Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two different ionotropic receptors are activated by ATP in rat microglia

1 Our aim was to assess whether ATP‐induced inward currents in microglia are due to a single or more than one purinergic receptor. The ATP dose‐response curve showed two components, whose presence might be due to the activation of high and low affinity receptors. 2 The P2Z/P2X7 specific receptor agonist benzoylbenzoyl‐ATP (Bz‐ATP) and some P2 receptor agonists were tested. The rank order of potency was Bz‐ATP >> ATP = 2‐methylthio‐ATP (2‐MeSATP) > α,β‐methylene ATP (α,β‐meATP) ≥ ADP. β,γ‐MethyleneATP (β,γ‐meATP), UTP and adenosine were ineffective. 3 The non‐specific P2 receptor antagonist suramin antagonized by 92 ± 2 % the inward current induced by 100 μm ATP, and by 51 ± 8 and 68 ± 6 % those induced by 3 mM ATP and 100 μm Bz‐ATP, respectively. The P2Z/P2X7 antagonist oxidized ATP (oATP) almost abolished the inward current induced by 3 mM ATP or Bz‐ATP, but was ineffective against 100 μm ATP. 4 Inward currents induced by low ATP concentrations (≤ 100 μm) were generally followed by an almost complete and irreversible desensitization, while those elicited by ATP ≥ 1 mM showed only a partial decline. Interestingly, the inward current induced by 100 μm 2‐MeSATP showed a large desensitization, while that induced by Bz‐ATP did not. 5 In voltage‐ramp experiments, the 100 μm ATP‐induced current exhibited a slight inward rectification more visible at negative potentials, while the 3 mM ATP‐induced current did not. 6 ATP induced a fast and large increase in [Ca2+] that promptly recovered in the continuous presence of low ATP doses, but did not recover in high ATP doses. As with desensitization, the response to Bz‐ATP mimicked that of high doses of ATP. 7 When Ca2+ mobilization due to P2Y receptors was blocked by thapsigargin‐induced Ca2+ depletion or by pertussis toxin treatment, 10 μm ATP was still able to induce a Ca2+ transient, which represented the contribution of the Ca2+ influx induced by P2X receptors 8 In conclusion, the inward currents and a fraction of the Ca2+ transients induced by ATP in microglia are due to at least two ATP‐sensitive receptor channel types, whose different properties and sensitivity to ATP may be associated with different functional roles.
Numerical study on doping and positioning effect of type-II GaSb/GaAs quantum ring layer on solar cell performances

In this work, we demonstrate the doping concentration and positioning effect of the type-II quantum well (QR) on the solar cell performances in terms of numerical simulation. The variation in doping concentration and location can affect the band diagram seriously and possibly form the back surface field which can either facilitate or deteriorate the carrier collection. A wide range of parameters are calculated to reveal this trend and the previous experimental results are also discussed.
On robotic trajectory planning using polynomial interpolations

Trajectory planning is a classic topic in robotics. Although cubic splines are widely used to interpolate the trajectory in the literature, they have drawbacks in satisfying more boundary conditions for high dynamic performance, say, the control of acceleration at the end points. On the other hand, if quartic splines are employed, more conditions are needed to determine the coefficients of the fourth-order polynomials for the trajectory. In this paper, we present a method to interpolate the trajectory by combining third-order and fourth-order polynomials. We use two quartic polynomials for the first and last segments of the trajectory, and cubic ones for other segments. The trajectory can be uniquely determined by a set of path points for boundary conditions including accelerations at end points. We also investigate the planning of optimal trajectories in the case of variant intervals between adjacent path points. In the optimization, we use multiple objectives including accelerations and jerks. How to determine succinctly the polynomial coefficients is described. Examples are provided for illustration, and comparisons with previous planning method are reported. Good results of application in humanoid robot motion planning for obstacle stepping-over are obtained
Model checking

Turing Lecture from the winners of the 2007 ACM A.M. Turing Award. In 1981, Edmund M. Clarke and E. Allen Emerson, working in the USA, and Joseph Sifakis working independently in France, authored seminal papers that founded what has become the highly successful field of model checking. This verification technology provides an algorithmic means of determining whether an abstract model---representing, for example, a hardware or software design---satisfies a formal specification expressed as a temporal logic (TL) formula. Moreover, if the property does not hold, the method identifies a counterexample execution that shows the source of the problem. The progression of model checking to the point where it can be successfully used for complex systems has required the development of sophisticated means of coping with what is known as the state explosion problem. Great strides have been made on this problem over the past 28 years by what is now a very large international research community. As a result many major hardware and software companies are beginning to use model checking in practice. Examples of its use include the verification of VLSI circuits, communication protocols, software device drivers, real-time embedded systems, and security algorithms. The work of Clarke, Emerson, and Sifakis continues to be central to the success of this research area. Their work over the years has led to the creation of new logics for specification, new verification algorithms, and surprising theoretical results. Model checking tools, created by both academic and industrial teams, have resulted in an entirely novel approach to verification and test case generation. This approach, for example, often enables engineers in the electronics industry to design complex systems with considerable assurance regarding the correctness of their initial designs. Model checking promises to have an even greater impact on the hardware and software industries in the future. ---Moshe Y. Vardi, Editor-in-Chief
Bit allocation for increased power efficiency in 5G receivers with variable-resolution ADCs

In future mmWave wireless system, fully digital receivers may have an excessive power consumption at the Analog to Digital Converters (ADC), even if lower resolution ADCs are employed. We propose to optimize the ADC resolution exploiting the sparse propagation in mmWave. We identify and assign more bits to antennas that capture stronger incoming signals, and allocate fewer bits to the antennas that see mostly noise. In order to facilitate a potential practical implementation, we constrain the allocation problem so the number of bits assigned to each antenna can take only one of two values, blow or bhigh. Compared to a reference fixed-resolution mmWave system with bref bits (blow ≤ bref ≤ bhigh), and depending on the margin between the two options given to the algorithm, (blow, bhigh), our results show that 2-level receivers with a low margin (e.g., (4, 6)) can achieve moderate power saving (5-20%) consistent across any received unquantized SNR value, whereas 2-level receivers with a wide margin (e.g., (1, 8)) can achieve a large power saving (80%) only at high SNR, while consuming more power than the reference at low SNR. Combining bit allocation with antenna selection techniques, we create a 3-level system (e.g., 0, 4, 8) that can outperform the former scenario when the given resolution options are carefully chosen.
A Possible Role for Iron-Sulfur Cluster N2 in Proton Translocation by the NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase (Complex I)

The proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, the respiratory complex I, couples the transfer of electrons from NADH to ubiquinone with the translocation of protons across the membrane. The enzyme mechanism is still unknown due to the lack of a high-resolution structure and its complicated composition. The complex from Escherichia coli is made up of 13 subunits called NuoA through NuoN and contains one FMN and nine iron-sulfur (Fe/S) clusters as redox groups. The pH dependence of the midpoint redox potential of the Fe/S cluster named N2 and its spin-spin interaction with ubiquinone radicals made it an ideal candidate for a key component in redox-driven proton translocation. During the past years we have assigned the subunit localization of cluster N2 to subunit NuoB by site-directed mutagenesis and predicted its ligation by molecular simulation. Redox-induced FT-IR spectroscopy has shown that its redox reaction is accompanied by the protonation and deprotonation of individual amino acid residues. These residues have been identified by site-directed mutagenesis. The enzyme catalytic activity depends on the presence of cluster N2 and is coupled with major conformational changes. From these data a model for redox-induced conformation-driven proton translocation has been derived.
MLL 2 protein is a prognostic marker for gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Mixed linage leukemia gene 2 (MLL2) is identified as a novel mutation gene in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the significance of MLL2 protein expression for the prognosis of DLBCL is unclear. In this study, we detected MLL2 protein expression in primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B cell lymphoma (PGI-DLBCL) samples by using tissue microarray immunohistochemistry, and analyzed the correlation between MLL2 protein expression and tumor proliferation activity. In addition, we investigated clinical significance of MLL2 protein expression for PGI-DLBCL prognosis. We found that there was significant difference in MLL2 protein expression between PGIDLBCL and reactive hyperplasia of lymph node. High expression of MLL2 protein indicated higher clinical stage. In older patients (>60 years) with PGI-DLBCL, MLL2 protein expression was positively correlated with Ki-67 expression and negatively correlated with patient survival. Our data suggest that MLL2 protein is overexpressed in PGI-DLBCL and appears as a prognostic factor for patients of PGI-DLBCL, especially for those older than 60 years old.
ADMA and hepatic endothelial dysfunction in cirrhosis – the DDAH isoform is the key

To the Editor: We read with interest the recent article by Yang et al. (1) reporting improved hepatic endothelial dysfunction (HED) with vitamin E in cirrhotic rats. The authors have performed a rigorous assessment of liver haemodynamics confirming prior observations of portal pressure lowering effects with anti-oxidant therapy (2), whilst also demonstrating that beneficial haemodynamic effects occur without changes in hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS). This affirms notions that largely endothelial NOS (eNOS) maintains intrahepatic resistance (3). However, their observations contrast markedly with the literature in two key areas that significantly impacts on the interpretation of their data. Firstly, Yang et al. describe their bile duct ligated rats (BDL) cirrhotic model as having low eNOS and Phospho-eNOS expression. This is at variance with established literature demonstrating increased eNOS mRNA and protein in BDL rats and other cirrhosis models (4). Indeed, it was these observations, in part, that have moved the field towards assessing eNOS activity and its post-translational regulation and inhibition, as eNOS expression itself is not rate limiting. Secondly, Yang et al. (1) describe dimethylarginine dimethylamino hydrolase 2 (DDAH2) as the predominant DDAH liver subtype. This is also at odds with previous studies demonstrating DDAH1 as the most prominent liver subtype at both gene and protein levels (5,6). Moreover, DDAH1 has several-fold more potent hydrolase activity than DDAH2, and is therefore the major pathway for hepatic asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) degradation (6). It is interesting, therefore, to note that following vitamin E therapy, the authors show increased eNOS and DDAH-2 mRNA but ‘no’ change in DDAH1 gene expression. Protein expression is not described in the study by Yang et al. By contrast, we have shown that DDAH1 protein levels are reduced in BDL rats and these levels are restored with anti-TNFa therapy, associated with reduction in ADMA levels and portal pressure (7). It is most likely that reduced oxidant stress and potential nitrosative inhibition of DDAH-1 activity might explain the findings of Yang et al. (8). It is also important to note that the authors have interpreted their data as largely reflecting improved ADMA metabolism and not reduced hepatic ADMA generation, despite showing decreased PRMT levels after vitamin E therapy, implying potentially less arginine methylation. In summary, although modulation of redox state shows promise as a therapeutic option in liver disease, further studies with specific targeting of DDAH subtypes, along with mechanistic evaluation of NOS and DDAH activity is required to definitively show the importance of the ADMA-DDAH axis as a target in portal hypertension.
DEMOGRAPHICS , LEARNING AND IMITATION , AND BODY SCHEMA IN BODY INTEGRITY IDENTITY DISORDER

Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is a condition in which people generally desire amputation of healthy limbs but can also desire paralysis, blindness, or other disabilities. The current study explored the demographics and experiences of individuals with this condition with specific attention to perceived physical differences of the affected limbs. Participants were recruited from three BIID-focused Internet forums to participate in two online surveys. There were 97 unique participants total, the largest sample size of individuals with BIID to date. It was found that individuals with BIID differ from the normal population in handedness and sexual orientation. Participants who reported differences in sensation in the affected limb(s) were also significantly more likely to report difficulty in learning/imitation, difference of feeling during use, and difference in performance of the affected limb(s). Furthermore it was found that individuals who achieved amputation almost always experienced phantom limbs and that many participants choose to use prosthetics post-amputation. These results shed light on the many facets of BIID and the perception of self and body schema. Future studies using neuroimaging may be able to better understand the neural bases of BIID.
Supernova constraints on alternative models to dark energy

The recent observations of type Ia supernovae suggest that the universe is accelerating now and decelerated in the recent past. This may be the evidence of the breakdown of the standard Friedmann equation. The Friedmann equation H 2 � ρ is modified to be a general form H 2 = g(ρ). Three models with particular form of g(ρ) are considered in detail. The supernova data published by Tonry et al. (2003), Daly & Djorgovski (2003) and Knop et al. (2003) are used to analyze the models. After the best fit parameters are obtained, we then find out the transition redshift zT when the universe switched from the deceleration phase to the acceleration phase.
Dissociating hippocampal and striatal contributions to sequential prediction learning

Behavior may be generated on the basis of many different kinds of learned contingencies. For instance, responses could be guided by the direct association between a stimulus and response, or by sequential stimulus–stimulus relationships (as in model‐based reinforcement learning or goal‐directed actions). However, the neural architecture underlying sequential predictive learning is not well understood, in part because it is difficult to isolate its effect on choice behavior. To track such learning more directly, we examined reaction times (RTs) in a probabilistic sequential picture identification task in healthy individuals. We used computational learning models to isolate trial‐by‐trial effects of two distinct learning processes in behavior, and used these as signatures to analyse the separate neural substrates of each process. RTs were best explained via the combination of two delta rule learning processes with different learning rates. To examine neural manifestations of these learning processes, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to seek correlates of time‐series related to expectancy or surprise. We observed such correlates in two regions, hippocampus and striatum. By estimating the learning rates best explaining each signal, we verified that they were uniquely associated with one of the two distinct processes identified behaviorally. These differential correlates suggest that complementary anticipatory functions drive each region’s effect on behavior. Our results provide novel insights as to the quantitative computational distinctions between medial temporal and basal ganglia learning networks and enable experiments that exploit trial‐by‐trial measurement of the unique contributions of both hippocampus and striatum to response behavior.
Prevalence of leg wound complications after coronary artery bypass grafting: determination of risk factors.

BACKGROUND The reported prevalence of leg wound complications after coronary artery bypass grafting is 2% to 24%. Decreased length of hospital stay for patients who have this surgical procedure poses new care requirements in both acute care and community settings. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of postoperative leg wound complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and the risk factors associated with these complications. METHOD In this prospective, observational study, 547 consecutive patients who had coronary artery bypass grafting alone or in combination with other cardiac surgical procedures were examined for evidence of leg wound complications each day after surgery during hospitalization. After discharge, problems were detected by home care nurses. RESULTS The prevalence of leg wound complications was 6.8%. Factors significant by multiple logistic regression included preoperative hospitalization, use of an Ace elastic bandage in the operating room, the length of time the leg incision remained open in the operating room, and administration of nicardipine intravenously in the intensive care unit. Odds ratios were calculated for each variable. Premorbid factors such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease were not predictive of complications. On average, most problems occurred on postoperative day 10, when many patients were at home. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the need to detect complications early, in both the hospital and the community settings. The determination of factors related to poor outcomes may assist clinicians in improving healthcare delivery.
Development and validation of instruments measuring body image and body weight dissatisfaction in South African mothers and their daughters

Abstract Objective We sought to validate questionnaires concerning body image perception, body size dissatisfaction and weight-related beliefs in multi-ethnic South African mothers and their daughters. Settings and subjects: Girls attending primary school (ages 9–12 years, n = 333) and their mothers (n = 204) were interviewed regarding their demographics and body image. Weight, height and skinfold thicknesses were measured. Body image questions and body mass index (BMI) were compared with silhouettes adapted from the Pathways Study for girls and Stunkard's body image figures for mothers. A Feel–Ideal Difference (FID) index score was created by subtracting the score of the silhouette selected by the participants as ‘Ideal’ from the one selected as most closely representing their current appearance or ‘Feel’. We hypothesised that a higher FID index score would be associated with greater body size dissatisfaction. Results BMI percentiles in girls (r = 0.46, P < 0.05) and BMI in mothers (r = 0.68, P < 0.05) were positively correlated with the selected silhouettes based on size. Participants who reported feelings of being ‘fat’ and those who perceived that their family and friends were more dissatisfied with their body size had significantly higher FID index scores. Scores were lower in black than white girls (all P < 0.05). No differences were found in FID index scores between ethnic groups of mothers. Internal reliability of the ‘thin’ and ‘fat’ belief constructs for girls was demonstrated by standardised Cronbach's α values ≥0.7. Conclusion Silhouettes, FID index, ‘fat’ and ‘thin’ belief constructs (in girls) are age-appropriate, culturally sensitive and can be used in further intervention studies to understand body image.
Vitreous glutamate concentration and axon loss in monkeys with experimental glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate vitreous glutamate concentration and axon loss in monkeys with experimental glaucoma. METHODS We induced unilateral chronic glaucoma by means of laser trabecular destruction in 14 rhesus and 6 cynomolgus monkeys. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored weekly. We assessed optic nerve damage clinically and photographically. Vitreous, sampled immediately before enucleation, was analyzed for glutamate concentration by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. We quantified percentage of axon loss after histopathologic sectioning of the optic nerve, compared median glutamate concentration ratios, and assessed correlation of glutamate concentration, axon count, IOP, cup-disc ratio, duration of IOP elevation, and age. RESULTS Median vitreous glutamate concentration in glaucomatous eyes was 7.0 micromol/L (range, 3.0-88.6 micromol/L) vs 6.7 micromol/L (range, 2.8-87.4 micromol/L) in control eyes. The ratio (glaucomatous to control eyes) was 1.08. We found no significant correlation between vitreous glutamate concentration ratio and any of the other variables. The IOP, disc cupping, and axon loss were correlated. CONCLUSIONS We found no difference between vitreous glutamate concentration in glaucomatous and contralateral control monkey eyes when the entire data set was examined and no evidence of correlation between vitreous glutamate concentration and axon loss. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Vitreous concentration of the excitotoxic amino acid glutamate, thought to be associated with retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma, was not altered in this study.
An introduction to wavelets

Wavelets were developed independently by mathematicians, quantum physicists, electrical engineers and geologists, but collaborations among these fields during the last decade have led to new and varied applications. What are wavelets, and why might they be useful to you? The fundamental idea behind wavelets is to analyze according to scale. Indeed, some researchers feel that using wavelets means adopting a whole new mind-set or perspective in processing data. Wavelets are functions that satisfy certain mathematical requirements and are used in representing data or other functions. Most of the basic wavelet theory has now been done. The mathematics have been worked out in excruciating detail, and wavelet theory is now in the refinement stage. This involves generalizing and extending wavelets, such as in extending wavelet packet techniques. The future of wavelets lies in the as-yet uncharted territory of applications. Wavelet techniques have not been thoroughly worked out in such applications as practical data analysis, where, for example, discretely sampled time-series data might need to be analyzed. Such applications offer exciting avenues for exploration. >