Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HERPETOMONAS ZTIPLIKA N. SP. (KINETOPLASTIDA: TRYPANOSOMATIDAE): A PARASITE OF THE BLOOD-SUCKING BITING MIDGE CULICOIDES KIBUNENSIS TOKUNAGA, 1937 (DIPTERA: CERATOPOGONIDAE)

Herein, we describe the first case of a natural infection of biting midges by a kinetoplastid protozoan. Flagellates from a female Culicoides kibunensis captured in a bird's nest were introduced into culture and characterized by light and electron microscopy. However, because the morphological data were inconclusive, the novel endosymbiont-free trypanosomatid was assigned into Herpetomonas primarily on the basis of the 18S and 5S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences.
OFDM-based digital array radar with frequency domain mode multiplexing

Improvements in RF and digital technology have made digital array radar (DAR) feasible. The combination of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) as a wideband pulse compression modulation with a DAR architecture allows time dispersion effects to be mitigated for electrically-long antenna arrays. This concept can be extended to the simultaneous operation of multiple radar modes. Each mode is allocated some number of OFDM subcarriers. The subcarriers corresponding to a particular mode are then phase-shifted to create an element-to-element phase shift across the antenna array to steer the full-aperture antenna beam for that particular mode. This concept multiplexes the modes in the frequency domain while the OFDM-based DAR allows each mode to experience the full-aperture gain on transmit and receive while being electronically steered to an independent spatial position.
Exchange of Viral Promoter/Enhancer Elements with Heterologous Regulatory Sequences Generates Targeted Hybrid Long Terminal Repeat Vectors for Gene Therapy of Melanoma

ABSTRACT To generate transcriptionally targeted vectors, tissue-specific elements of the human tyrosinase promoter were exchanged with corresponding viral elements in the Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat (LTR). From these experiments, a vesicular stomatitis virus type G pseudotyped, hybrid LTR vector that contained three tyrosinase enhancer elements and gave high-level, tightly tissue-specific expression at high titers (3 × 107CFU/ml) was constructed.
Prevalence of malocclusion among 12 to 15 years age group orphan children using dental aesthetic index.

OBJECTIVE The study was done to determine the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment among orphan children. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample consisted of 165 orphan children aged between 12 and 15 years. A clinical examination was used to determine the orthodontic treatment need according to the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). The statistical software namely SPSS version 15.0 was used for the analysis different parameters as gender and age. RESULTS The prevalence of definite, severe and very severe malocclusion was more among males than females and it increased with age. 16.4% subjects needed orthodontic treatment ranging from slight to mandatory form. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The prevalence and severity of malocclusion was more among orphan children as they are deprived of healthy lifestyle. So, they should be identified and corrective measures instituted at the earliest to prevent a widespread impact on their psychological development.
Schizophrenia: What’s Arc Got to Do with It?

Human studies of schizophrenia are now reporting a previously unidentified genetic convergence on postsynaptic signaling complexes such as the activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated (Arc) gene. However, because this evidence is still very recent, the neurobiological implication of Arc in schizophrenia is still scattered and unrecognized. Here, we first review current and developing findings connecting Arc in schizophrenia. We then highlight recent and previous findings from preclinical mouse models that elucidate how Arc genetic modifications might recapitulate schizophrenia-relevant behavioral phenotypes following the novel Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. Building on this, we finally compare and evaluate several lines of evidence demonstrating that Arc genetics can alter both glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems in a very selective way, again consistent with molecular alterations characteristic of schizophrenia. Despite being only initial, accumulating and compelling data are showing that Arc might be one of the primary biological players in schizophrenia. Synaptic plasticity alterations in the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders might be a rule, not an exception. Thus, we anticipate that additional evidence will soon emerge to clarify the Arc-dependent mechanisms involved in the psychiatric-related dysfunctional behavior.
Nonparametric estimation of ultrasound pulses

An algorithm for nonparametric estimation of 1D ultrasound pulses in echo sequences from human tissues is derived. The technique is a variation of the homomorphic filtering technique using the real cepstrum, and the underlying basis of the method is explained. The algorithm exploits a priori knowledge about the structure of RF line echo data and can employ a number of adjacent RF lines from an image. The prime application of the algorithm is to yield a pulse suitable for deconvolution algorithms. This will enable these algorithms to properly take into account the frequency dependence of the attenuation and its variation within a patient and among patients. It is also possible to use the estimated pulse for attenuation estimation, and the consistency of the assumptions underlying the proposed technique is demonstrated by its ability to recover low variance attenuation estimates in the normal liver from in vivo pulse-echo data. Estimates are given for 8 different patients. <<ETX>>
Fetal Heart Rate Variability due to Vibroacoustic Stimulation: Linear and Nonlinear Contribution

Summary Objectives: This work aims at characterizing the variation of fetal heart rate (FHR) provoked by vibro-acoustic stimulation (VAS). The FHR signal is analyzed by means of a multiparametric approach consisting of linear and nonlinear indices. Methods: The FHR signals of 13 fetuses were collected through a US standard CTG monitor (HP1351A) and were sampled at a frequency of 2 Hz. The VAS was provided after a period of quiet of 10 minutes. The analysis was performed on the quiet period and on two successive time windows of 10 minutes each, after the stimulation. FHR classical parameters (delta, short term variability, long term irregularity, accelerations and decelerations) as well as power spectral density (PSD) and approximate entropy (ApEn) were computed for each period. Results: Results confirm that there is a significant change in fetal conditions after the stimulus is applied. This change can be clearly observed either in time domain parameters and in the regularity index (ApEn). Individual data are all consistent with an increase of variability and a decrease of regularity after VAS. Conclusions: The obtained results give further strength to the hypothesis that vibratory stimuli tests represent a reliable method for monitoring the neural development of the fetus during pregnancy.
Oligomeric Properties of Adeno-Associated Virus Rep68 Reflect Its Multifunctionality

ABSTRACT The adeno-associated virus (AAV) encodes four regulatory proteins called Rep. The large AAV Rep proteins Rep68 and Rep78 are essential factors required in almost every step of the viral life cycle. Structurally, they share two domains: a modified version of the AAA+ domain that characterizes the SF3 family of helicases and an N-terminal domain that binds DNA specifically. The combination of these two domains imparts extraordinary multifunctionality to work as initiators of DNA replication and regulators of transcription, in addition to their essential role during site-specific integration. Although most members of the SF3 family form hexameric rings in vitro, the oligomeric nature of Rep68 is unclear due to its propensity to aggregate in solution. We report here a comprehensive study to determine the oligomeric character of Rep68 using a combination of methods that includes sedimentation velocity ultracentrifugation, electron microscopy, and hydrodynamic modeling. We have determined that residue Cys151 induces Rep68 to aggregate in vitro. We show that Rep68 displays a concentration-dependent dynamic oligomeric behavior characterized by the presence of two populations: one with monomers and dimers in slow equilibrium and a second one consisting of a mixture of multiple-ring structures of seven and eight members. The presence of either ATP or ADP induces formation of larger complexes formed by the stacking of multiple rings. Taken together, our results support the idea of a Rep68 molecule that exhibits the flexible oligomeric behavior needed to perform the wide range of functions occurring during the AAV life cycle.
Geocomputation: A Practical Primer

Introduction Describing how the world looks Spatial Data Visualisation with R - James Cheshire and Robin Lovelace Geographical Agents in Three Dimensions - Paul Torrens Scale, Power Laws, and Rank Size in Spatial Analysis - Michael Batty Exploring movements in space Agent-Based Modeling and Geographical Information Systems - Andrew Crooks Microsimulation Modelling for Social Scientists - Kirk Harland and Mark Birkin Spatio-Temporal Knowledge Discovery - Harvey Miller Circular Statistics - David Rohde and Jonathan Corcoran Making geographical decisions Geodemographic Analysis - Alexandros Alexiou and Alexander Singleton Social Area Analysis and Self Organizing Maps - Seth Spielman and David Folch Kernel density estimation and Percent Volume Contours - Daniel Lewis Location-Allocation Models - Melanie Tomintz, Graham Clarke and Nawaf Alfadhli Explaining how the world works Geographically Weighted Generalised Linear Modelling - Tomoki Nakaya Spatial Interaction Models - Karyn Morrissey Python Spatial Analysis Library (PySAL): An Update And Illustration - Sergio Rey Reproducible Research: Concepts, Techniques and Issues - Chris Brunsdon and Alex Singleton Enabling interactions Using Crowd-Sourced Information to Analyse Changes in the Onset of the North American Spring - Chris Brunsdon and Lex Comber Open Source GIS software - Oliver O'Brien Public Participation in Geocomputation to Support Spatial Decision Making - Richard Kingston Conclusion References
Watermark embedding in optimal color direction

To watermark spot color packaging images one modulates available spot color inks to create a watermark signal. By perturbing different combinations of inks one can change the color direction of the watermark signal. In this paper we describe how to calculate the optimal color direction that embeds the maximum signal while keeping the visibility below some specified acceptable value. The optimal color direction depends on the starting color for the image region, the ink density constraints and the definition of the watermark signal. After a description of the general problem of N spot color inks we shall describe two-ink embedding methods and try to find the optimal direction that will maximize robustness at a given visibility. The optimal color direction is usually in a chrominance direction and the resulting ink perturbations change the luminosity very little. We compare the optimal color embedder to a single-color embedder.
Removal artifacts from EEG signal using independent component analysis and principal component analysis

In recording the EEG signals are often contamination signal called artifacts. There are different kinds of artifacts such as power line noise, electromyogram (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrooculogram (EOG). This research will compare two methods for removing artifacts, i.e. ICA and PCA methods. EEG signals are recorded on three conditions, which is normal conditions, closed eyes, and blinked eyes. After processing, the dominant frequency of the EEG signal is obtained in the range of 12-14 Hz (alpha-beta) either on normal conditions, closed eyes, and blinked eyes. From processing with ICA and PCA methods found that ICA method are better than PCA in terms of the separation of the EEG signals from mixed signals.
Neuropsychiatric impact of hepatitis C on advanced HIV

Objective: To determine whether hepatitis C (HCV) contributes to CNS dysfunction among HIV-infected individuals. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, the neuropsychiatric profile of individuals with advanced HIV coinfected with hepatitis C (HIV+/HCV+) was compared to similarly advanced HIV patients without HCV coinfection (HIV+/HCV−). Participants were derived from the Manhattan HIV Brain Bank and underwent neurocognitive testing and semistructured psychiatric interviews. Evidence of HCV infection was determined by serology performed prior to study entry. Hepatic function was determined by serum chemistries (bilirubin, creatinine, and international normalized ratio) at the time of the cognitive assessments. Results: Coinfected (HIV+/HCV+) individuals were significantly more likely to have had past opiate or cocaine or stimulant dependence. HIV+/HCV+ participants also had significantly greater rates of past substance-induced major depression. There were no significant differences in rates of primary mental disorders. Forty-two percent of both the HIV+/HCV+ and HIV+/HCV− participants met criteria for current major depression. There was a trend for HIV+/HCV+ patients to perform worse neurocognitively. On tests of executive functioning, HIV+/HCV+ individuals exhibited a greater rate of impairment and had significantly more perseveration. Differences in cognitive functioning were associated with serology but did not correlate with indices of liver disease severity. The HCV+ patients were also more likely to be diagnosed with HIV-associated dementia. Conclusions: There appears to be a neuropsychiatric impact of HCV that is detectable even among an advanced HIV cohort.
Glioma therapy and real‐time imaging of neural precursor cell migration and tumor regression

Despite many refinements in current therapeutic strategies, the overall prognosis for a patient with glioblastoma is dismal. Neural precursor cells (NPCs) are capable of tracking glioma tumors and thus could be used to deliver therapeutic molecules. We have engineered mouse NPCs to deliver a secreted form of tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis–inducing ligand (S‐TRAIL); S‐TRAIL is optimized to selectively kill neoplastic cells. Furthermore, we have developed means to simultaneously monitor both the migration of NSCs toward gliomas and the changes in glioma burden in real time. Using a highly malignant human glioma model expressing Renilla luciferase (Rluc), intracranially implanted NPC‐FL‐sTRAIL expressing both firefly luciferase (Fluc) and S‐TRAIL was shown to migrate into the tumors and have profound antitumor effects. These studies demonstrate the potential of NPCs as therapeutically effective delivery vehicles for the treatment of gliomas and also provide important tools to evaluate the migration of NPCs and changes in glioma burden in vivo. Ann Neurol 2005;57:34–41
Nitric Oxide–Mediated Zinc Release Contributes to Hypoxic Regulation of Pulmonary Vascular Tone

The metal binding protein metallothionein (MT) is a target for nitric oxide (NO), causing release of bound zinc that affects myogenic reflex in systemic resistance vessels. Here, we investigate a role for NO-induced zinc release in pulmonary vasoregulation. We show that acute hypoxia causes reversible constriction of intraacinar arteries (<50 &mgr;m/L) in isolated perfused mouse lung (IPL). We further demonstrate that isolated pulmonary (but not aortic) endothelial cells constrict in hypoxia. Hypoxia also causes NO-dependent increases in labile zinc in mouse lung endothelial cells and endothelium of IPL. The latter observation is dependent on MT because it is not apparent in IPL of MT−/− mice. Data from NO-sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer–based reporters support hypoxia-induced NO production in pulmonary endothelium. Furthermore, hypoxic constriction is blunted in IPL of MT−/− mice and in wild-type mice, or rats, treated with the zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine (TPEN), suggesting a role for chelatable zinc in modulating HPV. Finally, the NO donor DETAnonoate causes further vasoconstriction in hypoxic IPL in which NO vasodilatory pathways are inhibited. Collectively, these data suggest that zinc thiolate signaling is a component of the effects of acute hypoxia-mediated NO biosynthesis and that this pathway may contribute to constriction in the pulmonary vasculature.
Brazilian Capsicum peppers: capsaicinoid content and antioxidant activity.

BACKGROUND Capsicum peppers are known as a source of capsaicinoids, phenolic compounds and antioxidants. Brazilian Capsicum peppers are important spices used in foods worldwide. However, little information is available on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of these peppers. RESULTS Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were investigated in extracts of three Brazilian peppers: Capsicum frutescens, C. chinense and C. baccatum var. pendulum, in two different harvest years and at two ripening stages. The bioactive compound content was dependent on harvest year, and changes in the concentration profiles were found for capsaicin. Mature fruits of C. chinense harvested in the first year had the highest capsaicin concentration (2.04 mg g-1 fresh pepper), and mature fruits of C. frutescens harvested in the same first year had the highest dihydrocapsaicin content (0.95 mg g-1 fresh pepper). Mature fruits of C. frutescens harvested in the first year showed the major total phenolic compound content (2.46 mg g-1 fresh pepper). The total phenolic compound content was directly related to antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that phenolic compounds significantly contribute to the antioxidant activity of the investigated peppers. Also, these data add valued novel information that enhances current knowledge of Brazilian pepper fruits. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nitric Oxide and Paraoxonase 1 in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a progressive and complex metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion and /or insulin action, the lack of effective insulin leads to disturbances in carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. Type-2 diabetes mellitus is on track to become one of the major global public health challenges of the 21st century. Patients with type-2 diabetes may have complications like cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy and polyneuropathy. The present study was planned to measure the serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (D M) and to compare with healthy controls. Study includes 100 patients with type 2 DM and 100 healthy controls. Nitric oxide level was estimated by Cortas NK and Wakid NW. Whereas Paraoxonase 1 activity was estimated by spectrophotometric method described by Therry FD and Gean D. The data were evaluated statistically. The mean nitric oxide level in type 2 DM patients was significantly (p<0.001) increased than in the controls. Whereas mean PON1 activity in type 2 DM patients was significantly (p<0.001) decreased than in the controls. Increased nitric oxide and decreased PON1 activity may contribute to the increased chances for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in type 2 DM patients.
The relation between stiffness and filament overlap in stimulated frog muscle fibres.

1. Tension transients were recorded at sarcomere lengths from 2.0 to 3.2 mum in isolated fibres from the tibialis anterior muscle of frogs during tetanic stimulation at 0‐1 degrees C. 2. The length of a selected portion of the fibre was controlled by feed‐back from a spot‐follower device. The step was complete in 0.2 ms and the natural frequency of the force transducer was 10.8 kHz. 3. The transients were analysed by comparing the tension record with the output of an analogue circuit (delay line) which contained components representing (a) force transducer response, (b) fibre inertia, (c) viscosity and inertia of surrounding fluid, (d) passive stiffness and viscosity of the fibre, (e) tendon compliance and (f) stiffness and early tension recovery of the contractile apparatus. 4. In releases at different sarcomere lengths, the instantaneous stiffness and the early tension recovery attributed to the contractile apparatus varied almost exactly in proportion to the developed tension. In the later phases of the transient there were minor deviations from proportionality. 5. The results confirm that the entire transient represents events in the cross‐bridges. 6. At full overlap, the compliance attributable to the cross‐bridges is at least 80%, and probably well over 90% of the measured instantaneous compliance of the fibre. Stiffness can therefore be used as a measure of the number of attached cross‐bridges. 7. The amount of instantaneous sliding movement of thick relative to thin filaments required to bring tension in a cross‐bridge from the isometric value to zero is about 3.9 nm if filament and Z‐line compliance are negligible, as suggested by the results. It is not however excluded that filament compliance, though small, may be sufficient to reduce this figure to 3.5 nm or possibly 3.1 nm. 8. The responses to quick stretch, unlike those to release, could not be satisfactorily matched with the delay line. The deviations suggest that the instantaneous elasticity is non‐linear in stretches. 9. In resting fibres at all sarcomere lengths, the first peak of the tension response was determined chiefly by fibre inertia and viscosity, rather than elasticity.
Towards Automatic Construction of News Overview Articles by News Synthesis

In this paper we investigate a new task of automatically constructing an overview article from a given set of news articles about a news event. We propose a news synthesis approach to address this task based on passage segmentation, ranking, selection and merging. Our proposed approach is compared with several typical multi-document summarization methods on the Wikinews dataset, and achieves the best performance on both automatic evaluation and manual evaluation.