Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiology and Pharmacology of Temperature Regulation Pathogenesis of familial periodic fever syndromes or hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes

Simon, Anna, and Jos W. M. van der Meer. Pathogenesis of familial periodic fever syndromes or hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 292: R86–R98, 2007. First published August 24, 2006; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00504. 2006. —Familial periodic fever syndromes, otherwise known as hereditary autoinflammatory syndromes, are inherited disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation. The general hypothesis is that the innate immune response in these patients is wrongly tuned, being either too sensitive to very minor stimuli or turned off too late. The genetic background of the major familial periodic fever syndromes has been unraveled, and through research into the pathophysiology, a clearer picture of the innate immune system is emerging. After an introduction on fever, interleukin-1 and inflammasomes, which are involved in the majority of these diseases, this manuscript offers a detailed review of the pathophysiology of the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, familial Mediterranean fever, the syndrome of pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum and acne, Blau syndrome, TNF-receptor-associated periodic syndrome and hyper-IgD and periodic fever syndrome. Despite recent major advances, there are still many questions to be answered regarding the pathogenesis of these disorders.
Superoxide Flashes in Mouse Skeletal Muscle Are Produced by Discrete Arrays of Active Mitochondria Operating Coherently

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) constitute important intracellular signaling molecules. Mitochondria are admitted sources of ROS, especially of superoxide anions through the electron transport chain. Here the mitochondria-targeted ratiometric pericam (RPmt) was used as a superoxide biosensor, by appropriate choice of the excitation wavelength. RPmt was transfected in vivo into mouse muscles. Confocal imaging of isolated muscle fibers reveals spontaneous flashes of RPmt fluorescence. Flashes correspond to increases in superoxide production, as shown by simultaneous recordings of the fluorescence from MitoSox, a mitochondrial superoxide probe. Flashes occur in all subcellular populations of mitochondria. Spatial analysis of the flashes pattern over time revealed that arrays of mitochondria work as well-defined superoxide-production-units. Increase of superoxide production at the muscle fiber level involves recruitment of supplemental units with no increase in per-unit production. Altogether, these results demonstrate that superoxide flashes in muscle fibers correspond to physiological signals linked to mitochondrial metabolism. They also suggest that superoxide, or one of its derivatives, modulates its own production at the mitochondrial level.
Steganography and classification of image steganography techniques

Information is wealth of any organization and in present era in which information transferred through digital media and internet, it became a top priority for any organizations to protect this wealth. Whatever technique we adopt for the security purpose, the degree and level of security always remains top concern. Steganography is one such technique in which presence of secret message cannot be detected and we can use it as a tool for security purpose to transmit the cofidential information in a secure way. It is an ongoing research area having vast number of applications in distinct fields such as defense and intelligence, medical, on-line banking, on-line transaction, to stop music piracy and other financial and commercial purposes. There are various steganography approaches exist and they differs depending upon message to be embedded, use of file type as carrier or compression method used etc. The focus of this paper is to classify distinct image steganography techniques besides giving overview, importance and challenges of steganography techniques. Other related security techniques are also been discussed in brief in this paper. The classification of steganography techniques may provide not only understanding and guidelines to researchers in this field but also provide directions for future work in this field.
Geotechnical Engineering Properties of Peat, Stabilized with a Combination of Fly Ash and Well Graded Sand

Peat has several unfavourable characteristics such as low bearing capacity, high compressibility, high content of natural water and difficulty of access and thus is not suitable for Civil Engineering constructions. One of the widely used techniques for its improvement is its chemical stabilization through the addition of chemical admixtures such as ordinary Portland cement, lime, fly ash, natural fillers etc. This research was focused on stabilizing peat using low Ca fly ash (ASTM Class F) combined with well graded sand. An experimentally based approach was followed to analyse the stabilization of peat samples with different proportions of fly ash (10, 20 and 30 % by weight) and 125 kg/m3 of well graded sand. With the increase in the fly ash content, the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) increased while the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) decreased. The Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) increased with the addition of fly ash up to 10 % by weight and thereafter it began to reduce as more and more fly ash was added. The UCS increase with curing period for all of the stabilized samples. Rowe cell test results showed that there was an improvement in the compressibility of peat after stabilization. On the whole, it was found that the geotechnical engineering properties of peat can be improved by stabilizing it using fly ash and well graded sand.
C-Terminal Region of EBNA-2 Determines the Superior Transforming Ability of Type 1 Epstein-Barr Virus by Enhanced Gene Regulation of LMP-1 and CXCR7

Type 1 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) strains immortalize B lymphocytes in vitro much more efficiently than type 2 EBV, a difference previously mapped to the EBNA-2 locus. Here we demonstrate that the greater transforming activity of type 1 EBV correlates with a stronger and more rapid induction of the viral oncogene LMP-1 and the cell gene CXCR7 (which are both required for proliferation of EBV-LCLs) during infection of primary B cells with recombinant viruses. Surprisingly, although the major sequence differences between type 1 and type 2 EBNA-2 lie in N-terminal parts of the protein, the superior ability of type 1 EBNA-2 to induce proliferation of EBV-infected lymphoblasts is mostly determined by the C-terminus of EBNA-2. Substitution of the C-terminus of type 1 EBNA-2 into the type 2 protein is sufficient to confer a type 1 growth phenotype and type 1 expression levels of LMP-1 and CXCR7 in an EREB2.5 cell growth assay. Within this region, the RG, CR7 and TAD domains are the minimum type 1 sequences required. Sequencing the C-terminus of EBNA-2 from additional EBV isolates showed high sequence identity within type 1 isolates or within type 2 isolates, indicating that the functional differences mapped are typical of EBV type sequences. The results indicate that the C-terminus of EBNA-2 accounts for the greater ability of type 1 EBV to promote B cell proliferation, through mechanisms that include higher induction of genes (LMP-1 and CXCR7) required for proliferation and survival of EBV-LCLs.
Adult Hepatic Mesenchymal Hamartoma: An Unusual Case

Mesenchymal hamartoma is a benign hamartomatous lesion with unknown histogenesis. It generally occurs in pediatric population and has been rarely reported in adults. We report an unusual case of a cystic mesenchymal hamartoma of liver in an 81-year-old elderly male. A provisional diagnosis of liver abscess was made and definitive histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. This case has been reported because of its rarity.
Interoperable query processing with multiple heterogeneous knowledge servers

This paper describes a technique for information mediation when multiple heterogeneous knowledge and data servers are to be accessed during query processing. One problem is building an intelligent interface between each knowledge server (KS) and its processor (KP); and the second is to provide interoperability among multiple K P/KS so that a query may be answered using information from multiple sources. We present example scenarios which highlight these problems and then outline query mapping and transformation techniques that are applicable. The techniques for solving the interoperability problems involve representations in some canonical form. This includes a canonical represent ation (CR) corresponding to each KP/KS pair and a merged CR (MCR) to represent the mapping among the C%. The MCR and CRa include relevant information obtained from a source query, and heterogeneous mapping (bet-map) information, for all possible mappings among the multiple servers. The knowledge in the canonical form must be represented so that it can be easily accessed during query transformation. We use an example of translating queries from an object schema to a relational schema to illustrate typical knowledge that must be represented in some canonical form. We use a high level logical language, F-logic, to represent the heterogeneous mapping (hetmap) and query transformation information as a set of declarative rules, in the canonical form.
Analysis and Implementation of an Electronic Laboratory Notebook in a Biomedical Research Institute

Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) will probably replace paper laboratory notebooks (PLNs) in academic research due to their advantages in data recording, sharing and security. Despite several reports describing technical characteristics of ELNs and their advantages over PLNs, no study has directly tested ELN performance among researchers. In addition, the usage of tablet-based devices or wearable technology as ELN complements has never been explored in the field. To implement an ELN in our biomedical research institute, here we first present a technical comparison of six ELNs using 42 parameters. Based on this, we chose two ELNs, which were tested by 28 scientists for a 3-month period and by 80 students via hands-on practical exercises. Second, we provide two survey-based studies aimed to compare these two ELNs (PerkinElmer Elements and Microsoft OneNote) and to analyze the use of tablet-based devices. We finally explore the advantages of using wearable technology as ELNs tools. Among the ELNs tested, we found that OneNote presents almost all parameters evaluated (39/42) and both surveyed groups preferred OneNote as an ELN solution. In addition, 80% of the surveyed scientists reported that tablet-based devices improved the use of ELNs in different respects. We also describe the advantages of using OneNote application for Apple Watch as an ELN wearable complement. This work defines essential features of ELNs that could be used to improve ELN implementation and software development.
Observability, identifiability and sensitivity of vision-aided inertial navigation

We analyze the observability of 3-D pose from the fusion of visual and inertial sensors. Because the model contains unknown parameters, such as sensor biases, the problem is usually cast as a mixed filtering/identification, with the resulting observability analysis providing necessary conditions for convergence to a unique point estimate. Most models treat sensor bias rates as “noise,” independent of other states, including biases themselves, an assumption that is patently violated in practice. We show that, when this assumption is lifted, the resulting model is not observable, and therefore existing analyses cannot be used to conclude that the set of states that are indistinguishable from the measurements is a singleton. In other words, the resulting model is not observable. We therefore re-cast the analysis as one of sensitivity: Rather than attempting to prove that the set of indistinguishable trajectories is a singleton, we derive bounds on its volume, as a function of characteristics of the sensor and other sufficient excitation conditions. This provides an explicit characterization of the indistinguishable set that can be used for analysis and validation purposes.
The Aging Kidney: Increased Susceptibility to Nephrotoxicity

Three decades have passed since a series of studies indicated that the aging kidney was characterized by increased susceptibility to nephrotoxic injury. Data from these experimental models is strengthened by clinical data demonstrating that the aging population has an increased incidence and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI). Since then a number of studies have focused on age-dependent alterations in pathways that predispose the kidney to acute insult. This review will focus on the mechanisms that are altered by aging in the kidney that may increase susceptibility to injury, including hemodynamics, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation and decreased repair.
Candidate genes versus genome-wide associations: which are better for detecting genetic susceptibility to infectious disease?

Technological developments allow increasing numbers of markers to be deployed in case-control studies searching for genetic factors that influence disease susceptibility. However, with vast numbers of markers, true ‘hits’ may become lost in a sea of false positives. This problem may be particularly acute for infectious diseases, where the control group may contain unexposed individuals with susceptible genotypes. To explore this effect, we used a series of stochastic simulations to model a scenario based loosely on bovine tuberculosis. We find that a candidate gene approach tends to have greater statistical power than studies that use large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genome-wide association tests, almost regardless of the number of SNPs deployed. Both approaches struggle to detect genetic effects when these are either weak or if an appreciable proportion of individuals are unexposed to the disease when modest sample sizes (250 each of cases and controls) are used, but these issues are largely mitigated if sample sizes can be increased to 2000 or more of each class. We conclude that the power of any genotype–phenotype association test will be improved if the sampling strategy takes account of exposure heterogeneity, though this is not necessarily easy to do.
Annotating Wall Street Journal Texts Using a Hand-Crafted Deep Linguistic Grammar

This paper presents an on-going effort which aims to annotate the Wall Street Journal sections of the Penn Treebank with the help of a hand-written large-scale and wide-coverage grammar of English. In doing so, we are not only focusing on the various stages of the semi-automated annotation process we have adopted, but we are also showing that rich linguistic annotations, which can apart from syntax also incorporate semantics, ensure that the treebank is guaranteed to be a truly sharable, re-usable and multi-functional linguistic resource.
Prognostic role of the pre-treatment platelet-lymphocyte ratio in pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis

Background and Aims Recently, the pre-treatment platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), which is based on blood parameters, was accepted as a prognostic factor for patients with various cancers. Numerous studies have investigated the prognostic role of the PLR in pancreatic cancer; however, it remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between the pre-treatment PLR and overall survival (OS) in pancreatic cancer. Materials and Methods We performed a systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases for relevant studies that explored the prognostic role of the pre-treatment PLR in pancreatic cancer. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) related to OS were pooled using a random effects model. Results Fourteen retrospective cohort studies involving 2,260 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with low PLR, high PLR was a predictor of shorter OS (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10–1.39, I2 = 74%). Conclusions In this meta-analysis, high pre-treatment PLR was a bio-predictor of short OS in patients with pancreatic cancer, suggesting that PLR could be used to predict prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer before treatment. However, additional well-designed and large-scale studies are necessary.
Structural investigation of layered compounds based on the perovskite SrTiO

Changes of stoichiometry in the perovskite SrTi03 have been investigated in the SrOLa203-Ti02 system, which result in the formation of layered structures within the perovskite matrix. When present in low concentrations, the layers are distributed in a disordered fashion and therefore cannot be detected by diffraction techniques. They may, however, be observed using high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) , which revealed a tendency for the layers to group together at low concentrations. As the frequency of layers increased, they were observed to form ordered arrays, and led to three different layered families of stoichiometric compounds which may be defined by the layer structure and the interlayer spacing. These are summarised in the following table, where the layer orientation given refers to planes in perovskite: Composition change Addition of SrO Addition of 0 Removal of Ti Layer orientation {100} {110} {111 } Compositional series Sr n+1 Tin03n+1 Sr n-4La4 Tin0 3n+2 Sr n-3La4 Tin0 3n+3 Ordered members (7=1,2 and 3 (7=4, 4.5 and 5 (7=3,4 and 5 Previous studies have not agreed regarding the stability of the n=3 {lOO} layered compound. In this report, the well-ordered nature of this material has been verified using HREM, and the structures of all of the {lOO} and {Ill} layered phases refined by the Rietveld method. The n=4.5 and n=5 {11 O} layered materials have not been reported previously, although isostructural compounds are known. A new compound with the composition Sr3La2Ti201Q has been identified, and its structure determined using a combination of HREM and Rietveld analysis. It contains slabs of the n=l {lOO} layered structure, resulting in ribbons of Ti06 octahedra running parallel to the b axis. In the electron microscope, the surfaces of crystals were found to be covered by a rim of disordered material. This was observed to crystallise into the perovskite structure under the influence of the electron beam. ii For many of the compounds described above, HREM revealed defects in the layer stacking and layer structure. The nature of these defects has been investigated using computer-based models and, where appropriate, simulation of HREM images. Much of the behaviour of the layered compounds has been discussed in terms of elastic strain. The layer structures of all of the compounds had a different size than the corresponding perovskite dimension, and so the cell parameters converged toward the perovskite value as the thickness of the perovskite lamellae increased. Consideration of elastic strain can explain this behaviour, as well as the stability ranges of the layered families. Experiments designed to synthesise an n=3 {lOO} layered compound containing copper were not successful. However, three solid solution ranges were found, including complete solid solution between Sr2Ti04 and La2Cu04.
Targeted DNA methylation by homology-directed repair in mammalian cells. Transcription reshapes methylation on the repaired gene

We report that homology-directed repair of a DNA double-strand break within a single copy Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene in HeLa cells alters the methylation pattern at the site of recombination. DNA methyl transferase (DNMT)1, DNMT3a and two proteins that regulate methylation, Np95 and GADD45A, are recruited to the site of repair and are responsible for selective methylation of the promoter-distal segment of the repaired DNA. The initial methylation pattern of the locus is modified in a transcription-dependent fashion during the 15–20 days following repair, at which time no further changes in the methylation pattern occur. The variation in DNA modification generates stable clones with wide ranges of GFP expression. Collectively, our data indicate that somatic DNA methylation follows homologous repair and is subjected to remodeling by local transcription in a discrete time window during and after the damage. We propose that DNA methylation of repaired genes represents a DNA damage code and is source of variation of gene expression.
Curvature-processing network in macaque visual cortex

Significance The brain processes visual stimuli along different feature dimensions, including edge orientation, visual motion, and color. To expedite visual processing, cells that process a common visual dimension are often anatomically grouped in cortical columns, patches, and/or areas. Here, we tested the hypothesis that (i) image curvature is one of these fundamental visual dimensions and, as such, (ii) curvature-selective cells are grouped together in discrete cortical areas. Using neuroimaging techniques, we confirmed this hypothesis and localized the curvature-processing sites in extrastriate visual cortex. These sites lay along a common cortical strip, spanning lower- to higher-level processing stages. Furthermore, the curvature-processing sites are adjacent to the well-known face-processing cortical areas, suggesting a possible functional link between them. Our visual environment abounds with curved features. Thus, the goal of understanding visual processing should include the processing of curved features. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging in behaving monkeys, we demonstrated a network of cortical areas selective for the processing of curved features. This network includes three distinct hierarchically organized regions within the ventral visual pathway: a posterior curvature-biased patch (PCP) located in the near-foveal representation of dorsal V4, a middle curvature-biased patch (MCP) located on the ventral lip of the posterior superior temporal sulcus (STS) in area TEO, and an anterior curvature-biased patch (ACP) located just below the STS in anterior area TE. Our results further indicate that the processing of curvature becomes increasingly complex from PCP to ACP. The proximity of the curvature-processing network to the well-known face-processing network suggests a possible functional link between them.
The cellular 68,000-Mr protein kinase is highly autophosphorylated and activated yet significantly degraded during poliovirus infection: implications for translational regulation

We investigated the possible translational regulatory roles played by the interferon-induced, double-stranded-RNA-activated protein kinase (P68) and its natural substrate, eucaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2), in poliovirus-infected cells. We demonstrated that protein kinase P68 was both highly autophosphorylated and activated during poliovirus infection. In accordance with these results, immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that phosphorylation of the endogenous eIF-2 alpha subunit also increased in poliovirus-infected cells. We found that double-stranded RNA synthesized during infection likely induced the high levels of P68 autophosphorylation. To determine whether the increase in kinase activity also could be attributed to induction of P68 synthesis, physical levels of protein kinase were measured. It was unexpectedly found that P68 protein levels did not increase but rather dramatically declined in poliovirus-infected cells. Pulse-chase experiments confirmed that the protein kinase was significantly degraded during virus infection. We corroborated our in vivo observations by developing an in vitro assay for P68 degradation using cell extracts. The possible consequences of P68 degradation and increased eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation for protein synthesis regulation in poliovirus-infected cells are discussed.