Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
miR‐346 and miR‐582‐3p‐regulated EG‐VEGF expression and trophoblast invasion via matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9

Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is an important regulator for embryo implantation and placental development, and is clinically associated with several obstetric disorders related to insufficient or inappropriate trophoblast invasion, such as recurrent abortion, preeclampsia, and intrauterine fetal growth restriction. This study was performed to identify the microRNAs targeting EG-VEGF, and evaluate the regulatory effect on trophoblast biology. miR-346 and miR-582-3p were initially identified via bioinformatic tools, and their specific binding sites on the EG-VEGF 3'UTR were further confirmed using dual luciferase and a co-transfection assays. miR-346 and miR-582-3p were demonstrated not only to suppress EG-VEGF expression, but also inhibit trophoblast invasion and migration in the JAR and HTR-8/SVneo cell lines. We further evaluated the effect of microRNAs in HTR-8/SVneo cells coexpressing EG-VEGF and miR-346 or miR-582-3p on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP 2 and MMP 9) and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP 1 and TIMP 2) using RT-PCR, western blotting and gelatin zymography. TIMP 1 and TIMP 2 were not affected by the two microRNAs, whereas the expressions and activities of MMP 2 and MMP 9 were significantly downregulated, which in turn inhibited the invasion ability of trophoblasts. In conclusion, miR-346 and miR-582-3p regulate EG-VEGF-induced trophoblast invasion through repressing MMP 2 and MMP 9, and may become novel diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for EG-VEGF-related obstetric disorders. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):210-219, 2017.
The Impact of Destination Exposure in Reality Shows on Destination Image, Familiarity, and Travel Intention

The increasing popularity of reality shows renders them as potential media for tourism promotion. However, there is limited research regarding the impact of destination exposure in reality shows. This study aimed to investigate the impact of destination exposure in television reality shows on destination image, familiarity, and travel intention. To test the hypotheses, a within subject experiment was conducted. A worldwide popular reality show, The Amazing Race, was used as a stimulus for the participants. The results revealed that, in general, both cognitive and affective destination im- ages were rated higher after watching the reality show. Furthermore, familiarity with the destination and travel intention to the destination increased after watching the destination in the reality show. The result of this study will be useful for destination marketing organization and the government to explore alternative promotional media and aid the promotion of tourism destination.
Executive Order 13375: Amendment to Executive Order 13295 Relating to Certain Influenza Viruses and Quarantinable Communicable Diseases

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 361(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264(b)), it is hereby ordered as follows: Section 1. Based upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Surgeon General, and for the purpose set forth in section 1 of Executive Order 13295 of April 4, 2003, section 1 of such order is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection: ''(c) Influenza caused by novel or reemergent influenza viruses that are causing, or have the potential to cause, a pandemic. ''. Sec. 2. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees or agents, or any other person.
European Dementia Monitor 2017 – Comparing and benchmarking national dementia strategies and policies

Overall ranking Table 12 shows the rank each country was able to achieve in each of the ten categories. As can be seen from table 12, different countries excelled in different categories. 13 different countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Spain and the UK- both England and Scotland) came first in at least one of the 10 categories. Three countries however excelled and could score first place in three different categories: • Finland came first in care availability, care affordability and in the number of international conventions ratified. • Ireland came first in the treatment, dementia as a priority and employment right categories. • The United Kingdom (England) came first in the categories treatment, dementia friendliness and legal rights. In order to calculate the overall ranking of countries, we based the global score on a combined score of the ten different categories with each contributing m% to the overall score. This score is presented as a percentage of the over-all maximum score which countries could have achieved and leads to the following ranking as shown in figure 13. According to the overall ranking, Finland, the United Kingdom (England) and the Netherlands were the countries which had the most dementia-friendly policies in place, with Albania, Latvia and Bosnia and Herzegovina being the countries which need to make the most progress and reforms to improve the lives of people with dementia in their countries. When looking at the map of Europe (see map 5 below), we can see that there are significant differences across Europe with countries in Northern and Central Europe generally scoring much better than countries in Southern Europe.
Older tourists' travel motivations and overall satisfaction at the destination: The case of Sirmione

Purpose: As the number of older tourists is progressively growing due to population ageing, tourism destinations are increasingly striving to attract them. For this purpose, destination marketers need to gain deep knowledge about the relationships between older tourists’ travel motivations and satisfaction at the destination. This paper aims to provide an in-depth examination of such relationships in a specific destination, highlighting the effects of four travel motivations (culture; pleasure-seeking; relaxation; physical). Methodology: A cross-section design was adopted based on a survey among a sample of older tourists visiting Sirmione, a mature destination located on Lake Garda, Italy. Data were analyzed through multiple techniques, including analyses of variance and linear regression. Findings: The results reveal that relaxation was the most important motivation making older tourists decide to visit Sirmione. Moreover, relaxation was the only motivation showing a statistically significant relationship with satisfaction at the destination. Practical implications: The results of this study provide destination managers with valuable inputs to reposition their destination to effectively attract older tourists. Originality/value: This paper contributes to enhance available knowledge – which is quite scarce – about the effects of travel motivations on satisfaction at the destination among older tourists.
The interaction model of anxiety and the threat of Quebec's separation from Canada.

The interaction model of anxiety was investigated by assessing trait and state anxiety in students at a Canadian university during the Quebec referendum. The results of Study 1 confirmed that the threat of separation by Quebec from Canada was perceived as an ambiguous, uncertain situation. In Study 2, reactions to this situation were assessed by having participants complete measures of anxiety and situation perception at Time 1 (i.e., 3 hr before the event) and Time 2 (i.e., 1 week after the vote). The results provide support for the interaction model; individuals who were high in trait anxiety in ambiguous situations and appraised the referendum situation as threatening were characterized by elevated state anxiety before the uncertain outcome of the vote. The results illustrate the need to examine trait anxiety and specific appraisals of situational threat in uncertain life situations.
Modelling of α1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated temporal dynamics of inotropic response in rat heart to assess ligand binding and signal transduction parameters

Background and purpose: In order to use the transient response to an antagonist (prazosin) to evaluate properties of agonist interactions with the α1‐adrenoceptor system, an integrative mechanistic model of cardiac uptake of prazosin and its competitive interaction with phenylephrine at the receptor site was developed. Based on the operational model of agonism, the aim was to evaluate both the receptor binding and signal transduction process as determinants of the inotropic effect of phenylephrine.
Insulin-like Growth Factors and Their Binding Proteins Define Specific Phases of Myometrial Differentiation During Pregnancy in the Rat1

Abstract While the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is known to regulate uterine function during the estrous cycle, there are limited data on its role in myometrial growth and development during pregnancy. To address this issue, we defined the expression of the Igf hormones (1 and 2), their binding proteins (Igfbp 1–6), and Igf1r receptor genes in pregnant, laboring, and postpartum rat myometrium by real-time PCR. IGF family genes were differentially expressed throughout gestation. Igf1 and Igfbp1 mRNA levels were upregulated during proliferative phase (Days 6–12) of rat gestation. Igfbp3 gene expression also was elevated in proliferating smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and was highest at the time of transition between proliferative and synthetic phases (Days 12–15). Igfbp6 gene expression profile paralleled plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations, peaking during the synthetic phase (Days 17–19) and decreasing thereafter. Administration of P4 at late pregnancy (starting from Day 20) to maintain elevated plasma P4 concentrations blocked the onset of labor and prevented the fall in Igfbp6 mRNA levels. In contrast, the treatment of pregnant rats with the P4 receptor antagonist RU486 on Day 19 induced preterm labor and the premature decrease of Igfbp6 gene expression. Igfbp2 gene expression was transiently upregulated during the contractile phase of gestation (Days 21–23) solely in the gravid horn of unilaterally pregnant rats, but it was not affected in P4- or RU486-treated animals, supporting a role for mechanical stretch imposed by the growing fetuses. Igfbp5 gene was induced during postpartum involution. Our results suggest the importance of the IGF system in phenotypic and functional changes of myometrial SMCs throughout gestation in preparation for labor.
A Preliminary Study of Molecular Dynamics on Reconfigurable Computers

In this paper we investigate the performance of platform FPGAs on a compute-intensive, floating-point-intensive supercomputing application, Molecular Dynamics (MD). MD is a popular simulation technique to track interacting particles through time by integrating their equations of motion. One part of the MD algorithm was implemented using the Fabric Generator (FG)[l I ] and mapped onto several reconfigurable logic arrays. FG is a Java-based toolset that greatly accelerates construction of the fabrics from an abstract technology independent representation. Our experiments used technology-independent IEEE 32-bit floating point operators so that the design could be easily re-targeted. Experiments were performed using both non-pipelined and pipelined floating point modules. We present results for the Altera Excalibur ARM System on a Programmable Chip (SoPC), the Altera Strath EPlS80, and the Xilinx Virtex-N Pro 2VP.50. The best results obtained were 5.69 GFlops at 8OMHz(Altera Strath EPlS80), and 4.47 GFlops at 82 MHz (Xilinx Virtex-II Pro 2VF50). Assuming a lOWpower budget, these results compare very favorably to a 4Gjlop/40Wprocessing/power rate for a modern Pentium, suggesting that reconfigurable logic can achieve high performance at low power on jloating-point-intensivea pplications.
Research on Performance Evaluation of Logistics Service Based on SCM

On the basis of analyzing the characteristics of logistics service, this paper discusses the influence of performance evaluation index of logistics service based on SCM, which include logistics service quality, response speed, reliability, flexibility and cost. Then the paper give the performance evaluation mode of logistics service based on SCM, such as the principle of performance appraisal of third party logistics enterprises, performance appraisal index system of third party logistics enterprises, exterior achievements weight aspect, and carries on the single factor appraisal, establishes fuzzy relationship matrix, and analyses fuzzy quality synthetic evaluation result vector
Modélisation du soudage MIG/MAG en mode short-arc

Il existe aujourd'hui de nombreux procedes de soudage repondant a la tres grande variete d'assemblage a realiser et aux caracteristiques des metaux utilises. Le premier chapitre decrit les differentes sources d'energie utilisees en soudage. Suite a cela, une explication plus detaillee du soudage a l'arc electrique est donnee. Enfin nous presentons la conception d'une plateforme d'essai de soudage. Il est possible, bien sur, d'utiliser une approche empirique pour optimiser un procede. Neanmoins il y a des avantages a choisir une approche analytique puisqu'on peut en attendre des avancees significatives dans la comprehension des interactions dynamiques presentes dans l'arc. C'est pourquoi nous presentons dans le chapitre 2 les connaissances theoriques de la physique quant au comportement du metal liquide transfere en soudage MIG/MAG. Ce travail comporte donc egalement un aspect experimental necessaire a l'elaboration des bases de donnees utilisees pour la construction des modeles. Les differents enregistrements ont ete effectues au CTAS sur une plate forme equipee d'un systeme d'acquisition de donnees pour les mesures de tension, courant, vitesse fil et d'un systeme de video rapide. Le chapitre 3 presente notre recherche d'une methode de segmentation permettant d'obtenir le suivi de variables pertinentes. Nous y proposons un capteur logiciel base sur la theorie des contours actifs et montrons de bons resultats obtenus sur des videos experimentales. Une etape d'ajustement de certains parametres est indispensable. Elle est donnee dans le chapitre 4. Le simulateur cree permet d'interpreter certains phenomenes importants en soudage, de realiser une etude de sensibilite « sans risque » et de donner les signatures theoriques de defauts.
Cloud-based Virtual Computing Labs for HEIs

Recently cloud computing has ascended as a prevalent method for creating virtual computing labs (VCL) as it provides scalable, on-demand IT resources, which can be rapidly provisioned and utilized over the web. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) around the world is in a constant state of change mainly as a consequence of globalization and challenges arising from adopting new technologies and pedagogies in classroom. Cloud computing technologies can provide an excellent alternative for HEIs where budget constraints have been incurred. We conducted interviews as part of case study method to explore how cloud computing enhanced learning at a private educational institution across many campuses in South Africa. We developed a framework for the cloud based virtual computing labs for HEIs.
Multilayered Paper Prototyping for User Concept Modeling: Supporting the Development of Application Profiles

This paper describes an investigation of user-centered design methodologies intended to apply to metadata or information architecture evaluation and deployment. The primary focus of this work is investigation of user conceptual models and comparison with formally architected models. We describe related work, primarily from the domain of information architecture, such as free-listing, contextual enquiry, card-sorting and evaluation, and then describes the design, initial evaluation and practical use of a multi-stage prototyping method designed for elicitation of user knowledge and concepts of a domain, common conceptual models in that domain and the objects, collections and relations between objects considered relevant by users. A simple approach to the analysis of results is described.
Post-translational regulation of sucrose transporters by direct protein–protein interactions

Sucrose transporters are essential membrane proteins for the allocation of carbon resources in higher plants and protein–protein interactions play a crucial role in the post-translational regulation of sucrose transporters affecting affinity, transport capacity, oligomerization, localization, and trafficking. Systematic screening for protein interactors using sucrose transporters as bait proteins helped identifying several proteins binding to sucrose transporters from apple, Arabidopsis, potato, or tomato using the split ubiquitin system. This mini-review summarizes known sucrose transporter-interacting proteins and their potential function in plants. Not all of the identified interaction partners are postulated to be located at the plasma membrane, but some are predicted to be endoplasmic reticulum-residing proteins such as a protein disulfide isomerase and members of the cytochrome b5 family. Many of the SUT1-interacting proteins are secretory proteins or involved in metabolism. Identification of actin and actin-related proteins as SUT1-interacting proteins confirmed the observation that movement of SUT1-containing intracellular vesicles can be blocked by inhibition of actin polymerization using specific inhibitors. Manipulation of expression of these interacting proteins represents one possible way to modify resource allocation by post-translational regulation of sucrose transporters.
Direct microscopic features of subgingival plaque in localized and generalized juvenile periodontitis.

Subgingival dental plaque from 12 untreated patients with juvenile periodontitis (]P) was examined undispersed in wet-mount preparations with direct phase-contrast microscopy. Observations of the bacterial morphotypes present revealed high numbers (>_125/Field) of spirochetes and large, spinning, motile rods in all but one of the localized and generalized types of ]P patients. Generalized ]P patients tended to have a more complex and organ&ed microflora, with brush Formations, amoebae, and a wider variety of motile rods than in localized juvenile periodontitis (LIP) cases. All subjects examined also had high levels (>_125/field) of accumulated crevicular polymorphonuclear leukocytes associated with the subgingival dental plaque samples. These Findings are related to previous bacteriologic studies of ]P dental plaque. The possible role of direct microscopy as a diagnostic tool to supplement clinical examinations in evaluating bacteriologic risk Factors in ]P patients is discussed. Juvenile periodontitis (JP) is characterized by a rapid loss of alveolar bone and periodontal attachment in otherwise healthy adolescents. It generally is localized to the permanent first molars and incisors, with minimal gingival inflammation and almost no clinically detectable dental plaque or calculus on the affected teeth. 1,2 Most patients with this form of periodontal disease have been shown to have host cell-mediated immunodeficiencies in the form of impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and rate of migration,3,4 which are likely to contribute to the early and rapid onset of periodontal deterioration. Studies have shown clearly that the clinical destruction also is related to the presence of a subgingival plaque and an inflammatory process. Waerhaug s demonstrated that loss of periodontal attachment in JP patients always is associated with a thin 20-200 /~m) and unmineralized subgingival dental plaque that is difficult to detect clinically. This subgingival plaque was shown to be capable of unusually rapid advancement in an apical direction (up to 5/am/day or 1.8 mm/year), 6 and always was associated with a cellular inflammatory infiltrate seen histopathologically in areas of attachment loss. 5 Use of continuous anaerobic culturing techniques have revealed that a distinct bacterial microbiota dominated by gram-negative anaerobic and microaerophilic rods (63 % of the cultivable flora) is present in subgingival plaque from JP patients. 7,5
Temporal and Spatial Control of HGC1 Expression Results in Hgc1 Localization to the Apical Cells of Hyphae in Candida albicans

ABSTRACT The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans can undergo a morphological transition from a unicellular yeast growth form to a multicellular hyphal growth form. During hyphal growth, cell division is asymmetric. Only the apical cell divides, whereas subapical cells remain in G1, and cell surface growth is highly restricted to the tip of the apical cell. Hgc1, a hypha-specific, G1 cyclin-like protein, is essential for hyphal development. Here, we report, using indirect immunofluorescence, that Hgc1 is preferentially localized to the dividing apical cells of hyphae. Hgc1 protein is rapidly degraded in a cell cycle-independent manner, and the protein turnover likely occurs in both the apical and the subapical cells of hyphae. In addition to rapid protein turnover, the HGC1 transcript is also dynamically regulated during cell cycle progression in hyphal growth. It is induced upon germ tube formation in early G1; the transcript level is reduced during the G1/S transition and peaks again around the G2/M phase in the subsequent cell cycles. Transcription from the HGC1 promoter is essential for its apical cell localization, as Hgc1 no longer exhibits preferential apical localization when expressed under the MAL2 promoter. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, the HGC1 transcript is detected only in the apical cells of hyphae, suggesting that HGC1 is transcribed in the apical cell. Therefore, the preferential localization of Hgc1 to the apical cells of hyphae results from the dynamic temporal and spatial control of HGC1 expression.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus: application of monoclonal antibodies and development of an effective vaccine

SARS‐CoV is a new type of human coronavirus identified as a causative agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). On the occasion of the SARS outbreak, various monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against SARS‐CoV have been developed and applied for diagnosis, clinical management and basic research. In this review, we overview the biochemical and functional properties and applications of these SARS‐CoV mAbs. We also focus on a variety of vaccines currently under development and discuss the immune response elicited by these vaccines in animal models, hopefully to better understand what we need to do next to fight against newly emerging pathogens in the future. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.