Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of CB 2 receptors in reactive astrocytes in canine degenerative myelopathy , a disease model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Targeting of the CB2 receptor results in neuroprotection in the SOD1G93A mutant mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The neuroprotective effects of CB2 receptors are facilitated by their upregulation in the spinal cord of the mutant mice. Here, we investigated whether similar CB2 receptor upregulation, as well as parallel changes in other endocannabinoid elements, is evident in the spinal cord of dogs with degenerative myelopathy (DM), caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1). We used well-characterized post-mortem spinal cords from unaffected and DM-affected dogs. Tissues were used first to confirm the loss of motor neurons using Nissl staining, which was accompanied by glial reactivity (elevated GFAP and Iba-1 immunoreactivity). Next, we investigated possible differences in the expression of endocannabinoid genes measured by qPCR between DM-affected and control dogs. We found no changes in expression of the CB1 receptor (confirmed with CB1 receptor immunostaining) or NAPE-PLD, DAGL, FAAH and MAGL enzymes. In contrast, CB2 receptor levels were significantly elevated in DM-affected dogs determined by qPCR and western blotting, which was confirmed in the grey matter using CB2 receptor immunostaining. Using double-labelling immunofluorescence, CB2 receptor immunolabelling colocalized with GFAP but not Iba-1, indicating upregulation of CB2 receptors on astrocytes in DM-affected dogs. Our results demonstrate a marked upregulation of CB2 receptors in the spinal cord in canine DM, which is concentrated in activated astrocytes. Such receptors could be used as a potential target to enhance the neuroprotective effects exerted by these glial cells.
The Genome Sequence of an Isolate of Indian Citrus Ringspot Virus Infecting the Sweet Orange in India

ABSTRACT Whole-genome sequencing of an isolate of Mandarivirus infecting the sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L) Blanco] in the western part of India (Pune) was done. The single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome of Indian citrus ringspot virus (ICRSV) Pune has 7,560 nucleotides (nt), excluding a poly(A) tail, comprised of 27.98% (2,115 nt) A, 32.12% (2,428 nt) C, 19.68% (1,488 nt) G, and 20.22% (1,529 nt) T residues. The genome, organized into six open reading frames (ORFs), shares 97.7% sequence identity with the complete genome of the ICRSV K1 isolate (AF406744.1) infecting the kinnow (Citrus reticulate Blanco, a hybrid between King and Willow mandarins) in north India. The ICRSV Pune genome formed a complex secondary structure with a large number of unpaired cytosine-rich regions, and recombination analysis highlighted potential recombination in the ICRSV genome.
The RNA binding protein RBPMS is a selective marker of ganglion cells in the mammalian retina

There are few neurochemical markers that reliably identify retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which are a heterogeneous population of cells that integrate and transmit the visual signal from the retina to the central visual nuclei. We have developed and characterized a new set of affinity‐purified guinea pig and rabbit antibodies against RNA‐binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS). On western blots these antibodies recognize a single band at 〜24 kDa, corresponding to RBPMS, and they strongly label RGC and displaced RGC (dRGC) somata in mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and monkey retina. RBPMS‐immunoreactive cells and RGCs identified by other techniques have a similar range of somal diameters and areas. The density of RBPMS cells in mouse and rat retina is comparable to earlier semiquantitative estimates of RGCs. RBPMS is mainly expressed in medium and large DAPI‐, DRAQ5‐, NeuroTrace‐ and NeuN‐stained cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and RBPMS is not expressed in syntaxin (HPC‐1)‐immunoreactive cells in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and GCL, consistent with their identity as RGCs, and not displaced amacrine cells. In mouse and rat retina, most RBPMS cells are lost following optic nerve crush or transection at 3 weeks, and all Brn3a‐, SMI‐32‐, and melanopsin‐immunoreactive RGCs also express RBPMS immunoreactivity. RBPMS immunoreactivity is localized to cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)‐fluorescent RGCs in the B6.Cg‐Tg(Thy1‐CFP)23Jrs/J mouse line. These findings show that antibodies against RBPMS are robust reagents that exclusively identify RGCs and dRGCs in multiple mammalian species, and they will be especially useful for quantification of RGCs. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1411–1443, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
COMT Val108/158Met gene variant, birth weight, and conduct disorder in children with ADHD.

OBJECTIVE In a recent study, Thapar and colleagues reported that COMT "gene variant and birth weight predict early-onset antisocial behavior in children" with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We have attempted to replicate these findings in a group of ADHD children using a similar research design. METHOD Children (n=191) between 6 and 12 years of age who were diagnosed with ADHD were included in the study. Conduct disorder was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria based on clinical evaluation and a structured interview (Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV). The mother's report on the child's birth weight was used in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis, with genotype and birth weight as independent variables and DSM-IV conduct disorder as the dependent variable, was conducted. RESULTS No significant main effects of genotype and birth weight or interaction effects on conduct disorder were observed. CONCLUSION In this sample of children diagnosed with ADHD, we find no association between the COMT ValMet gene variant, birth weight, and conduct disorder. Further investigations are required before using birth weight and COMT genotype as predictors of conduct disorder in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, especially given the societal and legal ramifications of conduct disorder.
Robust mobile robot self-localization by soft sensor paradigm

The Mobile Robot Self-Localization is always a crucial aspect of the autonomous navigation task. The challenge of self-locating become complicated when the robot has sensors having low-level precision and accuracy. This work faces this aspect finding a solution by the using of the soft sensor paradigm. Various sources of information regarding the robot localisation are involved in a data fusion mechanism to get a more accurate estimation of the position of a mobile robot. Statistical considerations concerning the probability of a correct estimate for each source of information constitute the kernel of the soft sensor for the mobile robot self-localization. The soft sensor also computes the geometric transformations needed to correct all the different positions of the robot achieved by each source of information. Moreover, the paper reports an experiment of localization based on the combination of measures arising from a probabilistic approach (based on Adaptive Monte Carlo Localization) and the robot odometry. The proposed approach improves the accuracy of the autonomous navigation by means of a dynamic choice of the best available measure at any moment.
Role of Matrix and Fusion Proteins in Budding of Sendai Virus

ABSTRACT Paramyxoviruses are assembled at the surface of infected cells, where virions are formed by the process of budding. We investigated the roles of three Sendai virus (SV) membrane proteins in the production of virus-like particles. Expression of matrix (M) proteins from cDNA induced the budding and release of virus-like particles that contained M, as was previously observed with human parainfluenza virus type 1 (hPIV1). Expression of SV fusion (F) glycoprotein from cDNA caused the release of virus-like particles bearing surface F, although their release was less efficient than that of particles bearing M protein. Cells that expressed only hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) released no HN-containing vesicles. Coexpression of M and F proteins enhanced the release of F protein by a factor greater than 4. The virus-like particles containing F and M were found in different density gradient fractions of the media of cells that coexpressed M and F, a finding that suggests that the two proteins formed separate vesicles and did not interact directly. Vesicles released by M or F proteins also contained cellular actin; therefore, actin may be involved in the budding process induced by viral M or F proteins. Deletion of C-terminal residues of M protein, which has a sequence similar to that of an actin-binding domain, significantly reduced release of the particles into medium. Site-directed mutagenesis of the cytoplasmic tail of F revealed two regions that affect the efficiency of budding: one domain comprising five consecutive amino acids conserved in SV and hPIV1 and one domain that is similar to the actin-binding domain required for budding induced by M protein. Our results indicate that both M and F proteins are able to drive the budding of SV and propose the possible role of actin in the budding process.
Mutational Analysis of the Properties of Caveolin-1

Caveolin is a principal structural component of caveolae membranes in vivo Recently, a family of caveolin-related proteins has been identified; caveolin has been retermed caveolin-1. Caveolin family members share three characteristic properties: (i) detergent insolubility at low temperatures; (ii) self-oligomerization; and (iii) incorporation into low density Triton-insoluble fractions enriched in caveolae membranes. Here, we have used a deletion mutagenesis approach as a first step toward understanding which regions of caveolin-1 contribute to its unusual properties. Two caveolin-1 deletion mutants were created that lack either the C-terminal domain (Cav-1ΔC) or the N-terminal domain (Cav-1ΔN); these mutants were compared with the behavior of full-length caveolin-1 (Cav-1FL) expressed in parallel. Our results show that the N-terminal domain and membrane spanning segment are sufficient to form high molecular mass oligomers of caveolin-1. However, a complete caveolin-1 molecule is required for conveying detergent insolubility and incorporation into low density Triton-insoluble complexes. These data indicate that homo-oligomerization and an intact transmembrane are not sufficient to confer detergent insolubility, suggesting an unknown role for the C-terminal domain in this process. To better understand the role of the C-terminal domain, this region of caveolin-1 (residues 135-178) was expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in Escherichia coli Purified recombinant glutathione S-transferase-C-Cav-1 was found to stably interact with full-length caveolin-1 but not with the two caveolin-1 deletion mutants. These results suggest that the C-terminal domain interacts with both the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of an adjacent caveolin-1 homo-oligomer. This appears to be a specific homo-typic interaction, because the C-terminal domain of caveolin-1 failed to interact with full-length forms of caveolin-2 and caveolin-3. Homo-typic interaction of the C-terminal domain with an adjacent homo-oligomer could provide a mechanism for clustering caveolin-1 homo-oligomers while excluding other caveolin family members. This type of lateral segregation event could promote caveolae membrane formation and contribute to the detergent insolubility of caveolins-1, −2, and −3.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Cooperative Vehicle-to-Pedestrian Safety Application

While the development of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) safety applications based on Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) has been extensively undergoing standardization for more than a decade, such applications are extremely missing for Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs). Nonexistence of collaborative systems between VRUs and vehicles was the main reason for this lack of attention. Recent developments in Wi-Fi Direct and DSRC-enabled smartphones are changing this perspective. Leveraging the existing V2V platforms, we propose a new framework using a DSRC-enabled smartphone to extend safety benefits to VRUs. The interoperability of applications between vehicles and portable DSRC enabled devices is achieved through the SAE J2735 Personal Safety Message (PSM). However, considering the fact that VRU movement dynamics, response times, and crash scenarios are fundamentally different from vehicles, a specific framework should be designed for VRU safety applications to study their performance. In this article, we first propose an end-to-end Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) framework to provide situational awareness and hazard detection based on the most common and injury-prone crash scenarios. The details of our VRU safety module, including target classification and collision detection algorithms, are explained next. Furthermore, we propose and evaluate a mitigating solution for congestion and power consumption issues in such systems. Finally, the whole system is implemented and analyzed for realistic crash scenarios.
Die Kombination von Prognosen: Ein Überblick mit Anwendungen/The Combination of Forecasts: An Overview with Applications

Liegen mehrere Prognosen für eine Variable vor , so wird üblicherweise auf der Basis statistischer Kenngrößen die beste ausgewählt und die anderen bleiben unberücksichtigt. Die nicht berücksichtigten Prognosen enthalten im Regelfall jedoch noch zusätzliche Informat ionen, die zur Erhöhung der Prognosegüte nützlich sein können. Dies kann darauf zurückzuführen sein, daß die Prognosen auf Variablen oder Informationen basieren, die in der ausgewählten nicht berücksichtigt wurden und/oder daß zur Prognose unterschiedliche Annahmen über die Beziehungen zwischen den Variablen getroffen wurden. Alternativ kann der Fall auftreten, daß einem Entscheidungsträger in Wir tschaf t oder Politik mehrere Prognosen zur Verfügung gestellt werden, er aber nicht eine auswählen, sondern vielmehr auf eine Kombination mehrerer Expertenurteile zurückgreifen möchte). Ein dri t ter Anlaß zur Kombinat ion von Prognosen kann darin bestehen, daß bereits ein Modell , das z.B. auf Quar ta lsdaten beruht, vorhanden ist, jedoch zusätzliche Informat ionen für einige endogene Variablen regelmäßig in Form von Monatsdaten , die während des Quartals verfügbar werden, vorliegen. Mittels diese Monatswerte könnte ein alternatives Modell formuliert werden, das dann mit dem ursprünglichen Quartalsmodel l kombiniert werden kann) . Dem Erscheinen des ersten Aufsatzes zur statistisch begründeten Kombinat ion von Prognosen von Bates/Granger im Jahre 1969 folgte eine große Anzahl von weiteren theoretischen und empirischen Arbeiten nach). Einen relativ aktuellen Uberblick über den Stand der Forschung bietet das Schwerpunktheft „Special Issue on Combining Forecasts" des Journal of Forecasting, Vol. 8 (1989). Es ist jedoch festzustellen, daß die Entwicklung ausgefeilterer theoretischer Modelle zur Kombination von Prognosen den empirischen Anwendungen vorauseilt bzw. Anwendungen auf der Simulationsstufe mit
The Lupus Susceptibility Gene Pbx1 Regulates the Balance between Follicular Helper T Cell and Regulatory T Cell Differentiation

Pbx1 controls chromatin accessibility to a large number of genes and is entirely conserved between mice and humans. The Pbx1-d dominant-negative isoform is more frequent in CD4+ T cells from lupus patients than from healthy controls. Pbx1-d is associated with the production of autoreactive T cells in mice carrying the Sle1a1 lupus-susceptibility locus. Transgenic (Tg) expression of Pbx1-d in CD4+ T cells reproduced the phenotypes of Sle1a1 mice, with increased inflammatory functions of CD4+ T cells and impaired Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) homeostasis. Pbx1-d–Tg expression also expanded the number of follicular helper T cells (TFHs) in a cell-intrinsic and Ag-specific manner, which was enhanced in recall responses and resulted in Th1-biased Abs. Moreover, Pbx1-d–Tg CD4+ T cells upregulated the expression of miR-10a, miR-21, and miR-155, which were implicated in Treg and follicular helper T cell homeostasis. Our results suggest that Pbx1-d impacts lupus development by regulating effector T cell differentiation and promoting TFHs at the expense of Tregs. In addition, our results identify Pbx1 as a novel regulator of CD4+ T cell effector function.
Vitamin D-enhanced eggs can protect against vitamin D deficiency in winter : evidence from a randomized controlled trial of adults

Low vitamin D status is common in the United States and Europe with 8% and 13% of the population, respectively, reported to have serious vitamin D deficiency (i.e. serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration <30 nmol/L) [1,2]. There is a considerable mismatch between current intakes of vitamin D and recommended target intakes for the vitamin [3]. Fortification of a wider range of foods with vitamin D has been proposed as a strategy for increasing intake that would have the greatest impact on the population [4]. The use of ‘bioaddition’ which involves the addition of vitamin D to an animal’s diet to increase the vitamin D content in the resultant food [5], deserves serious consideration as it may produce foods that are more acceptable to consumers as well as increase the intake of various vitamin D compounds leading to improved vitamin D status [6].
Bortezomib-based chemotherapy regimens can improve response in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with bcl-2 and survivin overexpression.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between the Bcl-2 and survivin expression and the different regimens therapeutic efficacy newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). METHODS We retrospectively assessed the association of Bcl-2 and survivin expression with chemotherapeutic efficacy and prognosis in 59 NDMM patients in a single center. RESULTS The positive expression rate for survivin and Bcl-2 was 35% and 74%, respectively. Survivin and Bcl-2 protein expression were not associated with clinical stage, suggesting that they are not related to tumor burden in NDMM. Bortezomib-based regimens were more effective in reducing tumor burden and achieving therapeutic (complete and partial) response compared with non-bortezomib-based regimens irrespective of Bcl-2 or survivin expression (P < 0.05). In cases with both negative Bcl-2 and survivin expression (Bcl-2(-)survivin(-)), the response to bortezomib and non-bortezomib-based regimens was similar (p = 0.429). Bcl-2 and survivin expression were not correlated with overall survival (OS); however, Bcl-2-survivin- cases showed a trend towards a longer OS (P = 0.078). CONCLUSION We recommend bortezomib-containing regimens for NDMM with single or double-positive Bcl-2 and survivin expression.
Robust Adaptive Backstepping Sliding Mode Control for Six-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Using Recurrent Wavelet Fuzzy Neural Network

A robust adaptive backstepping sliding mode control (ABSMC) with recurrent wavelet fuzzy neural network (RWFNN) is proposed for the speed regulation of a six-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) demonstrating parameter perturbations and load disturbances. First, a motor drive system model with lumped uncertainty is developed. Then, a nonlinear robust speed controller using ABSMC and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> theory is presented. In this technique, ABSMC is employed to guarantee the speed tracking and parameter perturbation suppression; meanwhile, nonlinear <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$H_{\infty }$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is utilized to minimize the influence of dynamic load disturbances on its tracking output. In addition, an uncertainty observer based on the RWFNN is designed to estimate the unknown and improve the robustness of motor drive system further. Ultimately, simulations and AppSIM simulator-based experimental results both indicate that the proposed control scheme can perfectly compensate the parameter perturbations and load disturbances while maintaining speed tracking precision.
Two interferon-independent double-stranded RNA-induced host defense strategies suppress the common cold virus at warm temperature

Significance Most strains of rhinovirus (RV), the common cold virus, replicate better at cool temperatures found in the nasal cavity (33–35°C) than at lung temperature (37°C). Recently, we found that although 37°C temperature suppressed RV growth by promoting IFN secretion, some antiviral effects of temperature were IFN-independent. Here, we used H1-HeLa cells and human bronchial epithelial cells to explore additional mechanisms underlying temperature-dependent RV growth. Using mathematical modeling and genetic approaches, we show that together, enhanced host cell death and the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent activity of RNAseL contribute to restriction of RV growth at 37°C. These findings show that even in the absence of interferons, temperature has profound effects on antiviral defense that affect the outcome of common cold infections. Most strains of rhinovirus (RV), the common cold virus, replicate better at cool temperatures found in the nasal cavity (33–35 °C) than at lung temperature (37 °C). Recent studies found that although 37 °C temperature suppressed RV growth largely by engaging the type 1 IFN response in infected epithelial cells, a significant temperature dependence to viral replication remained in cells devoid of IFN induction or signaling. To gain insight into IFN-independent mechanisms limiting RV replication at 37 °C, we studied RV infection in human bronchial epithelial cells and H1-HeLa cells. During the single replication cycle, RV exhibited temperature-dependent replication in both cell types in the absence of IFN induction. At 37 °C, earlier signs of apoptosis in RV-infected cells were accompanied by reduced virus production. Furthermore, apoptosis of epithelial cells was enhanced at 37 °C in response to diverse stimuli. Dynamic mathematical modeling and B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) overexpression revealed that temperature-dependent host cell death could partially account for the temperature-dependent growth observed during RV amplification, but also suggested additional mechanisms of virus control. In search of a redundant antiviral pathway, we identified a role for the RNA-degrading enzyme RNAseL. Simultaneous antagonism of apoptosis and RNAseL increased viral replication and dramatically reduced temperature dependence. These findings reveal two IFN-independent mechanisms active in innate defense against RV, and demonstrate that even in the absence of IFNs, temperature-dependent RV amplification is largely a result of host cell antiviral restriction mechanisms operating more effectively at 37 °C than at 33 °C.
Rapidly Wavelength-Swept Laser at 780 nm

We present herein the first high-power rapidly wavelength-swept laser in the 780-nm band. A commercial diode laser was modified to increase its sweep frequency up to 30 kHz thus allowing its use for real-time biomedical imaging. The tuning range of the laser starts at 761 nm and goes up to 798 nm. The maximum output power of the laser after coupling it into a single-mode fiber is 54 mW and its coherence length is 11 mm. The potential of this laser for biomedical imaging was demonstrated in a spectrally encoded setup.