Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relaxin‐3 inputs target hippocampal interneurons and deletion of hilar relaxin‐3 receptors in “floxed‐RXFP3” mice impairs spatial memory

Hippocampus is innervated by γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) “projection” neurons of the nucleus incertus (NI), including a population expressing the neuropeptide, relaxin‐3 (RLN3). In studies aimed at gaining an understanding of the role of RLN3 signaling in hippocampus via its Gi/o‐protein‐coupled receptor, RXFP3, we examined the distribution of RLN3‐immunoreactive nerve fibres and RXFP3 mRNA‐positive neurons in relation to hippocampal GABA neuron populations. RLN3‐positive elements were detected in close‐apposition with a substantial population of somatostatin (SST)‐ and GABA‐immunoreactive neurons, and a smaller population of parvalbumin‐ and calretinin‐immunoreactive neurons in different hippocampal areas, consistent with the relative distribution patterns of RXFP3 mRNA and these marker transcripts. In light of the functional importance of the dentate gyrus (DG) hilus in learning and memory, and our anatomical data, we examined the possible influence of RLN3/RXFP3 signaling in this region on spatial memory. Using viral‐based Cre/LoxP recombination methods and adult mice with a floxed Rxfp3 gene, we deleted Rxfp3 from DG hilar neurons and assessed spatial memory performance and affective behaviors. Following infusions of an AAV(1/2)‐Cre‐IRES‐eGFP vector, Cre expression was observed in DG hilar neurons, including SST‐positive cells, and in situ hybridization histochemistry for RXFP3 mRNA confirmed receptor depletion relative to levels in floxed‐RXFP3 mice infused with an AAV(1/2)‐eGFP (control) vector. RXFP3 depletion within the DG hilus impaired spatial reference memory in an appetitive T‐maze task reflected by a reduced percentage of correct choices and increased time to meet criteria, relative to control. In a continuous spontaneous alternation Y‐maze task, RXFP3‐depleted mice made fewer alternations in the first minute, suggesting impairment of spatial working memory. However, RXFP3‐depleted and control mice displayed similar locomotor activity, anxiety‐like behavior in light/dark box and elevated‐plus maze tests, and learning and long‐term memory retention in the Morris water maze. These data indicate endogenous RLN3/RXFP3 signaling can modulate hippocampal‐dependent spatial reference and working memory via effects on SST interneurons, and further our knowledge of hippocampal cognitive processing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of MicroRNAs Involved in Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern-Triggered Plant Innate Immunity1[W]

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) trigger plant defenses when perceived by surface-localized immune receptors. PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) plays a vital role in the resistance of plants to numerous potential pathogens. MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is known to be important for PTI, but miRNA species involved in this process have not been fully explored. Here we show that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) miRNA effector protein, Argonaute1 (AGO1), is required for a number of PTI responses including PAMP-induced callose deposition, gene expression, and seedling growth inhibition. Deep sequencing of AGO1-bound small RNAs led to the identification of a number of miRNAs that are up- or down-regulated by flg22, a well-studied PAMP. Overexpression of selected miRNAs in stable transgenic plants demonstrated that miR160a positively regulate PAMP-induced callose deposition, whereas miR398b and miR773 negatively regulate PAMP-induced callose deposition and disease resistance to bacteria, suggesting a complexity of the miRNA regulation in plant innate immunity.
Factors affecting pasture productivity in topographically variable landscapes: implications for pasture input management

Seventy-three sampling locations (38 on the north-aspect, 35 on the south-aspect) in a topographically variable landscape paddock on the Central Tablelands of NSW were monitored to determine the effect of soil chemical and physical parameters and botanical composition characteristics on pasture production. Stratification of sampling points into regions based on landscape features (aspect and position on slope) showed pasture production varied significantly between strata within the paddock. In some instances, the difference in production between strata was greater than between aspects and was attributable to a combination of soil physical (principally those associated with waterholding capacity) and botanical composition (legume content) factors. Exchangeable aluminium, while not identified as an indicator of pasture productivity in initial analysis, was the main determinant of production when only soil chemical parameters were considered. Exchangeable aluminium in association with ability of soil to hold moisture were found to strongly influence legume content. The results of this study indicate that greater consideration of a range of factors, other than soil available P, are required to determine pasture production potential in variable landscapes. Further, researchers and advisors need to be cognisant of such factors in determining optimum fertiliser application strategies in such landscapes to optimise pasture production, livestock production and economic return on investment. This is particularly important as concurrent studies at this site found that, despite deficiency of available phosphors at all sampling locations, only two regional strata were responsive to P-application. The study findings also highlight the insidious impact soil acidity and associated aluminium toxicity on pasture production in high rainfall regions of southern Australia.
Association between Indices of Body Composition and Abnormal Metabolic Phenotype in Normal-Weight Chinese Adults

We aimed to determine the association of indices of body composition with abnormal metabolic phenotype, and to examine whether the strength of association was differentially distributed in different age groups in normal-weight Chinese adults. A total of 3015 normal-weight adults from a survey of Chinese people encompassing health and basic physiological parameters was included in this cross-sectional study. We investigated the association of body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and conventional body indices with metabolically unhealthy normal-weight (MUHNW) adults, divided by age groups and gender. Associations were assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis. We found abnormal metabolism in lean Chinese adults to be associated with higher adiposity indices (body mass index, BMI), waist circumference, and percentage body fat), lower skeletal muscle %, and body water %. Body composition was differentially distributed in age groups within the metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW)/MUHNW groups. The impact of factors related to MUHNW shows a decreasing trend with advancing age in females and disparities of factors (BMI, body fat %, skeletal muscle %, and body water %) associated with the MUHNW phenotype in the elderly was noticed. Those factors remained unchanged in males throughout the age range, while the association of BMI, body fat %, skeletal muscle %, and body water % to MUHNW attenuated and grip strength emerged as a protective factor in elderly females. These results suggest that increased adiposity and decreased skeletal muscle mass are associated with unfavorable metabolic traits in normal-weight Chinese adults, and that MUHNW is independent of BMI, while increased waist circumference appears to be indicative of an abnormal metabolic phenotype in elderly females.
Experimental Validation of Visually Servoed Paired Structured Light System (ViSP) for Structural Displacement Monitoring

Structural displacement is considered an important indicator to assess structural conditions. To directly measure the displacement in the time domain, a visually servoed paired structured light system was proposed. The system is composed of two sides facing each other, each with one or two lasers that are controlled by a visually servoed two-DOF manipulator, a camera, and a screen. The relative six-DOF displacement between the two sides can be estimated by calculating the positions of the projected laser beams on the screens and the rotation angles of manipulators. To verify the performance of the proposed system, two kinds of field tests were carried out. A prototype of the system was built and installed on a steel frame building structure and a railway bridge, respectively. The estimated displacements were compared with the reconstructed displacement from an accelerometer. The test results verify the performance of the system and its applicability to real structures.
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS PREDICTION OF THE THERMAL RESISTANCE OF SOLID-SOLID INTERFACES IN SUPERLATTICES

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to predict the thermal resistance of solid-solid interfaces in crystalline superlattices using a new Green-Kubo formula. The materials on both sides of the interfaces studied are modeled with the LennardJones potential and are only differentiated by their masses. To obtain the interface thermal resistance, a correlation length in the bulk materials is first obtained, which approaches a systemsize independent value for larger systems. The interface thermal resistance is found to initially increase as the layer length is increased, and then to decrease as the phonon transport shifts from a regime dominated by ballistic transport to one dominated by diffusive transport.
Adenosine Suppresses α4β7 Integrin-Mediated Adhesion of T Lymphocytes to Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

Abstract The interaction of T lymphocytes with tumor cells, a key step in the antitumor immune response, is suppressed by adenosine, a nucleoside produced at increased levels within the hypoxic tumor environment. We have explored the mechanism by which adenosine interferes with the lymphocyte:tumor cell interaction. The adhesion of anti-CD3-stimulated T cells to syngeneic MCA-38 mouse colon adenocarcinoma cells did not involve LFA-1 (α L β 2 ) or VLA-5 (α 5 β 1 ). However, antibodies against either lymphocyte α 4 or β 7 (but not β 1 ) integrin subunits, or against VCAM-1 on the tumor cells, significantly suppressed adhesion, showing that the recognition of MCA-38 cells by T cells is strongly dependent upon the association of α 4 β 7 on the effector cells with VCAM-1 on the tumor targets. This association is modulated by adenosine: The ability of adenosine to suppress T cell adhesion to MCA-38 cells was lost if α 4 β 7 was functionally blocked with anti-α 4 antibodies (i) prior to or (ii) during the adhesion assay or if (iii) α + 4 cells were depleted from the T lymphocyte population. The binding of T cells to fibronectin through α 4 β 1 was not suppressed by adenosine. We conclude that adenosine partially inhibits the interaction of T lymphocytes with tumor cells by blocking the function of integrin α 4 β 7 .
Impaired copper and iron metabolism in blood cells and muscles of patients affected by copper deficiency myeloneuropathy

Severe copper deficiency leads in humans to a treatable multisystem disease characterized by anaemia and degeneration of spinal cord and nerves, but its mechanisms have not been investigated. We tested whether copper deficit leads to alterations in fundamental copper‐dependent proteins and in iron metabolism in blood and muscles of patients affected by copper deficiency myeloneuropathy, and if these metabolic abnormalities are associated with compensatory mechanisms for copper maintenance.
The lensing properties of the Sersic model

It is well known that the surface brightness of elliptical galaxies and of bulges of spiral galaxies is best fitted by the Sersic $r^{1/n}$ profile. It is thus interesting to explore the lensing properties of the Sersic model because of its wide range of applicability. To this aim, we evaluate the lensing potential, the deflection angle, the time delay between the images and the amplification for a circularly symmetric lens whose surface density is described by the Sersic profile. We estimate the same quantities also adding a shear term to the deflection potential in order to study (at the lowest order) the impact of deviations from radial symmetry or the contribution from other nearby lenses. Moreover, we investigate the systematic errors due to the use of a de Vaucouleurs profile instead of the correct Sersic model also taking into account the presence of a dark halo.
Increased intraabdominal pressure impairs liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.

BACKGROUND There are many experimental studies showing that increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP) reduces liver blood flow, leading to ischemia and portal venous congestion. But, there is no study evaluating the effect of increased IAP on liver regeneration. It is well known that acute liver ischemia and portal venous congestion impair liver regeneration. We, therefore, aimed to determine the effect of increased IAP on liver regeneration in this study. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats underwent partial hepatectomy with or without IAP of 12-14 mm Hg for 24 h or sham operation. Rats were randomly divided into six groups: two sham-operated groups, two hepatectomy groups, and two hepatectomy with increased IAP groups. Mitotic index, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-labeling index, and liver regeneration rate as liver regeneration parameters were studied on day 1 or on day 4 after operation. Additionally, serum aspartate transaminase (AST) level and histopathological changes in intestinal mucosa were studied. RESULTS Hepatectomy with/without increased IAP groups had significantly higher serum AST levels than the sham-operated group on day 1. Serum AST level was found to be significantly higher in the hepatectomy with increased IAP group than in the other groups on day 4. Intestinal mucosal injury was found in the hepatectomy with increased IAP groups on days 1 and 4. Mitotic index and PCNA-labeling index were markedly higher in all hepatectomy with/without increased IAP groups than in the sham-operated groups. However, together with liver regeneration rate, both indices were significantly less in the hepatectomy with increased IAP groups than in the hepatectomy groups both on day 1 and on day 4. CONCLUSION Maintenance of IAP between 12 and 14 mm Hg for 24 h impaired liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.
Large Isoforms of UNC-89 (Obscurin) Are Required for Muscle Cell Architecture and Optimal Calcium Release in Caenorhabditis elegans

Calcium, a ubiquitous intracellular signaling molecule, controls a diverse array of cellular processes. Consequently, cells have developed strategies to modulate the shape of calcium signals in space and time. The force generating machinery in muscle is regulated by the influx and efflux of calcium ions into the muscle cytoplasm. In order for efficient and effective muscle contraction to occur, calcium needs to be rapidly, accurately and reliably regulated. The mechanisms underlying this highly regulated process are not fully understood. Here, we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of the giant muscle protein obscurin, UNC-89, is required for normal muscle cell architecture. The large immunoglobulin domain-rich isoforms of UNC-89 are critical for sarcomere and sarcoplasmic reticulum organization. Furthermore, we have found evidence that this structural organization is crucial for excitation-contraction coupling in the body wall muscle, through the coordination of calcium signaling. Thus, our data implicates UNC-89 in maintaining muscle cell architecture and that this precise organization is essential for optimal calcium mobilization and efficient and effective muscle contraction.
Norm optimal Cross-Coupled Iterative Learning Control

In this paper, we focus on improving contour tracking in precision motion control (PMC) applications through the use of Cross-Coupled Iterative Learning Control (CCILC). Initially, the relationship between individual axis errors and contour error is discussed, including insights into the different reasons for implementing CCILC versus individual axis ILC. A Norm Optimal (N.O.) framework is used to design optimal learning filters based on design objectives. The general N.O. framework is reformatted to include the contour error, as well as individual axis errors. General guidelines for tuning the different weighting matrices are presented. The weighting approach of this framework enables one to focus on individual axis or contour tracking independently. The performance benefits of N.O. CCILC versus ILC are illustrated through simulation and experimental testing on a multi-axis robotic testbed.
Optimally Removing Intercore Communication Overhead for Streaming Applications on MPSoCs

This paper aims to totally remove intercore communication overhead with joint computation and communication task scheduling for streaming applications on Multiprocessor System-on-Chips (MPSoCs). Our basic idea is to let some computation and communication tasks be executed in earlier periods (the added periods are called the prologue) such that intercore data transfer can be finished before the execution of the tasks that need the data to start. In particular, we solve the following problem: how to do rescheduling in such a way that the schedule length can be minimized with the minimum prologue length (the number of periods in the prologue) while the intercore communication overhead can be totally removed? To solve this problem, we first perform schedulability analysis and obtain the upper bound of the times needed to reschedule each computation task. Then we formulate the problem as an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation and obtain an optimal solution. We evaluate our technique with a set of benchmarks from both real-life streaming applications and synthetic task graphs. The experimental results show that our technique can achieve significant reductions in schedule length and energy consumption compared with the previous work.
Association between Insulin Monotherapy versus Insulin plus Metformin and the Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Other Serious Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Aims To determine if concomitant metformin reduced the risk of death, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and cancer in people with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin. Methods For this retrospective cohort study, people with type 2 diabetes who progressed to insulin with or without metformin from 2000 onwards were identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (≈7% sample of the UK population). The risks of all-cause mortality, MACE and incident cancer were evaluated using multivariable Cox models comparing insulin monotherapy with insulin plus metformin. We accounted for insulin dose. Results 12,020 subjects treated with insulin were identified, including 6,484 treated with monotherapy. There were 1,486 deaths, 579 MACE (excluding those with a history of large vessel disease), and 680 cancer events (excluding those in patients with a history of cancer). Corresponding event rates were 41.5 (95% CI 39.4–43.6) deaths, 20.8 (19.2–22.5) MACE, and 21.6 (20.0–23.3) cancer events per 1,000 person-years. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for people prescribed insulin plus metformin versus insulin monotherapy were 0.60 (95% CI 0.52–0.68) for all-cause mortality, 0.75 (0.62–0.91) for MACE, and 0.96 (0.80–1.15) for cancer. For patients who were propensity-score matched, the corresponding aHRs for all-cause mortality and cancer were 0.62 (0.52–0.75) and 0.99 (0.78–1.26), respectively. For MACE, the aHR was 1.06 (0.75–1.49) prior to 1,275 days and 1.87 (1.22–2.86) after 1,275 days post-index. Conclusions People with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin plus concomitant metformin had a reduced risk of death and MACE compared with people treated with insulin monotherapy. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of cancer between people treated with insulin as monotherapy or in combination with metformin.
Comparison of parent adolescent scores on Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

Background: Child and adolescent psychiatry has benefited from the application of self-report questionnaires because it is short, less costly and easy to apply. So we select the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and evaluate the agreement between the self-report and parent report form. Materials and Methods: Subjects were 1934 Adolescents, 11-18 years old. After obtaining the samples consent, SDQ parent rated form and self-rated form were filled. The collected data were analyzed using the STATA statistical package version 9. Results: The adolescents obtained higher total difficulty scores than their parents, but it was not significant (P = 0.203). Boys had higher total difficulty scores than girls by parent informant (P = 0.001), but by self-report girls had higher total difficulty scores than boys (P = 0.42). 11-14 years had higher total difficulty scores by parent report than self-report (P = 0.42), but 15-18 years had higher total difficulty scores by self-report than parent report (P = 0.36). Conclusion: SDQ self-rating from adolescents may contribute better to the diagnostic process in the clinical setting.
Automatic and Precise Localization and Cortical Labeling of Subdural and Depth Intracranial Electrodes

Object: Subdural or deep intracerebral electrodes are essential in order to precisely localize epileptic zone in patients with medically intractable epilepsy. Precise localization of the implanted electrodes is critical to clinical diagnosing and treatment as well as for scientific studies. In this study, we sought to automatically and precisely extract intracranial electrodes using pre-operative MRI and post-operative CT images. Method: The subdural and depth intracranial electrodes were readily detected using clustering-based segmentation. Depth electrodes were tracked by fitting a quadratic curve to account for potential bending during the neurosurgery. The identified electrodes can be manipulated using a graphic interface and labeled to cortical areas in individual native space based on anatomical parcellation and displayed in the volume and surface space. Results: The electrodes' localizations were validated with high precision. The electrode coordinates were normalized to a standard space. Moreover, the probabilistic value being to a specific area or a functional network was provided. Conclusions: We developed an integrative toolbox to reconstruct and label the intracranial electrodes implanted in the patients with medically intractable epilepsy. This toolbox provided a convenient way to allow inter-subject comparisons and relation of intracranial EEG findings to the larger body of neuroimaging literature.