Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Age Acceleration Assessed with Human White-Matter Images

The accurate estimation of age using methylation data has proved a useful and heritable biomarker, with acceleration in epigenetic age predicting a number of age-related phenotypes. Measures of white matter integrity in the brain are also heritable and highly sensitive to both normal and pathological aging processes across adulthood. We consider the phenotypic and genetic interrelationships between epigenetic age acceleration and white matter integrity in humans. Our goal was to investigate processes that underlie interindividual variability in age-related changes in the brain. Using blood taken from a Mexican-American extended pedigree sample (n = 628; age = 23.28–93.11 years), epigenetic age was estimated using the method developed by Horvath (2013). For n = 376 individuals, diffusion tensor imaging scans were also available. The interrelationship between epigenetic age acceleration and global white matter integrity was investigated with variance decomposition methods. To test for neuroanatomical specificity, 16 specific tracts were additionally considered. We observed negative phenotypic correlations between epigenetic age acceleration and global white matter tract integrity (ρpheno = −0.119, p = 0.028), with evidence of shared genetic (ρgene = −0.463, p = 0.013) but not environmental influences. Negative phenotypic and genetic correlations with age acceleration were also seen for a number of specific white matter tracts, along with additional negative phenotypic correlations between granulocyte abundance and white matter integrity. These findings (i.e., increased acceleration in epigenetic age in peripheral blood correlates with reduced white matter integrity in the brain and shares common genetic influences) provide a window into the neurobiology of aging processes within the brain and a potential biomarker of normal and pathological brain aging. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Epigenetic measures can be used to predict age with a high degree of accuracy and so capture acceleration in biological age, relative to chronological age. The white matter tracts within the brain are also highly sensitive to aging processes. We show that increased biological aging (measured using epigenetic data from blood samples) is correlated with reduced integrity of white matter tracts within the human brain (measured using diffusion tensor imaging) with data from a large sample of Mexican-American families. Given the family design of the sample, we are also able to demonstrate that epigenetic aging and white matter tract integrity also share common genetic influences. Therefore, epigenetic age may be a potential, and accessible, biomarker of brain aging.
Image Reconstruction for In-Line Phase Contrast CT by Offsetting X-Ray Source Twice

X-ray in-line phase contrast computed tomography (PC-CT) can provide imaging contrast that is orders of magnitude better than conventional absorption-based CT and has attracted some interest in many fields such as life science, medicine and biomedical engineering. In conventional methods, PC-CT needs two rotation scans to retrieve the phase line integral projection from the recorded original data. It is usually implemented by shifting detector or object twice. However, it is sometimes impossible due to the experimental constraints. In this paper, an image reconstruction algorithm is proposed which permits that two rotation scans are completed by offsetting the X-ray source twice. This work comprises a simulation study of the proposed method and its experimental verification using a biomedical material sample dataset measured at an in-line PC-CT system. It simplifies the imaging conditions and will push the engineering applications of in-line PC-CT.
The Ecdysone Receptor Puzzle

The present article reviews some recent findings on the functional ecdysone† receptor which is a heterodimer of two proteins: ecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle (USP). Emphasis is given to some unique aspects of this receptor, in particular to its dimerization, binding to DNA, and transactivation capabilities. The effects of ligands (ecdysone, juvenile hormone) on these functions are discussed. In addition, perspectives on future work on this receptor are outlined, which are shaped by recent progress in the nuclear receptor field in general. This preview part of the present article concerns mainly the 3-D structure of receptor domains, the formation of large supramolecular receptor complexes, their influence on chromatin remodelling, receptor phosphorylation, as well as inter- and intramolecular cross-talks of receptor domains.
A preliminary proteomic survey of the in vitro excretory/secretory products of fourth-stage larval and adult Teladorsagia circumcincta

The nature of the proteins which comprise the in vitro excretory/secretory products (ES) of the fourth-stage larva (L4) and adult Teladorsagia circumcincta are largely undefined, despite the fact that this nematode induces profound changes, in part related to parasite ES, in the cellular architecture of the glands lining the abomasal surface of infected sheep and goats. In this study, the protein components of L4 and adult ES were fractionated using 1D gel electrophoresis and the major protein bands, detected by Coomassie blue staining, excised from the gel and subjected to tryptic digest and subsequent mass spectrometric analysis. The resultant peptide mass fingerprints were used to identify 15 L4 and 13 adult ES proteins. Several proteins, such as globin and some metabolic enzymes, were present in both ES. L4 ES alone contained thioredoxin peroxidase, an enzyme that can detoxify free radicals resulting from host inflammatory responses to the parasite, a cysteine proteinase which may aid penetration of the gastric mucosa and 2 different galectins which may influence cell differentiation and morphogenesis. Adult ES contained a nucleoside diphosphate kinase homologue, an enzyme which has been linked to cellular changes and can affect liquid secretion and goblet cell degranulation.
Incorporation of Axial System Response in Iterative Reconstruction from Axially Compressed Data of a Cylindrical Scanner using On-the-Fly Computing

The quality of images reconstructed by statistical iterative methods depends on an accurate model of the relationship between image space and projection space. Fast reconstruction is also an important aspect in the clinical environment. In previous work, we incorporated measured and modeled system response into iterative reconstruction. Since axial compression (span) was used in projection data, axial blurring was depth-dependent. We use pre-computed and stored axial components for a scanner without translation axial symmetry. For a scanner with translation symmetry, a fast line-of-response (LOR) line integral projector is available. In this case, axial blurring due to both geometrical and physics effects is implemented differently. Forward projection of axially blurred images is performed on-the-fly into LOR space, followed by axial compression of LOR data into scanner projection data formats. Our LOR projector is based on Joseph's method. The translation symmetry of the scanner is essential for its efficient and fast computing performance. LOR projection and span assembling are performed independently for each azimuthal angle and result in small additional memory allocation. Results show that an acceleration of the computing of the axial blurring is achievable without any component storage but with similar image quality.
Wireless Inductive Charging for Electrical Vehicules : Electromagnetic Modelling and Interoperability Analysis

Le developpement de la recharge sans contact de batteries comporte divers avantages pour les vehicules electriques. Cette solution est facile a utiliser, robuste et resistante aux intemperies par rapport aux câbles generalement utilises. Le principe est base sur le couplage magnetique entre un emetteur et un recepteur. L'objectif de cette these est de contribuer a proposer une norme pour permettre l’interoperabilite, c’est-a-dire, permettre a plusieurs emetteurs de fonctionner avec des recepteurs de differents fournisseurs. Comme le systeme doit aussi etre tolerant au positionnement et doit respecter les recommandations concernant l’exposition humaine, de nombreuses configurations doivent etre envisagees. Dans cette these, une modelisation avancee et fiable du systeme complet est proposee. La methode des elements finis est exploitee pour determiner les caracteristiques electriques du coupleur inductif (inductances propres et mutuelles, facteur de couplage) dans differentes configurations de positionnement et d’interoperabilite. Ces valeurs permettent le dimensionnement du convertisseur a resonance. A ce stade differentes topologies de compensation sont considerees. Un modele analytique au premier harmonique est mis en œuvre pour comparer les topologies et determiner la frequence de resonance globale du systeme. Un modele circuit du systeme complet est ensuite developpe pour evaluer precisement les courants et tensions. Enfin, un algorithme de regulation base sur une methode MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) est evalue pour le reglage automatique de frequence. A partir des courants calcules a la frequence de resonance pour un point de fonctionnement nominal et grâce au modele elements finis incluant le châssis du vehicule le champ magnetique rayonne est calcule et compare aux valeurs limites recommandees. A chaque etape de la modelisation, la sensibilite du systeme aux parametres de configuration (positionnement, interoperabilite) est analysee. Des mesures effectuees au niveau du coupleur inductif et sur le systeme complet sont aussi utilisees dans l’analyse et permettent de valider le modele
Modafinil augmentation in depressed patients with partial response to antidepressants: A pilot study on self-reported symptoms covered by the Major Depression Inventory (MDI) and the Symptom Checklist (SCL-92)

Treatment-resistant depression, i.e. partial or no response to antidepressants in spite of various treatment attempts with optimized doses and combinations, is rather common. With residual symptoms such as tiredness, anhedonia and concentration disturbances, the treatment strategy has often been to use monoamino-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Their use, however, is limited due to interaction problems. Modafinil is a recently developed wake-promoting drug with only minor side-effects. Pilot studies indicate that it appears to have an augmentation effect in treatment-resistant depression. This open-label study performed in the private psychiatric practice setting is the first to make a comprehensive evaluation of the target patient profile based on patient-reported symptoms. Modafinil in doses of 100–400 mg was administered as augmentation to ongoing antidepressant therapy in patients with partial response and suffering from hypersomnia. The total number of patients was 21 and 43% of these were responders (i.e. had a score reduction of >50% on the Major Depression Inventory (MDI)) as well as remitters, i.e. the remission rate was 43%. At endpoint, the responders had psychological distress scores on the Symptom Checklist (SCL-92) on the level of the general Danish population. Baseline characteristics for responders were lower scores on depression, hostility, anxiety, somatization, obsession and psychoticism. Modafinil thus appears to be an appropriate augmentation to antidepressant treatment, leading to a remission rate of 43%. However, the results from this open-label study need to be confirmed in a placebo-controlled trial.
M-Sec

Tunneling nanotubes (TNT) are the latest addition to the array of strategies used for intercellular signaling. TNTs are continuous conduits of the plasma membrane that allow direct physical connection of plasma membranes and cytosol among remote cells. They are important for intercellular communication by mediating exchange of cellular components as well as signal transduction molecules. Despite ample evidence suggesting the pathophysiological importance of TNTs, virtually nothing is known about the molecular basis for their formation. With the lack of specific TNT markers, their study has relied solely on morphological analyses, and the precise identity of TNT and TNT-like structures have been difficult to define. We have now shown that M-Sec is a TNT marker and a central factor for TNT formation. In cooperation with the RalA small GTPase and the exocyst complex, M-Sec can induce the formation of functional TNTs, indicating that the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is involved in M-Sec-mediated TNT formation. Discovery of the role of M-Sec will accelerate our understanding of TNTs, both at the molecular and physiological levels.
The E6 and E7 genes of the human papillomavirus type 16 together are necessary and sufficient for transformation of primary human keratinocytes

The early human papillomavirus type 16 genes that directly participate in the in vitro transformation of primary human keratinocytes have been defined. In the context of the full viral genome, mutations in either the E6 or E7 open reading frame completely abrogated transformation of these cells. Mutations in the E1, E2, and E2-E4 open reading frames, on the other hand, had no effect. Thus, both the full-length E6 and E7 genes were required for the induction of keratinocyte immortalization and resistance to terminal differentiation. The E6 and E7 genes expressed together from the human beta-actin promoter were sufficient for this transformation; mutation of either gene in the context of this recombinant plasmid eliminated the ability to induce stable differentiation-resistant transformants.
Management Zones Delineation in Olive Grove Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The use of aerial photos taken in a low altitude with UAVs (Unmmaned Aerial Vehicles) is recently becoming a common practice in many areas. The use for agricultural related applications is applied in this study, using a common vegetation index, namely NDVI, to identify areas of large differences in crops grown in order to delineate Management Zones to be eventually used for Precision Agriculture applications. A UAV equipped with an infrared camera was used to develop maps of NDVI in an olive grove along with ground measurements of NDVI, to provide ground truthing information. The results were used to identify areas of small or large differences and to establish Management Zones (MZs) for further evaluation and application of precision agriculture inputs.
Towards a Value-oriented KMS Recommendation for SME

Knowledge management and Knowledge Management Systems have been around for many years. They can be considered well established in larger enterprises, yet which effect they do have on small and medium enterprises is still not fully clarified. By our own research we recognized, that especially with regard to Knowledge Management Systems a solid foundation for decision making in SME is missing. This stems mostly from the unclear value such a system can add to the enterprise. To address this this paper is to present our concept for a value-oriented framework for Knowledge Management Systems in small and medium enterprises to allow them to choose suiting Knowledge Management Systems according to their business objectives and the business value to be expected from the applied solution. The framework to be presented, accordingly consists of three dimensions: Knowledge services, business value of IT and their interrelations.
ABC of child abuse.

1 Holton JB, Allen JT, Green CA, Partington S, Gilbert RE, Berry PJ. Inherited metabolic diseases in the sudden infant death syndrome. Arch Dis Child 1991;66:1315-7. 2 Blakemore AIF, Singleton H, Pollitt RJ, et al. Frequency of the G985 MCAD mutation in the general population. Lancet 1991 ;337:298-9. 3 Matsubara Y, Narisawa K, Tada K, et al. Prevalence of K329E mutation in mediumchain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase gene determined from Guthrie cards. Lancet 1991 ;338:552-3.
Solar radiation contributed to the 2005 and 2010 Amazon droughts

Climate change has a great influence on vegetation growth and vegetation responds to Climate change with a certain time lag[1]. Considering the time-lag effects, this study applied MODIS-NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and CRU (Climate Research Unit) solar radiation data to analyze the vegetation responses to solar radiation in Amazon region. Based on the response mechanism, the variation of vegetation and solar radiation during the 2005 and 2010 Amazon droughts were investigated to identify the impact of the solar radiation change on Amazon vegetation growth. Result suggests that the response of Amazon forests vegetation to solar radiation vary with different local hydrothermal conditions. In the intensely affected areas of 2005 and 2010 Amazon droughts, a significant increase in pre-drought solar radiation was found, which means solar radiation has a significant contribution to the two extreme droughts.
A short sequence, within the amino acid tandem repeat of a cancer‐associated mucin, contains immunodominant epitopes

The polymorphic epithelial mucin (PEM) appears to be the target molecule for many monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which react with tumour‐associated and epithelium‐specific antigens. PEM contains a large domain made up of 20 aminoacid tandem repeats which are highly immunodominant as many of the antibodies reactive with this molecule recognize epitopes within this area. Using overlapping peptide octamers, we have precisely mapped the epitopes of 4 MAbs reactive with the tandem repeats including one, SM‐3, which shows enhanced tumour specificity. We report that the core of the SM‐3 epitope corresponds to the continuous amino acid sequence Pro‐Asp‐Thr‐Arg‐Pro. We also show that the epitopes recognized by 3 other antibodies, which show reactivity with normal and malignant tissues, map to within this area of the tandem repeat. However, none of these epitopes contain the proline found at the amino end of the SM‐3 determinant. These results are consistent with the idea that, in the cancer‐associated mucin, premature termination of the carbohydrate side‐chains results in the exposure of the SM‐3 epitope.
Dose–response relation between physical activity and sick leave

Objective: To investigate the dose–response relation between moderate and vigorous physical activity and sick leave in a working population. Methods: Data were used from three large Dutch databases: two continuous, cross sectional surveys among a representative sample of the Dutch population and one prospective cohort study. A distinction was made between duration, frequency and intensity of physical activity. The outcome measure was the number of days of sick leave. Analyses of variance were used to compare sick leave (in days) for workers with different amounts of physical activity, in particular workers meeting the physical activity recommendations v those who did not. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to obtain effect estimates in the prospective cohort study, with the generalised estimating equation (GEE) method. Results: No relation was found between moderate physical activity and sick leave. In two databases, workers meeting the recommendation of vigorous physical activity (active at a vigorous level for at least three times a week) had significantly less sick leave: more than one day over two months and more than four days over a year. The duration of vigorous physical activity was not associated with sick leave. Conclusion: Physical activity at a vigorous intensity level for at least three times a week, as in the CDC/ACSM recommendation, has a positive effect on sick leave.
Iterative Image Reconstruction Techniques: Cardiothoracic Computed Tomography Applications

Iterative image reconstruction algorithms provide significant improvements over traditional filtered back projection in computed tomography (CT). Clinically available through recent advances in modern CT technology, iterative reconstruction enhances image quality through cyclical image calculation, suppressing image noise and artifacts, particularly blooming artifacts. The advantages of iterative reconstruction are apparent in traditionally challenging cases—for example, in obese patients, those with significant artery calcification, or those with coronary artery stents. In addition, as clinical use of CT has grown, so have concerns over ionizing radiation associated with CT examinations. Through noise reduction, iterative reconstruction has been shown to permit radiation dose reduction while preserving diagnostic image quality. This approach is becoming increasingly attractive as the routine use of CT for pediatric and repeated follow-up evaluation grows ever more common. Cardiovascular CT in particular, with its focus on detailed structural and functional analyses, stands to benefit greatly from the promising iterative solutions that are readily available.
Emissions from Cooking Microwave Popcorn

This study characterized chemicals released into a chamber in the process of cooking microwave popcorn. Seventeen types of microwave popcorn from eight different brands were studied. The work proceeded in two phases: phase one investigated chemicals emitted during popping and opening, phase two investigated chemicals emitted at discrete intervals from 0–40 minutes post-pop opening. The research was performed using a microwave oven enclosed in a chamber with ports for air sampling of particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs in the air samples were identified and quantified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). PM was characterized using both an aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) and a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) to cover a full range of emitted sizes. The compounds measured during popping and opening included butter flavoring components such as diacetyl, butyric acid, acetoin, propylene glycol, 2-nonanone, and triacetin and bag components such as p-xylene and perfluorinated alcohol 8:2 telomer. The greatest chemical quantity is emitted when the bag is opened post-popping; more than 80% of the total chemical emissions occur at this time.