Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heteromeric Heat-sensitive Transient Receptor Potential Channels Exhibit Distinct Temperature and Chemical Response*

Background: TRPV1 and TRPV3 subunits are known to form heteromeric channels with unknown functional properties. Results: Heteromeric TRPV1/TRPV3 channels exhibit unique activation threshold temperature, dynamic range, potentiation to repetitive heating, and capsaicin sensitivity. Conclusion: Heteromeric channels are unique sensors for heat and chemical stimuli. Significance: Heteromeric channels may contribute to the fine-tuning of human sensitivity to sensory inputs. TRPV1 and TRPV3 are two heat-sensitive ion channels activated at distinct temperature ranges perceived by human as hot and warm, respectively. Compounds eliciting human sensations of heat or warmth can also potently activate these channels. In rodents, TRPV3 is expressed predominantly in skin keratinocytes, whereas in humans TRPV1 and TRPV3 are co-expressed in sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglion and are known to form heteromeric channels with distinct single channel conductances as well as sensitivities to TRPV1 activator capsaicin and inhibitor capsazepine. However, how heteromeric TRPV1/TRPV3 channels respond to heat and other stimuli remains unknown. In this study, we examined the behavior of heteromeric TRPV1/TRPV3 channels activated by heat, capsaicin, and voltage. Our results demonstrate that the heteromeric channels exhibit distinct temperature sensitivity, activation threshold, and heat-induced sensitization. Changes in gating properties apparently originate from interactions between TRPV1 and TRPV3 subunits. Our results suggest that heteromeric TRPV1/TRPV3 channels are unique heat sensors that may contribute to the fine-tuning of sensitivity to sensory inputs.
Corneal Biomechanical Properties in High Myopia Measured by Dynamic Scheimpflug Imaging Technology.

SIGNIFICANCE The cornea is a viscoelastic tissue with viscous and elastic properties. The information of corneal biomechanical changes in high myopia has implications for understanding the pathogenesis of high myopia and primary open angle glaucoma. However, the knowledge of corneal biomechanics in high myopia is limited. PURPOSE To compare the corneal biomechanical properties in high-myopia subjects and emmetropia subjects. METHODS Dynamic Scheimpflug imaging technology was used to measure intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and corneal biomechanical parameters, including time at the first applanation, velocity at the first applanation, length at the first applanation, deformation amplitude at the first applanation, time at the second applanation, A2V (velocity at the second applanation), length at the second applanation (A2L), deformation amplitude at the second applanation, time at the highest concavity, radius curvature at the highest concavity (HCR), maximal deformation amplitude (MDA), and peak distance. RESULTS This study included 40 subjects with high myopia and 61 emmetropia subjects. The high-myopia demonstrated greater MDA compared with the emmetropia (1.07 ± 0.01 vs. 1.02 ± 0.01 mm; P < .001) after adjusting for age and intraocular pressure. Pooling analysis found that the high myopia exhibited a smaller HCR, greater MDA, faster A2V and shorter A2L, with a pooled mean difference of -0.21 mm (95% confidential interval [95% CI], -0.30 to -0.13; P < .001) for HCR, 0.05 mm (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.06; P < .001) for MDA, -0.03 m/s (95% CI, -0.06 to -0.002; P = .034) for A2V, and -0.05 mm (95% CI, -0.08 to -0.02; P = .001) for A2L. CONCLUSIONS Eyes with high myopia showed a significantly smaller HCR, greater MDA, faster A2V, and shorter A2L than did those with emmetropia, which indicated that the cornea in an eye with high myopia becomes weaker and more deformable.
Guinea Pig Skin, a Model for Epidermal Cellular and Molecular Changes Induced by UVR in vivo and in vitro: Effects on Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette–Guérin Vaccination

Previously, we reported that ultraviolet B‐radiation (UVR) suppressed Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine‐induced resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in guinea pigs (GP). Herein, we investigated the cellular and molecular changes within the irradiated GP epidermis and the in vivo effect of supernatants from UV‐irradiated (200 J m−2) epidermal cells (UV‐sup) on M. bovis BCG vaccination. UVR increased the number of nucleated keratinocytes in the skin, but caused a decrease in the proportions of CD25+T cells. In the spleen, UVR resulted in a decrease in the proportions of T‐cell subsets including CD25+T cells, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ and CD14+ cells. Similarly, significant up‐regulation of several cytokine mRNAs including IL‐10 was also observed. Furthermore, UV‐sup significantly reduced the MHC class II expression in peritoneal cells and reduced T‐cell proliferation to ConA. The proliferation to purified protein derivative (PPD) was restored to normal levels by anti‐IL‐10 antibody. The UV‐sup when injected into BCG‐vaccinated GP significantly diminished the skin test response and T‐cell proliferation to PPD and up‐regulated the expression of IL‐10, IL‐4, IL‐1β and Foxp3 mRNAs in the lymph node or spleen. Thus, whole body UVR induces profound cellular and molecular changes and injection of UV‐sup from epidermal cells mimics the effect of whole body UVR in BCG‐vaccinated GP.
Offset-Compensated Cross-Coupled PFET Bit-Line Conditioning and Selective Negative Bit-Line Write Assist for High-Density Low-Power SRAM

An offset-compensated cross-coupled PFET bit-line (BL) conditioning circuit (OC-CPBC) and a selective negative BL write-assist circuit (SNBL-WA) are proposed for high-density FinFET static RAM (SRAM). The word-line (WL) underdrive read-assist and the negative BL write-assist circuits should be used for the stable operation of high-density FinFET SRAM. However, the WL underdrive read-assist circuit degrades the performance, and the negative BL write-assist circuit consumes a large amount of energy. The OC-CPBC enhances BL development during the evaluation phase by applying cross-coupled PFETs whose offset is compensated by precharging each of the two BLs separately through diode-connected cross-coupled PFETs. The SNBL-WA performs a write assist only when a write failure is detected, and this selective write assist reduces the write energy consumption. The simulation results show that the performance and energy consumption are improved by 41% and 48%, respectively, by applying the OC-CPBC and SNBL-WA to SRAM, even with a decrease in area.
Indomethacin-induced disturbances in villous microcirculation in the rat ileum.

Indomethacin is a widely used nonsteroidal antiphlogistic compound used-among others-for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in humans. Common side effects of indomethacin in the gastrointestinal tract include ulcerative lesions and petechial bleeding in the mucosa. In the rat, oral intake of indomethacin induces ulcerations in the mucosa of the stomach and, if administered systemically, edema, petechial bleeding, and ulcerations in the small intestine. In order to determine if systemic administration of indomethacin may induce changes in villous perfusion, we assessed the effect of indomethacin on erythrocyte velocity and the diameter of the main arteriole in the villi of the rat ileum. We found that indomethacin led to a significant decrease in mean arteriolar blood flow (6.3 +/- 0.8 vs 5.0 +/- 1.2 nl/min, means +/- SD) 7 days after administration. Mean diameter of the main arteriole remained unchanged (control, 7. 8 +/- 0.8 vs indomethacin, 7.0 +/- 0.9 microm). In conclusion, systemic application of indomethacin leads to a decrease in blood supply to the mucosa. We previously found an increase in villous perfusion when assessed 24 h after administration of indomethacin, accompanied by an increase in arteriolar diameter of the main arteriole. In summary, different regimens of application of indomethacin lead to varying observations in microcirculatory parameters in single villi. Further studies are required to identify the underlying mechanisms.
Extracellular RNase produced by Yarrowia lipolytica

Production of extracellular RNase(s) by Yarrowia lipolytica CX161-1B was examined in media between pHs 5 and 7. RNase production occurred during the exponential growth phase. High-molecular-weight nitrogen compounds supported the highest levels of RNase production. Several RNases were detected in the supernatant medium. Based on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the RNases had estimated molecular weights of 45,000, 43,000, and 34,000. It was found that Y. lipolytica secretes only one RNase (the 45,000-molecular-weight RNase) and that the 43,000 and 34,000-molecular-weight RNases are degradation products of this RNase. The alkaline extracellular protease secreted by Y. lipolytica was shown to have a major role in the 45,000- to 43,000-molecular-weight conversion, and it was demonstrated that the 45,000-molecular-weight RNase could be purified from a mutant which does not produce the alkaline extracellular protease. Purification of the RNase from a wild-type strain resulted in purification of the 43,000-molecular-weight RNase. This RNase was a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 44,000 as estimated by gel filtration, an isoelectric point of pH 4.8, and a pH optimum between 6.5 and 7.0.
A way to evaluate segmentation: An examination of AC line elimination in a parallel AC/DC transmission system

AC line elimination in a parallel AC/DC transmission system is investigated for segmentation analysis of small scale power system. The segmentation concept is explained. It is a recently proposed method to ease the planning and operating of current power systems. The rotor angle stability analysis in a segmented power system is studied. Simulations are performed in a two-area test system. The results show that segmentation concept can be studied through AC line trip parallel to DC transmission.
Insensitivity of Barley Endosperm ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase to 3-Phosphoglycerate and Orthophosphate Regulation

Crude extracts of starchy endosperm from barley (Hordeum vulgare cv Bomi) contained high pyrophosphorolytic activity (up to 0.5 [mu]mol of glucose-1-P formed min-1 mg-1 of protein) of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) when assayed in the absence of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA). This high activity was observed regardless of whether AGP had been extracted in the presence or absence of various protease inhibitors or other protectants. Western blot analysis using antibodies specific for either the small or large subunit of the enzyme demonstrated that the large, 60-kD subunit was prone to proteolysis in crude extracts, with a half-time of degradation at 4[deg]C (from 60 to 53 to 51 kD) on the order of minutes. The presence of high concentrations of protease inhibitors decreased, but did not prevent this proteolysis. The small, 51-kD subunit of barley endosperm AGP was relatively resistant to proteolysis, both in the presence or absence of protease inhibitors. For the crude, nonproteolyzed enzyme, 3-PGA acted as a weak activator of the ADP-glucose synthetic reaction (about 25% activation), whereas in the reverse reaction (pyrophosphorolysis) it served as an inhibitor rather than an activator. For both the synthetic and pyrophosphorolytic reactions, inorganic phosphate (Pi) acted as a weak competitive or mixed inhibitor of AGP. The relative insensitivity to 3-PGA/Pi regulation has been observed with both the nonproteolyzed crude enzyme and partially purified (over 60-fold) AGP, the latter characterized by two bands for the large subunit (molecular masses of 53 and 51 kD) and one band for the small subunit (51 kD). Addition of 3-PGA to assays of the partially purified, proteolyzed enzyme had little or no effect on the Km values of all substrates of AGP, but it reduced the Hill coefficient for ATP (from 2.1 to 1.0). These findings are discussed with respect to previous reports on the structure and regulation of higher plant AGP.
Association of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2gene polymorphism with multiple oesophageal dysplasia in head and neck cancer patients

BACKGROUND Multiple occurrences of oesophageal dysplasia are frequently observed in head and neck cancer patients, and closely associated with alcohol consumption. Acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, is thought to play an important role in the carcinogenesis of the upper aerodigestive tract. AIM To investigate if genetic polymorphism in alcohol metabolising enzymes (ADH3, alcohol dehydrogenase 3; ALDH2, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) is associated with oesophageal multiple dysplasia in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS Thirty one consecutive patients with head and neck cancer were included in the study. Multiple oesophageal dysplasia was detected endoscopically as multiple Lugol voiding lesions (multiple LVL) using the Lugol dye staining method. The ADH3 andALDH2 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS Among the 31 patients with head and neck cancer, 17 had multiple LVL. Multiple LVL were closely associated with a second primary oesophageal carcinoma in head and neck cancer patients (odds ratio 60.7, 95% CI 5.6–659). Furthermore, the mutant ALDH2 allele was significantly more prevalent in patients with multiple LVL (65%v 29%; p<0.05) whereas no difference was observed in ADH3 polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS The mutantALDH2 allele appears to be a risk indicator for multiple LVL in head and neck cancer patients. Accumulation of acetaldehyde due to low ALDH2 activity may play a critical role in cancerous changes throughout the mucosa in the upper aerodigestive tract.
Interpretation of Ambiguous Idiomatic Statements in Schizophrenic and Depressive Patients. Evidence for Common and Differential Cognitive Patterns

Background: This study is concerned with the comprehension of ambiguous idiomatic statements in schizophrenic and depressive patients. Aims: Using a multiple-choice procedure, we simultaneously tested the presence of concrete and literal elements in the understanding of idiomatic statements. Method: Fourteen schizophrenic and 10 patients undergoing a major depressive episode as well as 14 control subjects completed a questionnaire with 10 idiomatic expressions with two possible interpretations (figurative and literal) of equivalent prominence. The participants had to choose one word linked with the different interpretations of these idioms (figurative, literal, concrete or inappropriate meaning). Results: The main results show that, in all the subjects, the contextual characteristics of the task induced a bias in favor of figurative interpretations despite the equivalent prominence of the literal interpretations of the idioms. The selection of responses relating to the concrete meaning of a single word in the idiom constituted a response mode common to both the schizophrenic and depressed patients. Despite the contextual constraints of the task, the schizophrenics opted for the literal responses more often than the other participants. The descriptive analysis argues in favor of a cognitive and clinical heterogeneity of schizophrenic patients. Conclusion: Results support the idea that literality and concreteness in idiomatic interpretation are possibly due to distinct cognitive impairments, though only some are specific to schizophrenic patients.
Air-gap discharge remote measuring with PMT based device

Existing ultraviolet (UV) corona detecting devices does not indicate amount of discharge directly. In order to overcome this disadvantage and suggest a possible method of discharge remote measurement, much work was done to deduce the relationship between corona discharge current and remotely measured signals. In this paper, A UV corona monitor based on photomultiplier tube (PMT) was used as the remote measuring device. Integral of PMT output pulses and amount of discharge was plotted in scattered diagrams which showed fine linearity. A method of determine discharge amount remotely using the integral value was suggested afterwards.
Maternal voluntary physical activity attenuates delayed neurodevelopment in malnourished rats

What is the central question of this study? In the present study, a reproducible model of maternal voluntary physical activity was developed to evaluate the adaptive response of physical activity by attenuating the effects of maternal undernutrition on physical features, reflex ontogeny and growth trajectory of offspring during development. What is the main finding and its importance? Maternal physical activity may induce neuronal maturation of sensorimotor connections impacting on the patterns of locomotor activity in malnourished offspring. Thus, physical activity should be considered as a therapeutic means of countering the effects of maternal undernutrition, by providing a useful strategy for enhancing the neuronal activity of children born to mothers who experience a restricted diet during pregnancy.
MMSE detection for high data rate UWB MIMO systems

In this paper, a uniform matrix representation for ultra-wideband (UWB) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with time-hopping spread spectrum (THSS) and direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) methods is formulated. The inter symbol interference (ISI) is considered for high data rate UWB transmissions in the presence of dense multipath in an indoor environment. The bit error rate (BER) performance is evaluated based on the minimum mean square error (MMSE) detection criterion. In addition, a simplified UWB MIMO channel model is assumed for performance analysis based on the IEEE 802.15. 3a channel model recommendation and the MIMO channel covariance matrix representations. Results show that a UWB MIMO system with THSS method is capable of delivering promising performance up to very high symbol rate transmission for short range. On the other hand, a UWB MIMO system with DSSS method is more vulnerable to high symbol rate transmission due to the existence of severe inter chip interference (ICI) in addition to ISI.
Nonlinear bilateral control of teleoperators by state convergence

This paper presents a new nonlinear bilateral control method for telerobotics based on the state convergence framework. Considering the nonlinear systems of the master and slave, the exact linearization is applied in order to obtain the equivalent linear systems. This way, the convergence methodology is used to design the control scheme considering the equivalent linear systems. Then, the control gains obtained from the equivalent linear systems are used in the nonlinear bilateral control scheme to control the teleoperator. The control system allows that the slave state follows the master state and to establish the desired dynamics of the teleoperation system. Several simulation results are shown to verify the performance of the nonlinear bilateral control scheme.
Schwann Cell Strip for Peripheral Nerve Repair

Many strategies have been investigated to provide an ideal substitute to treat a nerve gap injury. Initially, silicone conduits were used and more recently conduits fabricated from natural materials such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) showed good results but still have their limitations. Surgically, a new concept optimising harvested autologous nerve graft has been introduced as the single fascicle method. It has been shown that a single fascicle repair of nerve grafting is successful. We investigated a new approach using a PHB strip seeded with Schwann cells to mimic a small nerve fascicle. Schwann cells were attached to the PHB strip using diluted fibrin glue and used to bridge a 10-mm sciatic nerve gap in rats. Comparison was made with a group using conventional PHB conduit tubes filled with Schwann cells and fibrin glue. After 2 weeks, the nerve samples were harvested and investigated for axonal and Schwann cell markers. PGP9.5 immunohistochemistry showed a superior nerve regeneration distance in the PHB strip group versus the PHB tube group (> 10 mm, crossed versus 3.17± 0.32 mm respectively, P<0.05) as well as superior Schwann cell intrusion (S100 staining) from proximal (> 10 mm, crossed versus 3.40± 0.36 mm, P<0.01) and distal (> 10 mm, crossed versus 2.91± 0.31 mm, P<0.001) ends. These findings suggest a significant advantage of a strip in rapidly connecting a nerve gap lesion and imply that single fascicle nerve grafting is advantageous for nerve repair in rats.
Programmed Death-1 Controls T Cell Survival by Regulating Oxidative Metabolism

The coinhibitory receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1) maintains immune homeostasis by negatively regulating T cell function and survival. Blockade of PD-1 increases the severity of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), but the interplay between PD-1 inhibition and T cell metabolism is not well studied. We found that both murine and human alloreactive T cells concomitantly upregulated PD-1 expression and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. This PD-1HiROSHi phenotype was specific to alloreactive T cells and was not observed in syngeneic T cells during homeostatic proliferation. Blockade of PD-1 signaling decreased both mitochondrial H2O2 and total cellular ROS levels, and PD-1–driven increases in ROS were dependent upon the oxidation of fatty acids, because treatment with etomoxir nullified changes in ROS levels following PD-1 blockade. Downstream of PD-1, elevated ROS levels impaired T cell survival in a process reversed by antioxidants. Furthermore, PD-1–driven changes in ROS were fundamental to establishing a cell’s susceptibility to subsequent metabolic inhibition, because blockade of PD-1 decreased the efficacy of later F1F0-ATP synthase modulation. These data indicate that PD-1 facilitates apoptosis in alloreactive T cells by increasing ROS in a process dependent upon the oxidation of fat. In addition, blockade of PD-1 undermines the potential for subsequent metabolic inhibition, an important consideration given the increasing use of anti–PD-1 therapies in the clinic.
The effect of adolescents' sports clubs participation on self-reported mental and physical conditions and future expectations

Abstract Sports clubs create conditions for people of all ages to pursue a healthy lifestyle through exercise in sports and attend to constructive pedagogical work which creates much value for society. This study investigates the relationship between adolescents' sports clubs participation and self-reported mental and physical conditions and future expectations. The participants were 10,987 pupils in the final three years of their compulsory education in Iceland (aged 14–16 years). The participants completed questionnaires administered to students in the classroom relating to health and behaviour. The results indicate that participation in sports clubs influences adolescents positively; adolescents who work hard at sport not only believe they are in better mental and physical condition, they also believe they can succeed in other areas such as their studies. Sports clubs promote positive influence on adolescents' mental and physical conditions and their future expectations toward work and happiness. It can be concluded that participation in organised sports clubs affects the participants in a positive way.