Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Fold Pattern Recognition Using Bayesian Ensemble of RBF Neural Networks

Protein fold pattern recognition has been one of the most challenging problems in biology during the last 40 years. Recently due to the vast improvement in machine learning and pattern recognition methods many computer scientists have applied these methods to solve this problem. However, protein folding problem is much more complicated than ordinary machine learning problems because of its natural complexity imposed by the high dimensionality of feature space and diversity of different protein fold classes. To deal with such a challenging problem, we use an ensemble classifier model by applying MLP and RBF Neural Networks and Bayesian ensemble method. Also we have used the Laplace estimation method in order to smooth confusion matrices of the base classifiers. Experimental results imply that RBF Neural Network holds better Correct Classification Rate (CCR) compared to other common classification methods such as MLP networks. Our experiments also show that the Bayesian fusion method can improve the correct classification rate of proteins up to 20% with the final CCR of 59% by reducing both bias and variance error of the RBF classifiers, on a benchmark dataset containing 27 SCOP folds.
Cross-Layer Metrics for Reliable Routing in Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) have emerged as a flexible and low-cost network infrastructure, where heterogeneous mesh routers managed by different users collaborate to extend network coverage. This paper proposes a novel routing metric, Expected Forwarded Counter (EFW), and two further variants, to cope with the problem of selfish behavior (i.e., packet dropping) of mesh routers in a WMN. EFW combines, in a cross-layer fashion, routing-layer observations of forwarding behavior with MAC-layer measurements of wireless link quality to select the most reliable and high-performance path. We evaluate the proposed metrics both through simulations and real-life deployments on two different wireless testbeds, performing a comparative analysis with On-Demand Secure Byzantine Resilient Routing (ODSBR) Protocol and Expected Transmission Counter (ETX). The results show that our cross-layer metrics accurately capture the path reliability and considerably increase the WMN performance, even when a high percentage of network nodes misbehave.
The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is the most common chronic skin disorder, characterized by red and pruritic lesions. Its etiology is multifaceted, involving an interplay of factors, such as the allergic immune response, skin barrier dysfunction, and dysbiosis of the skin microbiota. Recent studies have explored the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are lipid bilayer-delimitated particles released by all cells, in atopic dermatitis. Examination of the available literature identified that most studies investigated EVs released by Staphylococcus aureus, which were found to impact the skin barrier and promote the release of cytokines that contribute to atopic dermatitis development. In addition, EVs released by the skin fungus, Malassezia sympodialis, were found to contain allergens, suggesting a potential contribution to allergic sensitization via the skin. The final major finding was the role of EVs released by mast cells, which were capable of activating various immune cells and attenuating the allergic response. While research in this area is still in its infancy, the studies examined in this review provide encouraging insights into how EVs released from a variety of cells play a role in both contributing to and protecting against atopic dermatitis.
Changes in the Temporal Structure of Periodic Breathing with Postnatal Development in Preterm Infants

The progressive decrease in the periodic cycle duration (PCD) of periodic breathing with postnatal age in term infants has been previously reported by a number of authors and is thought to be associated with peripheral chemoreceptor maturation. We hypothesized that a similar decrease should be observed in preterm infants. Therefore, in this study we measured the changes in PCD with postnatal age in a small group of preterm (n = 4) infants followed longitudinally (36 afternoon nap studies) over the first 6 mo postnatally. PCD declined in these infants from 17.1 ± 3.3 s (mean ± 2 SD) at 9 d to 9.8 ± 3.2 s (mean ± 2 SD) at 105 d. The regression slope was −0.072 s/d. Beyond 105 d there was no change in PCD up to 6 mo postnatally. We found no significant difference between active and quiet sleep. These results are similar to results previously published in term infants but apparently contradict recent data on a group of preterm infants. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. By examining long epochs of periodic breathing in these infants we also identified characteristic changes in PCD and V/A ratio, defined as the duration of the ventilatory period divided by the duration of the apneic interval. V/A ratio fell from the start of an epoch from 1.21 ± 0.08 (mean ± SEM) to a minimum of 0.62 ± 0.03 and then increased again to 0.8 ± 0.05 at the end of the epoch. We conclude that important maturational changes occur in the neonatal respiratory control system during the first 6 mo postnatally and that these changes are reflected in a fall in PCD of periodic breathing over this period. We also conclude that the characteristic changes which occur in V/A ratio and PCD are consistent with a role for chemical stimuli in the genesis of periodic breathing.
Dynamic strategy selection for physical robotic assistance in partially known tasks

It is well-known that physical robotic assistance to humans is significantly enhanced by including human behavior anticipation into robot planning and control. The challenge arises when the human goal/plan is uncertain or unknown to the robot. In this paper we propose a novel control scheme which dynamically selects between a model-based and a model-free strategy depending on the level of disagreement between the human and the robot. The disagreement is measured in terms of the interaction force. A task specific model-based controller is selected when the human's motion intention coincides with the robot's goal. A model-free control scheme based on the human force as motion prediction source is selected in case of disagreement and when the human goal/plan is unknown. The benefits of this approach are demonstrated in a human user study on human-robot cooperative object transport through a 2D maze in virtual reality.
Changes in mitral regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Objectives: To assess the acute and intermediate changes in mitral regurgitation (MR) severity after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the CoreValve Revalving SystemTM (CRS). Background: Following surgical aortic valve replacement, improvement in MR is reported in 27–82% of the patients. The changes in MR severity following CRS implantation are unknown. Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 79 consecutive patients before and after treatment, and at the first outpatient visit. Left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial (LA) size, and aortic gradient were measured. MR was assessed by color flow mapping and was graded as none, mild, moderate, or severe. It was defined as organic or functional. The depth of CRS implantation was measured by angiography. Results: Post‐treatment, the mean gradient decreased from 48 ± 16 mm Hg to 9 ± 5 mm Hg (P < 0.0001). There was no significant change in the left ventricular dimensions, LA size, and LVEF. MR pretreatment was mild, moderate, or severe in 57%, 18%, and 1% of the patients, respectively. It was defined as organic in 27 patients (36%) and functional in 27 patients (36%). The degree of MR remained unchanged in 61% of the patients, improved in 17%, and worsened in 22%. MR improvement was associated with a lower baseline LVEF (P = 0.02). There was no association between the changes in MR severity and the depth of CRS implantation. Conclusions: Most patients who underwent TAVI had some degree of MR. Overall there was no change in the degree of MR post‐treatment. Patients in whom MR improved had a lower LVEF at baseline. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convergence of joint mechanics in independently evolving, articulated coralline algae

ABSTRACT Flexible joints are a key innovation in the evolution of upright coralline algae. These structures have evolved in parallel at least three separate times, allowing the otherwise rigid, calcified thalli of upright corallines to achieve flexibility when subjected to hydrodynamic stress. As all bending occurs at the joints, stress is amplified, which necessitates that joints be made of material that is both extensible and strong. Data presented here indicate that coralline joints are in fact often stronger and more extensible, as well as tougher, than fleshy seaweed tissues. Corallinoids are particularly strong and tough, which is largely due to the presence of secondary cell walls that strengthen the joint tissue without adding bulk to the joint itself. Cell wall thickness is shown to be a large contributing factor to strength across all groups, with the exception of the corallinoid Cheilosporum sagittatum, which likely possesses distinct chemical composition in its walls to increase strength beyond that of all other species tested. Summary: Joints have evolved three times in coralline algae. Despite these independent origins, coralline joints are universally strong and extensible, which reflects the unique biomechanical challenges they face in wave-swept environments.
Increased Load Power With Centralized Control of Multiple Microgrid Resources

There are many rural areas on remote islands that cannot be reached by electricity sources from the utility grid. However, Indonesia is a country that has an abundant supply of renewable energy. One of the renewable energies that is obtained for free is solar energy sources. Renewable energy has great potential as a source of distributed electricity generation or microgrids. This article proposes a new method for providing large electrical power supplies for rural areas, namely multiple microgrids with a centralized control strategy. The purpose of this method is to provide stability of power supply to the load. In this method, each microgrid has solar panels (SP), batteries, and diesel generators (GD). Multiple microgrids provide power supply to DC loads and AC loads. The centralized controller uses an outseal programmable logic controller (PLC) which functions to regulate the power flow of microgrid 1 (MG1), microgrid 2 (MG2), and microgrid 3 (MG3) to the load alternately. Simulation test results show the performance of a centralized control which is able to provide power supply to the load according to demand or changes in load. Power regulation management for rural areas can be developed for large-scale microgrid systems. Keywords: multiple-microgrid; centralized control; solar panel
Very Slow Retrograde and Wallerian Degeneration in the CNS of C57BL/Ola Mice

Wallerian degeneration following peripheral nerve transection in C57BL/Ola mice is very slow in comparison to other strains of mice. We show that following optic nerve transection, the axons of retinal ganglion cells in C57BL/Ola mice undergo very slow Wallerian degeneration and that retrograde degeneration of the ganglion cell bodies is much slower than in other strains of mice. The results suggest that the gene product affecting Wallerian degeneration in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) also confers a greater resistance to degeneration on central nervous system (CNS) neurons.
Nasal inflammation in Parietaria-allergic patients is associated with pollen exposure.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by IgE-mediated reactivity that leads to inflammation of the nasal mucosa by a typical cellular pattern consisting of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and mast cells. Several allergens can cause AR, although pollens are the most common source. Each type of pollen has a specific pollination season and biological properties that affect proinflammatory activity [1]. Allergic inflammation is closely related to pollen exposure [2]. The weed Parietaria officinalis is found throughout the Mediterranean area; it is a common source of sensitization, and its pollination period is long [3]. In southern Italy, many physicians consider Parietaria pollen to be a perennial allergen. The aim of this study was to confirm the relationship between exposure to pollen and inflammatory events in a group of AR patients allergic only to Parietaria by assessing inflammatory cells monthly over a 1-year period. Our study population comprised 20 patients (11 males and 9 females, median age 35 years) with AR due to Parietaria pollen who were seen consecutively at the Rhinoallergology Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Bari, Italy in 2011. The inclusion criteria were a confirmed diagnosis of AR according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma guidelines [6] and monosensitization to Parietaria pollen. Nasal cytology was performed monthly during the study. The pollen count for the whole of 2011 was recorded. Patients underwent the following procedures: Skin prick test: Allergy was assessed by performing a skin prick test with a panel of the most common aeroallergens according to the recommendations of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology [4]. The patient was considered to have Parietaria-induced AR if the nasal symptoms were consistent with sensitization. Nasal cytology: The procedure was performed by scraping the middle part of the inferior turbinate with a Rhino-Probe (Arlington Scientific). The sample was smeared on a slide, fixed by air-drying, and colored using May-Grunwald Giemsa staining. Coloration quality and cell distribution were examined using microscopy (original magnification, x400); cell types were identified, and intracellular components were studied at x1000 in immersion. The mean number per 50 fields was calculated and reported as previously described [5]. Parietaria pollen count: We recorded 52 mean weekly Parietaria pollen concentration values and peaks (grains/m3 of air) in Bari, Italy between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. The Parietaria pollen season started on the 98th day of the year and ended on the 289th day. We observed 2 peaks: the first was between April and May, and the second between late August and early September. The Figure shows the trend for the pollen season in 2011.
Synchronization between motor cortex and spinal motoneuronal pool during the performance of a maintained motor task in man.

1. Simultaneous recordings of cortical activity, recorded as the magnetoencephalogram (MEG), and the electromyogram (EMG) of the ipsilateral and contralateral first dorsal interosseous muscles (1DI) were made during maintained voluntary contractions. 2. The MEG recorded from a localized region of the sensorimotor cortex of the dominant hemisphere was coherent with the EMG from the contralateral 1DI muscle over a limited band of frequencies. The peak coherence was confined largely within the beta range of cortical activity (13‐35 Hz). Significant cortical activity at 10 Hz and 40‐50 Hz was not correlated with motor output. The MEG and EMG from the ipsilateral 1DI muscle were uncorrelated at all frequencies. 3. Significant coherence between the MEG and the EMG was associated with synchronous behaviour between the MEG and EMG in the time domain. 4. The results demonstrate that synchronized cortical activity contributing to MEG activity within the beta range of frequencies during maintained voluntary contractions is coupled to motor output at frequencies of motor‐unit activity associated with motor‐unit synchronization. This observation provides further evidence for the involvement of cortical neurones in the generation of motor‐unit synchronization. 5. We suggest that the coherence between MEG and contralateral EMG observed during maintained isometric contractions may provide an example of binding within the motor system.
Phylogenetic comparative analysis of electric communication signals in ghost knifefishes (Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae)

SUMMARY Electrocommunication signals in electric fish are diverse, easily recorded and have well-characterized neural control. Two signal features, the frequency and waveform of the electric organ discharge (EOD), vary widely across species. Modulations of the EOD (i.e. chirps and gradual frequency rises) also function as active communication signals during social interactions, but they have been studied in relatively few species. We compared the electrocommunication signals of 13 species in the largest gymnotiform family, Apteronotidae. Playback stimuli were used to elicit chirps and rises. We analyzed EOD frequency and waveform and the production and structure of chirps and rises. Species diversity in these signals was characterized with discriminant function analyses, and correlations between signal parameters were tested with phylogenetic comparative methods. Signals varied markedly across species and even between congeners and populations of the same species. Chirps and EODs were particularly evolutionarily labile, whereas rises differed little across species. Although all chirp parameters contributed to species differences in these signals, chirp amplitude modulation, frequency modulation (FM) and duration were particularly diverse. Within this diversity, however, interspecific correlations between chirp parameters suggest that mechanistic trade-offs may shape some aspects of signal evolution. In particular, a consistent trade-off between FM and EOD amplitude during chirps is likely to have influenced the evolution of chirp structure. These patterns suggest that functional or mechanistic linkages between signal parameters (e.g. the inability of electromotor neurons increase their firing rates without a loss of synchrony or amplitude of action potentials) constrain the evolution of signal structure.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of a masonry building through electrical and seismic tomography validated by biological analyses

In this paper, we present an integrated approach, for assessing the condition of an ancient Roman building, affected by rising damp and cracking phenomena. The combination of high-resolution geophysical methods, such as seismic and electrical tomography, with biological information, allowed a more detailed evaluation of the state of conservation of the masonry building. A preliminary three-dimensional electrical survey was conducted to detect the existing building foundations and to determine the variation of the resistivity in the ground. Then, electrical and seismic tomography investigations were carried out on an inner wall of opus caementicium, subjected to rising damp effects and cracks. This approach was adopted to obtain a high-resolution image of the wall, which allowed to identify the inner mortar and the outer brick component from resistivity and velocity contrasts. Furthermore, the geophysical results revealed evidence of wall fractures (indicated by low velocity and high resistivity values) and a significant volume where rising of damp was taking place (resulting in a low resistivity zone). Biological analyses validated the geophysical model: in fact, the biological proliferation occurred up to a height of 0.75 m, where the interface between high and low resistivity values was recovered. This approach can be employed to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of masonry structures in order to plan recovery actions.
Neuropsychological function in patients with Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease from the Indiana Kindred (F198S)

Three patients with Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) caused by a serine-for-phenylalanine substitution at codon 198 of the prion protein gene (PRNP) were compared to 9 age- and education-matched non-mutation-carriers from the same large Indiana kindred (GSS–IK) on a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Clinically significant impairments in intelligence, secondary memory, attention and cognitive processing speed, executive ability, and manual motor skills were noted in 2 patients. The wide range and the severity of the cognitive deficits indicated generalized cerebral dysfunction consistent with global dementia. One patient, symptomatic for less than 1 year, had more selective deficits involving memory, motor skills, and verbal fluency, suggesting early subcortical involvement. (JINS, 1997, 3, 169–178.)
The anti‐obesity effect of rimonabant is associated with an improved serum lipid profile

We investigated the effects of chronic treatment with the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant (10 mg/kg/day p.o. for 10 weeks) in mice with established obesity (5‐month high‐fat diet). Untreated obese mice showed a weight gain of 46% (45.0 ± 0.6 g vs. 30.8 ± 0.5 g) compared with age‐matched animals fed a standard diet. Rimonabant treatment, commencing after 5‐month high‐fat diet, produced a marked and sustained decrease in body weight (34.5 ± 0.8 g vs. 47.2 ± 0.5 g in the high‐fat vehicle group, p < 0.001). The anti‐obesity effect of rimonabant was similar to that obtained by switching obese mice from high‐fat diet to standard laboratory diet during 10 weeks (final weight 33.7 ± 0.6 g) and was associated with only transient (14 days) reduction in energy intake. Serum leptin, insulin and glucose levels were markedly elevated in obese animals. Rimonabant treatment significantly reduced these elevations (leptin −81%, insulin −78%, glucose −67%, p < 0.001 in all cases vs. high‐fat vehicle group). In addition, rimonabant treatment modestly but significantly increased serum adiponectin levels (+18%, p < 0.05 vs. high‐fat vehicle group). Obese mice demonstrated abnormal serum lipid profiles. Although rimonabant did not modify high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and had modest effects on total cholesterol, it significantly reduced triglycerides and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and, notably, increased the HDLc/LDLc ratio (12.4 ± 0.8 vs. 7.9 ± 0.2 in high‐fat vehicle group, p < 0.001). Therefore, in a model of established obesity, chronic rimonabant treatment produces a marked and sustained decrease in body weight (equivalent to that achieved by dietary change) which is associated with favourable modifications in serum biochemical and lipid profiles.
Estimating the Odometry Error of a Mobile Robot during Navigation

This paper addresses the problem of the odometry error estimation during the robot navigation. The robot is equipped with an external sensor (like laser range finder). Concerning the systematic error an augmented Kalman Filter is introduced. This filter estimates a vector state containing the robot configuration and the parameters characterizing the systematic component of the odometry error. It uses encoder readings as inputs and the readings from the external sensor as observations. The estimation of the non-systematic component is carried out through another Kalman Filter where the observations are obtained by two subsequent robot configurations provided by the previous augmented Kalman Filter. Both synchronous and differential drive systems are considered.