Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural control of heartbeat in the leech and in some other invertebrates.

The heartbeat of the leech Hirudo consists of the contractile rhythm of the circular muscles in the wall of a bilateral pair of celomic sinuses, the heart tubes, that run the length of the leech body. The constriction cycles of the segmental heart-tube sections are coordinated so that on one body side they constrict in a rear-to-front progression (peristalsis), while on the other side they constrict nearly in concert (nonperistalsis). Spontaneous right-left reciprocal transitions between peristaltic and nonperistaltic coordination modes occur every few dozen heartbeat cycles. The constriction of each segmental heart-tube section is controlled via excitatory synapses by a rhythmically active heart motor neuron, or HE cell, of which 17 bilateral pairs are iterated in segmental ganglia of the ventral nerve cord. The activity rhythm of the HE cell ensemble is in turn controlled via inhibitory synapses by a rhythmically active heart interneuron, the HN cell, of which seven bilateral pairs are iterated in the rostral segmental ganglia. The HN heart interneuron owes its activity rhythm to an endogenous polarization cycle, and the cycles of all members of the HN cell ensemble are locked into an appropriate phase relation thanks to their mutual interconnection via excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections. The observed activity pattern and identified synaptic connections of HE cells and HN cells can account not only for the generation of the two bilaterally asymmetric heartbeat coordination modes but also for the right-left coordination mode transitions. In contrast to the heartbeat of Hirudo, the beat of the single-chambered heart of the lobsters Panulirus and Homarus is controlled by a set of nine rhythmically active neurons that make up the cardiac ganglion. Of these, five larger cells are heart motor neurons that innervate the heart muscle fibers via excitatory synapses. The remaining four smaller neurons of the cardiac ganglion are interneurons that provide excitatory input to each other and to the heart motor neurons. Although all the neurons of the cardiac ganglion appear capable of producing their own endogenous polarization rhythm, it is currently believed that one of the interneurons acts as a pacemaker for the whole ensemble of interneurons and motor neurons. The beat of the two-chambered heart of the marine snail Aplysia is generated by yet an entirely different mechanism. Here, the basic contractile rhythm of the heart is due to an endogenous polarization cycle of the heart muscle fibers. That myogenic rhythm is controlled and modulated by a set of cardiovascular motor neurons located in the abdominal ganglion, some of which make excitatory and others of which make inhibitory connections with the heart muscle fibers. The activity of these cardiovascular motor neurons is controlled by three types of heart interneurons via both inhibitory and excitatory connections. The interneurons are in turn interconnected in a manner that prevents the simultaneous activation of antagonistic cardiac motor acts.
Novel long non-coding RNAs are specific diagnostic and prognostic markers for prostate cancer

Current prostate cancer (PCa) biomarkers such as PSA are not optimal in distinguishing cancer from benign prostate diseases and predicting disease outcome. To discover additional biomarkers, we investigated PCa-specific expression of novel unannotated transcripts. Using the unique probe design of Affymetrix Human Exon Arrays, we identified 334 candidates (EPCATs), of which 15 were validated by RT-PCR. Combined into a diagnostic panel, 11 EPCATs classified 80% of PCa samples correctly, while maintaining 100% specificity. High specificity was confirmed by in situ hybridization for EPCAT4R966 and EPCAT2F176 (SChLAP1) on extensive tissue microarrays. Besides being diagnostic, EPCAT2F176 and EPCAT4R966 showed significant association with pT-stage and were present in PIN lesions. We also found EPCAT2F176 and EPCAT2R709 to be associated with development of metastases and PCa-related death, and EPCAT2F176 to be enriched in lymph node metastases. Functional significance of expression of 9 EPCATs was investigated by siRNA transfection, revealing that knockdown of 5 different EPCATs impaired growth of LNCaP and 22RV1 PCa cells. Only the minority of EPCATs appear to be controlled by androgen receptor or ERG. Although the underlying transcriptional regulation is not fully understood, the novel PCa-associated transcripts are new diagnostic and prognostic markers with functional relevance to prostate cancer growth.
Role for p53 in Gene Induction by Double-Stranded RNA

ABSTRACT Cross talk between p53 and interferon-regulated pathways is implicated in the induction of gene expression by biologic and genotoxic stresses. We demonstrate that the interferon-stimulated gene ISG15 is induced by p53 and that p53 is required for optimal gene induction by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), but not interferon. Interestingly, virus induces ISG15 in the absence of p53, suggesting that virus and dsRNA employ distinct signaling pathways.
Differential susceptibility of neonatal and adult murine spleen cells to in vitro induction of B-cell tolerance

The relative susceptibility of neonatal and adult murine splenocytes to induction of B-cell tolerance was studied in vitro. Adult cells required approximately 1,000-fold more trinitrophenyl-human gamma globulin to be rendered tolerant than did cells from 9- to 12-day-old neonates. The potential effects of suppressor T cells were excluded by pretreating the cultured B cells with anti-Thy-1 and C' and the helper T cells with anti-Ly-2.2 and C'. The possible role of cell surface immunoglobulin isotypes in contributing to this observed difference is discussed.
Tumor-Associated Endothelial Cells with Cytogenetic Abnormalities

Tumor angiogenesis is necessary for solid tumor progression and metastasis. Tumor blood vessels have been shown to differ from normal counterparts, for example, by changes in morphology. An important concept in tumor angiogenesis is that tumor endothelial cells are assumed to be genetically normal, although these endothelial cells are structurally and functionally abnormal. However, we hypothesized that given the phenotypic differences between tumor and normal blood vessels, there may be genotypic alterations as well. Mouse endothelial cells were isolated from two different human tumor xenografts, melanoma and liposarcoma, and from two normal endothelial cell counterparts, skin and adipose. Tumor-associated endothelial cells expressed typical endothelial cell markers, such as CD31. They had relatively large, heterogeneous nuclei. Unexpectedly, tumor endothelial cells were cytogenetically abnormal. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed that freshly isolated uncultured tumor endothelial cells were aneuploid and had abnormal multiple centrosomes. The degree of aneuploidy was exacerbated by passage in culture. Multicolor FISH indicated that the structural chromosomal aberrations in tumor endothelial cells were heterogeneous, indicating that the cytogenetic alterations were not clonal. There was no evidence of human tumor-derived chromosomal material in the mouse tumor endothelial cells. In marked contrast, freshly isolated normal skin and adipose endothelial cells were diploid, had normal centrosomes, and remained cytogenetically stable in culture even up to 20 passages. FISH analysis of tumor sections also showed endothelial cell aneuploidy. We conclude that tumor endothelial cells can acquire cytogenetic abnormalities while in the tumor microenvironment.
Isolation, characterization and optimization of indigenous acetic acid bacteria and evaluation of their preservation methods

Background and Objectives Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are useful in industrial production of vinegar. The present study aims at isolation and identification of acetic acid bacteria with characterization, optimization, and evaluation of their acetic acid productivity. Materials and Methods Samples from various fruits were screened for presence of acetic acid bacteria on glucose, yeast extract, calcium carbonate (GYC) medium. Carr medium supplemented with bromocresol green was used for distinguishing Acetobacter from Gluconobacter. The isolates were cultured in basal medium to find the highest acetic acid producer. Biochemical tests followed by 16S rRNA and restriction analyses were employed for identification of the isolate and phylogenic tree was constructed. Bacterial growth and acid production conditions were optimized based on optimal inoculum size, pH, temperature, agitation, aeration and medium composition. Results Thirty-seven acetic acid bacteria from acetobacter and gluconobacter members were isolated. Acetic acid productivity yielded 4 isolates that produced higher amounts of acid. The highest producer of acid (10.03%) was selected for identification. The sequencing and restriction analyses of 16S rRNA revealed a divergent strain of Acetobacter pasteurianus (Gene bank accession number#GU059865). The optimum condition for acid production was a medium composed of 2% glucose, 2% yeast extract, 3% ethanol and 3% acid acetic at inoculum size of 4% at 3L/Min aeration level in the production medium. The isolate was best preserved in GYC medium at 12°C for more than a month. Longer preservation was possible at −70°C. Conclusion The results are suggestive of isolation of an indigenous acetic acid bacteria. Pilot plan is suggested to study applicability of the isolated strain in acetic acid production.
Electrical characterizations of electrodes microfluidics system for microbio object analysis

We have designed and fabricated electrodes microfluidics system for microbio object analysis. Two parallel plate electrodes were fabricated using soft lithography technique integrated with PDMS microfluidics channel. Gold (Au) material was decomposed to fabricate the electrodes. Voltage response through charging and discharging of the electrodes were observed using oscilloscope. For a constant dc voltage of 5 V we have obtained the time constant of the electrodes as 3.6 ms. On the other hand, it requires 850 ms to discharge completely without an external load. We have measured the capacitance of the electrodes as 0.37 pF in air (room environment) medium, on the other hand in distilled water medium electrodes capacitance is 0.77 pF. This is because of the high dielectric constant of distilled water (80.1). We have also measured electrodes capacitance by changing the medium to microbio objects such as; yeast cells (5 pF) and live bacteria cells (30 pF). Results showed that, bacteria have a higher electrical capacitance rather than yeast.
Convergence Analysis of Moving Object Tracking Algorithm in 3 D using modified EKF based on Bearing and Elevation Measurements for Underwater Environment

Underwater surveillance is the primary challenge being faced by the researchers, scientists and marine community, which include surveillance of harbour, detection of mines, inspecting pipelines and mapping of ocean bottoms etc. The underwater surveillance is best undertaken by the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) as it avoids the involvement of human. It is important to note that the convergence time plays very important role in aiding the AUV for its safe navigation as the AUV requires the sufficient time to maneuvering itself for avoiding the objects that comes into its path. Towards this various methods / techniques such as Least Squares (LS), Kalman Filter (KF) and Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) methods have been explored, however all these methods have their own drawbacks. In this paper a new method has been developed wherein tracking algorithm using EKF has been extended to the Bearing and Elevation only Tracking (BEOT) method. The performance of this algorithm has been evaluated using Monte Carlo Method. The convergence issues associated with the new designed algorithm have also been analysed and it has been observed that the errors are considerably small and settles down after the filter learns the existing dynamics. Index Term— Underwater Vehicle, Tracking, Kalman Filter, BEOT.
Multi-Node Wireless Energy Charging in Sensor Networks

Wireless energy transfer based on magnetic resonant coupling is a promising technology to replenish energy to a wireless sensor network (WSN). However, charging sensor nodes one at a time poses a serious scalability problem. Recent advances in magnetic resonant coupling show that multiple nodes can be charged at the same time. In this paper, we exploit this multi-node wireless energy transfer technology and investigate whether it is a scalable technology to address energy issues in a WSN. We consider a wireless charging vehicle (WCV) periodically traveling inside a WSN and charging sensor nodes wirelessly. Based on charging range of the WCV, we propose a cellular structure that partitions the two-dimensional plane into adjacent hexagonal cells. We pursue a formal optimization framework by jointly optimizing traveling path, flow routing, and charging time. By employing discretization and a novel Reformulation-Linearization Technique (RLT), we develop a provably near-optimal solution for any desired level of accuracy. Through numerical results, we demonstrate that our solution can indeed address the charging scalability problem in a WSN.
Behavioral and Biological Effects of Prenatal Stress and Social Enrichment: Relevance to Heart Disease

Abstract : Stress has negative effects on mental health (e.g., anxiety and depression) and physical health (e.g., cardiovascular diseases) and social support can attenuate the harmful effects of stress. It is not clear the extent to which stress during sensitive periods of life, for example during the prenatal period, can increase subsequent risk factors for mental and physical health. It also is not clear if social interventions during the prenatal period can attenuate any long-term detrimental consequences of stress.
The Complexity of Antibody Responses Elicited against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Glycoproteins in Hospitalized Children Younger than 2 Years

The influence of age and maternal antibodies on the antibody responses to human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) glycoproteins in very young children has been a matter of controversy. Both, immaturity of the immune system at very early age and suppression of the host immune response by high level of maternal antibodies have been claimed to limit the host antibody response to virus infection and to jeopardize the use of hRSV vaccines under development in that age group. Hence, the antibody responses to the two major hRSV glycoproteins (F and G) were evaluated in children younger than 2 years, hospitalized with laboratory confirmed hRSV bronchiolitis. A strong negative correlation was found between the titre of circulating ELISA antibodies directed against either prefusion or postfusion F in the acute phase, but not age, and their fold change at convalescence. These changes correlated also with the level of circulating neutralizing antibodies in sera. As reported in adults, most neutralizing antibodies in a subset of tested sera could not be depleted with postfusion F, suggesting that they were mostly directed against prefusion-specific epitopes. In contrast, a weak negative association was found for group-specific anti-G antibodies in the acute phase and their fold change at convalescence only after correcting for the antigenic group of the infecting virus. In addition, large discrepancies were observed in some individuals between the antibody responses specific for F and G glycoproteins. These results illustrate the complexity of the anti-hRSV antibody responses in children experiencing a primary severe infection and the influence of preexisting maternal antibodies on the host response, factors that should influence hRSV serological studies as well as vaccine development.
Custom Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization: the Importance of DNA Quality, an Expert Eye, and Variant Validation

The presence of false positive and false negative results in the Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) design is poorly addressed in literature reports. We took advantage of a custom aCGH recently carried out to analyze its design performance, the use of several Agilent aberrations detection algorithms, and the presence of false results. Our study provides a confirmation that the high density design does not generate more noise than standard designs and, might reach a good resolution. We noticed a not negligible presence of false negative and false positive results in the imbalances call performed by the Agilent software. The Aberration Detection Method 2 (ADM-2) algorithm with a threshold of 6 performed quite well, and the array design proved to be reliable, provided that some additional filters are applied, such as considering only intervals with average absolute log2ratio above 0.3. We also propose an additional filter that takes into account the proportion of probes with log2ratio exceeding suggestive values for gain or loss. In addition, the quality of samples was confirmed to be a crucial parameter. Finally, this work raises the importance of evaluating the samples profiles by eye and the necessity of validating the imbalances detected.
Fabrication Process of Silicone-based Dielectric Elastomer Actuators

This contribution demonstrates the fabrication process of dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs). DETs are stretchable capacitors consisting of an elastomeric dielectric membrane sandwiched between two compliant electrodes. The large actuation strains of these transducers when used as actuators (over 300% area strain) and their soft and compliant nature has been exploited for a wide range of applications, including electrically tunable optics, haptic feedback devices, wave-energy harvesting, deformable cell-culture devices, compliant grippers, and propulsion of a bio-inspired fish-like airship. In most cases, DETs are made with a commercial proprietary acrylic elastomer and with hand-applied electrodes of carbon powder or carbon grease. This combination leads to non-reproducible and slow actuators exhibiting viscoelastic creep and a short lifetime. We present here a complete process flow for the reproducible fabrication of DETs based on thin elastomeric silicone films, including casting of thin silicone membranes, membrane release and prestretching, patterning of robust compliant electrodes, assembly and testing. The membranes are cast on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates coated with a water-soluble sacrificial layer for ease of release. The electrodes consist of carbon black particles dispersed into a silicone matrix and patterned using a stamping technique, which leads to precisely-defined compliant electrodes that present a high adhesion to the dielectric membrane on which they are applied.
A Combing Top-Down and Bottom-Up Discriminative Dictionaries Learning for Non-specific Object Detection

SUMMARY In this letter, we exploit a new framework for detecting the non-speciﬁc object via combing the top-down and bottom-up cues. Speciﬁ-cally, a novel supervised discriminative dictionaries learning method is proposed to learn the coupled dictionaries for the object and non-object feature spaces in terms of the top-down cue. Di ﬀ erent from previous dictionary learning methods, the new data reconstruction residual terms of coupled feature spaces, the sparsity penalty measures on the representations and an inconsistent regularizer for the learned dictionaries are all incorporated in a unitized objective function. Then we derive an iterative algorithm to alternatively optimize all the variables e ﬃ ciently. Considering the bottom-up cue, the proposed discriminative dictionaries learning is then integrated with an unsupervised dictionary learning to capture the objectness windows in an image. Experimental results show that the non-speciﬁc object detection problem can be e ﬀ ectively solved by the proposed dictionary leaning framework and outperforms some established methods.
Low-complexity Low-PAR transmission for MIMO-DSL

This letter considers clip-limited transmission over multiple-input multiple-output digital subscriber lines (MIMO-DSL). We show that a recent low complexity, low peak-to-average-ratio (PAR) single-input modulation technique can be applied to the case of multiple cross-talking channels in a bonded-DSL system. Unfortunately however the direct initialization procedure is computationally infeasible. In this paper, we provide a novel low-complexity initialization procedure. Simulations confirm that the proposed approach has superior performance in clip-limited conditions, compared with both discrete matrix multitone and vectored discrete multitone.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores host bacteria that affect nutrient biodynamics and biocontrol of soil-borne plant pathogens

Summary The aim of this research was to isolate and characterize bacteria from spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We designated these bacteria ‘probable endobacteria’ (PE). Three bacterial strains were isolated from approximately 500 spores of Gigaspora margarita (Becker and Hall) using a hypodermic needle (diameter, 200 &mgr;m). The bacteria were identified by morphological methods and on the basis of ribosomal gene sequences as Bacillus sp. (KTCIGM01), Bacillus thuringiensis (KTCIGM02), and Paenibacillus rhizospherae (KTCIGM03). We evaluated the effect of these probable endobacteria on antagonistic activity to the soil‐borne plant pathogens (SBPPs) Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae MAFF 744088, Rosellinia necatrix, Rhizoctonia solani MAFF 237426, and Pythium ultimum NBRC 100123. We also tested whether these probable endobacteria affected phosphorus solubilization, ethylene production, nitrogenase activity (NA), and stimulation of AMF hyphal growth. In addition, fresh samples of spores and hyphae were photographed using an in situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) (Quanta 250FEG; FEI Co., Japan). Bacterial aggregates (BAs), structures similar to biofilms, could be detected on the surface of hyphae and spores. We demonstrate that using extraction with an ultrathin needle, it is possible to isolate AMF‐associated bacterial species that are likely derived from inside the fungal spores.
Exploring the Local Milky Way: M Dwarfs as Tracers of Galactic Populations

We have assembled a spectroscopic sample of low-mass dwarfs observed as part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey along one Galactic sight line, designed to investigate the observable properties of the thin and thick disks. This sample of ∼7400 K and M stars also has measured ugriz photometry, proper motions, and radial velocities. We compute UVW space-motion distributions, and investigate their structure with respect to vertical distance from the Galactic plane. We place constraints on the velocity dispersions of the thin and thick disks, using two-component Gaussian fits. We also compare these kinematic distributions to a leading Galactic model. Finally, we investigate other possible observable differences between the thin and thick disks, such as color, active fraction, and metallicity.
The ester 2 evaluation campaign for the rich transcription of French radio broadcasts

This paper reports on the final results of the ESTER 2e valuation campaign held from 2007 to April 2009. The aim of this campaign was to evaluate automatic radio broadcasts rich transcription systems for the French language. The evaluation tasks were divided into three main categories: audio event detection and tracking (e.g., speech vs. music, speaker tracking), orthographic transcription, and information extraction. The paper describes the data provided for the campaign, the task definitions and evaluation protocols as well as the results.