Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation of Rap1 inhibits NADPH oxidase‐dependent ROS generation in retinal pigment epithelium and reduces choroidal neovascularization

Activation of Rap1 GTPase can improve the integrity of the barrier of the retina pigment epithelium (RPE) and reduce choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Inhibition of NADPH oxidase activation also reduces CNV. We hypothesize that Rap1 inhibits NADPH oxidase‐generated ROS and thereby reduces CNV formation. Using a murine model of laser‐induced CNV, we determined that reduced Rap1 activity in RPE/choroid occurred with CNV formation and that activation of Rap1 by 2'‐O‐Me‐cAMP (8CPT)‐reduced laser‐induced CNV via inhibiting NADPH oxidase‐generated ROS. In RPE, inhibition of Rap1 by Rap1 GTPase‐activating protein (Rap1GAP) increased ROS generation, whereas activation of Rap1 by 8CPT reduced ROS by interfering with the assembly of NADPH oxidase membrane subunit p22phox with NOX4 or cytoplasmic subunit p47phox. Activation of NADPH oxidase with Rap1GAP reduced RPE barrier integrity via cadherin phosphorylation and facilitated choroidal EC migration across the RPE monolayer. Rap1GAP‐induced ROS generation was inhibited by active Rap1a, but not Rap1b, and activation of Rap1a by 8CPT in Rap1b‐/‐ mice reduced laser‐induced CNV, in correlation with decreased ROS generation in RPE/choroid. These findings provide evidence that active Rap1 reduces CNV by interfering with the assembly of NADPH oxidase subunits and increasing the integrity of the RPE barrier. —Wang, H. , Jiang, Y. , Shi, D. , Quilliam, L. A. , Chrzanowska‐Wodnicka, M. , Wittchen, E. S. , Li, D. Y. , Hartnett, M. E. Activation of Rap1 inhibits NADPH oxidase‐dependent ROS generation in retinal pigment epithelium and reduces choroidal neovascularization. FASEB J. 28, 265–274 (2014). www.fasebj. org
An improved method of transformer parameter identification based on measurement data

The accuracy of transformer parameters is critical for power system analysis and control decision. In practice, the parameters of a transformer may deviate from its factory values due to the influence of environment and equipment aging. An improved model is presented in this paper to identify transformer parameters based on WAMS and SCADA data. Relative errors are considered in the objective function. Cases with different objective functions are examined. The accuracy and convergence of the different method are compared.
Ras-mediated modulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity regulates mitochondrial reserve capacity and contributes to glioblastoma tumorigenesis.

BACKGROUND Even though altered metabolism representing a hallmark of cancer was proposed nearly a century ago, recent technological advances have allowed investigators to continue uncovering a previously unrecognized complexity of metabolic programs that drive tumorigenesis beyond that of aerobic glycolysis. METHODS The bioenergetic state of a diverse panel of glioblastoma models, including isogenic lines derived from a genetically engineered adult astrocytic mouse model and patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells, was determined at baseline and in stressed conditions. Mechanisms contributing to the discovered metabolic phenotypes were determined through molecular and chemical perturbation, and their biological consequences were evaluated in vivo and in patient samples. RESULTS Attenuated mitochondrial reserve capacity was identified as a common metabolic phenotype in glioblastoma lines. This phenotype was linked mechanistically with the capacity of Ras-mediated signaling to inhibit pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity through downregulation of PDH phosphatase (PDP) expression. PDP1 repression was validated clinically in patient-derived samples, suggesting that aberrant cellular signaling typical of glioblastoma actively modulates PDH activity. This phenotype was reversed through both chemical and molecular perturbation. Restoration of PDH activity through stable expression of PDP1-impaired tumorigenic potential. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the central role that PDH regulation plays as a downstream consequence of aberrant signaling associated with gliomagenesis and the scientific rationale to continue to develop and test clinical strategies designed to activate PDH as a form of anticancer therapy in glioblastoma.
A QoS-Oriented High-Efficiency Resource Allocation Scheme in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks

Deadline constrained packet scheduling and transmission are important in real-time multimedia applications. This is because packets missing their deadlines would become useless and are frequently dropped, which seriously degrade the quality of service (QoS). As the utilization of Internet of Things has become mature, multimedia data transmission is a key component to promote the QoS of citizens. To fulfill the QoS requirement in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) with multimedia content, the combination of multiple transmission methods is encouraged for packet forwarding, including conventional network coding, analog network coding, plain routing, and direct transmission (i.e., no-relaying, NR). The diversity of transmission method is helpful to lower packet dropping probability, while complicating the packet transmitting and scheduling process instead. Therefore, we first introduce an exhaustive search method to obtain the optimal scheduling sequence and corresponding transmission method for deadline constrained multimedia transmissions in WSNs. With the objective of promoting computing efficiency for the formulated problem, we then propose two heuristic methods based on the Markov chain approximation and the dynamic graph, respectively. Simulation results illustrate that our methods can effectively reduce packet dropping probability and simulation time, so that QoS of individuals can be promoted.
Blind decorrelation and deconvolution algorithm for multiple-input multiple-output system: I. Theorem derivation

The problems of blind decorrelation and blind deconvolution have attracted considerable interest recently. These two problems traditionally have been studied as two different subjects, and a variety of algorithms have been proposed to solve them. In this paper, we consider these two problems jointly in the application of a multi-sensor network and propose a new algorithm for them. In our model, the system is a MIMO system (multiple-input multiple-output) which consists of linearly independent FIR channels. The unknown inputs are assumed to be uncorrelated and persistently excited. Furthermore, inputs can be colored sources and their distributions can be unknown. The new algorithm is capable of separating multiple input sources passing through some dispersive channels. Our algorithm is a generalization of Moulines' algorithm from single input to multiple inputs. The new algorithm is based on second order statistics which require shorter data length than the higher order statistics algorithms for the same estimation accuracy.
Concurrent localisation and map building for mobile robots using ultrasonic sensors

Successful autonomous navigation by a mobile robot depends on its ability to map its environment and to accurately determine its position within this environment. In complex environments, where no additional navigational aids are present, the localization and map-building processes are not independent of each other. This paper presents an approach where the boot-strapping problem of concurrent localization and map building is solved by estimating the respective errors introduced by each of the processes and correcting them accordingly. The algorithms were tested in simulation, and results showed that the robot stably navigated in its environment.
Probing the Role of the Carboxyl Terminus of the gp91 phox Subunit of Neutrophil Flavocytochromeb 558 using Site-directed Mutagenesis*

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate a series of substitutions and deletions in the carboxyl-terminal 11 residues of gp91 phox , the 91-kDa subunit of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase flavocytochrome b 558. This region encompasses 559RGVHFIF565, implicated as a contact point for the cytosolic oxidase subunit p47 phox during oxidase activation, and a carboxyl-terminal phenylalanine (Phe570), which corresponds in position to a highly conserved aromatic residue that interacts with the flavin group in the ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase flavoenzyme family, of which gp91 phox is a member. Mutant proteins were expressed in human myeloid leukemia cells which lack expression of endogenous gp91 phox due to targeted disruption of the X-linked gp91 phox gene. Although specific residues within559RGVHFIF565 had previously been identified by alanine scanning as essential for peptide inhibition of oxidase activity in a cell-free assay, comparable substitutions in the gp91 phox polypeptide had either no or only a modest effect on oxidase activity in whole cells. Replacement of nonpolar with polar or charged residues had greater effects on oxidase activity, but were also associated with decreased gp91 phox expression, suggesting that overall protein structure was perturbed. No stable gp91 phox protein was detected upon deletion of the terminal 11 amino acids. Alanine substitution or deletion of the carboxyl-terminal Phe570 in gp91 phox resulted in a 2-fold reduction in superoxide production. This contrasts with a ≈300–800-fold reduction reported for comparable mutations in pea ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase, which suggests that structural or functional differences exist between the carboxyl terminus of gp91 phox and other ferredoxin-NADP+ reductases.
EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF CONTENTS BASED IMAGE RETRIEVAL USING GABOR FEATURE EXTRACTOR

Due to increase in multimedia and internet technology day-by-day the Content Based Image Retrieval(CBIR) is an attractive research area for computer vision researcher since last decade. There is various model of CBIR have been proposed for retrieving images from huge database. In this work, we present an empirical analysis of CBIR model using Gabor feature descriptors in MATLAB. The similarity is measure by Euclidian distance method between query image and data base image. The efficiency of the CBIR Model can be calculating using both precision and recall and all the experimental results shows that system performs well on five different standard datasets.
Predictive-Control-Based Direct Power Control With an Adaptive Parameter Identification Technique for Improved AFE Performance

This paper proposes predictive-control-based direct power control (DPC) with an adaptive online parameter identification technique for ac-dc active front ends (AFEs) to overcome model mismatch and parameter uncertainty. Based on least-squares estimation, the input inductance and input resistance of the AFE are calculated every sampling period using sampled input currents and input voltages. Because the online-tuned input inductance and resistance are updated for the controller, the proposed predictive-control-based DPC with the adaptive parameter identification technique can mitigate performance degradation resulting from the model uncertainty of the model predictive controller without any additional sensors. Therefore, the AFE generates sinusoidal input currents with a unity power factor despite parameter uncertainty.
Immunophenotypic characterization of enteric neural crest cells in the developing avian colorectum

Background: The enteric nervous system (ENS) develops from neural crest‐derived cells that migrate along the intestine to form two plexuses of neurons and glia. While the major features of ENS development are conserved across species, minor differences exist, especially in the colorectum. Given the embryologic and disease‐related importance of the distal ENS, the aim of this study was to characterize the migration and differentiation of enteric neural crest‐derived cells (ENCCs) in the colorectum of avian embryos. Results: Using normal chick embryos and vagal neural tube transplants from green fluorescent protein (GFP) ‐transgenic chick embryos, we find ENCCs entering the colon at embryonic day (E) 6.5, with colonization complete by E8. Undifferentiated ENCCs at the wavefront express HNK‐1, N‐cadherin, Sox10, p75, and L1CAM. By E7, differentiation begins in the proximal colon, with L1CAM and Sox10 becoming restricted to neuronal and glial lineages, respectively. By E8, multiple markers of differentiation are expressed along the entire colorectum. Conclusions: Our results establish the pattern of ENCC migration and differentiation in the chick colorectum, demonstrate the conservation of marker expression across species, highlight a range of markers, including neuronal cell adhesion molecules, which label cells at the wavefront, and provide a framework for future studies in avian ENS development. Developmental Dynamics 241:842–851, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reconstruction of Concealed Objects in a Corrugated Wall With a Smoothly Varying Roughness Using the Linear Sampling Method

Two-dimensional reconstruction of concealed objects in a wall with two-scale surface roughness is presented. The linear sampling method (LSM) as a single-frequency qualitative imaging technique is exploited. The method uses the background Green's function along with the multistatic response matrix of the overall structure. The Green's function of the wall with deterministic corrugated interfaces is derived analytically here; hence, the computations are extremely efficient. The transmission and reflection matrices of the boundaries are employed along with the generalized scattering matrix theory to find the Green's function of the geometry with the source in the wall. Since the scattering matrix of each surface is only evaluated once for the whole process, the inversion algorithm becomes very suitable for real-time applications. The method is general and could be extended to any multilayered media as well. The LSM is robust against noise and clutter; therefore, the small-scale random roughness on the interfaces does not prevent the method from detection of the objects, verified by the results.
Prescription and Intake Patterns in Long-Term and Ultra-Long-Term Benzodiazepine Treatment in Primary Care Practice

Pharmacoepidemiological data show that long-term treatment accounts for a considerable part of benzodiazepine prescriptions in primary care practice. Prescription and intake patterns were, therefore, investigated in a study of 196 patients who had been treated with benzodiazepines for longer than six months by internists or general physicians in private practice. Patients were 64 years of age on average, half of them being 65 years or older. Females were in the majority (73.5%). The average duration of tranquilizer or hypnotic intake was 11.0 years, or 5.3 years for the current benzodiazepine medication. The mean daily dose was 9 mg diazepam equivalent. All benzodiazepine hypnotics and 61% of benzodiazepine tranquilizers had been prescribed solely for night-time use. Only 6% of the patients were taking benzodiazepines as single medication: on average they were taking 3.1 additional types of medication for other conditions, these being predominantly cardiac and antirheumatic/analgesic in nature. One in five patients was taking additional psychotropic medication. The compliance coefficient was on average 0.8, showing that patients did not tend to abuse benzodiazepines, with noncompliance generally being similar to noncompliance with other forms of medication.
Synergistic interactions between airway afferent nerve subtypes regulating the cough reflex in guinea‐pigs

Cough initiated from the trachea and larynx in anaesthetized guinea‐pigs is mediated by capsaicin‐insensitive, mechanically sensitive vagal afferent neurones. Tachykinin‐containing, capsaicin‐sensitive C‐fibres also innervate the airways and have been implicated in the cough reflex. Capsaicin‐sensitive nerves act centrally and synergistically to modify reflex bronchospasm initiated by airway mechanoreceptor stimulation. The hypothesis that polymodal mechanoreceptors and capsaicin‐sensitive afferent nerves similarly interact centrally to regulate coughing was addressed in this study. Cough was evoked from the tracheal mucosa either electrically (16 Hz, 10 s trains, 1–10 V) or by citric acid (0.001–2 m). Neither capsaicin nor bradykinin evoked a cough when applied to the trachea of anaesthetized guinea‐pigs, but they substantially reduced the electrical threshold for initiating the cough reflex. The TRPV1 receptor antagonist capsazepine prevented the increased cough sensitivity induced by capsaicin. These effects of topically applied capsaicin and bradykinin were not due to interactions between afferent nerve subtypes within the tracheal wall or a direct effect on the cough receptors, as they were mimicked by nebulizing 1 mg ml−1 bradykinin into the lower airways and by microinjecting 0.5 nmol capsaicin into nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS). Citric acid‐induced coughing was also potentiated by inhalation of bradykinin. The effects of tracheal capsaicin challenge on cough were mimicked by microinjecting substance P (0.5–5 nmol) into the nTS and prevented by intracerebroventricular administration (20 nmol h−1) of the neurokinin receptor antagonists CP99994 or SB223412. Tracheal application of these antagonists was without effect. C‐fibre activation may thus sensitize the cough reflex via central mechanisms.
Stepwise rigorous development of distributed agile information systems: from UML-diagrams to component-based Petri Nets

The Unified Modelling Language (UML) is nowadays the de-facto standard method for developing Object-Oriented (OO) information systems (IS). UML is endowed with semi-formal graphical diagrams, allowing a multi-view based modelling. Further decisive UML strengths include advanced supporting tools as well as the readiness to extensions through stereotypes and profiles. Nevertheless, for contemporary critical IS where high-degree of reliability, flexibility and distribution are requested, such early semi-formal and multi-viewed UML-based modelling requires to be leveraged towards more disciplined, verifiable and intrinsically distributed specification. That is, first, the rigorous coherence between structural and behavioural diagrams have to be addressed. Secondly, the formal validation/certification of the application crucial properties should be soundly handled. Thirdly, the targeted UML-driven unified framework has to cater for componentisation, true-concurrency and adaptability. With the aim to preserve all the above UML strengths, we propose to describe early IS requirements using tailored UML diagrams, with mainly class-diagrams, OCL constraints and state-charts. We then smoothly shift these intuitive UML-driven IS multi-views towards a more unified, rigorous and distributed conceptual modelling, where certification and validation are intrinsic. This phase is governed by a rigorous component-based operational and visual framework called CO-NETS. It is based on a formal integration of most OO concepts and mechanisms, enhanced with modularity principles, into a variant of high-level Petri Nets. For rapid-prototyping purposes, CO-NETS behaviour is governed by Meseguer's rewriting logic. This innovative UML-CO-NETS-driven proposal for IS model-driven development is a validated, through a non-trivial case-study, on production systems. †A preliminary shortened version of this work appeared in MSVVEIS'07, a workshop at ICEIS'07 (June 12–17, Madeira) under the title ‘UML-driven Information Systems and their Formal Integration Validation and Distribution (Aoumeur and Saake 2007b)’.
Tax Progressivity and Its Effect on Economic Growth

This paper investigates whether there is a relationship between progressivity of personal income taxation and output growth. Additionally a relation between progressivity of personal income taxation and volatility of output growth is examined. There is a gap in the existing literature examining whether personal income progressivity imposed on different levels of income effect economic growth similarly. This research contribute to the existing literature by examining the link between economic growth and progressivity imposed on low, medium and high levels of income earners separately. The research is carried out using dataset ranging from 2000 to 2013 and covering 34 OECD countries. The results of the analysis suggest that progressivity occurring at lower and higher levels of income has a negative effect on output growth, while progressivity at middle levels of income has a positive effect. Moreover, progressivity of personal income taxation has a positive effect on volatility of output growth, irrespective of whether progressivity occurs at lower, middle or higher level of income. Performed robustness tests confirms these findings.
A potential RNA drug target in the hepatitis C virus internal ribosomal entry site.

Subdomain IlId from the hepatitis C virus (HCV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES) has been shown to be essential for cap-independent translation. We have conducted a structural study of a 27-nt fragment, identical in sequence to IlId, to explore the structural features of this subdomain. The proposed secondary structure of IlId is comprised of two 3 bp helical regions separated by an internal loop and closed at one end by a 6-nt terminal loop. NMR and molecular modeling were used interactively to formulate a validated model of the three-dimensional structure of IlId. We found that this fragment contains several noncanonical structural motifs and non-Watson-Crick base pairs, some of which are common to other RNAs. In particular, a motif characteristic of the rRNA alpha-sarcin/ricin loop was located in the internal loop. The terminal loop, 5'-UUGGGU, was found to fold to form a trinucleotide loop closed by a trans-wobble U.G base pair. The sixth nucleotide was bulged out to allow stacking of this U.G pair on the adjacent helical region. In vivo mutational analysis in the context of the full IRES confirmed the importance of each structural motif within IIId for IRES function. These findings may provide clues as to host cellular proteins that play a role in IRES-directed translation and, in particular, the mechanism through which host ribosomes are sequestered for viral function.
Public policy analysis in Iran: the partial least square test

This research tests Iranian public policy analysis model. This model is a descriptive and qualitative model that created through grounded theory approach and then used Partial Least Square for confirmation test and explore predictability of it. The results confirm that public policy analysis model of Iran have three dimension of formulation analysis, implementation analysis and evaluation analysis which these components have influence together sequently.