Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metallothionein responses in the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) after exposure to trivalent arsenic

Abstract The main objective of this work was to evaluate arsenic effects on metallothionein (MT) induction by exposing a freshwater Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) to different concentrations of this metalloid. The presence of MT-like proteins was detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and compared with a standard rabbit MT. In addition, the polarographic response showed good correspondence between standard MT and MT-like curves from C. fluminea, allowing MT quantification. The results show that clams exposed to different concentrations of arsenic are able to induce significant levels of MTs. Although variability was found in MT induction, significant differences in MT levels were found after 28 days of exposure in all treatments in comparison with the controls, suggesting that exposure to arsenic induced MT-like proteins in C. fluminea.
Void detection in root fillings using intraoral analogue, intraoral digital and cone beam CT images.

AIM To compare void detection in root fillings using different radiographic imaging techniques: intraoral analogue, intraoral digital and cone beam CT (CBCT) images and to assess factors influencing small void detection. METHODOLOGY Two straight root canals in canine teeth were prepared. Calibrated steel wires of five different diameters (200, 300, 350, 500, 800 microm) were inserted respectively in the canal after the injection of a sealer. To simulate filling voids of known dimensions, the wires were removed after the sealer had set. Each sample was imaged, using a Minray X-ray tube (Soredex, Helsinki, Finland) at optimal clinical settings combined with Vistascan PSP (Dürr Dental, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany), Digora Optime PSP (Soredex), Sigma CCD (Instrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland) and E-speed films (Agfa-Gevaert, Mortsel, Belgium). The teeth were also imaged using CBCT (3D Accuitomo, Morita, Japan). A generalized mixed model and ANOVA analysis were used on the acquired data (Tukey-Kramer correction). RESULTS There was no evidence that the factor 'root level' affected void detection in root fillings. 'Void size' was a main determining factor as all voids larger than 300 microm were determined with all techniques. For the smaller voids, there were significant differences between the 5 imaging techniques at different void sizes and different root levels. CONCLUSIONS Void size and imaging technique were main determining factors. Voids larger than 300 mum were determined with all imaging techniques. For small void detection, all digital intraoral techniques performed better than intraoral analogue and CBCT images.
Inhibition of an ecto-ATP-diphosphohydrolase by azide.

Cell surface ATPases (ecto-ATPases or E-ATPases) hydrolyze extracellular ATP and other nucleotides. Regulation of extracellular nucleotide concentration is one of their major proposed functions. Based on enzymatic characterization, the E-ATPases have been divided into two subfamilies, ecto-ATPases and ecto-ATP-diphosphohydrolases (ecto-ATPDases). In the presence of either Mg2+ or Ca2+, ecto-ATPDases, including proteins closely related to CD39, hydrolyze nucleoside diphosphates in addition to nucleoside triphosphates and are inhibited by millimolar concentrations of azide, whereas ecto-ATPases appear to lack these two properties. This report presents the first systematic kinetic study of a purified ecto-ATPDase, the chicken oviduct ecto-ATPDase (Strobel, R.S., Nagy, A.K., Knowles, A.F., Buegel, J. & Rosenberg, M.O. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 16323-16331), with respect to ATP and ADP, and azide inhibition. Km values for ATP obtained at pH 6.4 and 7.4 are 10-30 times lower than for ADP and the catalytic efficiency is greater with ATP as the substrate. The enzyme also exhibits complicated behavior toward azide. Variable inhibition by azide is observed depending on nucleotide substrate, divalent ion, and pH. Nearly complete inhibition by 5 mm azide is obtained when MgADP is the substrate and when assays are conducted at pH 6-6.4. Azide inhibition diminishes when ATP is the substrate, Ca2+ as the activating ion, and at higher pH. The greater efficacy of azide in inhibiting ADP hydrolysis compared to ATP hydrolysis may be related to the different modes of inhibition with the two nucleotide substrates. While azide decreases both Vmax and Km for ADP, it does not alter the Km for ATP. These results suggest that the apparent affinity of azide for the E.ADP complex is significantly greater than that for the free enzyme or E.ATP. The response of the enzyme to three other inhibitors, fluoride, vanadate, and pyrophosphate, is also dependent on substrate and pH. Taken together, these results are indicative of a discrimination between ADP and ATP by the enzyme. A mechanism of azide inhibition is proposed.
Ontogeny and adaptivity in a model protocell

Viability, ontogeny, and adaptivity have been widely discussed within the context of emergent individuality. This paper provides an initial step towards a more formal treatment of these concepts. A network of possible ontogenies is uncovered by subjecting a model protocell to sequential perturbations, and mapping the resulting structural configurations. The analysis of this network reveals trends in how the protocell can move between configurations, how its morphology changes, and how the role of the environment varies throughout. Viability is defined as expected lifespan given an initial configuration. This leads to two notions of adaptivity: a local adaptivity that addresses how viability changes in plastic transitions, and a global adaptivity that looks at longerterm tendencies for increased viability. The mechanisms of a minimal adaptive transition are analyzed, and it is shown that these rely on distributed spatial processes rather than an explicit regulatory mechanism.
Cosmological parameters from SDSS and WMAP

We measure cosmological parameters using the three-dimensional power spectrum P(k) from over 200,000 galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) in combination with WMAP and other data. Our results are consistent with a "vanilla" flat adiabaticCDM model without tilt (ns = 1), running tilt, tensor modes or massive neutrinos. Adding SDSS information more than halves the WMAP-only error bars on some parameters, tightening 1� constraints on the Hubble parameter from h � 0.74 +0.18 −0.07 to h � 0.70 +0.04 −0.03, on the matter density from m � 0.25 ± 0.10 to m � 0.30 ± 0.04 (1�) and on neutrino masses from < 11 eV to < 0.6 eV (95%). SDSS helps even more when dropping prior assumptions about curvature, neutrinos, tensor modes and the equation of state. Our results are in substantial agreement with the joint analysis of WMAP and the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey, which is an impressive consistency check with independent redshift survey data and analysis techniques. In this paper, we place particular emphasis on clarifying the physical origin of the constraints, i.e., what we do and do not know when using different data sets and prior assumptions. For instance, dropping the assumption that space is perfectly flat, the WMAP-only constraint on the measured age of the Universe tightens from t0 � 16.3 +2.3
Advances in EPG for treatment and research: an illustrative case study

Electropalatography (EPG), a technique which reveals tongue‐palate contact patterns over time, is a highly effective tool for speech research. We report here on recent developments by Articulate Instruments Ltd. These include hardware for Windows‐based computers, backwardly compatible (with Reading EPG3) software systems for clinical intervention and laboratory‐based analysis for EPG and acoustic data, and an enhanced clinical interface with client and file management tools. We focus here on a single case study of a child aged 10± years who had been diagnosed with an intractable speech disorder possibly resulting ultimately from a complete cleft of hard and soft palate. We illustrate how assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the intractable speech disorder are undertaken using this new generation of instrumental phonetic support. We also look forward to future developments in articulatory phonetics that will link EPG with ultrasound for research and clinical communities.
Polygonal Models from CT Data for Medical Planning

As radiation treatment/surgery becomes increasingly available at various medical centers around the world, it becomes also the preferred choice for tumors treatment. Planning is a crucial part of the process because it can detect collisions between various components of the hardware delivering the radiation and the patient. Simulated planning requires a 3D model of the patient. This paper reports on the design and implementation of an on-the-fly conversion system of the patient CT (Coherent Tomography) data into a 3D representation. This work is complementary to the goal of creating a real-time 3D graphical simulator for an advanced radiation therapy/surgery system that improves the planning process supporting the decision making process as well as innovation in medical planning.
A natural ventilation control in buildings based on co-simulation architecture and Particle Swarm Optimization

This paper presents a building automation strategy for natural ventilation control and reducing building energy consumption. An on-off control is proposed in order to manage the windows opening and realize a natural ventilation flow guaranteeing indoor thermal comfort. The control logic is based on activation thresholds that are optimized to reduce the discomfort for overheating and undercooling. In particular, the temperature comfort range dynamically varies according to the adaptive thermal comfort theory. To this aim, a co-simulation architecture is proposed: the thermal building behavior and ventilation dynamics are simulated by TRNFLOW within the TRNSYS software and a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is employed to optimize the thresholds of windows opening. A case study focusing on a residential building situated in the Mediterranean climatic context is presented: the thermal comfort analysis shows that the optimized control logic significantly reduces the overheating discomfort.
Mumps disease outbreak in Davangere district of Karnataka, India

Background: Mumps is a vaccine-preventable disease that usually occurs as a parotitis, but it can also lead to several life- threatening complications, including pancreatitis, meningitis and encephalitis. Objective: To determine and diagnosis of mumps disease, which is communicable disease usually affects childrens. Although it is seen worldwide, but outbreaks not common in India. Materials and Methods: Thirty one suspected mumps cases, who presented to the unimmunized population of Chikkahallivana village in Davangere district of Karnataka, India in January 2014, with clinical evidence of fever, cervical lymphadenitis and ear pain, manifest with self-limited uni-or bilateral parotitis. A total of 31 cases consisting of 31 blood and 31 throat swabs were tested for diagnosis of mumps disease. Results: Of the 31 suspected cases, laboratory results showed 18 positive for mumps IgM antibodies and 7 cases showed presence of mumps virus RNA by RT-PCR using MV specific nested primers. From 31 cases, 5 were positive with both the methods. Conclusion: We confirmed the cases by serological as well as a sensitive RT-nested PCR-based method and sequencing results for the molecular identiﬁcation of mumps infection. Sequencing results of the SH gene identified outbreak strain as genotype C, which was consistent with other outbreaks in India.
Biochemical analysis and crystallisation of Fc gamma RIIa, the low affinity receptor for IgG.

Fc gamma RIIa is one of a family of specific cell surface receptors for immunoglobulin. Fc gamma RIIa, which binds immune complexes of certain IgG isotypes, plays important roles in immune homeostasis. However, the precise characteristics of IgG binding and three-dimensional structure of Fc gamma RIIa have not been reported. This study describes the affinity of the Fc gamma RIIa:IgG interaction as well as biochemical characterisation of recombinant Fc gamma RIIa that has been used to generate high quality crystals. Equilibrium binding analysis of the Fc gamma RII:IgG interaction found, IgG3 binds with an affinity of K(D) = 0.6 microM, as expected. Unlike other Fc gamma R, IgG4 also bound to Fc gamma RIIa, K(D) = 3 microM, clearly establishing Fc gamma RIIa as an IgG4 receptor. Biochemical analysis of mammalian and insect cell derived Fc gamma RIIa established the genuine N-terminus with Q being the first amino acid in the sequence Q, A, A, A, P. extending the N-terminus further than previously thought. Furthermore, both potential N-linked glycosylation sites are occupied. Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESMS) indicate that the N-glycans of baculovirus derived Fc gamma RIIa are core mannose oligosaccharide side chains. Finally, we describe the first crystallisation of diffraction quality crystals of soluble Fc gamma RIIa. Orthorhombic crystals diffract X-rays beyond 2.1 A resolution in the space group P2(1)2(1)2 with cell dimensions a = 78.8 A, b = 100.5 A, c = 27.8 A. This marks a significant advance towards understanding the three-dimensional structure of Fc gamma RIIa and related FcR proteins that share high amino acid identity with Fc gamma RIIa.
Smart Helmet: Wearable Multichannel ECG and EEG

Modern wearable technologies have enabled continuous recording of vital signs, however, for activities such as cycling, motor-racing, or military engagement, a helmet with embedded sensors would provide maximum convenience and the opportunity to monitor simultaneously both the vital signs and the electroencephalogram (EEG). To this end, we investigate the feasibility of recording the electrocardiogram (ECG), respiration, and EEG from face-lead locations, by embedding multiple electrodes within a standard helmet. The electrode positions are at the lower jaw, mastoids, and forehead, while for validation purposes a respiration belt around the thorax and a reference ECG from the chest serve as ground truth to assess the performance. The within-helmet EEG is verified by exposing the subjects to periodic visual and auditory stimuli and screening the recordings for the steady-state evoked potentials in response to these stimuli. Cycling and walking are chosen as real-world activities to illustrate how to deal with the so-induced irregular motion artifacts, which contaminate the recordings. We also propose a multivariate R-peak detection algorithm suitable for such noisy environments. Recordings in real-world scenarios support a proof of concept of the feasibility of recording vital signs and EEG from the proposed smart helmet.
Digitally controlled bipolar converter for DC micro grids

This paper proposes a digitally controlled bipolar converter for dc micro grids. The bipolar converter configuration is based on the combination of SEPIC and CUK converter with the modifications in both the converters. In the proposed bipolar converter, the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the transfer floating capacitor is increased by inserting a series resistance in the both SEPIC and CUK converter and magnetically coupled inductors are used on both (input and output) sides of the SEPIC converter with damping network. Such type of arrangement eliminates right half zero (RHP) from the proposed bipolar converter and facilitates simpler controller design. The proposed bipolar converter is operated on field programmable gate array (FPGA) based digital current mode control for bipolar micro girds. The proposed concept facilitates regulated bipolar dc outputs and allows integration of renewable energy sources to bipolar micro grid. Thus, in view of the benefits of bipolar dc link, the proposed concept gives a solution to the requirement of distributed generation units with highly efficient, less costly and easy to implement. Detailed mathematical modeling and dynamic analysis is carried to take out the advantages of the proposed system. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the proposed algorithm.
A Dynamic Economic Dispatch Model for Uncertain Power Demands in an Interconnected Microgrid

In this paper, we propose a dynamic economic dispatch (DED) model with sharing of responsibility for supply–demand balance under uncertain demands in a microgrid (MG). For developing the proposed model, an energy band operation scheme, including a tie-line flow (TLF) contraction between the main grid and the microgrid (MG), is constructed for preventing considerable changes in the TLFs caused by DED optimization. The proposed scheme generalizes the relationship between TLF contractions and MG operational costs. Moreover, a chance-constrained approach is applied to prevent short- and over-supply risks caused by unpredictable demands in the MG. Based on this approach, it is possible to determine the reasonable ramping capability versus operational cost under uncertain power demands in the MG.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Expression of Alternative Oxidase from Candida albicans

ABSTRACT The AOX1 gene, which encodes an alternative oxidase, was isolated from the genomic DNA library of Candida albicans. The gene encodes a polypeptide consisting of 379 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 43,975 Da. Theaox1/aox1 mutant strain did not show cyanide-resistant respiration under normal conditions but could still induce cyanide-resistant respiration when treated with antimycin A. The measurement of respiratory activity and Western blot analysis suggested the presence of another AOX. When C. albicans AOX1 was expressed in alternative oxidase-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it could confer cyanide-resistant respiration onS. cerevisiae.
Charting the role of the online teacher in higher education: winds of change

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the online teacher at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. In this paper, it is intended to identify the issues and dilemmas facing those who are navigating the online teaching environment, to elaborate on the issues/dilemmas, and to offer some ways of addressing these issues by referring to the responses of experienced practitioners, online students, to the literature and to data collected for an Australian Government-funded educational evaluation project. Much of the data presented in this paper relates to an online course, Designing Instruction for Flexible Learning, which is part of the totally online initiative, launched at USQ in 1997. The authors of this paper have been involved in both teaching and instructional design of online courses for several years and have identified a significant shift in the role of the online teacher.
Adaptive Contour Fitting for Pose-Invariant 3D Face Shape Reconstruction

Motivation Direct reconstruction of 3D face shape—solely based on a sparse set of 2D feature points localized by a facial landmark detector— offers an automatic, efficient and illumination-invariant alternative to the widely known analysis-by-synthesis framework, which is extremely timeconsuming considering the enormous parameter space for both shape and photometric properties. Given 2D landmarks y and their correspondence on the 3D Morphable Model (3DMM), the 3D shape can be recovered by minimizing the distance between 2D and the projected 3D landmarks
Population distribution and redistribution of the baby-boom cohort in the United States: Recent trends and implications

Over 70 million people were born into the baby-boom cohort between 1946 and 1964. Over 65 million of these individuals are presently alive, and thus the cohort continues to exert a powerful influence on regional population change in the United States. In this article, we examine the recent and current geographic distribution of the baby-boom cohort. In 1990, the members of the cohort comprised a particularly high proportion of the population in a small number of dynamic metropolitan areas. We also highlight the recent migration trends exhibited by this cohort; these trends are potentially important early indicators of the retirement-related migration patterns that the cohort might follow. The spatial redistribution of the cohort has many implications, including potentially significant consequences for intergenerational relationships and caregiving. Also highlighted in the article are the temporal and geographical implications for intergenerational caregiving. There has been much attention given to the “sandwich” generation, with its members having dual caregiving responsibilities to both parents and children. A more appropriate designation may be the “stretched” generation, because caregiving seems to extend over a long period. In particular, many members of the baby-boom cohort are beginning to care for their aging parents just as they finish child rearing.
Possible role for nitric oxide dysregulation in critical illness myopathy

Muscle fiber inexcitability and myosin loss underlie weakness in critical illness myopathy (CIM). Nitric oxide (NO) takes part in the maintenance of muscle fiber resting potential and, in pathological conditions accompanied by oxidative stress, may damage proteins through peroxynitrite generation. Sepsis and other conditions associated with CIM may differentially affect expression of NO synthases (NOSs), so that both downregulation and upregulation with excessive peroxynitrite production can be hypothesized. In six patients with CIM we studied NOS1, NOS2, and NOS3 protein expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. To investigate peroxynitrite production, we performed immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine and measured nitrotyrosine levels by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In three patients, sarcolemmal staining for NOS1 was selectively absent. In the others, it was absent in atrophic fibers and absent or reduced in non‐atrophic fibers. Total NOS1 protein content was reduced by 41% in patients compared to controls, whereas no significant changes were found in levels and localization of NOS2, NOS3, and nitrotyrosine. Further studies are warranted to determine whether NOS1 loss plays a role in the pathophysiology of CIM, possibly reducing the release of NO at the sarcolemma and affecting muscle fiber excitability. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Belief, rationality and inference : a general theory of computational pragmatics

I am fluent in the following computer languages: Prolog, Lisp, Pop­11, C, C++, Perl. I also have a good knowledge of WWW authoring and design using Perl and HTML and have extensive experience of both UNIX and Microsoft Windows. I am also familiar with SGML, XML & SQL.
Development of a small biped entertainment robot QRIO

SDR-4X II is the latest prototype model which is a small biped entertainment robot. This is the improved model of SDR-4X. In this paper we report especially about sensing system of this robot which is important and essential for a small biped entertainment robot which will be used in home environment. One technology is the design of motion sensing system. This technology is the inclination sensor system and the force sensor system which obtains the inclination of the trunk and the foot with force. Another technology is the real-world sensing system. One is the touch sensing system. The robot is used in normal home environment, so we should strongly consider the safety for human. Another is the vision sensor system. The configuration and the distance image acquisition are explained. Next is the audio sensor system which obtains the sound and the voice information. The hardware system and the direction recognition are explained. These sensing systems are the key to make the biped robot walking and dynamic motion highly stable and understand the real-world around the robot.