Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivative SB269,652 Is an Allosteric Antagonist at Dopamine D3 and D2 Receptors

In view of the therapeutic importance of dopamine D3 and D2 receptors, there remains considerable interest in novel ligands. Herein, we show that the tetrahydroisoquinoline 1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid {4-[2-(cyano-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl)-ethyl]-cyclohexyl}-amide (SB269,652) behaves as an atypical, allosteric antagonist at D3 and D2 receptors. Accordingly, SB269,652 potently (low nanomolar range) abolished specific binding of [3H]nemanopride and [3H]spiperone to Chinese hamster ovary-transfected D3 receptors when radioligands were used at 0.2 and 0.5 nM, respectively. However, even at high concentrations (5 μM), SB269,652 only submaximally inhibited the specific binding of these radioligands when they were employed at 10-fold higher concentrations. By analogy, although SB269,652 potently blocked D3 receptor-mediated activation of Gαi3 and phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, when concentrations of dopamine were increased by 10-fold, from 1 μM to 10 μM, SB269,652 only submaximally inhibited dopamine-induced stimulation of Gαi3. SB269,652 (up to 10 μM) only weakly and partially (by approximately 20–30%) inhibited radioligand binding to D2 receptors. Likewise, SB269,652 only submaximally suppressed D2 receptor-mediated stimulation of Gαi3 and Gαqi5 (detected with the aequorin assay) and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. Furthermore, SB269,652 only partially (35%) inhibited the dopamine-induced recruitment of β-arrestin2 to D2 receptors. Finally, Schild analysis using Gαi3 assays, and studies of radioligand association and dissociation kinetics, supported allosteric actions of SB269,652 at D3 and D2 receptors.
Under Consideration for Publication in Theory and Practice of Logic Programming Online Learning of Event Definitions

Systems for symbolic event recognition infer occurrences of events in time using a set of event definitions in the form of first-order rules. The Event Calculus is a temporal logic that has been used as a basis in event recognition applications, providing among others, direct connections to machine learning, via Inductive Logic Programming (ILP). We present an ILP system for online learning of Event Calculus theories. To allow for a single-pass learning strategy, we use the Hoeffding bound for evaluating clauses on a subset of the input stream. We employ a decoupling scheme of the Event Calculus axioms during the learning process, that allows to learn each clause in isolation. Moreover, we use abductive-inductive logic programming techniques to handle unobserved target predicates. We evaluate our approach on an activity recognition application and compare it to a number of batch learning techniques. We obtain results of comparable predicative accuracy with significant speed-ups in training time. We also outperform hand-crafted rules and match the performance of a sound incremental learner that can only operate on noise-free datasets. This paper is under consideration for acceptance in TPLP.
Cramér–Rao bounds: an evaluation tool for quantitation

The Cramér–Rao lower bounds (CRBs) are the lowest possible standard deviations of all unbiased model parameter estimates obtained from the data. Consequently they give insight into the potential performance of quantitation estimators. Using analytical CRB expressions for spectral parameters of singlets and doublets in noise, one is able to judge the precision as a function of spectral and experimental parameters. We point out the usefulness of these expressions for experimental design. The influence of constraints (chemical prior knowledge) on spectral parameters of the peaks of doublets is demonstrated and the inherent benefits for quantitation are shown. Copyright© 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abbreviations used: CRB Cramér‐Rao lower bounds
Route Planning and Learning from Execution

There is a variety of applications that can benefit from the ability to automatically find optimal or good routes from real maps. There have been therefore several efforts to create and use real maps in computer applications. However, for the purpose of route planning, maps cannot be seen as static and complete, as there are dynamic factors and missing information that affect the selection of good routes, such as time of the day, traffic, construction, one versus multi-lane roads, residential areas, etc. In this paper, we describe our method for route planning and dynamic update of the information available in a map. We show how we do route planning by reusing past routing cases that collectively form a good basis for generating a new routing plan. We briefly present our similarity metric for retrieving a set of similar routes. The metric effectively takes into account the geometric and continuous-valued characteristics of a city map. We then present how the planner produces the route plan by analogy with the retrieved similar past routes. Finally we show how a real traversal of the route is a learning opportunity to refine the domain information and produce better routes. We illustrate our algorithms on a detailed online map of the city of Pittsburgh containing over 18,000 intersections and 25,000 street segments.
Polarimetric active imaging : a feasibility demonstration in the infrared bands

Sevcral générations (ALBEDOS, ELV1SS, LASSIE) of airbornc and land-bascd active imaging Systems havc bcen developed and tested succcssfully at the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Valcartier [1]. They were based on a powcrful pulscd laser diode array illuminator opcrating in the near-infrared band and a range-gated low-light levcl TV (LLLTV) caméra. A technique callcd polarimetric active imaging is a différent way to exploit the properties of active imaging Systems. This technique uses the polarization of the illuminating light to discriminatc and enhanec the contrast of objects of interest within a scène. To apply this technique, a polarizcd light source was used and the polarization statc of the light reflected by the scène was analyzed. The advantage with this method is that somc man-made objects (e.g. vehiclcs) reflect light without changing the incident polarization and that natural backgrounds (e.g. grass) tend to depolarize the incident light [2-4]. Therefore, by analyzing the polarization state of the reflected light, it is possible to enhanec the contrast of targeted objects with respect to the background. This concept also callcd targct discrimination by polarization is known for somc timc and is alrcady used in passive imaging deviecs like thermal imagers [5]. In active imaging, the application of the concept had to be explorcd and demonstrated. Therefore, the polarimetric active imaging technique was tested for the three major bands of the infrared radiation: 1) the near-infrared (^.-810 nm), 2) the mid-infrared (X-3-5 um) and 3) the far-infrared (A.-8-12 um). For each of thèse régions, a laser source, polarizers and one caméra were used to evaluate the potential of polarimetric active imaging. Several field trials and experiments in laboratory were conducted to compare the polarimetric technique to passive and active imaging. Thcsc experiments permit to demonstrate that polarization and the treatment of thèse images enhanec the contrast of the majority of the studied target compared to the contrast obtained with convcntional active imaging.
Geographical patterns of Toxoplasma gondii genetic diversity revealed by multilocus PCR-RFLP genotyping

SUMMARY In recent years, an extensive collection of Toxoplasma gondii samples have been typed using a set of 10 PCR-RFLP genetic markers. Here we summarize the data reported until the end of 2012. A total of 1457 samples were typed into 189 genotypes. Overall, only a few genotypes dominate in the northern hemisphere, which is in stark contrast to the southern hemisphere where hundreds of genotypes coexist with none being notably dominant. PCR-RFLP genotype #1 (Type II clonal), #2 (Type III), #3 (Type II variant) and #10 (Type I) are identified globally. Genotypes #2 and #3 dominate in Africa, genotypes #9 (Chinese 1) and #10 are prevalent in Asia, genotypes #1, #2 and #3 are prevalent in Europe, genotypes #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 dominate in North America (#4 and #5 are collectively known as Type 12). In Central and South America, there is no clear dominance of any genotype even though a few have relatively higher frequencies. Statistical analysis indicates significant differences among populations in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Central and South America, with only Europe and North America exhibiting similar diversity. Collectively, the results revealed distinct population structures and geographical patterns of diversity in T. gondii.
Terahertz Time-Domain Study of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Laser Ablation in Organic Liquid

We report the investigation of laser-synthesized Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) in an organic liquid environment by using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) technique. Colloidal Ag-NPs with an average diameter of 10 nm in two-propanol solution through nanosecond pulsed laser ablation were synthesized. THz-TDS measurements were performed on different volumetric concentration of Ag-NPs suspensions placed in 2-mm path length quartz cuvette. Due to the dispersive and highly absorptive nature of the nano liquids, an approach based on extracting the optical properties through the changes in amplitude and phase solely around the main peak of THz waveform is developed. This approach allowed for an accurate estimation of the complex refractive index of the Metallic-NPs suspension for the different prepared volumetric concentrations. In addition, using Maxwell-Garnett theory, the NP concentration is also extracted. This method shows that the time-domain nature of the THz pulse measurement technique is extremely useful in instances where slight variations in highly dispersive samples need to be investigated.
The Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) on Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of LLDPE and HDPE

Abstract Highly porous agglomerates of spray freeze dried cellulose nanocrystals (SFD-CNC) were prepared, starting with sonicated aqueous suspensions of spray-dried cellulose nanocrystals powder (SD-CNC). Subsequently, SFD-CNC together with the SD-CNC (used as a reference) were incorporated into LLDPE and HDPE via melt compounding in a batch mixer to produce nanocomposites containing 0.5 wt. ° and 2 wt. ° CNC. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the thermal properties and the isothermal crystallization kinetics of the polyethylenes and the nanocomposites. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) was used to evaluate the growth kinetics and spherulitic structure of polyethylene in both the filled and unfilled polymers. Avrami crystallization kinetics models were employed to analyze the DSC results. It was observed that CNC acts as a heterogeneous nucleating agent in LLDPE nanocomposites, thus yielding nucleation controlled crystallization. On the other hand, in the HDPE systems (polymer and nanocomposites) heterogeneous nucleation was followed by 3-D growth. It was observed that CNC slightly hindered the formation of chain folding for the HDPE, similar to previous studies on the polypropylene and its nanocomposites. Spray freeze drying produced twice as many nucleation sites compared to spray dried samples and it enhanced the overall crystallization rate and the crystallinity.
Near infrared technology in neuroscience: past, present and future

Abstract Objective: To review past, present and future applications of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in clinical neuroscience. Methods: The literature and personal experience of the authors were critically reviewed in order to provide a balanced overview of the basic principles, clinical validation, previous experience and current use of NIRS in assessment of cerebral oxygenation in clinical neuroscience. Results: Recent technological advancements in transcranial cerebral oximetry (TCCO) are opening up a new promising avenue in clinical neuroscience. With its non-invasive nature, high reliability and uniqueness of gathered data, NIRS represents a very special modality in the neuroscience intensive care unit, angiography suite and the operating room. The hurdles of using this technology in clinical practice are discussed in detail. In addition, we evaluate some known limitations of NIRS and current controversies around its use. Lastly, several commercially available cerebral oximeters are presented. Conclusion: Despite remarkable developments in the NIRS technology and proven reliability of the cerebral oxygenation monitoring approach, TCCO remains mostly an adjuvant tool for neuroscience applications. Newer NIRS technologies have become a source of quantitative information about brain oxygenation, cerebral blood volume and flow. However, the clinical significance of this new information in the context of clinical neuroscience will need to be determined and further validation studies will need to be performed.
The RNA‐binding and adaptor protein Sam68 modulates signal‐dependent splicing and transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor

The RNA‐binding protein Sam68 has been reported to be up‐regulated in clinical cases of prostate cancer (PCa), where it is thought to contribute to cell proliferation and survival. Consistent with this, we observed over‐expression of Sam68 in a panel of clinical prostate tumours as compared with benign controls. Since Sam68 is implicated in a number of signalling pathways, we reasoned that its role in PCa may involve modulation of the androgen receptor (AR) signalling cascade, which drives the onset and progression of PCa. We found that Sam68 interacts with the AR in vivo in LNCaP cells, and is dynamically recruited to androgen response elements within the promoter region of the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) gene. Based on its known functions and nuclear location, Sam68 might either: (a) co‐regulate AR‐dependent transcription positively or negatively; or (b) modulate AR‐dependent alternative splicing by enhancing incorporation of a Sam68‐responsive exon transcribed under the control of an androgen‐responsive promoter. We tested these possibilities using functional assays. Both wild‐type Sam68 protein and the Sam68V229F mutant, which is impaired in RNA binding, functioned as a ligand‐dependent AR co‐activator on an androgen‐regulated reporter gene. In contrast, splicing of a Sam68‐responsive variable exon, transcribed under control of an androgen‐responsive promoter, was strongly repressed in the presence of AR and androgens. This splicing inhibition was reversed by ectopic expression of Sam68 but enhanced by Sam68V229F. These results demonstrate that Sam68 has separable effects on AR‐regulated transcriptional activity and alternative splicing, both of which may affect PCa phenotypes. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differentiation of Red and Black Ballpoint Pen Inks using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The questioned document examiners usually encounter cases related to handwritten documents for the determination of their source, origin, and authenticity. The legal documents usually involve handwriting or signatures executed using ballpoint pens. These components of the ballpoint pen inks can be analysed, both qualitatively and quantitatively, using several techniques. The present study aimed to analyse the red and black ballpoint pen inks using high performance thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. All samples have been completely differentiated using high performance thin layer chromatography. The discrimination potential of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for red and black ballpoint pen inks was found to be 32.85% and 63.58% respectively. Classification of inks has been performed in two levels, that is, primary differentiation on the grounds of major components of the ink and subsequent differentiation on the basis of minor components. The validity of technique was tested in terms of repeatability and reproducibility. Reproducibility has been determined by repeating the procedure of repeatability on different days. The results have been evaluated in terms of relative standard deviation (RSD), which is <2% for both repeatability and reproducibility.
Design of Energy Efficient WSN Using Smart Sampling and Reliable Routing Technique

Wireless sensor networks have a great variety of applications to industry, science, transport, civil industry, and security. Efficiency of Nodes battery energy to improve the network lifetime is the fundamental challenge in wireless sensor network. The design approach of different layered protocols is investigated and since major portion of battery energy is utilized by communication process, it has to be effectively controlled. The concept of smart sampling and reliable routing in WSN is studied to understand that it would result in energy efficient, scalable and load balancing network. In this proposed method the energy efficient WSN is designed using reliable routing technique and smart sampling method
Recombination Resulting in Virulence Shift in Avian Influenza Outbreak, Chile

Influenza A viruses occur worldwide in wild birds and are occasionally associated with outbreaks in commercial chickens and turkeys. However, avian influenza viruses have not been isolated from wild birds or poultry in South America. A recent outbreak in chickens of H7N3 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) occurred in Chile. One month later, after a sudden increase in deaths, H7N3 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was isolated. Sequence analysis of all eight genes of the LPAI virus and the HPAI viruses showed minor differences between the viruses except at the hemagglutinin (HA) cleavage site. The LPAI virus had a cleavage site similar to other low pathogenic H7 viruses, but the HPAI isolates had a 30 nucleotide insert. The insertion likely occurred by recombination between the HA and nucleoprotein genes of the LPAI virus, resulting in a virulence shift. Sequence comparison of all eight gene segments showed the Chilean viruses were also distinct from all other avian influenza viruses and represent a distinct South American clade.
Reliable coverage control using heterogeneous vehicles

The focus of this paper is dynamic coverage control with heterogeneous vehicles. Two classes of vehicles are identified, where each class has to perform a specific set of tasks and each has different sensor and communication capabilities. The first class of vehicles is composed of coverage vehicles, whose main responsibility is to dynamically cover the domain. The second class of vehicles is composed of coordination vehicles, whose main responsibility is to effectively communicate coverage information across the network. In this paper, control laws are developed for both coordination and coverage vehicles that ensure safe coverage of the domain, while maintaining strong communication links by including a flocking component in the control laws. These set of guaranteed performance properties result in a reliable coverage network.
DNA methylation analysis for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules – a pilot study with reference to BRAFV600E mutation and cytopathology results

Promoter hypermethylation and the BRAFV600E mutation are both involved in thyroid tumorigenesis. We conducted a pilot study on the diagnosis of thyroid nodules by analysis of promoter hypermethylation status with reference to BRAFV600E mutation and cytopathology results using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues and liquid‐based preparation (LBP) thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples to predict more reliably the possibility of papillary carcinoma.
Optical trapping in 1D mesoscopic photonic crystal microcavities

We propose a novel approach in optical trapping exploiting mesoscopic photonic crystal microcavities. Full light confinement in mesoscopic photonic crystal membranes, forming a mesoscopic self-collimating 1D Fabry-Pérot cavity, was theoretically predicted and experimentally verified by the authors in previous papers. In this paper, we numerically demonstrate a high performance MPhC microcavity for optical trapping of fine particulate matter in air. The MPhC cavity has been simulated by 3D FDTD simulations while the trapping potential has been evaluated by means of the gradient force density convolution method. We numerically show that it is possible to obtain very high trapping potential for polystyrene particles having radii as small as 245 nm.
UCPOP: A Sound, Complete, Partial Order Planner for ADL

We describe the ucpop partial order planning algorithm which handles a subset of Pednault’s ADL action representation. In particular, ucpop operates with actions that have conditional e(cid:11)ects, universally quan-ti(cid:12)ed preconditions and e(cid:11)ects, and with universally quanti(cid:12)ed goals. We prove ucpop is both sound and complete for this representation and describe a practical implementation that succeeds on all of Pednault’s and McDermott’s examples, including the infa-mous \Yale Stacking Problem" [McDermott 1991].
Analysis of a new transgenic mouse model with β-cell-specific overexpression of human betacellulin

Analysis of a new transgenic mouse model with β-cell-specific overexpression of human betacellulin Work performed under supervision of Dr. During the preparation of this thesis the following supplementary activities were pursued: 1. Participation in a research project leading to the publication: KLONISCH T. , negative modulator of body and organ weights in transgenic mice. FEBS Abstract title: PIP-hBTC: A new transgenic mouse line with β-cell-specific overexpression of betacellulin.
Crystalline Phase Analysis and Thermal Expansion Coefficient Calculation of Quartz-Sand/Corundum Composites

Quartz-sand/corundum composites have been successfully produced by a simple solid-state reaction approach. The composites with corundum weight fractions of 10%, 20%, and 30% were prepared through grinding mixtures of purified Indonesian quartz sand and commercial high purity corundum for a half-hour with an addition of 3% polyvinyl alcohol. The composites were shaped into discs and pressed prior to the sintering at 950 °C and 1050 °C to form compact ceramic composites. The crystalline phase verification within the samples was conducted by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the composites was semi-theoretically evaluated, after being taken into consideration the XRD data analysis results, by means of Halpin-Tsai formula. The detected major crystalline phases within the sintered samples, based on the XRD profiles analysis, were quartz-SiO2 and corundum-Al2O3. Meanwhile, the minor crystalline phases were wollastonite-CaSiO3 (below 7%) for all samples and cristobalite-SiO2 (around 1%) for the composite with 1050 °C sintering temperature. Generally, the addition of corundum into the quartz-sand/corundum composites reduced the CTE, having the value from 10.5 to 11.5 ppm/°C.