Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practical large-scale production of dihydrocapsiate, a nonpungent capsaicinoid-like substance

Capsinoids represent a novel group of capsaicinoid-like substances found in a nonpungent cultivar, Capsicum annuum “CH-19 Sweet. ” They have capsaicinoid-like physiological and biological properties while lacking the harmful stimuli of capsaicinoids. A large-scale synthesis of dihydrocapsiate (DCT) is established in this work. 8-Methynonanoic acid (MNA) was synthesized by copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of ethyl 6-bromohexanoate with isobutylmagnesium bromide and subsequent hydrolysis. Lipase-catalyzed chemoselective esterification of vanillyl alcohol and MNA was performed at 50 °C under reduced pressure to remove water without solvents or drying agents. A slightly larger stoichiometric amount of MNA was used and the purification in the final stage was simplified to leave a small amount of MNA in the product, because we found that the presence of a small amount of MNA is necessary to stabilize DCT. DCT was synthesized according to the production, and stabilization methods described here has been filed as a new dietary ingredient. Dihydrocapsiate was synthesized via lipase-catalyzed chemoselective esterification of vanillyl alcohol and 8-methylnonanoic acid under reduced pressure without solvents.
Disruption of excitation–contraction coupling and titin by endogenous Ca2+‐activated proteases in toad muscle fibres

This study investigated the effects of elevated, physiological levels of intracellular free [Ca2+] on depolarization‐induced force responses, and on passive and active force production by the contractile apparatus in mechanically skinned fibres of toad iliofibularis muscle. Excitation–contraction (EC) coupling was retained after skinning and force responses could be elicited by depolarization of the transverse‐tubular (T‐) system. Raising the cytoplasmic [Ca2+] to ∼1 μm or above for 3 min caused an irreversible reduction in the depolarization‐induced force response by interrupting the coupling between the voltage sensors in the T‐system and the Ca2+ release channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This uncoupling showed a steep [Ca2+] dependency, with 50% uncoupling at ∼1.9 μm Ca2+. The uncoupling occurring with 2 μm Ca2+ was largely prevented by the calpain inhibitor leupeptin (1 mm). Raising the cytoplasmic [Ca2+] above 1 μm also caused an irreversible decline in passive force production in stretched skinned fibres in a manner graded by [Ca2+], though at a much slower relative rate than loss of coupling. The progressive loss of passive force could be rapidly stopped by lowering [Ca2+] to 10 nm, and was almost completely inhibited by 1 mm leupeptin but not by 10 μm calpastatin. Muscle homogenates preactivated by Ca2+ exposure also evidently contained a diffusible factor that caused damage to passive force production in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. Western blotting showed that: (a) calpain‐3 was present in the skinned fibres and was activated by the Ca2+exposure, and (b) the Ca2+ exposure in stretched skinned fibres resulted in proteolysis of titin. We conclude that the disruption of EC coupling occurring at elevated levels of [Ca2+] is likely to be caused at least in part by Ca2+‐activated proteases, most likely by calpain‐3, though a role of calpain‐1 is not excluded.
Foot Pressure Control Based on Extraction of Environment Mode

In walking motion of biped robots, Zero Moment Point (ZMP) is treated as important. ZMP is a stability index and keeping ZMP in the stable region is important for biped robots to walk. In this paper, foot pressure control based on extraction of environment mode is proposed as a ZMP stabilizing control. Environment mode is representation of connection between the robot and the environment. In this control, the reaction force acting on the sole from the ground are extracted as environment mode. By controlling foot pressure according to environment mode, ZMP is kept in the stable region. Conventional mode control is not able to be applied to the movement of desired ZMP. However, the proposed control is able to deal with the movement by generating mode command from ZMP reference trajectory, which is desired ZMP trajectory. The error between mode command and mode response is suppressed by mode compliance control. The validity of the proposed method is confirmed by simulations and experiments. In human walking motion, ZMP moves from heel to tip in single support phase. With the proposed environment mode control, the robot is able to walk stably adapting such a ZMP reference trajectory.
Problems of describing spin-(3/2 baryon resonances in the effective Lagrangian theory.

We investigate some important theoretical issues associated with the treatment of the spin-3/2 baryons in the effective Lagrangian theory. These are the form of the spin-3/2 particle propagator, off-shell parameters involving the spin-3/2 field; strategies of implementing gauge invariance, and unitarity. We comment on previous works by Peccei, Nath /ital et/ /ital al/. , Williams, and Adelseck /ital et/ /ital al/. , the last three works being in the context of recent revival of interest of baryon resonance structure in quantum chromodynamics. Our experience on the . delta. (1232) resonance is invoked as a concrete example of dealing with these problems. Examples of some related problems in theories of massive vector and spin-3/2 particles, in pion decay and supersymmetry, respectively, are also discussed. These discussions should trigger new theoretical and experimental investigations in the study of baryon resonances excited from free hadrons and in complex nuclei.
Design and implementation of a robust switching control scheme for a class of constrained robot tasks

The focus of the paper is on the design and real-time control implementation issues of a switching control scheme for a robot interacting with a constraint surface. One key aspect that is investigated is the effect of uncertainty in the location of the constraint surface. A switching controller that is robust to uncertainty in the location of the constraint surface is given; overall stability of the controller for a typical constrained robot task is shown. A strategy for real-time trajectory modification, which is required to compensate for the discrepancy in the a priori known location and the actual location of the constraint, is given. An experimental platform consisting of a planar robot manipulator equipped with a force sensor and a robotic surface finishing tool is described; typical experimental results for the manipulator following straight and circular surfaces are given for the proposed real-time implementation scheme. The proposed research can find applications in robotic surface finishing operations such as polishing, chamfering and deburring, etc.
TAX1BP1 and A20 Inhibit Antiviral Signaling by Targeting TBK1-IKKi Kinases*

Induction of type I interferons by the transcription factor IRF3 is essential in the initiation of antiviral innate immunity. Activation of IRF3 requires C-terminal phosphorylation by the upstream kinases TBK1-IKKi, where IRF3 phosphorylation promotes dimerization, and subsequent nuclear translocation to the IFNβ promoter. Recent studies have described the ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20 as a negative regulator of IRF3 signaling by associating with TBK1-IKKi; however, the regulatory mechanism of A20 inhibition remains unclear. Here we describe the adaptor protein, TAX1BP1, as a key regulator of A20 function in terminating signaling to IRF3. Murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient in TAX1BP1 displayed increased amounts of IFNβ production upon viral challenge compared with WT MEFs. TAX1BP1 inhibited virus-mediated activation of IRF3 at the level of TBK1-IKKi. TAX1BP1 and A20 blocked antiviral signaling by disrupting Lys63-linked polyubiquitination of TBK1-IKKi independently of the A20 deubiquitination domain. Furthermore, TAX1BP1 was required for A20 effector function because A20 was defective for the targeting and inactivation of TBK1 and IKKi in Tax1bp1−/− MEFs. Additionally, we found the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF3 to play a critical role in promoting TBK1-IKKi ubiquitination. Collectively, our results demonstrate TBK1-IKKi to be novel substrates for A20 and further identify a novel mechanism whereby A20 and TAX1BP1 restrict antiviral signaling by disrupting a TRAF3-TBK1-IKKi signaling complex.
Acoustic coupling in linear arrays

Element interaction (acoustic coupling) and associated phenomena in acoustic arrays have been studied extensively due to their effect being generally regarded as detrimental on the array performance and especially on the directivity patterns. This work presents the results of experimental investigation and modelling of the angular and frequency behaviour of linear arrays. The study is focused on linear arrays for sonar applications with a low level of acoustic coupling between the elements through the array support structure and strong element coupling to the acoustic load. The connection between the resonant behaviour of the elements, the array directivity patterns and the angular dependence of its bandwidth caused by the cross-coupling is investigated.
Synthesizable Integrated Circuit and System Design for Solar Chargers

In this paper, an automatic design tool for a solar energy harvesting IC and system is developed with visual basic software, and the synthesis tool employed in this approach can be used to shorten the design time to market. In addition, a smart meter system is developed to measure the solar energy harvesting system's information with an online system. Users can thus get the proposed system's information at any time and from anywhere. Finally, good agreement has been found between the analytic and experimental results.
Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among Vietnamese Americans and correlates of their knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease

The present study examined the knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and correlates of the disease knowledge among Vietnamese Americans. Cross-sectional survey interviews were conducted with 95 middle-aged and older Vietnamese Americans. Vietnamese Americans showed limited knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease. Normalization of Alzheimer’s disease in old age was prevalent. They lacked knowledge about treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. Those who reside longer in the U.S. and are more exposed to Alzheimer’s disease are likely to have higher levels of Alzheimer’s disease knowledge. Our study identified current Alzheimer’s disease knowledge level and status, and areas of misconceptions and knowledge gaps among Vietnamese Americans, calling for urgent needs for educational outreach to improve knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease among Vietnamese Americans. Information about who can be more or less knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s disease can be used to strategize and tailor outreach efforts for different segments of the Vietnamese American population.
NKT cell immune responses to viral infection

Background: Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogeneous population of innate T cells that have attracted interest because of their potential to regulate immune responses to a variety of pathogens. The most widely studied NKT cell subset is the invariant (i)NKT cells that recognize glycolipids in the context of the CD1d molecule. The multifaceted methods of activation iNKT cells possess and their ability to produce regulatory cytokines has made them a primary target for studies. Objective/methods: To give insights into the roles of iNKT cells during infectious diseases, particularly viral infections. We also highlight mechanisms leading to iNKT cell activation in response to pathogens. Conclusions: iNKT cell's versatility allows them to detect and respond to several viruses. Therapeutic approaches to specifically target iNKT cells will require additional research. Notably, the roles of non-invariant NKT cells in response to pathogens warrant further investigation.
Monoclonal antibodies specific for the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin STb

Protein A-STb and STb-alkaline phosphatase protein fusions were used as immunogen and antigen, respectively, for the generation and screening of monoclonal antibodies to the Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin STb. Following immunization with immunoglobulin G-Sepharose-purified protein A-STb and hybridoma construction, STb-alkaline phosphatase hybrid protein was used in a labeled antigen capture assay to detect the production of STb-specific monoclonal antibody. STb-specific monoclonal antibodies were characterized by using a combination of immunoblotting and synthetic-peptide-based enzyme immunoassay techniques. Four distinct anti-STb antibodies were identified and characterized.
Accurate stereo matching using pixel normalized cross correlation in time domain

This paper proposes a novel method for stereo matching which is based on combination of active and passive stereo 3D reconstruction approaches. A laser line is used to scan the reconstructed scene and a stereo camera pair is used for the image acquisition. Each image pixel is scanned at a specific scan time so that the intensity time patterns of the correspondent pixels are highly correlated. This yield in highly confident and accurate disparity map calculation and also allows the reconstruction of poorly textured as well as the extremely textured surface which are very hard to deal with using the conventional passive stereo approaches. The occluded regions are also detected successfully. This method is not computationally intensive and can be used for turning the smartphone into the practical 3D scanner as presented in this work.
Huntingtin promotes mTORC1 signaling in the pathogenesis of Huntington’s disease

Mouse models indicate that mutant huntingtin promotes anabolic signaling to contribute to Huntington’s disease. Hunting the Pathways in Huntington’s Disease Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by a mutant form of the protein huntingtin (Htt), which causes neurodegeneration in the striatum. HD-associated symptoms are alleviated by inhibition of the kinase mTOR, which is a key regulator of protein synthesis and is normally activated by amino acids. In primary mouse striatal neuronal cells, Pryor et al. found that wild-type Htt enhanced mTOR signaling in response to amino acids, and mutant Htt further potentiated mTOR activity. Mutant Htt bound more effectively than wild-type Htt to the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Rheb and facilitated the activating interaction between Rheb and mTOR. Striatum-specific deletion of the gene encoding TSC1, an inhibitor of mTOR, accelerated the onset of HD phenotypes in mice, consistent with excessive mTOR activity contributing to HD. The findings identify a pathway by which mutant Htt contributes to HD pathology. In patients with Huntington’s disease (HD), the protein huntingtin (Htt) has an expanded polyglutamine (poly-Q) tract. HD results in early loss of medium spiny neurons in the striatum, which impairs motor and cognitive functions. Identifying the physiological role and molecular functions of Htt may yield insight into HD pathogenesis. We found that Htt promotes signaling by mTORC1 [mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1] and that this signaling is potentiated by poly-Q–expanded Htt. Knocking out Htt in mouse embryonic stem cells or human embryonic kidney cells attenuated amino acid–induced mTORC1 activity, whereas overexpressing wild-type or poly-Q–expanded Htt in striatal neuronal cells increased basal mTOR activity. Striatal cells expressing endogenous poly-Q–expanded Htt showed an increase in the number and size of mTOR puncta on the perinuclear regions compared to cells expressing wild-type Htt. Pull-down experiments indicated that amino acids stimulated the interaction of Htt and the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Rheb (a protein that stimulates mTOR activity), and that Htt forms a ternary complex with Rheb and mTOR. Pharmacologically inhibiting PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) or knocking down Rheb abrogated mTORC1 activity induced by expression of a poly-Q–expanded amino-terminal Htt fragment. Moreover, striatum-specific deletion of TSC1, encoding tuberous sclerosis 1, a negative regulator of mTORC1, accelerated the onset of motor coordination abnormalities and caused premature death in an HD mouse model. Together, our findings demonstrate that mutant Htt contributes to the pathogenesis of HD by enhancing mTORC1 activity.
Leuko-Araiosis: An Ancient Term for a New Problem

Abstract: Recent research with computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) of the brain has revealed a type of tissue change for which no fitting term exists. The change appears as areas of decreased density on CT and changed signals of the white matter in MR images. Because neither a definite pathological change nor a specific clinical deficit has been linked with the CT and MR changes, a designation is required that limits itself to describing the changes themselves. We propose “leuko-araiosis”. The Greek root leuko-, signifying “white”, has found wide usage in modern medical terminology: e.g. leucine, leukocyte, leukorrhoea. Also several precedents exist for its application to the white matter of the central nervous system: e.g. leukoencephalitis, leukomyelitis, leukotomy. Araios is an adjective meaning “rarefied”, and the suffix -osis converts the adjective to a noun meaning “rarefaction, diminution of density”, a word used in the Hippocratic Collection to describe a state of excessive porosity of the lung. A descriptive term precludes premature presuppositions and encourages the search for causes.
Archontis Politis Title : Direction of Arrival Estimation of Reflections from Room Impulse Responses Using a Spherical Microphone Array Year : 2015 Version : Post print

This paper studies the direction of arrival estimation of reflections in short time windows of room impulse responses measured with a spherical microphone array. Spectral-based methods, such as multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and beamforming, are commonly used in the analysis of spatial room impulse responses. However, the room acoustic reflections are highly correlated or even coherent in a single analysis window and this imposes limitations on the use of spectral-based methods. Here, we apply maximum likelihood (ML) methods, which are suitable for direction of arrival estimation of coherent reflections. These methods have been earlier developed in the linear space domain and here we present the ML methods in the context of spherical microphone array processing and room impulse responses. Experiments are conducted with simulated and real data using the em32 Eigenmike. The results show that direction estimation with ML methods is more robust against noise and less biased than MUSIC or beamforming.
Endoscopic removal of rectal leiomyoma: case report.

Although leiomyomas of the stomach or small intestine are relatively common, those of the colon or rectum are rare.1-4 Several cases of endoscopic resection of colorectal leiomyomas have been described.5-7 However, conventional polypectomy of leiomyomas can result in perforation.8 To reduce the risk of perforation, submucosal injection can be performed before removal. We report a case of rectal leiomyoma in which complete enucleation was performed endoscopically using this method.
Path planning method for flight vehicle between two consecutive nodes

This paper presents a path planning algorithm for a flight vehicle operating between two consecutive nodes. At first, a nonlinear particle model describing kinematics in horizontal plane is founded. Taking all of constrains into consideration, such as turn acceleration constrain, both initial and final waypoints constrain, and Bank-to-turn control constrain, a method based on geometric principle to find a continuous curvature path is given. Assembling the clockwise turn, counter-clockwise turn, and straight primitive creates a flyable path, and then we reduce the path planning to an integral equation problem with single variable; with combination of analytical solution and numerical computation, opposite dividing method is adopted to solve the equation, whose convergence is proved in theory. The contribution of this paper offers strong support for mission planning. Finally, the effectiveness and rapidity of the algorithm is demonstrated by a mathematical simulation.
LOCAL SEARCH FOR MULTIOBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF STEEL FRAMES

A single-point local search method is presented as a simplification of the multiobjective tabu search. Some improvements are made to reach the Pareto front within small number of function evaluations. The performance of the proposed method is first verified by a small mathematical problem. It is shown that accurate Pareto solutions with good diversity are obtained by using the proposed method. Pareto optimal solutions are next found for a four-span five-story steel building frame. The objective functions are the total structural volume and the compliance under the specified set of loads. It is shown that about 30 Pareto solutions with good accuracy can be found by carrying out structural analysis 200 times. The proposed method has very few problem-dependent parameters. Therefore, the method can be applied to multiobjective optimization of large structures, for which the population-based method is difficult to be applied.
Experimental Studies of Spiral-Confined HSCFST Columns under Uni-Axial Compression

— Concrete-filled-steel-tube (CFST) columns are becoming increasingly popular owing to the superior behavior contributed by the composite action. However, this composite action cannot be fully developed because of different dilation properties between steel tube and concrete. During initial compression, there will be de-bonding between the constitutive materials. As a result, the strength, initial stiffness and ductility of CFST columns reduce significantly. To resolve this problem, external confinement in the form of spirals is proposed to improve the interface bonding. In this paper, a total of 14CFST columns with high-strength as well as ultra-high-strength concrete in-filled were fabricated and tested under uni-axial compression. From the experimental results, it can be concluded that the proposed spirals can improve the strength, initial stiffness, ductility and the interface bonding condition of CFST columns by restraining the lateral expansion of steel tube and core concrete. Moreover, the failure modes of confined core concrete change due to the strong confinement provided by spirals.
Molecular characterization of the Drosophila melanogaster urate oxidase gene, an ecdysone-repressible gene expressed only in the malpighian tubules

The urate oxidase (UO) gene of Drosophila melanogaster is expressed during the third-instar larval and adult stages, exclusively within a subset of cells of the Malpighian tubules. The UO gene contains a 69-base-pair intron and encodes mature mRNAs of 1,224, 1,227, and 1,244 nucleotides, depending on the site of 3' endonucleolytic cleavage prior to polyadenylation. A direct repeat, 5'-AAGTGAGAGTGAT-3', is the proposed cis-regulatory element involved in 20-hydroxyecdysone repression of the UO gene. The deduced amino acid sequences of UO of D. melanogaster, rat, mouse, and pig and uricase II of soybean show 32 to 38% identity, with 22% of amino acid residues identical in all species. With use of P-element-mediated germ line transformation, 826 base pairs 5' and approximately 1,200 base pairs 3' of the D. melanogaster UO transcribed region contain all of the cis elements allowing for appropriate temporal regulation and Malpighian tubule-specific expression of the UO gene.