Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soft robotic sleeve supports heart function

A soft robotic sleeve modeled on the structure of the human heart assists cardiovascular function in an ex vivo and in vivo porcine model of heart failure. Robots have a change of heart Ventricular assist devices help failing hearts function by pumping blood but require monitoring and anticoagulant therapy to prevent blood clot formation. Roche et al. created a soft robotic device with material properties similar to those of native heart tissue that sits snugly around the heart and provides ventricular assistance without ever contacting blood. The robotic sleeve uses compressed air to power artificial silicone muscles that compress and twist, mimicking the movements of the normal human heart. The authors show that the artificial muscles could be selectively activated to twist, compress, or simultaneously perform both actions on one side or both sides of the heart. The device increased cardiac ejection volume in vitro and when implanted in adult pigs during drug-induced cardiac arrest. There is much interest in form-fitting, low-modulus, implantable devices or soft robots that can mimic or assist in complex biological functions such as the contraction of heart muscle. We present a soft robotic sleeve that is implanted around the heart and actively compresses and twists to act as a cardiac ventricular assist device. The sleeve does not contact blood, obviating the need for anticoagulation therapy or blood thinners, and reduces complications with current ventricular assist devices, such as clotting and infection. Our approach used a biologically inspired design to orient individual contracting elements or actuators in a layered helical and circumferential fashion, mimicking the orientation of the outer two muscle layers of the mammalian heart. The resulting implantable soft robot mimicked the form and function of the native heart, with a stiffness value of the same order of magnitude as that of the heart tissue. We demonstrated feasibility of this soft sleeve device for supporting heart function in a porcine model of acute heart failure. The soft robotic sleeve can be customized to patient-specific needs and may have the potential to act as a bridge to transplant for patients with heart failure.
A Modified Photonic Switch Architecture based on Fiber Loop Memory

In this paper we have proposed design modifications in fiber optic loop buffer switch. This paper discusses an automatic gain controlling (AGC) scheme for the loop buffer. We have shown that by changing the position of EDFA automatic gain controlling scheme will not be required. We have utilized the availability of filter in tunable wavelength converter (TWC) to reduce number of components in the buffer. Finally we replaced the combination of splitter and filter as in existing architecture by array waveguide grating (AWG) demultiplexer, which reduces the loss in the architecture. The performance evaluation of the switch is done in terms of packet loss probability and delay
Fast anomaly detection despite the duplicates

Given a large cloud of multi-dimensional points, and an off-the shelf outlier detection method, why does it take a week to finish? After careful analysis, we discovered that duplicate points create subtle issues, that the literature has ignored: if dmax is the multiplicity of the most over-plotted point, typical algorithms are quadratic on dmax. We propose several ways to eliminate the problem; we report wall-clock times and our time savings; and we show that our methods give either exact results, or highly accurate approximate ones.
Quantitative Distribution and Related Factors for Household Daily Travel CO_2 Emissions in Beijing

Using Beijing household travel daily data conducted in 2007 by behavior research team for Peking University,we calculate the carbon footprints emitted during all daily travels per weekday at disaggregated level,for each person and each household.We also adopt categorization and Loren curve and its equations to better understand the unequal carbon emission distribution between individuals,inner-community and trans-community when compared and represented.Our analyses conclude that the distribution of green house gas(GHG) emission for each household is consistency with the rule of 60/20 proposed from England experience.
Dipole Excitation of Periodic Metallic Structures

The excitation of a periodic structure composed of two- or three-dimensional metallic scatterers by a finite dipole source is studied through the application of the Array Scanning Method. The difficulties in the numerical implementation are discussed in details, providing general guidelines and suggesting a useful preprocessing procedure to determine the number of quadrature points needed in the involved spectral integrations to obtain a given accuracy in the field calculation. The problem of transmission and reflection from two typical periodic screens (arrays of apertures in a metallic plate and arrays of metallic spheres) is first addressed in order to show the differences between a finite-source and the conventional plane-wave excitation. Finally, results for the near field of a recently proposed two-dimensional periodic leaky-wave antenna (an array of metallic patches over a ground plane) are also presented examining for the first time its main characteristics.
Semantic representation of teaching planning, pilot experience at UTPL

Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja has a large set of academic data about the teaching planning of its courses, the majority of this information is in unstructured formats and stored in different databases, generating a considerable problem at the moment to look up this information. Based on this reality, it is necessary to be able to take advantage of these academic data and to propose the use of semantic technologies, specifically ontologies to represent the information in order to create an interoperable and understandable data set that clearly represents the academic knowledge. This work presents the construction of a network of ontologies to represent the teaching plans of an institution of higher education, containing the representation of its academic structure and becoming to model the planning of the courses under the guidelines of a methodology for the construction of ontologies, using ontological and non-ontological resources and the creation of a new vocabulary.
Complex formation between deoxyhypusine synthase and its protein substrate, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) precursor.

Deoxyhypusine synthase catalyses the first step in the post-translational synthesis of hypusine [Nepsilon-(4-amino-2-hydroxybutyl) lysine] in a single cellular protein, the precursor of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A). Deoxyhypusine synthase exists as a tetramer with four potential active sites. The formation of a stable complex between human deoxyhypusine synthase and its protein substrate, human recombinant eIF5A precursor (ec-eIF5A), was examined by affinity chromatography using polyhistidine-tagged (His.Tag) ec-eIF5A, by a gel mobility-shift method, and by analytical ultracentrifugation. Deoxyhypusine synthase was selectively retained by His.Tag-ec-eIF5A immobilized on a resin. The complex of deoxyhypusine synthase and ec-eIF5A was separated from the free enzyme and protein substrate by electrophoresis under non-denaturing conditions. The stoichiometry of the two components in the complex was estimated to be 1 deoxyhypusine synthase tetramer to 1 ec-eIF5A monomer by N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the complex. Equilibrium ultracentrifugation data further supported this 1:1 ratio and indicated a very strong interaction of the enzyme with ec-eIF5A (Kd</=0.5 nM). Formation of the complex was not dependent on NAD+ or spermidine and occurred at pH7.0-9.2. An enzyme-product complex, as well as the deoxyhypusine-containing product (modified ec-eIF5A), was also detected at pH7.0-9.2 in a complete reaction mixture containing 1 mM spermidine.
Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients Undergoing Degenerative Spine Surgery onProphylactic Dalteparin; A Single Center Report.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)in patients undergoing spinal surgeries receiving prophylactic doses of Deltaparin in a single center in central Iran. METHOD This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shariatee hospital of Isfahan during a 12-month period. We included all the patients undergoing elective spinal surgeries in our center during the study period who received prophylactic dosages of subcutaneous Dalteparin (5000unit daily) thefirst postoperative day. Those with absolute contraindications of anticoagulation therapy were not included in the study. Patients were followed for 3 months clinically and the incidence of DVT was recorded. DVT was suspected clinically and was confirmed by color Doppler sonography. RESULTS Overall we included 120 patients with mean age of 44.8 ± 12.6years among whom there were 54 (45%) men and 66 (55%) women. Lumbar discectomy (32.9%)and laminectomy (20.2%)were the most common performed procedures. DVT was detected in 1 (0.83%) patient in postoperative period. None of the patients developed pulmonary embolism and none hemorrhagic adverse event was recorded. The patient was treated with therapeutic unfractionated heparin and was discharged with warfarin. CONCLUSION Our results shows the efficacy of LMWH (Dalteparin) in reducing the incidence of DVT to 0.83%. These results also show the safety of Dalteparin in spine surgery because of lack of bleeding complication.
The Zinc Finger Motif of Escherichia coli RecQ Is Implicated in Both DNA Binding and Protein Folding*

The RecQ family of DNA helicases has been shown to be important for the maintenance of genomic integrity. Mutations in human RecQ genes lead to genomic instability and cancer. Several RecQ family of helicases contain a putative zinc finger motif of the C4 type at the C terminus that has been identified in the crystalline structure of RecQ helicase from Escherichia coli. To better understand the role of this motif in helicase from E. coli, we constructed a series of single mutations altering the conserved cysteines as well as other highly conserved residues. All of the resulting mutant proteins exhibited a high level of susceptibility to degradation, making functional analysis impossible. In contrast, a double mutant protein in which both cysteine residues Cys397 and Cys400 in the zinc finger motif were replaced by asparagine residues was purified to homogeneity. Slight local conformational changes were detected, but the rest of the mutant protein has a well defined tertiary structure. Furthermore, the mutant enzyme displayed ATP binding affinity similar to the wild-type enzyme but was severely impaired in DNA binding and in subsequent ATPase and helicase activities. These results revealed that the zinc finger binding motif is involved in maintaining the integrity of the whole protein as well as DNA binding. We also showed that the zinc atom is not essential to enzymatic activity.
Evaluation of a Novel Electronic Eigenvalue (EEVA) Molecular Descriptor for QSAR/QSPR Studies: Validation Using a Benchmark Steroid Data Set

A novel electronic eigenvalue (EEVA) descriptor of molecular structure for use in the derivation of predictive QSAR/QSPR models is described. Like other spectroscopic QSAR/QSPR descriptors, EEVA is also invariant as to the alignment of the structures concerned. Its performance was tested with respect to the CBG (corticosteroid binding globulin) affinity of 31 benchmark steroids. It appeared that the electronic structure of the steroids, i.e., the "spectra" derived from molecular orbital energies, is directly related to the CBG binding affinities. The predictive ability of EEVA is compared to other QSAR approaches, and its performance is discussed in the context of the Hammett equation. The good performance of EEVA is an indication of the essential quantum mechanical nature of QSAR. The EEVA method is a supplement to conventional 3D QSAR methods, which employ fields or surface properties derived from Coulombic and van der Waals interactions.
Sonic Hedgehog signaling in astrocytes is dependent on p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and G‐protein receptor kinase 2

The molecular determinants of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling in mammalian cells and, in particular, those of the CNS are unclear. Here we report that primary cortical astrocyte cultures are highly responsive to both Shh protein and Hh Agonist 1.6, a selective, small molecule Smoothened agonist. Both agonists produced increases in mRNA expression of Shh‐regulated gene targets, Gli‐1 and Patched in a cyclopamine‐ and forskolin‐sensitive manner. Using this model we show for the first time that Shh pathway activation mediates rapid increases in p38 MAPK phosphorylation, without altering phosphorylation of either extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinases or c‐jun N‐terminal kinases. Selective inhibition of p38 MAPK significantly attenuated Shh‐dependent up‐regulation of Gli‐1, inter‐alpha trypsin inhibitor and thrombomodulin mRNA, however did not affect expression of insulin‐like growth factor 2 or a novel Shh target, membrane‐associated guanylate kinase p55 subfamily member 6. Using RNAi and a constitutively‐active mutant we show that Shh signaling to p38 MAPK and subsequent Gli‐1 transcription requires G‐protein receptor kinase 2. Taken together, these findings provide evidence for a central role of G‐protein receptor kinase 2‐dependent p38 MAPK activity in regulating Shh‐mediated gene transcription in astrocytes.
Research methods of metabonomics and its applications in acupuncture

Metabonomics is a new ‘omic’ that has emerged in the postgenomic era. Recently, metabonomics technology is increasingly and widely used in the field of traditional Chinese medicine research; however, metabonomics research investigating the function and mechanisms of acupuncture is still at an exploratory stage. The present article describes the unique advantages of metabonomics in systems biology, analyzes the application of metabonomics, and presents a preliminary exploration of the application of metabonomics in modern acupuncture research including sham acupuncture, time acupuncture, mechanistic research investigating the effects of acupuncture on serious illness and the compatibility of prescriptions with acupuncture in clinical research.
Brugada-like EKG pattern and myocardial effects in a chronic propofol abuser

Introduction. Cases of death are reported due to medical use of propofol, whereas deaths due to recreational purpose are unusual. Case report. A 26-year-old Caucasian man, physician trainee in anesthesiology, was referred to an intensive care unit. The man was found unconscious in his bed with a butterfly-needle canalized into the vein of the left forearm and connected to an empty syringe. Transferred to the local hospital, the patient was monitored, and EKG showed typical Brugada features in V1–V3. Profound hypotension and metabolic acidosis were registered. Half an hour after admission, the patient developed prolonged QT interval, idioventricular rhythm, and ventricular fibrillation. Strong positive reaction for tumor necrosis factor alpha in cardiac myocytes and a diffuse apoptotic process in the heart specimens were observed. The multiple needle marks on the hands and forearms, and the propofol concentration in the hair examined (0.73 µg/g), led us to believe that the young man was a long-term propofol abuser. Discussion. Development of the EKG pattern of ST-segment elevation in leads V1–V3 may be the first indicator of electrical instability and high risk for imminent sudden death. Whether this finding applies to other patients poisoned with propofol is unclear, but the association of sudden death and the acquired EKG pattern has been observed in other disease states. Conclusion. This article describes a fatal propofol-related death case because of recreational purpose; the EKG pattern, the cardiac morphology, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha and apoptosis in cardiac tissue specimens are discussed to elucidate the mechanism of death.
Rolling Optimization of Wind Farm and Energy Storage System in Electricity Markets

Intraday energy markets have been established in some power markets mainly because of large-scale wind power integration. Inspired by the Spanish power market, this paper proposes a modified market design which contains day-ahead and intraday energy bidding sections to better accommodate stochastic wind energy. Then coordinated operation of the wind farm (WF) and energy storage system (ESS) is studied. Rolling stochastic optimization formulations for day-ahead, intraday biddings and real-time operations are put forward to obtain the optimal bidding strategy of WF-ESS union in each bidding section to maximize its overall profit. Case studies and sensitivity analyses are carried out on a union of WFs and a pumped storage plant (PSP). Simulation results show that the proposed rolling optimization method can effectively utilize the updated wind power forecast data and regulation capability of ESS, and thus increase profit for the union prominently.
Effect of centers of rotation on spinal loads and muscle forces in total disk replacement of lumbar spine

The placement of artificial disks can alter the center of rotation and kinematic pattern; therefore, forces in the spine during the motion will be affected as a result. The relationship between the location of joint center of artificial disks and forces in the spinal components is not investigated. A musculoskeletal model of the spine was developed, and three location cases of center of rotation were investigated varying 5 mm anteriorly and posteriorly from the default center. Resultant joint forces, ligament forces, facet forces, and muscle forces for each case were predicted during sagittal motion. No considerable difference was observed for joint force (maximum 14%). Anterior shift of center of rotation induced the most ligament forces (200 N) and facet forces (130 N) among the three cases. Posterior and anterior shifts of centers of rotation from the default location caused considerable changes in muscle forces, respectively: 108% and 70% of increase in multifidi muscle and 157% and 187% of increase in short segmental muscle. This study showed that the centers of rotation due to the design and the surgical placement of artificial disk can affect the kinetic results in the spine.
Identification of the Conjugative mefGene in Clinical Acinetobacter junii and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates

ABSTRACT The mef gene, originally described for gram-positive organisms and coding for an efflux pump, has been identified in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter junii andNeisseria gonorrhoeae. These strains could transfer themef gene at frequencies ranging from 10−6 to 10−9 into one or more of the following recipients: gram-negative Moraxella catarrhalis, Neisseria perflava/sicca and Neisseria mucosa and gram-positiveEnterococcus faecalis. Three Streptococcus pneumoniae strains could transfer the mef gene intoEikenella corrodens, Haemophilus influenzae,Kingella denitrificans, M. catarrhalis,Neisseria meningitidis, N. perflava/sicca, andN. mucosa at similar frequencies. The mef gene can thus be transferred to and expressed in a variety of gram-negative recipients.
The neuronal excitatory amino acid transporter EAAC1/EAAT3: does it represent a major actor at the brain excitatory synapse?

EAAC1/EAAT3 is a transporter of glutamate (Glu) present at the post‐synaptic neuronal element, in opposition to the two other main transporters, GLAST/EAAT1 and GLT1/EAAT2, expressed at the excitatory amino acid (EAA) synapse by surrounding astrocytes. Although, in the adult, EAAC1/EAAT3 exhibits a rather low expression level and is considered to make a minor contribution to Glu removal from the synapse, its early expression during brain development, before the astrocytes are functional, suggests that such a neuronal transporter is involved in the developmental effects of EAA and, possibly, in the biosynthesis and trophic role of GABA, which is excitatory in nature in different brain regions during the earlier stages of brain development. This neuronal Glu transporter is considered to have a dual action as it is apparently involved in the neuronal uptake of cysteine, which acts as a key substrate for the synthesis of glutathione, a major anti‐oxidant, because the neurones do not express the Xc– transport system in the mature brain. Interestingly, EAAC1/EAAT3 activity/expression was shown to be highly regulated by neuronal activity as well as by intracellular signalling pathways involving primarily α protein kinase C (αPKC) and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K). Such regulatory processes could act either at the post‐traductional level or at the transcriptional level. It is worth noting that EAAC1/EAAT3 exhibits specificity, compared with other EAA transporters, because it is present mainly in the intracellular compartment and only for about 20% at the plasma membrane. Variations in neuronal Glu uptake were shown to be associated with rapid changes in the trafficking of the transporter protein altering the membranar location of the transporter. More recent data show that astrocyte‐secreted factors such as cholesterol could also influence rapid changes in the location of EAAC1/EAAT3 between the plasma membrane and the cytoplasmic compartment. Such a highly regulated process of EAAC1/EAAT3 activity/expression may have implications in the physiopathology of major diseases affecting EAA brain signalling, which is further supported by data obtained in animal models of hypoxia–anoxia, for example.
Fluorescent Annexin A1 Reveals Dynamics of Ceramide Platforms in Living Cells

Upon its genesis during apoptosis, ceramide promotes gross reorganization of the plasma membrane structure involving clustering of signalling molecules and an amplification of vesicle formation, fusion and trafficking. The annexins are a family of proteins, which in the presence of Ca2+, bind to membranes containing negatively charged phospholipids. Here, we show that ceramide increases affinity of annexin A1–membrane interaction. In the physiologically relevant range of Ca2+ concentrations, this leads to an increase in the Ca2+sensitivity of annexin A1–membrane interaction. In fixed cells, using a ceramide‐specific antibody, we establish a direct interaction of annexin A1 with areas of the plasma membrane enriched in ceramide (ceramide platforms). In living cells, the intracellular dynamics of annexin A1 match those of plasmalemmal ceramide. Among proteins of the annexin family, the interaction with ceramide platforms is restricted to annexin A1 and is conveyed by its unique N‐terminal domain. We demonstrate that intracellular Ca2+overload occurring at the conditions of cellular stress induces ceramide production. Using fluorescently tagged annexin A1 as a reporter for ceramide platforms and annexin A6 as a non‐selective membrane marker, we visualize ceramide platforms for the first time in living cells and provide evidence for a ceramide‐driven segregation and internalization of membrane‐associated proteins.