Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptidergic integration of behavior in Trichoplax adhaerens, an animal without synapses

ABSTRACT Trichoplax adhaerens is a flat, millimeter-sized marine animal that adheres to surfaces and grazes on algae. Trichoplax displays a repertoire of different feeding behaviors despite the apparent absence of a true nervous system with electrical or chemical synapses. It glides along surfaces to find food, propelled by beating cilia on cells at its ventral surface, and pauses during feeding by arresting ciliary beating. We found that when endomorphin-like peptides are applied to an animal, ciliary beating is arrested, mimicking natural feeding pauses. Antibodies against these neuropeptides label cells that express the neurosecretory proteins and voltage-gated calcium channels implicated in regulated secretion. These cells are embedded in the ventral epithelium, where they comprise only 4% of the total, and are concentrated around the edge of the animal. Each bears a cilium likely to be chemosensory and used to detect algae. Trichoplax pausing during feeding or spontaneously in the absence of food often induce their neighbors to pause as well, even neighbors not in direct contact. Pausing behavior propagates from animal to animal across distances much greater than the signal that diffuses from just one animal, so we presume that the peptides secreted from one animal elicit secretion from nearby animals. Signal amplification by peptide-induced peptide secretion explains how a small number of sensory secretory cells lacking processes and synapses can evoke a wave of peptide secretion across the entire animal to globally arrest ciliary beating and allow pausing during feeding. Highlighted Article: Trichoplax, a primitive marine animal that lacks neurons and synapses, has neurosecretory cells that secrete a peptide into the ambient seawater to arrest ciliary beating during feeding.
Distributed source localization using ESPRIT algorithm

A new algorithm based on ESPRIT is proposed for the estimation of the central angle and angular extension of distributed sources. The central angles are estimated using TLS-ESPRIT for both incoherently distributed (ID) and coherently distributed (CD) sources. For CD sources, the extension width is estimated by constructing a one-dimensional (1-D) distributed source parameter estimator (DSPE) spectrum for each source. For ID sources, the extension widths are estimated using the central moments of the distribution. The algorithm can be used for sources with different angular distributions.
Tyrosine Aminotransferase Catalyzes the Final Step of Methionine Recycling in Klebsiella pneumoniae

ABSTRACT An aminotransferase which catalyzes the final step in methionine recycling from methylthioadenosine, the conversion of α-ketomethiobutyrate to methionine, has been purified fromKlebsiella pneumoniae and characterized. The enzyme was found to be a homodimer of 45-kDa subunits, and it catalyzed methionine formation primarily using aromatic amino acids and glutamate as the amino donors. Histidine, leucine, asparagine, and arginine were also functional amino donors but to a lesser extent. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme was determined and found to be almost identical to the N-terminal sequence of both the Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium tyrosine aminotransferases (tyrB gene products). The structural gene for the tyrosine aminotransferase was cloned from K. pneumoniae and expressed in E. coli. The deduced amino acid sequence displayed 83, 80, 38, and 34% identity to the tyrosine aminotransferases from E. coli, S. typhimurium, Paracoccus denitrificans, andRhizobium meliloti, respectively, but it showed less than 13% identity to any characterized eukaryotic tyrosine aminotransferase. Structural motifs around key invariant residues placed the K. pneumoniae enzyme within the Ia subfamily of aminotransferases. Kinetic analysis of the aminotransferase showed that reactions of an aromatic amino acid with α-ketomethiobutyrate and of glutamate with α-ketomethiobutyrate proceed as favorably as the well-known reactions of tyrosine with α-ketoglutarate and tyrosine with oxaloacetate normally associated with tyrosine aminotransferases. The aminotransferase was inhibited by the aminooxy compounds canaline and carboxymethoxylamine but not by substrate analogues, such as nitrotyrosine or nitrophenylalanine.
Comparing predictability of board strength between computed tomography, discrete X-ray, and 3D scanning of Norway spruce logs

Abstract Strength graded boards of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) are important products for many Scandinavian sawmills. If the bending strength of the produced boards can be predicted before sawing the logs, the raw material can be used more efficiently. In previous studies it is shown that the bending strength can be predicted to some extent using discrete X-ray scanning of logs. In this study, we have evaluated if it is possible to predict bending strength of Norway spruce boards with higher accuracy using computed tomography (CT) scanning of logs compared to a combination of discrete X-ray and 3D scanning. The method was to construct multivariate models of bending strength for three different board dimensions. Our results showed that CT scanning of logs produces better models of bending strength compared to a combination of discrete X-ray and 3D scanning. The main reason for this difference was the benefit of knowing the position of where the boards were cut from the logs and therefore detailed knot information could be used in the prediction models. Due to the small number of observations in this study, care should be taken when comparing the resulting prediction models to results from other studies.
A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Associated With Walking and Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Latino Adults

Background: Ethnic/racial minorities often live in neighborhoods that are not conducive to physical activity (PA) participation. We examined perceived factors related to walking/PA among Spanish- and English-speaking older Latinos in a low-income, multi-ethnic neighborhood. Method: Exploratory focus group study was conducted with Latinos stratified by preferred language and gender: English-speaking women (n = 7, M age = 74.6); English-speaking men (n = 3, M age = 69.3); Spanish-speaking women (n = 5, M age = 66.4); Spanish-speaking men (n = 5, M age = 74.0). Focus group audio files were transcribed, and qualitative research software was used to code and analyze documents. Results: At the individual level, reasons for exercising (improved health) and positive health outcome expectancies (weight loss and decreased knee pain) were discussed. Neighborhood/environmental factors of safety (fear of crime), neighborhood changes (lack of jobs and decreased social networks), weather, and destination walking were discussed. Discussion: Individual and environmental factors influence PA of older, urban Latinos, and should be taken into consideration in health promotion efforts.
The regulation of p53 by phosphorylation: a model for how distinct signals integrate into the p53 pathway

The tumour suppressor p53 is a transcription factor that has evolved the ability to integrate distinct environmental signals including DNA damage, virus infection, and cytokine signaling into a common biological outcome that maintains normal cellular control. Mutations in p53 switch the cellular transcription program resulting in deregulation of the stress responses that normally maintain cell and tissue integrity. Transgenic studies in mice have indicated that changes in the specific activity of p53 can have profound effects not only on cancer development, but also on organism aging. As the specific activity of p53 is regulated at a post-translational level by sets of enzymes that mediate phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitin-like modifications, it is likely that physiological modifiers of the aging function of p53 would be enzymes that catalyze such covalent modifications. We demonstrate that distinct stress-activated kinases, including ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), casein kinase 1 (CK1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mediate phosphorylation of a key phospho-acceptor site in the p53 transactivation domain in response to diverse stresses including ionizing radiation, DNA virus infection, and elevation in the intracellular AMP/ATP ratio. As diseases linked to aging can involve activation of p53-dependent changes in cellular protective pathways, the development of specific physiological models might further shed light on the role of p53 kinases in modifying age-related diseases.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Parathyroid Lesions

Background There has been an increase in the use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for the diagnosis of parathyroid lesions (PLs). Differentiation between a thyroid lesion and a PL is not easy because of their similar features. We reviewed parathyroid aspirates in our institution and aimed to uncover trends in diagnostic criteria. Methods We selected 25 parathyroid aspirates (from 6 men and 19 women) confirmed surgically or immunohistochemically from 2006 to 2011. Results Major architectural findings of PLs include scattered naked nuclei, loose clusters, a papillary pattern with a fibrovascular core, tight clusters, and a follicular pattern. These architectures were commonly admixed with one another. Cytological features included anisokaryosis, stippled chromatin, a well-defined cell border, and oxyphilic cytoplasm. Eighteen of the 25 patients were diagnosed with PL using FNAC. Seven patients had been misdiagnosed with atypical cells (n=2), benign follicular cells (n=2), adenomatous goiter (n=2) and metastatic carcinoma (n=1) in FNAC. Using clinicoradiologic data, the sensitivity of the cytological diagnosis was 86.7%. The cytological sensitivity decreased to 50% without this information. Conclusions FNAC of PL is easily confused with thyroid lesions. A combination of cytological parameters and clinical data will be required to improve the diagnostic sensitivity of PLs.
The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism modulates sleep intensity: EEG frequency- and state-specificity.

STUDY OBJECTIVES EEG slow waves are the hallmark of deep NREM sleep and may reflect the restorative functions of sleep. Evidence suggests that increased sleep slow waves after sleep deprivation reflect plastic synaptic processes, and that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is causally involved in their homeostatic regulation. The functional Val66Met polymorphism of the gene encoding pro-BDNF causes impaired activity-dependent secretion of mature BDNF protein. We investigated whether this polymorphism contributes to the pronounced inter-individual variation in sleep slow wave activity (SWA) in humans. SETTING Sleep laboratory in temporal isolation unit. PARTICIPANTS Eleven heterozygous Met allele carriers and 11 individually sex- and age-matched Val/Val homozygotes. INTERVENTIONS Forty hours prolonged wakefulness. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Cognitive performance, subjective state, and waking and sleep EEG in baseline and after sleep deprivation were studied. Val/Val homozygotes showed better response accuracy than Met allele carriers on a verbal 2-back working memory task. This difference did not reflect genotype-dependent differences in sleepiness, well-being, or sustained attention. In baseline and recovery nights, deep stage 4 sleep and NREM sleep intensity as quantified by EEG SWA (0.75-4.5 Hz) were higher in Val/Val compared to Val/Met genotype. Similar to sleep deprivation, the difference was most pronounced in the first NREM sleep episode. By contrast, increased activity in higher EEG frequencies (> 6 Hz) in wakefulness and REM sleep was distinct from the effects of prolonged wakefulness. CONCLUSION BDNF contributes to the regulation of sleep slow wave oscillations, suggesting that genetically determined variation in neuronal plasticity modulates NREM sleep intensity in humans.
Point-of-care testing error: sources and amplifiers, taxonomy, prevention strategies, and detection monitors.

CONTEXT In a survey performed 4 years ago, testing venues doing only point-of-care testing (POCT) made up 78% of sites for patient testing licensed under federal regulations. OBJECTIVES To identify sources of POCT error, to present a classification of such errors, to suggest strategies to prevent errors, and to describe monitors that assess and reduce the frequency of errors. DESIGN To identify sources of POCT error, large studies of error among US Federal Certificate of Waiver laboratories (CoWs) and practitioner-performed microscopy certificate holders were reviewed. To facilitate investigation and management of POCT error, a taxonomy of such errors (modified from a classification previously published by Gerald Kost) was used to identify 4 steps with error potential in each of the 3 phases (ie, preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic) of the POCT process. To prevent observed POCT errors, 4 strategies are suggested: direct observation of instrument/method functionality, structured observation of method performance, proficiency testing/use of relevant test scenarios, and autonomation. To assess frequency of errors, a quartet of indices are introduced as detection monitors: order documentation, patient identification, specimen adequacy, and result integrity. RESULTS Three sources of POCT error were identified: operator incompetence, nonadherence to test procedures, and use of uncontrolled reagents and equipment. Three other characteristics of many point-of-care tests amplify their risk of error: incoherent regulation, rapid availability of results, and the results' immediate therapeutic implications. Two members of the quartet of detection monitors, order documentation and specimen adequacy, are relatively difficult to measure and are controversial, but the other 2, patient identification and result integrity, are easier to assess and are relatively widely accepted. CONCLUSIONS Point-of-care testing errors are relatively common, their frequency is amplified by incoherent regulation, and their likelihood of affecting patient care is amplified by the rapid availability of POCT results and the results' immediate therapeutic implications. The modified Kost taxonomy offers a reasonable approach to the identification of POCT errors. Direct observation of test functionality, structured observation of test performance, and testing the competence of POCT operators, as well as autonomation of devices, are strategies to prevent such errors. In this context, we suggest monitoring POCT order documentation, patient identification, specimen integrity, and result reporting to detect errors in this sort of testing.
A theory of a.c. conduction in chalcogenide glasses

Abstract An electrical conductivity having a frequency dependence ∼ω s , where s < 1, has been reported for many amorphous semiconductors and chalcogenide glasses. It is the purpose of this paper to point out that the mechanism normally postulated for this behaviour, namely, thermally assisted quantum-mechanical tunnelling, is inappropriate for the case of the chalcogenide glasses. Instead, a mechanism is proposed in which two electrons hop over a potential barrier between defect sites, the height of the barrier being correlated with the intersite separation. The theory of this effect is seen to explain many features observed experimentally; in particular, the variation of the exponent a between different materials and its temperature dependence. New estimates for the spatial densities of states of these materials are made and are in reasonably close agreement with values inferred from other experimental data.
Carotid ultrasound in children: a window to arterial ageing

Carotid ultrasound is a well-established research tool that can identify the presence of atherosclerosis and quantify the degree of arterial injury in a broad range of populations. A specific application of carotid ultrasound, measurement of intima-media thickness (IMT), precisely quantifies the combined thicknesses of intimal and medial layers of the arterial wall. Carotid IMT values are strongly associated with abnormal levels of risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease and prevalent vascular disease, and independently predict future cardiovascular disease events.1 In well-trained hands, the accuracy and reproducibility of carotid IMT are unsurpassed among non-invasive tests of arterial injury. The strong evidence base associating increased cardiovascular disease risk with increasing carotid IMT has led to this test being recommended, in selected adults, as a clinical tool to assist with cardiovascular disease risk prediction. Arterial wall thickness increases with ageing, as a result of age-associated cellular and biochemical changes that lead to progressive thickening of the intimal and medial layers, even in the absence of histological atherosclerosis.2 In humans, carotid IMT increases nearly threefold between the ages of 20 and 90 years.3 These changes can be attributed to abnormalities of endothelial function, increases in procoagulant, vasoconstrictive and inflammatory molecules, increased oxidative stress and the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells.4 5 Indeed, childhood measures of cardiovascular disease risk factors such elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and body mass index predicted carotid IMT among young adults (aged 25–37 years) in the Bogalusa Heart Study who were followed for a median of 22 years.6 Similarly, the Young Finns Study demonstrated that childhood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, body mass index, systolic blood pressure and smoking predicted carotid …
Electric-Field Energy Harvesting From Lighting Elements for Battery-Less Internet of Things

Internet of Things (IoT) is envisioned to bring the Internet connection to every object/ service/process to seamlessly and efficiently observe, manage, and control pervasive systems. This necessitates the employment of wireless standalone devices in excessive numbers. However, periodic maintenance of thousands, maybe millions of batteries will add massive workload and replenishment costs to the operation. In order to alleviate this problem, we introduce a totally new energy harvesting paradigm based on utilizing ambient electric-field in the vicinity of lighting elements. A low voltage prototype is designed, constituted, and evaluated on a generic $4\times 18\text{W}$ -T8 ceiling-type fluorescent troffer. Empirical results disclose the availability of 1.5 J of energy that can be gathered in 30 min when a copper plate, i.e., the harvester, covered by a reflective dielectric is employed. The design issues to achieve the best performance attainable are addressed in both theoretical and experimental manners. The physical model of the proposed technique and an applicable circuit diagram for its execution are provided. We also point out possible application areas, and protocol stack requirements specific to our proposal to conveniently enable self-configuring IoT services, which are free from battery constraints.
Honey and a Mixture of Honey, Beeswax, and Olive Oil–Propolis Extract in Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

In spite of being one of the most investigated subjects among supportive care in cancer, no therapy has been found effective in treatment of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. Based on the observations that honey bees products have anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects, the present study tried to evaluate the effect of topical application of honey and a mixture of honey, olive oil–propolis extract, and beeswax (HOPE) in treatment of oral mucositis. This was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 90 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and oral mucositis grades 2 and 3. The mean age of enrolled patients was 6.9 years. The patients were assigned into 3 equal treatment groups: Honey, HOPE, and control groups. Topical treatment for each patient consists of honey, HOPE, and benzocaine gel for honey, HOPE, and control groups, respectively. Recovery time in grade 2 mucositis was significantly reduced in the honey group as compared with either HOPE or controls (P < .05). In grade 3 mucositis, recovery time did not differ significantly between honey and HOPE (P = 0.61) but compared with controls, healing was faster with either honey or HOPE (P < .01). Generally, in both grades of mucositis, honey produced faster healing than either HOPE or controls (P < .05). Based on our results that showed that honey produced faster healing in patients with grade 2/3 chemotherapy-induced mucositis, we recommend using honey and possibly other bee products and olive oil in future therapeutic trials targeting chemotherapy-induced mucositis
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience Aging Neuroscience Review Article Non-invasive Brain Stimulation

tions. Furthermore, the novel field of applying these techniques to increase behavior, neuronal plasticity and learning, e.g., in the sensorimotor domain as a model system, will be presented. Rather than attempting to be comprehensive in terms of reviewed work, this article intends to provide a clearly structured framework of the application of these techniques to understand and support plastic changes in the aging population. Two main non-invasive brain stimulation methods to modulate cor-tical excitability have proved to be promising to induce long-lasting plastic changes in the sensori motor and cognitive systems. repetitive traNscraNial magNetic stimulatioN Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a painless and non-invasive technique to stimulate the brain. It consists of brief electrical currents delivered to the brain by an insulated wire coil placed on the skull. Currents generate a transient, high-intensity magnetic field with lines of flux running perpendicular to the coil. If the coil is held over the subjects head, it induces a secondary electrical current in the brain perpendicularly to the magnetic field that is capable of depolarizing neurons. All cortical areas beneath the skull can be potentially modulated, however most studies have focused on the motor cortex where an electromyographic response (motor evoked potential [MEP]) to single-pulse TMS can be measured providing the opportunity to read out changes in cortical activation (for details, please see Hummel and Cohen, 2005; Hallett, 2007). Depending on the frequency, duration, strength of the magnetic field and shape of the coil, rTMS can enhance or suppress activity in underlying cortical regions (Hummel and Cohen, 2005; Fregni and Pascual-Leone, 2007). In general, " high-frequency stimulation " refers to frequencies above 5 Hz and is considered to produce an excitatory effect, whereas " low frequency stimulation " refers to iNtroductioN
TRIGONOMETRIC PARALLAXES OF MASSIVE STAR-FORMING REGIONS. II. CEP A AND NGC 7538

We report trigonometric parallaxes for the sources NGC 7538 and Cep A, corresponding to distances of 2.65+0.12−0.11 and 0.70+0.04−0.04 kpc, respectively. The distance to NGC 7538 is considerably smaller than its kinematic distance and places it in the Perseus spiral arm. The distance to Cep A is also smaller than its kinematic distance and places it in the “Local” arm or spur. Combining the distance and proper motions with observed radial velocities gives the location and full space motion of the star-forming regions. We find significant deviations from circular galactic orbits for these sources: both sources show large peculiar motions (greater than 10 km s−1) counter to galactic rotation and NGC 7538 has a comparable peculiar motion toward the Galactic center.