Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
GABAC Receptors: A Molecular View

Abstract In the central nervous system inhibitory neurotransmission is primarily achieved through activation of receptors for γaminobutyric acid (GABA). Three types of GABA receptors have been identified on the basis of their pharmacological and electrophysiological properties. The predominant type, termed GABAA, and a recently identified GABAC type, form ligandgated chloride channels, whereas GABAB receptors activate separate cation channels via G proteins. Based on their homology to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, GABAC receptors are believed to be oligomeric protein complexes composed of five subunits in a pentameric arrangement. To date up to five different GABAC receptors subunits have been identified in various species. Recent studies have shed new light on the biological characteristics of GABAC receptors, including the chromosomal localization of its subunit genes and resulting links to deseases, the cloning of new splice variants, the identification of GABAC receptorassociated proteins, the identification of domains involved in subunit assembly, and finally structure/function studies examining functional consequences of introduced mutations. This review summarizes recent data in view of the molecular structure of GABAC receptors and presents new insights into the biological function of this protein in the retina.
Interference between postural control and mental task performance in patients with vestibular disorder and healthy controls

OBJECTIVES To determine whether interference between postural control and mental task performance in patients with balance system impairment and healthy subjects is due to general capacity limitations, motor control interference, competition for spatial processing resources, or a combination of these. METHOD Postural stability was assessed in 48 patients with vestibular disorder and 24 healthy controls while they were standing with eyes closed on (a) a stable and (b) a moving platform. Mental task performance was measured by accuracy and reaction time on mental tasks, comprising high and low load, spatial and non-spatial tasks. Interference between balancing and performing mental tasks was assessed by comparing baseline (single task) levels of sway and mental task performance with levels while concurrently balancing and carrying out mental tasks. RESULTS As the balancing task increased in difficulty, reaction times on both low load mental tasks grew progressively longer and accuracy on both high load tasks declined in patients and controls. Postural sway was essentially unaffected by mental activity in patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS It is unlikely that dual task interference between balancing and mental activity is due to competition for spatial processing resources, as levels of interference were similar in patients with vestibular disorder and healthy controls, and were also similar for spatial and non-spatial tasks. Moreover, the finding that accuracy declined on the high load tasks when balancing cannot be attributed to motor control interference, as no motor control processing is involved in maintaining accuracy of responses. Therefore, interference between mental activity and postural control can be attributed principally to general capacity limitations, and is hence proportional to the attentional demands of both tasks.
Optimal input design for flat systems using B-splines

This paper deals with optimal design of input signals for linear, controllable systems, by means of their flat output. The flat output is parametrized by a polynomial spline and a linear problem is formulated in which both the spline coefficients and the knot locations are found simultaneously. Conservative constraints on the spline coefficients ensure that semi-infinite bounds are never violated and numerical results show that the amount of conservatism is little.
mRNA sequence and deduced amino acid sequence of the mumps virus small hydrophobic protein gene

The mRNA of a putative small hydrophobic protein (SH) of mumps virus was identified in mumps virus-infected Vero cells, and its complete nucleotide sequence was determined by sequencing the genomic RNA and cDNA clones and partial sequencing of mRNA. The SH mRNA is 310 nucleotides long excluding the poly(A) and contains a single open reading frame encoding a protein of 57 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 6,719. The predicted protein is highly hydrophobic and contains a stretch of 25 hydrophobic amino acids near the amino terminus which could act as a membrane anchor region. There is no homology between the putative SH protein of mumps virus and the SH protein of simian virus 5, even though the SH genes are located in the same locus in the corresponding genome. One interesting observation is that the hydrophobic domain of simian virus 5 SH protein is at the carboxyl terminus, whereas that of mumps virus putative SH protein is near the amino terminus.
Atlas for the Identification of Foetal Skeletal Elements of Cattle, Horse, Sheep and Pig, Part I

Apres une introduction sur le developpement foetal du squelette chez le boeuf, le cheval, le mouton et le porc (Archaeozoologia 87 I, 1) l'atlas pour servir a l'identification de ces os pour ces especes est presente. Il est prouve, grâce au materiel de reference examine dans trois instituts, que l'identification des os foetaux peut etre faite souvent avec succes. A titre d'aide a l'identification, les dessins qui illustrent cet article correspondent, pour le squelette post-crânien, a quatre stades de developpement pour le boeuf, deux pour le cheval et au stade final de developpement pour le mouton et le porc
Rapid Capture Next‐Generation Sequencing in Clinical Diagnostics of Kinase Pathway Aberrations in B‐Cell Precursor ALL

Comprehensive next‐generation sequencing (NGS) applications have recently identified various recurrent kinase and cytokine receptor rearrangements in Ph‐like B‐cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) amenable to tyrosin kinase inhibitor treatment. For rapid diagnostics of kinase pathway aberrations in minimal residual disease (MRD) high‐risk BCP‐ALL, we developed a PCR‐independent NGS custom enrichment capture panel targeting recurrent genomic alterations, which allows for the identification of unknown 5′ fusion partner genes and precise mapping of variable genomic breakpoints. Using a standardized bioinformatics algorithm, we identified kinase and cytokine receptor rearrangements in the majority of ALL patients with high burden of postinduction MRD and enrichment of IKZF1 mutation or deletion (IKZF1del).
Sub-wavelength metal nanostructure fabrication by parallel dip-pen nanolithography

Metal nanostructures at sub-wavelength scale have been used as plasmonic diffraction gratings and negative index metamaterials and have attracted interests in materials engineering and optics research. E-beam lithography is commonly used to fabricate these metal nanostructures; however, e-beam lithography has limitation in scale-up of nanostructure fabrication and is expensive. In this study, a low cost and convenient scale-up fabrication method for metal nanostructures using Dip Pen Nanolithography ® (DPN ® ) is demonstrated. DPN was used to deposit alkanethiol patterns, which were then used as etch resists for top-down nanofabrication processes to generate Au nano-features. As a proof of concept, arrays of three different designed double-ring Split-Ring Resonators (SRRs) were fabricated by DPN printing.
A dilemma at gray scale thyroid ultrasound: microcalcification or not? Differentiation with Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging-Virtual Touch Imaging.

AIMS To evaluate the capacity of virtual touch imaging (VTI) of the acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) techniquein the differential diagnosis of micro-echogenicities in thyroid nodules. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study comprised 28patients. Gray scale and ARFI displacement maps were used during ultrasound examination.In the same session, fine needleaspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples were obtained from the dominant nodule hav-ing micro-echogenicities. Two radiologists blinded to the FNAB results and clinical data of the patients evaluated these images and rated ARFI echogenicities according to the degree of shining points on the displacement maps and classified them as isohypoechogenic, isohyperechogenic, and obvious hyperechogenic. To differentiate between benignancy and malignancy, "a new sign" was defined as follows: in the ARFI maps obtained by VTI, iso-echogenic or hyper-echogenic appearance of micro-echogenic foci was evaluated as benignancy and hypo-echogenic appearance of micro-echogenic foci was evaluated as malignancy. RESULTS The FNAB results indicated 14 cases and benign nodules in the other 14 cases. Interobserver agreement between the two radiologists was highly significant for the classification of the micro-echogenic foci (Kappa=0.659, p<0.001). When we reclassified the hyperechoic and isohyperechoic foci as "benign" and isohypoechoic foci as "malignant", the interobserver agreement between the two radiologists increased (Kappa=0.772, p<0.001). The evaluation of the first and second radiologists were highly concordant with the gold standard pathology results (Kappa=0.786, p<0.001 and Kappa=0.714, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS ARFI method with specific VTI features could be a very useful tool in the differentiation of malignant microcalcifications in thyroid nodules.
Criteria for the Diagnosis of Lupus Anticoagulants: An Update

The Lupus Anticoagulant/Antiphospholipid Antibody Subcommit­ tee (Subcommittee) reviewed the status of laboratory identification of lupus anticoagulants (LAs) in 1991 and published recommendations for testing and diagnosis ( I ). Several areas of concern were identified in this report, including pre-analytical variables, analytical variables, criteria for the diagnosis of LAs, the biologic heterogeneity of LAs and the relationship of LAs to other phospholipid-dependent antibodies. There have been several major advances in our understanding of LAs since the publication of these guidelines, including the identification of potential proteins involved as epitopes, new assays for the identifica­ tion of LAs and new information concerning technical aspects of test performance. These developments have prompted the Subcommittee to re-evaluate the 1991 recommendations.
Validating the SF-36 health survey questionnaire: new outcome measure for primary care.

OBJECTIVES--To test the acceptability, validity, and reliability of the short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and to compare it with the Nottingham health profile. DESIGN--Postal survey using a questionnaire booklet together with a letter from the general practitioner. Non-respondents received two reminders at two week intervals. The SF-36 questionnaire was retested on a subsample of respondents two weeks after the first mailing. SETTING--Two general practices in Sheffield. PATIENTS--1980 patients aged 16-74 years randomly selected from the two practice lists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Scores for each health dimension on the SF-36 questionnaire and the Nottingham health profile. Response to questions on recent use of health services and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS--The response rate for the SF-36 questionnaire was high (83%) and the rate of completion for each dimension was over 95%. Considerable evidence was found for the reliability of the SF-36 (Cronbach's alpha greater than 0.85, reliability coefficient greater than 0.75 for all dimensions except social functioning) and for construct validity in terms of distinguishing between groups with expected health differences. The SF-36 was able to detect low levels of ill health in patients who had scored 0 (good health) on the Nottingham health profile. CONCLUSIONS--The SF-36 is a promising new instrument for measuring health perception in a general population. It is easy to use, acceptable to patients, and fulfils stringent criteria of reliability and validity. Its use in other contexts and with different disease groups requires further research.
Implementation of ECG sensor for real time signal processing applications

This paper describes implementation of ECG Sensor. The system is capable of acquiring and storing patient's ECG data in real-time. This received patient data can be further processed for any real time processing applications. System hardware comprises of micro-controller based ECG acquisition system. Software developed in Visual Basic 6 helps in displaying real time ECG signal. It also stores ECG data at specified location in the form of a text file. This text file data may further be used for any automated real time ECG signal processing application such as ECG beat classification etc.
Geometric- and parametric-tolerance constraints in variational design of multiresolution curves and surfaces

The paper introduces constraints termed tolerance constraints, which specify several types of variations, in the design of smooth curves and surfaces at multiresolution levels. The mathematical model for such tolerance constraints is implemented by extending Welch and Witkin's (1992) work on linear constraints in variational shape sculpting. The tolerance constraints presented in this paper are classified into two types: geometric-tolerance and parametric-tolerance constraints. The geometric-tolerance constraints serve as constraints that allow variations in geometric size, while the parametric ones introduce variations in the parametric domain where the shape is defined. These two types are employed as not only finite-dimensional constraints, such as points and tangents, but also transfinite constraints, such as curves and areas. In order to find a smooth shape of a curve or a surface, the multiplier method is used that seeks to minimize the function subject the shape deformation, along with the penalty terms derived from the tolerance constraints. An optimal solution is then found easily because the derivatives of the penalty terms can be evaluated using vector and matrix calculations. Several design, examples are presented to show that the tolerance constraints are powerful tools for finding optimal shapes of multiresolution curves and surfaces.
Stroke neuroprotection revisited: Intra-arterial verapamil is profoundly neuroprotective in experimental acute ischemic stroke

While clinical trials have now solidified the role of thrombectomy in emergent large vessel occlusive stroke, additional therapies are needed to optimize patient outcome. Using our previously described experimental ischemic stroke model for evaluating adjunctive intra-arterial drug therapy after vessel recanalization, we studied the potential neuroprotective effects of verapamil. A calcium channel blocker, verapamil is often infused intra-arterially by neurointerventionalists to treat cerebral vasospasm. Such a direct route of administration allows for both focused targeting of stroke-impacted brain tissue and minimizes potential systemic side effects. Intra-arterial administration of verapamil at a flow rate of 2.5 µl/min and injection volume of 10 µl immediately after middle cerebral artery recanalization in C57/Bl6 mice was shown to be profoundly neuroprotective as compared to intra-arterial vehicle-treated stroke controls. Specifically, we noted a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in infarct volume, astrogliosis, and cellular apoptosis as well as a significant increase in neuronal survival and functional outcome over seven days. Furthermore, intra-arterial administration of verapamil was well tolerated with no hemorrhage, systemic side effects, or increased mortality. Thus, verapamil administered intra-arterially immediately following recanalization in experimental ischemic stroke is both safe and neuroprotective and merits further study as a potential therapeutic adjunct to thrombectomy.
Brain Tumor Classification Using Back Propagation Neural Network

The conventional method for medical resonance brain images classification and tumors detection is by human inspection. Operator-assisted classification methods are impractical for large amounts of data and are also non-reproducible. Hence, this paper presents Neural Network techniques for the classification of the magnetic resonance human brain images. The proposed Neural Network technique consists of the following stages namely, feature extraction, dimensionality reduction, and classification. The features extracted from the magnetic resonance images (MRI) have been reduced using principles component analysis (PCA) to the more essential features such as mean, median, variance, correlation, values of maximum and minimum intensity. In the classification stage, classifier based on Back- Propagation Neural Network has been developed. This classifier has been used to classify subjects as normal, benign and malignant brain tumor images. The results show that BPN classifier gives fast and accurate classification than the other neural networks and can be effectively used for classifying brain tumor with high level of accuracy.
Multiple Functions of the S-Phase Checkpoint Mediator

There is mounting evidence that replication defects are the major source of spontaneous genomic instability in cells, and that S-phase checkpoints are the principal defense against such instability. The S-phase checkpoint mediator protein Mrc1/Claspin mediates the checkpoint response to replication stress by facilitating phosphorylation of effector kinase by a sensor kinase. In this review, the multiple functions and the regulation of the S-phase checkpoint mediator are discussed.
T‐cell‐inducing vaccines – what’s the future

In the twentieth century vaccine development has moved from the use of attenuated or killed micro‐organisms to protein sub‐unit vaccines, with vaccine immunogenicity assessed by measuring antibodies induced by vaccination. However, for many infectious diseases T cells are an important part of naturally acquired protective immune responses, and inducing these by vaccination has been the aim of much research. The progress that has been made in developing effective T‐cell‐inducing vaccines against viral and parasitic diseases such as HIV and malaria is discussed, along with recent developments in therapeutic vaccine development for chronic viral infections and cancer. Although many ways of inducing T cells by vaccination have been assessed, the majority result in low level, non‐protective responses. Sufficient clinical research has now been conducted to establish that replication‐deficient viral vectored vaccines lead the field in inducing strong and broad responses, and efficacy studies of T‐cell‐inducing vaccines against a number of diseases are finally demonstrating that this is a valid approach to filling the gaps in our defence against not only infectious disease, but some forms of cancer.
Transient and tracking performance bounds of the sign-sign algorithm

The paper provides a rigorous tracking analysis of the sign-sign algorithm when used in the identification of a time-varying plant with a white Gaussian input. The plant parameters vary according to a random walk model. The assumptions allow nonstationarity of the plant input, plant noise, and increments of the plant parameters. Upper bounds are derived for the long-term averages of the mean of the weight misalignment norm, mean absolute error, mean square weight misalignment, and mean square error. These bounds hold for all values of the algorithm step size, all initial filter weight settings, and all degrees of nonstationarity of the plant input, plant noise, and plant parameter increments. Lower bounds of the mean square weight misalignment and mean square error are also derived. The step sizes that minimize the above bounds are derived. A transient analysis of the algorithm is done in the case of a time-invariant plant. A tight lower bound of the convergence time is derived. The above analytical results are supported by computer simulations.
AGILE OBSERVATIONS OF THE GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE EVENT GW150914

We report the results of an extensive search through the AGILE data for a gamma-ray counterpart to the LIGO gravitational-wave (GW) event GW150914. Currently in spinning mode, AGILE has the potential of cover 80% of the sky with its gamma-ray instrument, more than 100 times a day. It turns out that AGILE came within a minute of the event time of observing the accessible GW150914 localization region. Interestingly, the gamma-ray detector exposed ∼65% of this region during the 100 s time intervals centered at −100 and +300 s from the event time. We determine a 2σ flux upper limit in the band 50 MeV–10 GeV, UL = 1.9 × 10−8 erg cm−2 s−1, obtained ∼300 s after the event. The timing of this measurement is the fastest ever obtained for GW150914, and significantly constrains the electromagnetic emission of a possible high-energy counterpart. We also carried out a search for a gamma-ray precursor and delayed emission over five timescales ranging from minutes to days: in particular, we obtained an optimal exposure during the interval −150/−30 s. In all these observations, we do not detect a significant signal associated with GW150914. We do not reveal the weak transient source reported by Fermi-GBM 0.4 s after the event time. However, even though a gamma-ray counterpart of the GW150914 event was not detected, the prospects for future AGILE observations of GW sources are decidedly promising.
Charge Pumping, Geometric Component, and Degradation Parameter Extraction in MOSFET Devices

In this paper, we model the geometric component of a charge-pumping (CP) technique. Base on this proposed model, we have established an analytic equation for charge-pumping current. This equation seems to be a universal one since it is in agreement with CP experimental data of different technologies devices. Instead of the classical considerations regarding a parasitic nature of the geometric component, in this paper, we have demonstrated that it can be used to estimate the negative-bias temperature-instability-induced mobility degradation using the CP-based methods such as on-the-fly interface trap.
Plasmid pSC101 harbors a recombination site, psi, which is able to resolve plasmid multimers and to substitute for the analogous chromosomal Escherichia coli site dif

Plasmid pSC101 harbors a 28-bp sequence which is homologous to dif, the target site of the XerC/XerD-dependent recombination system in Escherichia coli. Using a technique which allows very sensitive detection of plasmid loss, we show that recombination at this site, termed psi for pSC101 stabilized inheritance, causes a moderate increase in pSC101 stability. The role of the psi sequence in site-specific recombination has been explored in two other contexts. It was cloned in a derivative of plasmid p15A and inserted into the chromosome in place of dif. In the first situation, psi activity requires accessory sequences and results in multimer resolution; in the second situation, it suppresses the effects of the dif deletion and can promote intermolecular exchanges. Thus, psi is a site whose recombinational activity depends on the context, the first in the cer/dif family known to exhibit such flexibility.
Session-Based Collaborative Filtering for Predicting the Next Song

Most music recommender systems produce a set of recommendation based on user's previous preference. But the information is not always attainable. Focusing on the fact that music listening behavior is a repetitive action of playing one song at a time, we predict the next item based on user's currently selected items even when user's previous preference is not available. We propose a simple but effective recommendation method for this problem called Session-based Collaborative Filtering (SSCF), and we look into the different parameters that affect the recommendation accuracy. Our evaluation on real-world dataset indicated that SSCF improves recommendation accuracy.