Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
P253R fibroblast growth factor receptor‐2 mutation induces RUNX2 transcript variants and calvarial osteoblast differentiation

Unregulated fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) signaling caused by mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR2) leads to human craniosynostosis such as the Apert syndrome. In an in vitro control model of calvarial osteoblasts from Apert patients carrying the FGFR2 P253R mutation, we studied the changes in cellular phenotype and evaluated the effects of FGF2. Compared with wild‐type controls, osteocalcin mRNA was down‐regulated in Apert osteoblasts, Runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (RUNX2) mRNA was differentially spliced, and FGF2 secretion was greater. Total protein synthesis, fibronectin and type I collagen secretion were up‐regulated, while protease and glycosidase activities and matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) transcription were decreased, suggesting an altered ECM turnover. Adding FGF2 increased protease and glycosidase activities and down‐regulated fibronectin and type I collagen secretion in Apert osteoblasts. High affinity FGF2 receptors were up‐regulated in Apert osteoblasts and analysis of signal transduction showed elevated levels of Grb2 tyrosine phosphorylation and the Grb2‐p85 beta association, which FGF2 stimulation strongly reduced. All together these findings suggest increased constitutive receptor activity in Apert mutant osteoblasts and an autocrine loop involving the FGF2 pathway in modulation of Apert osteoblast behavior. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NMR imaging of heavy metal absorption in alginate, immobilized cells, and kombu algal biosorbents

In this contribution, an NMR imaging study of heavy metal absorption in alginate, immobilized‐cell biosorbents, and kombu (Laminaria japonica) algal biomass is presented. This method provides the good possibility of directly monitoring the time evolution of the spatial distribution of the ions in the materials. From these results, we demonstrate that rare earth ions are absorbed with a steep reaction front that can be described very well with a modified shrinking core model, while copper ions are absorbed with a more diffuse front.
Generation of Expressed Sequence Tags of Random Root cDNA Clones of Brassica napus by Single-Run Partial Sequencing

Two hundred thirty-seven expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of Brassica napus were generated by single-run partial sequencing of 197 random root cDNA clones. A computer search of these root ESTs revealed that 21 ESTs show significant similarity to the protein-coding sequences in the existing data bases, including five stress- or defense-related genes and four clones related to the genes from other kingdoms. Northern blot analysis of the 10 data base-matched cDNA clones revealed that many of the clones are expressed most abundantly in root but less abundantly in other organs. However, two clones were highly root specific. The results show that generation of the root ESTs by partial sequencing of random cDNA clones along with the expression analysis is an efficient approach to isolate genes that are functional in plant root in a large scale. We also discuss the results of the examination of cDNA libraries and sequencing methods suitable for this approach.
An experimental phenomenological approach to delusional memory in schizophrenia and late paraphrenia

Synopsis A preliminary model is described to account for the ‘reality testing’ of memories (after Johnson & Raye, 1981) in an attempt to explain delusional memory. Two routes are proposed: route one involves evaluation of the factual content of the memories against stored general knowledge. Route two relies on the evaluation of the perceptual and narrative characteristics of memories with the assumption that the stronger these characteristics, the more likely the memory is to be real. The integrity of these routes is examined in four patients with delusional memories, using standardized tests. The results suggest that in these cases, general knowledge is essentially intact while the perceptual characteristics of delusional memories are stronger than real memories which in turn, are stronger than fantasies. This could lead the evaluation system to accept delusional memories as true memories despite their implausibility. The roles of rehearsal and affect are probably important in this and require further study.
An ANN strategy for luminance control of LED in response to power system frequency

Controllable load can actively participate in power balance control, which will have positive impact on power system operation. Lighting load takes a significant proportion in the electricity demand. Many features of Light emitting diodes (LEDs), small size, high luminous efficiency and long lifetime, make them very attractive for use in lighting. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) control strategy is designed for LED luminance control in response to power system frequency. The pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming method is used to realize luminance control of LED. In order to regulate the LED power demand in response to frequency measurement signal, the ANN control strategy adjusts the ratio between the on-time and off-time of the PWM dimming signal of LED. Simulations are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed the ANN control strategy.
The design of a prototype mutation system for program testing

When testing software the major question which must always be addressed is "If a program is correct for a finite number of test cases, can we assume it is correct in general. " Test data which possess this property is called Adequate test data, and, although adequate test data cannot in general be derived algorithmically, 1 several methods have recently emerged which allow one to gain confidence in one's test data's adequacy. Program mutation is a radically new approach to determining test data adequacy which holds promise of being a major breakthrough in the field of software testing. The concepts and philosophy of program mutation have been given elsewhere, 2 the following will merely present a brief introduction to the ideas underlying the system. Unlike previous work, program mutation assumes that competent programmers will produce programs which, if they are not correct, are "almost" correct. That is, if a program is not correct it is a "mutant"-it differs from a correct program by simple errors. Assuming this natural premise, a program P which is correct on test data T is subjected to a series of mutant operators to produce mutant programs which differ from P in very simple ways. The mutants are then executed on T. If all mutants give incorrect results then it is very likely that P is correct (i.e., T is adequate). On the other hand, if some mutants are correct on T then either: (1) the mutants are equivalent to P, or (2) the test data T is inadequate. In the latter case, T must be augmented by examining the non-equivalent mutants which are correct on T: a procedure which forces close examination of P with respect to the mutants. At first glance it would appear that if T is determined adequate by mutation analysis, then P might still contain some complex errors which are not explicitly mutants of P.
Characterization of the protective antibody response to Borrelia burgdorferi in experimentally infected LSH hamsters

We show that serum obtained from normal hamsters infected with Borrelia burgdorferi can confer complete protection on irradiated recipients challenged with the Lyme spirochete. Borreliacidal activity was detected 7 days after infection, peaked at weeks 3 to 5, and thereafter decreased. Relatively high borreliacidal activity was detected in immune serum at weeks 3 and 5 of infection. The borreliacidal activity did not correlate with antibody used for the serodiagnosis of Lyme disease, which remained elevated throughout experimental infection. Our results also demonstrated that blocking antibody and antigenic variation in B. burgdorferi did not account for the decreasing titer of protective antibody. These findings indicate that protection against reinfection gradually wanes.
Spatially aware supervised nonlinear dimensionality reduction for hyperspectral data

In this paper we study the effect of injecting spatial information of image patches directly in the process of supervised dimensionality reduction. In particular, we adopt an approach derived from the mean map kernel framework to map image patches of variable size into a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. In that space, the orthonormalized partial least squares performs supervised dimensionality reduction to a discriminant subspace. Advantages of the proposed approach are discussed by studying two well known hyperspectral image benchmarks and by comparing it to composite-kernel feature extraction framework.
Mouse H-2k-restricted cytotoxic T cells recognize antigenic determinants in both the HA1 and HA2 subunits of the influenza A/PR/8/34 hemagglutinin

We have constructed two chimeric influenza hemagglutinin (HA) genes in which the HA1 and HA2 subunits of the HA molecule have been interchanged between influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1 subtype) and A/NT/60/68 (H3 subtype). These genes were used to construct recombinant vaccinia viruses that expressed intact chimeric HA. These recombinant viruses were used to test whether murine CTL recognize antigenic determinants in either the HA1, HA2, or both subunits. We found that both subunits of the HA molecule contain determinants for CTL. This implies that CTL have, at least in part, separate antigenic determinants from B lymphocytes, which recognize mainly epitopes within the HA1 subunit.
Natural selection on the luxA gene of bioluminescent bacteria.

Despite a growing literature of Vibrio, Photobacterium, Shewanella, and Photorhabdus biology, little is known of the function bioluminescence provides to these light-emitting bacteria. Proposed benefits of bioluminescence include evasion of predators or attraction of prey for symbiotic bacterial hosts through a distraction, a method of oxygen consumption to suffocate a host or reduce competition from obligate aerobes, a mechanism that stimulates DNA repair, or as a redox sink. We tested for the presence or absence of destabilizing selection on 31 physicochemical properties of the luxA gene of bacterial luciferase in relation to a phylogenetic hypothesis and the location of selection within the protein structure, in an attempt to further understand the evolution of bacterial bioluminescence and its importance to symbiosis. We show that amino acid properties most influenced by destabilizing selection include power to be at the C-terminal, chromatographic index, and isoelectric point. The location of destabilizing selection for isoelectric point within a phylogenetic context indicates that bacterial ecology has had an effect on the evolutionary history of luxA, while the presence of destabilizing selection for chromatographic index supports previous findings that bioluminescence in these species is sensitive to environmental osmolarity.
Ontology guided access to document images

In this paper, we propose a scheme for accessing document images using ontology. We make use of an extension of OWL (ontology language for Web) to allow encoding of ontologies for document images. We experimentally demonstrate that reasoning with the concepts defined in ontology and their observation models provide a mechanism to support conceptual querying and automated hyperlinking of document images.
A Novel Interpolation Scheme for Range Data with Side Information

Time-of-Flight matrix sensors currently available allow for the acquisition of range maps at video rate but usually have a limited resolution. At the same time high resolution color cameras are widely available. This makes highly desirable methods that are able to exploit the combined use of ToF sensors and color cameras to obtain high resolution range maps. This work presents a novel interpolation technique that exploits side information from a standard color camera to increase the resolution of range maps. A segmented version of the high resolution color image is used in order to identify the main objects in the scene, while a novel surface prediction scheme is used to interpolate the available depth samples. Critical issues like the joint calibration of the two devices and the unreliability of the acquired data have also been taken into account with ad- hoc solutions. The performance of the proposed scheme has been verified with both synthetic and real-world data and experimental results have shown how the proposed method allows to obtain a more accurate interpolation with sharper edges if compared with standard approaches.
Neurobehavioral and Hemodynamic Evaluation of Cognitive Shifting in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The restrictive, stereotyped behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered to be related to deficits in execu- tive function. In particular, cognitive shifting in executive function is deeply related to stereotyped behavior in ASD. Previous investigations have clarified that the lateral prefrontal cortex is involved in cognitive shifting when flexible changes in attention were needed. However, a few studies have revealed a direct association between cognitive shifting tasks and lateral prefrontal cortex activity in children with ASD. We examined cognitive shifting in 7- to 12-year-old children with ASD and typically developing children using the dimensional change card sort task. In addition, using near-infrared spectroscopy, we examined prefrontal brain activity in conjunction with cognitive shifting. The autistic children provided fewer correct answers and slower reaction times in the task than typically developing children. Fur- thermore, the autistic children displayed a decline in right lateral prefrontal cortex activity during the task compared with typically developing children. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between the severity of autism and brain activity during the task. These results suggest that the activity and physiological indices used in this study may be useful for identifying the symptoms of ASD and discriminating ASD from other disabilities.
Terpenoid Metabolism in Wild-Type and Transgenic Arabidopsis Plants Online version contains Web-only data. Article, publication date, and citation information can be found at www.plantcell.org/cgi/doi/10.1105/tpc.016253.

Volatile components, such as terpenoids, are emitted from aerial parts of plants and play a major role in the interaction between plants and their environment. Analysis of the composition and emission pattern of volatiles in the model plant Arabidopsis showed that a range of volatile components are released, primarily from flowers. Most of the volatiles detected were monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which in contrast to other volatiles showed a diurnal emission pattern. The active terpenoid metabolism in wild-type Arabidopsis provoked us to conduct an additional set of experiments in which transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing two different terpene synthases were generated. Leaves of transgenic plants constitutively expressing a dual linalool/nerolidol synthase in the plastids (FaNES1) produced linalool and its glycosylated and hydroxylated derivatives. The sum of glycosylated components was in some of the transgenic lines up to 40- to 60-fold higher than the sum of the corresponding free alcohols. Surprisingly, we also detected the production and emission of nerolidol, albeit at a low level, suggesting that a small pool of its precursor farnesyl diphosphate is present in the plastids. Transgenic lines with strong transgene expression showed growth retardation, possibly as a result of the depletion of isoprenoid precursors in the plastids. In dual-choice assays with Myzus persicae, the FaNES1-expressing lines significantly repelled the aphids. Overexpression of a typical cytosolic sesquiterpene synthase resulted in the production of only trace amounts of the expected sesquiterpene, suggesting tight control of the cytosolic pool of farnesyl diphosphate, the precursor for sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis. This study further demonstrates the value of Arabidopsis for studies of the biosynthesis and ecological role of terpenoids and provides new insights into their metabolism in wild-type and transgenic plants.
Cutting Edge: The Minor Histocompatibility Antigen H60 Peptide Interacts with Both H-2Kb and NKG2D1

Minor histocompatibility Ags elicit cell-mediated immune responses and graft rejection in individuals receiving MHC-matched tissues. H60 represents a dominant Ag that elicits a strong CTL response in C57BL/6 mice immunized against BALB.B. An 8-aa peptide in the H60 protein is presented by H-2Kb and this is recognized by the TCR as an alloantigen. The intact H60 glycoprotein is a ligand for the costimulatory NKG2D receptor that is expressed by activated CD8+ T cells. Thus, H60 may provide both an allogeneic peptide and its own costimulation. We show that mutation of an H-2Kb-binding anchor residue in the H60 peptide completely abrogates binding of H60 glycoprotein to NKG2D and a synthetic H60 peptide partially blocks the binding of NKG2D to its ligand. Ligands of the human NKG2D receptor are remarkably polymorphic, suggesting that these may also serve as minor histocompatibility Ags.
Implementations of artificial neural networks using current-mode pulse width modulation technique

The use of a current-mode pulse width modulation (CM-PWM) technique to implement analog artificial neural networks (ANNs) is presented. This technique can be used to efficiently implement the weighted summation operation (WSO) that are required in the realization of a general ANN. The sigmoidal transformation is inherently performed by the nonlinear transconductance amplifier, which is a key component in the current integrator used in the realization of WSO. The CM-PWM implementation results in a minimum silicon area, and therefore is suitable for very large scale neural systems. Other pronounced features of the CM-PWM implementation are its easy programmability, electronically adjustable gains of neurons, and modular structures. In this paper, all the current-mode CMOS circuits (building blocks) required for the realization of CM-PWM ANNs are presented and simulated. Four modules for modular design of ANNs are introduced. Also, it is shown that the CM-PWM technique is an efficient method for implementing discrete-time cellular neural networks (DT-CNNs). Two application examples are given: a winner-take-all circuit and a connected component detector.
Cell Growth on In Situ Photo-Cross-Linked Electrospun Acrylated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate

In this study, electrospinning was combined with UV curing technology for producing in situ photo cross-linked fibers from methacrylated cellulose acetate butyrate (CABIEM). ECV304 and 3T3 cells were seeded on electrospun fibrous scaffolds. Collagen modified CABIEM fibers were also prepared for improving cell adhesion and proliferation. Cross-linking and the morphology of the fibers were characterized by ATR–FTIR spectrometry and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The cytotoxicity of the fibers was examined using the MTT cytotoxicity assay. According to the results, electrospun fibrous scaffolds are non-toxic and cell viability depends on the amount of collagen. It was found that cell adhesion and cell growth were enhanced as the collagen percentage was increased.
Effect of Chemical Amendments on Ammonia Volatilization from Poultry Litter

Ammonia (NH 3 ) volatilization from poultry litter results in a buidup of atmospheric NH 3 in chicken houses, which is detrimental to both farm laborers and birds. Ammonia loss from litter is detrimental to the external environment because it results in acid rain, as well as low N/P ratios in litter, which increase the likelihood of excessive P runoff into adjacent water bodies. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of various chemical amendments on NH 3 volatilization and selected litter characteristics after 42 d. A laboratory study was conducted using the following amendments: Ca(OH) 2 (calcium hydroxide), Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 . 18H 2 O (alum), alum+CaCO 3 , FeSO 4 . 7H 2 O (ferrous sulfate), and MLT (Multi-purpose Litter Treatment, a commercial product). Ammonia-free air was continuously passed through air-tight chambers containing amended litter and any NH 3 volatilized from the litter was trapped in boric acid solutions; which were titrated daily for NH 3 content. The study was carried out for 42 d. At this time, the litter was analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soluble organic C (SOC), metals and soluble and total forms of N and P. The results of this study indicated that the addition of alum to poultry litter dramatically reduces NH 3 volatilization resulted in higher total and soluble N in litter, which increased N/P ratios. Several of the compounds studied (particularly alum) were effective in decreasing water-soluble P levels in litter. Therefore, we are proposing the use of alum as a litter amendment in poultry houses
A framework for SIP-based wireless medical applications

With advances in wireless networks and portable handheld devices, it becomes natural to use such technologies to improve the effectiveness of health service providers. These technologies enable hospital staff to remain connected to their critical systems regardless of their location in the medical facility. In this paper, we describe how SIP, Zigbee and WLAN technologies are used to support mobility and event management in the medical environment SIP, a signaling protocol, is now adopted as a standard for VoIP. It is also used for presence monitoring, event management, and instant messaging. In conjunction with SIP, WLAN networks are widely deployed in many campuses, enabling mobility. Zigbee is a new standard that can be used for short range, low rate, low power wireless device level communications providing sensing and data acquisition. WLAN and Zigbee proved suitable for deployment in medical premises causing no interferences with medical equipments. In this paper we describe an integrated framework for mobility, presence and event management using SIP, WLAN and Zigbee.
Goal attainment scaling in the rehabilitation of patients with lower-extremity amputations: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the interrater reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) among patients who have had lower-extremity amputations. DESIGN Pilot study comparing GAS with 2 functional measures with established reliability, validity, and responsiveness values. SETTING Regional amputee program in southwestern Ontario. PARTICIPANTS Ten patients (6 women, 4 men; mean age +/- standard deviation, 72.3+/-10.7 y) with unilateral lower-extremity amputations who were consecutively admitted to a regional amputee program. The ratio of transtibial to transfemoral amputations was 6:4. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjects were assessed by using GAS, the Barthel Index, and the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI) of the Prosthetic Profile of the Amputee. RESULTS The interrater reliability of GAS was r=. 67, and 63% of goals developed were identified independently by both investigators. The construct validity between GAS and the Barthel Index and the LCI was r=. 44 and r=. 35, respectively. GAS was more responsive than both the Barthel Index and the LCI, as indicated by the calculation of effect sizes and relative efficiencies. CONCLUSION This pilot study suggests that GAS is a promising outcome measure for the rehabilitation of patients with lower-extremity amputations.