Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed flow sensing for closed-loop speed control of a flexible fish robot

Flexibility plays an important role in fish behavior by enabling high maneuverability for predator avoidance and swimming in turbulent flow. This paper presents a novel flexible fish robot equipped with distributed pressure sensors for flow sensing. The body of the robot is molded from soft, hyperelastic material, which provides flexibility. Its Joukowski-foil shape is conducive to modeling the fluid analytically. A quasi-steady potential-flow model is adopted for real-time flow estimation, whereas a discrete-time vortex-shedding flow model is used for higher-fidelity simulation. The dynamics for the flexible fish robot yield a reduced model for one-dimensional swimming. A recursive Bayesian filter assimilates pressure measurements to estimate flow speed, angle of attack, and foil camber. The closed-loop speed-control strategy combines an inverse-mapping feedforward controller based on an average model derived for periodic actuation of angle-of-attack and a proportional-integral feedback controller utilizing the estimated flow information. Simulation and experimental results are presented to show the effectiveness of the estimation and control strategy. The paper provides a systematic approach to distributed flow sensing for closed-loop speed control of a flexible fish robot by regulating the flapping amplitude.
Local Labor Market Effects of Public Employment

This paper quantifies the impact of public employment on local labor markets in the long-run. We adopt two quantitative approaches and apply them to the case of Spanish cities. In the first, we develop a 3-sector (public, tradable and non-tradable) search and matching model embedded within a spatial equilibrium model. We characterize the steady state of the model, which we calibrate to match the labor market characteristics of the average Spanish city. The model is then used to simulate the local labor market effects of expanding public sector employment. In the second empirical approach, we use regression analysis to estimate the effects of public sector job expansions on decadal changes (1980-1990 and 1990-2001) in the employment and population of Spanish cities. This analysis exploits the dramatic expansion of public employment that followed the advent of democracy in the period 1980 to 2001. The instrumental variables’ approach that we adopt uses the capital status of cities to instrument for changes in public sector employment. The two empirical approaches yield qualitatively similar results and, thus, cross-check each other. One additional public sector job creates about 1.3 jobs in the private sector. However, these new jobs do not translate into a substantial reduction in the local unemployment rate as better labor market conditions attract new workers to the city. Increasing public employment by 50% only reduces unemployment from 0.156 to 0.150.
Beta-lactam-specific resistant mutants of Staphylococcus aureus

In an approach to understanding the origin of methicillin resistance in clinical isolates of staphylococci, a series of Staphylococcus aureus mutants resistant to various beta-lactam antibiotics were isolated in the laboratory by antibiotic selection. Mutants with low- and intermediate-level resistance showed considerable specificity for the particular antibiotic used in the selection process (methicillin, cefotaxime, cephalexin, and amdinocillin), and resistance in such mutants also showed alterations in the antibiotic binding capacities of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). In each case the isolation of mutants resistant to high concentrations of antibiotics required sequential passage in gradually increasing concentrations of the drug. The acquisition of increasing levels of methicillin resistance was paralleled by a gradual decrease in the binding capacities of PBPs 2, 3, and, possibly, 1. In a highly methicillin-resistant mutant (MIC, 150 micrograms/ml), PBPs 2 and 3 were no longer detectable by the penicillin binding assay. Instead, a new PBP of poor binding capacity and anomalous molecular size (about 78 kilodaltons [kDa]) appeared in these cells. This corresponds to the molecular size of PBP 2a, the unique PBP that appears to be the biochemical correlate of resistance in clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Also, similar to the case of resistant clinical isolates, high-level beta-lactam resistance was highly pH dependent in the laboratory mutants. We compared the patterns of radioactive peptides generated by partial proteolysis from the penicillin-labeled PBP 2 of antibiotic-susceptible staphylococci and from the 78-kDa PBP 2a of a resistant clinical strain. Although the patterns were clearly different, seven of the eight characteristic peptides generated from PBP 2 of the susceptible strain were also detectable among the peptides released from PBP 2a. The results suggest that the 78-kDa PBP 2a of the resistant clinical strain evolved from PBP 2 of antibiotic-susceptible staphylococci and that in PBP 2a of the clinical isolate mutational changes have resulted in extensive alterations near the beta-lactam binding site.
Identification of rice manganese-dependent protein kinases that phosphorylate sucrose synthase at multiple serine residues

Sucrose synthase from the etiolated seedlings of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Tainung 67) was phosphory- lated both in vivo and in vitro. Four protein kinases that phosphorylated recombinant rice sucrose synthase 1 (RSuS1) in a Mn 2+ -dependent manner were partially purified and characterized from etiolated rice seedlings. These four kinases, designated as RPK1, RPK2, RPK3 and RPK4, are monomeric enzymes with apparent molecular masses of 34 kDa, 57 kDa, 30 kDa, and 30 kDa, respectively. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the 32 P-labeled phosphorylated recombi- nant RSuS1 indicated that it was phosphorylated at serine residues by these four RPKs. RP-HPLC/ESI-MS analysis of the tryptic peptides of phosphorylated RSuS suggested that the serine residues in the tryptic peptides 13-LHSVR- 17 and 168-HLSSK-172 were the target residues for phosphorylation. For confirmation of this finding, mutant re- combinant RSuS1, S15A, S170A and S15A/S170A, were purified and subjected to phosphorylation by the four partially purified kinases. The results showed that both Ser15 and Ser170 residues were target residues for RPK1, PRK2 and PRK3 and Ser15 was the major phosphorylation site in RSuS1. Phosphorylation of RSuS1 may not occur exclu- sively at these two sites since weak phosphorylation of the double mutant protein S15A/S170A was also observed. Phosphorylation of the mutant S15A and S15A/S170A by RPK4 was undetectable, indicating that Ser15 was the only target residue for this kinase.
Charged amino acid residues of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 nucleocapsid p7 protein involved in RNA packaging and infectivity

Interaction of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag precursor polyprotein (Pr55Gag) with the viral genomic RNA is required for retroviral replication. Mutations that reduce RNA packaging efficiency have been localized to the highly basic nucleocapsid (NC) p7 domain of Pr55Gag, but the importance of the basic amino acid residues in specific viral RNA encapsidation and infectivity has not been thoroughly investigated in vivo. We have systematically substituted the positively charged residues of the NC domain of Pr55Gag in an HIV-1 viral clone by using alanine scanning mutagenesis and have assayed the effects of these mutations on virus replication, particle formation, and RNA packaging in vivo. Analysis of viral clones with single substitutions revealed that certain charged amino acid residues are more critical for RNA packaging efficiency and infectivity than others. Analysis of viral clones with multiple substitutions indicates that the presence of positive charge in each of three independent domains--the zinc-binding domains, the basic region that links them, and the residues that Hank the two zinc-binding domains--is necessary for efficient HIV-1 RNA packaging. Finally, we note that some mutations affect virus replication more drastically than RNA incorporation, providing in vivo evidence for the hypothesis that NC p7 may be involved in aspects of the HIV life cycle in addition to RNA packaging.
Laser Doppler perfusion imaging of skin blood flow using red and near-infrared sources.

At present, scanning laser Doppler imaging uses a 633-nm helium-neon laser (RED) as the only light source, but this restricts its ability to measure blood flow (i) at darkly pigmented skin and (ii) from deeper or subdermal structures. Because near-infrared (NIR) light is known to penetrate deeper into tissue and to be less absorbed than RED, two imagers were adapted to include a NIR laser diode source (one of 830 nm for UK studies; one of 780 nm for leprosy field trials) in parallel with the existing RED source. In human hands representing a range of skin pigmentations, RED scans were unobtainable at the darkest areas of skin, but intact NIR scans could be collected in all cases. In experiments at the rat knee and the dorsal human hand, NIR and RED values were similar on normal skin. Over underlying vessels, however, NIR values greatly exceeded RED values, an effect abolished by occlusion. Similarly, in patients with leprosy and in healthy controls in Spain, fingerpulp NIR values exceeded RED values to the greatest degree when thermoregulatory flow was highest, i.e., when the deeper-lying arteriovenous anastomoses were open. Over areas of experimental inflammation, NIR gave higher values and also exhibited a greater degree of spatial heterogeneity than RED. We conclude that some current limitations of laser Doppler imaging technology can be overcome by the use of NIR laser diode sources.
HIV-1 Trans Activator of Transcription Protein Elicits Mitochondrial Hyperpolarization and Respiratory Deficit, with Dysregulation of Complex IV and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Homeostasis in Cortical Neurons1

HIV-1 causes a common, progressive neurological disorder known as HIV-associated dementia (HAD). The prevalence of this disorder has increased despite the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, and its underlying pathogenesis remains poorly understood. However, evidence suggests that some aspects of HAD may be reversible. To model the reversible aspects of HAD, we have used the HIV-1 neurotoxin trans activator of transcription protein (Tat) to investigate nonlethal changes in cultured neurons. Exposure of rodent cortical neurons to sublethal concentrations of Tat elicits mitochondrial hyperpolarization. In this study, we used the cationic lipophilic dye rhodamine 123 to confirm this observation, and then performed follow-up studies to examine the mechanism involved. In intact neurons, we found Tat elicited a rapid drop in internal mitochondrial pH, and addition of Tat to purified mitochondrial extracts inhibited complex IV of the electron transport chain. To correlate enzyme activity in mitochondrial extracts with results in intact cells, we measured neuronal respiration following Tat exposure. Cortical neurons demonstrated decreased respiration upon Tat treatment, consistent with inhibition of complex IV. We examined mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis using a mitochondrial targeted enhanced yellow fluorescent protein-calmodulin construct. We detected a decrease in mitochondrial calcium concentration following exposure to Tat. Finally, we measured the energy intermediate NAD(P)H after Tat treatment, and found a 20% decrease in the autofluorescence. Based on these findings, we suggest that decreased NAD(P)H and calcium concentration contribute to subsequent respiratory decline after exposure to Tat, with detrimental effects on neuronal signaling.
Buprenorphine for the management of opioid withdrawal.

BACKGROUND Managed withdrawal (detoxification) is a necessary step prior to drug-free treatment. It may also represent the end point of long-term opioid replacement treatment such as methadone maintenance. The availability of managed withdrawal is essential to an effective treatment system. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions involving the short-term use of buprenorphine to manage the acute phase of opioid withdrawal. SEARCH STRATEGY Multiple electronic databases were searched using a strategy designed to retrieve references broadly addressing the management of opioid withdrawal. Reference lists of retrieved studies, reviews and conference abstracts were handsearched. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials or prospective controlled cohort studies that compared different buprenorphine regimes, or that compared buprenorphine with another form of treatment (or placebo) to modify the signs and symptoms of withdrawal in participants who were primarily opioid dependent. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Potentially relevant studies were assessed for inclusion by one reviewer. Inclusion decisions were confirmed by consultation between reviewers. One reviewer undertook data extraction with the process confirmed by consultation between all three reviewers. MAIN RESULTS Six studies (5 RCTs and 1 controlled prospective study), involving 357 participants, met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Four studies compared buprenorphine with clonidine. All found withdrawal to be less severe in the buprenorphine treatment group. In three of these studies all participants were withdrawing from heroin. Participants in one study were withdrawing from methadone (10mg/day). Aches, restlessness, yawning, mydriasis, tremor, insomnia, nausea and mild anxiety were reported as being experienced by some participants. Rates of completion of withdrawal ranged from 65% to 100%. None of the studies included in the review reported adverse effects. However a single-group study which therefore did not meet the inclusion criteria, reported the occurrence in some participants of headaches, sedation, nausea, constipation, anxiety, dizziness and itchiness, particularly in the first 2-3 days of treatment. In one of the six studies, and in two studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria, treatment was provided on an outpatient basis. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Buprenorphine has potential as a medication to ameliorate the signs and symptoms of withdrawal from heroin, and possibly methadone, but many aspects of treatment protocol and relative effectiveness need to be investigated further.
Highly upregulated in liver cancer noncoding RNA is overexpressed in hepatic colorectal metastasis

Background The highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC) gene transcribes to an mRNA-like noncoding RNA (ncRNA) by the RNA polymerase II and processed by capping, splicing and polyadenylation. It is specifically expressed in the hepatocytes with striking upregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Objectives To study the expression levels of HULC in normal colorectal samples, primary colorectal carcinomas and in secondary tumors formed from colorectal carcinomas that metastasize to either the liver or the lymph nodes, taken from the same patients. Also a panel of carcinoma cell lines is tested for HULC expression. Basic methods Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR technique is used to detect for HULC expression in study specimens and cell lines. Results Consistent with the previous report, HULC is neither expressed in primary colorectal carcinomas samples nor in their normal counterparts. We show for the first time those colorectal carcinomas that metastasize to the livers but not to lymph nodes experience an upregulation of HULC ncRNA in all the samples tested (n=8), with a strong-to-moderate expression in six out of eight. Moreover HULC is not expressed in the majority of carcinoma cell lines tested and also in samples of normal bladder and bladder cancers of various grades. We also show that HULC ncRNA is upregulated in two hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines producing HBV relevant to their parental lines that do not produce HBV. Conclusion Our results presented here indicate that HULC expression is not confined to HCC, but also to those colorectal carcinomas that metastasize to the liver.
The development of ‘impervious peptides’ as growth hormone secretagogues

The discovery and development of growth hormone (GH) secretagogues is briefly reviewed. GH‐releasing peptide‐6 (GHRP‐6) was the first GHRP to be developed that was active in vivo. Smaller peptides were found to have no GH‐releasing activity in vivo, even though they were potent releasers of GH in vitro. Substituting Trp with 2‐Me‐Trp led to the development of orally active hexarelin and other, smaller, peptides. Although they showed oral activity, absorption rarely exceeded 1% of the administered dose. Nonpeptide GH secretagogues have now been developed that combine reasonable oral absorption with high potency. The next development will be to produce GH secretagogues that overcome the lack of specificity shown by the present molecules. □ Growth hormone secretagogues, growth hormone‐releasing peptide, hexarelin
Comprehensibility and readability of patient self-administered opioid assessment screening tools.

OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to evaluate the cognitive complexity and reading demands of patient self-administered Opioid Assessment Screening Tools (OASTs) for use in adults with nonmalignant pain. METHODS Using comprehensive search strategies, we identified english-language OASTs with established validity and reliability for inclusion in our study. Cognitive complexity of individual OAST statements or questions were assessed using three techniques (number of items, number of words, and linguistic problems), whereas readability was measured using the Flesch-Kinkaid formula. RESULTS Four (n=4) were identified and included in our review: Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM), Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ), Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patient with Pain, and Screening Tool for Addiction Risk (STAR). Number of total OAST statements or questions ranged from a low of 14 (STAR) to a high of 26 (PMQ), whereas number of words (length) per statement or question averaged from a low of 10.2 +/- 1.1 (STAR) to a high of 15.9 +/- 3.8 (PMQ). The STAR (1.3 +/- 1.1) had the fewest number of linguistic problems per statement or question, whereas the PMQ (3.0 +/- 1.4) had the most linguistic problems per statement or question. Although, readability of OASTs ranged from approximately sixth (STAR) to eighth (COMM, PMQ) grade, there was notable variation in readability across individual statements or questions. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that formatting characteristics, including linguistic problems, and high readability of several OAST statements or questions may hinder many patients' ability to accurately complete and comprehend OASTs independently.
Near fields of phased antennas for mobile phones

Near fields of a two-element phased antenna array are studied over the phase changes. It is revealed that in the differential mode the phased array yields a cool area of near fields at the chassis end opposite to the antennas. It is further shown that the folded loop antennas exhibit similar patterns of the near fields in the differential mode. It concludes that placing differential antennas at the phone bottom is helpful to meet the Hear Aid Compatibility (HAC) requirements.
Misexpression of Six2 is associated with heritable frontonasal dysplasia and renal hypoplasia in 3H1 Br mice

A radiation‐induced mouse mutant, Brachyrrhine (Br), exhibits frontonasal dysplasia and renal hypoplasia, two malformations associated with deficiencies in mesenchymal condensation. The purpose of this study was to resolve the Br locus, evaluate possible candidate genes, and identify developmental defects in the mutant chondrocranium. Linkage analysis mapped the Br mutation to a critical region distal to D17Mit76, which contains only one gene, the transcription factor Six2. Sequence analysis of the Six2 gene, including 1.5 kb of the promoter, failed to reveal the Br mutation. However, homozygous Br/Br embryos showed almost complete absence of Six2 mRNA and protein in craniofacial and renal tissues while heterozygous Br/+ embryos displayed intermediate Six2 levels. Mutant embryos displayed malformations of neural crest‐derived structures of the anterior cranium where Six2 is normally expressed. These data suggest a mutation in a novel cis‐acting regulatory region inhibits Six2 expression and is associated with frontonasal dysplasia and renal hypoplasia. Developmental Dynamics 237:1767–1779, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Negative Affect as a Prospective Risk Factor for Hypertension

Objective: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that negative affect is a prospective risk factor for hypertension among white and black persons. Methods: A population-based cohort of 3310 initially normotensive and chronic disease–free persons in the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study was tracked through four follow-up waves (maximum, 22 years). The association between hypertension and baseline negative affect was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for baseline age, sex, race, education, smoking, alcohol use, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and change in body mass index as a time-dependent covariate. Negative affect was based on combined symptoms of depression and anxiety. Hypertension end points included 1) self-reported, 2) treated (prescription of antihypertensive medications), and 3) incident (blood pressure ≥160/95 mm Hg or treated) hypertension. Blood pressure measurements were obtained only at baseline and the first follow-up examination (maximum, 13 years). Results: Increased negative affect was associated with elevated risk for self-reported, treated, and incident hypertension at first follow-up. Through four waves of follow-up, high negative affect was associated with treated hypertension in baseline risk–adjusted models for white women (relative risk [RR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.30–2.30), black women (RR = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.24–7.88), and all men (RR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.08–2.25). Time-dependent covariate models produced similar RRs. Conclusions: Negative affect is predictive of development of hypertension. For treated hypertension, white women and all men with increased negative affect had similarly elevated RRs, whereas black women with increased negative affect had substantially higher RRs.