age 65 and older suffer from Alzheimer's disease in USA alone. Of all Americans over the age of 65, one out of every eight has AD. As the age advances, the risk of developing AD increases to as much as 47-50% by the age of 85. Risk is even greater if both parents suffer the disease (Bachman et al, 1992). Two types of AD have been described. The sporadic form of AD is a general deterioration of intra-neuronal contact without any association to any genetic element. Familial AD (FAD) on the other hand is associated with mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) on chromosome 21 (Goates A.M et al, 1991), apolipoprotein E gene on chromosome 19 (Cedazo-Minguez & Cowburn, 2001), presenilin 1 (PS1) on chromosome 14 (Sudoh et al, 1998), and presenilin 2 (PS2) on chromosome 1 (Jayadev et al, 2010). In addition, high phosphorylation that results in tangle formation is also attributed to mutations in the gene of microtubule associated protein Tau, located on chromosome 17 (Hanger et al, 1992). Among these, deposition of amyloid is widely accepted as the leading cause of AD. Although, amyloid plaque formation was observed in AD brains as early as 1907 (Alzheimer et al, 1995), it was only recently the toxicity (Yankner & Lu, 2009; Yankner et al, 1990) and the contents (Tokutake, 1988; Vital, 1988; Pardridge et al, 1987) have been established. It has been a common observation in several investigations that a single or multiple mutations in any of these proteins alone can affect the performance of other proteins resulting in neurodegeneration. Each mutation in any single protein may differentially affect its function. Therefore, some of the mutations have more drastic consequences than others such as a quintessential mutation in PS2 described by Yu (Yu et al, 2010). In addition some of the mutations appear to cause greater harm than the others by shutting down a whole complex of protein activity such as specific presenilin 1 mutation (Heilig et al, 2010), suggesting that lethality and onset of AD is not a simple process. That said, the converse also appears to be true. That is, if the damage of any one of the affected proteins is reversed, it may be sufficient to alleviate the distress caused by the disease process (Kumar et al, 2000a). In light of the fact that reversal of the changes observed due to
A Prediction of Attractive Evaluation Objects Based On Complex Sequential Data

This paper proposes a method that predicts attractive evaluation objects. In the learning phase, the method inductively acquires trend rules from complex sequential data. The data is composed of two types of data. One is numerical sequential data. Each evaluation object has respective numerical sequential data. The other is text sequential data. Each evaluation object is described in texts. The trend rules represent changes of numerical values related to evaluation objects. In the prediction phase, the method applies new text sequential data to the trend rules and evaluates which evaluation objects are attractive. This paper verifies the effect of the proposed method by using stock price sequences and news headline sequences. In these sequences, each stock brand corresponds to an evaluation object. This paper discusses validity of predicted attractive evaluation objects, the process time of each phase, and the possibility of application tasks. Keywords—Trend rule, frequent pattern, numerical sequential data, text sequential data, evaluation object.