Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact Assessment of Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Organotypic Bronchial Epithelial Tissue Cultures: A Comparison of Mono-Culture and Coculture Model Containing Fibroblasts

Organotypic 3D cultures of epithelial cells are grown at the air–liquid interface (ALI) and resemble the in vivo counterparts. Although the complexity of in vivo cellular responses could be better manifested in coculture models in which additional cell types such as fibroblasts were incorporated, the presence of another cell type could mask the response of the other. This study reports the impact of whole cigarette smoke (CS) exposure on organotypic mono- and coculture models to evaluate the relevancy of organotypic models for toxicological assessment of aerosols. Two organotypic bronchial models were directly exposed to low and high concentrations of CS of the reference research cigarette 3R4F: monoculture of bronchial epithelial cells without fibroblasts (BR) and coculture with fibroblasts (BRF) models. Adenylate kinase (AK)-based cytotoxicity, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/1B1 activity, tissue histology, and concentrations of secreted mediators into the basolateral media, as well as transcriptomes were evaluated following the CS exposure. The results demonstrated similar impact of CS on the AK-based cytotoxicity, CYP1A1/1B1 activity, and tissue histology in both models. However, a greater number of secreted mediators was identified in the basolateral media of the monoculture than in the coculture models. Furthermore, annotation analysis and network-based systems biology analysis of the transcriptomic profiles indicated a more prominent cellular stress and tissue damage following CS in the monoculture epithelium model without fibroblasts. Finally, our results indicated that an in vivo smoking-induced xenobiotic metabolism response of bronchial epithelial cells was better reflected from the in vitro CS-exposed coculture model.
Topology Optimization of Structure Using Differential Evolution

The population-based evolutionary algorithms have emerged as powerful mechanism for finding optimum solutions of complex optimization problems. A promising new evolutionary algorithm, differential evolution, has garnered significant attention in the engineering optimization research. Differential evolution has the advantage of incorporating a relatively simple and efficient form of mutation and crossover. This paper aims at introducing differential evolution as an alternative approach for topology optimization of truss and continuous structure with stress and displacement constraints. In comparison the results with other studies, it shows that differential evolution algorithms are very effective and efficient in solving topology optimization problem of structure.
On Matching and Thickness in Dynamic Markets

We study dynamic matching in an infinite-horizon stochastic networked market, in which some agents are a priori more difficult to match than others. Agents have compatibility-based preferences and can match either bilaterally, or indirectly through chains. We study how these matching technologies, as well as matching policies, affect efficiency in such markets with different thickness levels. First, we study myopic matching policies and identify a strong connection between market thickness and the efficiency driven by the matching technology. We show that when “hard-to-match” agents join the market more frequently than “easy-to-match” ones, moving from bilateral matchings to chains significantly increases efficiency. Otherwise, the difference between matching bilaterally or through a chain is negligible. Second, we show that the lack of thickness cannot be compensated by better matching policies implying that the only way to thicken the market fruitfully is by attracting more agents.
Egress of Plasmodium berghei gametes from their host erythrocyte is mediated by the MDV‐1/PEG3 protein

Malaria parasites invade erythrocytes of their host both for asexual multiplication and for differentiation to male and female gametocytes – the precursor cells of Plasmodium gametes. For further development the parasite is dependent on efficient release of the asexual daughter cells and of the gametes from the host erythrocyte. How malarial parasites exit their host cells remains largely unknown. We here report the characterization of a Plasmodium berghei protein that is involved in egress of both male and female gametes from the host erythrocyte. Protein MDV‐1/PEG3, like its Plasmodium falciparum orthologue, is present in gametocytes of both sexes, but more abundant in the female, where it is associated with dense granular organelles, the osmiophilic bodies. Δmdv‐1/peg3 parasites in which MDV‐1/PEG3 production was abolished by gene disruption had a strongly reduced capacity to form zygotes resulting from a reduced capability of both the male and female gametes to disrupt the surrounding parasitophorous vacuole and to egress from the host erythrocyte. These data demonstrate that emergence from the host cell of male and female gametes relies on a common, MDV‐1/PEG3‐dependent mechanism that is distinct from mechanisms used by asexual parasites.
Higher Throughput Methods of Identifying T Cell Epitopes for Studying Outcomes of Altered Antigen Processing and Presentation

Variation in the mechanisms that mediate antigen processing, MHC-loading, and presentation of peptides allows cells to significantly modulate the repertoire of peptides presented by both MHC class I or class II. To more quickly determine how these different modes or modulations of presentation translate into altered immune responses, higher throughput methods for identifying T cell epitopes are needed. Proteomics-based comprehensive cataloging of peptides eluted from MHC is a challenging but ideal way of identifying peptide sequences influenced by variable modes of processing and presentation. Several groups have already been successful with this approach and ongoing technical improvements will broaden its applicability. Subsequently, high content combinatorial peptide-MHC tetramer staining using mass cytometry, as we have recently described, should enable the broad assessment of how these changes are perceived by T cells and translated into an altered immune response. The importance of this analysis is highlighted by evidence that physiologically relevant variation in antigen processing and presentation as well as other factors can give rise to unpredictably different T cell responses.
STBC: Side Channel Attack Tolerant Balanced Circuit with Reduced Propagation Delay

Side channel attacks exploit the physical properties of integrated circuits to extract sensitive information. They are becoming increasingly important in the context of the deployment of the Internet of Things. One of the most effective countermeasures consists of modifying the logic circuits to reduce the leakage through side channels. This paper presents a novel side channel attack tolerant balanced circuit (STBC) based on a dynamic and differential configuration. Its main feature is the use of an improved binary decision diagram (BDD) with a multi-output function and internal gate sharing to reduce the implementation area. Compared to the earlier proposed dual-rail pre-charge circuit with binary decision diagram (DP-BDD) technique, an area reduction of 13.7% is achieved. A fixed versus random t-test shows that STBC obtains a substantial reduction in information leakage even though small peak exists. Further, its input variable dependence is comparable with that of a normal CMOS circuit and similar with DP-BDD.
Mining amino acid association patterns in class B GPCRs

Class B GPCR family is a small group of receptors which are activated by peptides of intermediate length that range from 30 to 40 amino acid residues including hormones, neuropeptides and autocrine factors that mediate diverse physiological functions. They are involved in physiological processes like glucose homeostasis (glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1), calcium homeostasis and bone turnover (parathyroid hormone and calcitonin), and control of the stress axis (corticotropin-releasing factor). Most of the GPCR structures and their functions are still unknown. Thus, the study of amino acid association patterns can be useful in prediction of their structure and functions. In view of above, in this paper, an attempt has been made to explore amino acid association patterns in class B GPCRs and their relationships with secondary structures and physiochemical properties. The fuzzy association rule mining is employed to take care of uncertainty due to variation in length of sequences. The association rules have been generated with the help of patterns discovered in the sequences.
Knowledge and quality of adolescents reproductive health communication between parents and their adolescents children in Ibadan, Nigeria

Communication between parents and adolescents on Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) issues are emerging public health concerns in Nigeria; yet they can be tackled through parents’ intervention. This study was designed to document the parents’ knowledge and quality of communication relating to ARH between parents and their adolescents in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two Local Government Areas in the state. Interviewer-administered instruments were used to collect data from the parents and adolescents pair. Both instruments included a 28-point knowledge scale and questions on ARH practices. The instrument for adolescents contained an additional 15-point Perceived Quality of ARH Communication (PQARHC). Knowledge scores ≤9, ≤10-18 and ≥20 were categorized as poor, fair and good, respectively for both parents and adolescents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chisquare tests at P=0.05. Ages of adolescents were 13.9±2.4 years while parents’ ages was 42.6±8.5 years. Parent’s and adolescents knowledge scores 22.6±3.4 and 19.4±5.9, respectively with no significant difference. Adolescents whose parents ever discussed ARH issues with them were 20.9% as against 72.1% by the parents. The proportion of parents and adolescents with good knowledge of ARH were 89.4% and 64.7% with no significant difference while the proportion of Adolescents’ PQARHC with their parents was adjudged to be of good quality communication was 82.2% with P>0.05. Both the parents and adolescents had good knowledge of adolescent reproductive health but practice and quality of communication was poor. Therefore, training intervention to improve the adolescent- parent communication is recommended for the parents.
Short-term effects of moderate intensity physical activity in patients with metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate whether a short-term moderate intensity exercise program could change inflammatory parameters, and improve different components of metabolic syndrome in sedentary patients. Methods: Sixteen patients completed the 12-week program of supervised exercise, which consisted of a 40 to 50 minutes of walking, 3 times a week, reaching 50 to 60% of the heart rate reserve. The parameters evaluated before and after intervention were waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein and interleukin 8. Results: There was a significant reduction in waist circumference (102.1±7.5cm to 100.8±7.4cm; p=0.03) and in body mass index (29.7±3.2kg/m2 versus 29.3±3.5kg/m2; p=0.03). Systolic blood pressure dropped from 141±18 to 129±13mmHg and diastolic from 79±12 to 71±10mmHg (with p<0.05 for both). No changes were observed on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, although HDL cholesterol levels improved, from 45.5±6.0 to 49.5±9.8mg/dL (p=0.02). There was a trend toward reduction of C-reactive protein (8.3%; p=0.07) and interleukin 8 levels (17.4%; p=0.058). The improvement in cardiovascular capacity was demonstrated by an increase of 13% in estimated volume of oxygen (p<0.001). Conclusion: Benefits of aerobic exercise of moderate intensity were seen within only 12 weeks of training in sedentary patients with metabolic syndrome. Considering the easy self-applicability and proven metabolic effects, an exercise program could be a first approach to sedentary patients with metabolic syndrome.
Long shelf-life, Al-anode micro-fabricated cells activated with alkaline–H2O2 electrolytes

Aluminum-anode micro fabricated electrochemical cells activated on demand are a power-MEMS alternative. Cells of this type activated with alkaline electrolyte aqueous solution (20 µl) that contains hydrogen peroxide continue to be studied herein. Hydroxide concentration in this liquid and the cell configuration are the two issues investigated. Both affect the mechanistic kinetics of the chemical reactions involved in the production of energy and can be used to improve the energetic gravimetric density of these cells. Of the four electrolyte recipes, the highest energetic densities per activation are found in cells with a 3 M hydroxide concentration. The cell fabrication involved depositing aluminum lines on a patterned dielectric structure on top of a platinum cathode. The mesh-shaped electrode structure on the masks is designed so cells with three dissimilar cathode:anode surface areas are fabricated, each with a different number and width of aluminum lines, allowing us to deconvolute the electrode area ratio effect from the cells' dimensional characteristics. The electrode area ratio can in fact be used to obtain energetic output up to 14 KJ g−1 of aluminum and is capable of providing a power output of 3.5 mW cm−2 (at a potential of approximately 0.6 V) for about 5 min.
Polyethyleneimine-coated quantum dots for miRNA delivery and its enhanced suppression in HepG2 cells

Quantum dots (QDs) have been intensively investigated for bioimaging, drug delivery, and labeling probes because of their unique optical properties. In this study, CdSe/ZnS QDs-based nonviral vectors with the dual functions of delivering miR-26a plasmid and bioimaging were formulated by capping the surface of CdSe/ZnS QDs with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The PEI-coated QDs were capable of condensing miR-26a expression vector into nanocomplexes that can emit strong red luminescence when loaded with CdSe/ZnS QDs. Further results showed that PEI-modified nanoparticles (NPs) could transfect miR-26a plasmid into HepG2 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, imaging of living cells could be achieved based on the CdSe/ZnS QDs. Further study suggested that miR-26a transfection up-regulated miR-26a expression, induced cycle arrest, and triggered proliferation inhibition in HepG2 cells. The results indicated that PEI-coated QD NPs possess the capability of bioimaging and gene delivery and could be a promising vehicle with the engineering of QD NPs for gene therapy in the future.
Lumbar intervertebral disc replacement using bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide full-threaded screws, or cylindrical implants of polylactide polymers, bioactive glass and Polyactive™

Summary Intervertebral disc surgery leads to changes in the segmental anatomy and mobility, and subsequently to degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. Artificial intervertebral disc implants sufficient to replace the human lumbar intervertebral disc have been developed and the requirements for these defined. This is to our knowledge the first study on bioabsorbable intervertebral disc replacement implants. SR-PLLA screws, previously used in orthopaedic internal fixations, and cylindrical implants, specifially developed for this experimental preliminary study, were used to replace lumbar intervertebral discs of growing pigs. After a 15-week follow-up period, the radiological and histological changes in the intervertebral spaces were analyzed. The cylindrical implants were able to prevent narrowing of discectomied spaces, and tissue regeneration in the intervertebral space was induced and occured simultaneously with degradation of the implant.
Combining stereo and motion analysis for direct estimation of scene structure

The authors describe an algorithm based on hierarchical model-based estimation and refinement that aims to make best use of the information in stereo and motion data sets to estimate scene structure. Information from both data sets is used to compute simultaneously stereo and motion correspondences that are consistent with a single scene structure. One result is that local ambiguities in information provided by one data set are resolved by information provided by the other data set. The algorithm uses an infinitesimal rigid-body motion model to estimate relative camera orientation and local ranges for both the stereo and motion components of the data. If the relative orientation of the cameras in the stereo data set is known, the solution proposed can be re-derived using fixed rather than variable camera parameters for the stereo data set. <<ETX>>
Inhibition of methionine uptake by CIS‐diamminedichloroplatinum (II) in experimental brain tumors

cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) has been used both alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutics for cancer chemotherapy. Although CDDP acts primarily on DNA, it can also act at the tumor‐cell membrane to inhibit methionine transport. The latter mechanism of CDDP is reported to have an important role as a chemical modulator in enhancing chemotherapeutic effects of 5‐fluorouracil in tumor cells. We report here the effects of CDDP on methionine uptake in an in vivo brain‐tumor model. C6 brain‐tumor cells were stereotactically inoculated in the right basal ganglia of 6‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Ten days after the inoculation, autoradiographic images were obtained using (14C‐methyl)‐L‐methionine. The tracer uptake, represented as differential absorption ratio (DAR) and an acid‐insoluble fraction (AIF), was measured in both brain tumors and normal brain with or without an intravenous injection of CDDP. The tumor/non‐tumor DAR and AIF decreased significantly (P < 0.01, as determined by the Mann‐Whitney U‐test) after CDDP treatment, whereas the non‐tumor DAR and AIF remained almost unchanged. These findings indicate that CDDP inhibits methionine uptake selectively in brain‐tumor tissue and may therefore be a potent chemical modulator in the chemotherapy of brain tumors. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hormones and body size evolution in papionin primates.

This study examines the evolution of size differences among papionin primates by measuring hormones that regulate size growth during ontogeny and influence ultimate adult size (insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), growth hormone binding protein (GHBP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone, estradiol). The analyses assess longstanding ideas about circulating hormone levels and body size. Importantly, because the consensus papionin molecular phylogeny implies at least two episodes of size increase, this study offers opportunities to determine whether or not similar hormone profiles regulate this apparent evolutionary convergence (i.e., do larger-bodied papionins have higher levels of growth-related hormones than smaller-bodied papionins? ). Five hundred and sixty serum samples (from 161 individuals) from 11 papionin species were analyzed using a two-level approach to address this issue. One used mixed longitudinal samples from two papionin species to test whether, during growth, large- and small-bodied species have higher and lower hormone levels, respectively. The second compared multiple papionin species to assess whether or not hormone levels covary with size in adult animals. Result show that size and hormone levels do not covary consistently across papionins, either during growth or in adulthood. Specifically, some smaller-bodied papionin species have higher absolute hormone levels than larger-bodied species. Differences in some hormone levels appear to track phylogeny more closely than body size. In contrast to studies based on single species, we demonstrate that, while the hormones analyzed affect growth, absolute circulating hormone levels either during growth or adulthood may be decoupled from interspecific differences in body size.
Congestion Estimation Techniques in Sensor Networks: A Survey

In WSN or in sensor network the congestion causes the various severe conditions as it causes, data packet loss, energy inefficiency and also it diminishes the lifespan of WSN. In WSN, the major challenge is to diminish the congestion problem in the transmission of data packets between sources to destination. In recent past time some researchers utilized different techniques for congestion estimation and these techniques are too utilized for controlling the congestion. There are lots of techniques are suggested by researchers which are non-fuzzy based and fuzzy based techniques for congestion estimation and controlling the congestion. In this review paper we introduce the various researches on congestion estimation and congestion control techniques. So the estimation of congestion is always a significant task in WSN.
Association between the JC Polyomavirus Infection and Male Infertility

In recent years the incidence of male infertility has increased. Many risk factors have been taken into consideration, including viral infections. Investigations into viral agents and male infertility have mainly been focused on human papillomaviruses, while no reports have been published on polyomaviruses and male infertility. The aim of this study was to verify whether JC virus and BK virus are associated with male infertility. Matched semen and urine samples from 106 infertile males and 100 fertile males, as controls, were analyzed. Specific PCR analyses were carried out to detect and quantify large T (Tag) coding sequences of JCV and BKV. DNA sequencing, carried out in Tag JCV-positive samples, was addressed to viral protein 1 (VP1) coding sequences. The prevalence of JCV Tag sequences in semen and urine samples from infertile males was 34% (72/212), whereas the BKV prevalence was 0.94% (2/212). Specifically, JCV Tag sequences were detected in 24.5% (26/106) of semen and 43.4% (46/106) of urine samples from infertile men. In semen and urine samples from controls the prevalence was 11% and 28%, respectively. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in JCV prevalence was disclosed in semen and urine samples of cases vs. controls. A higher JC viral DNA load was detected in samples from infertile males than in controls. In samples from infertile males the JC virus type 2 strain, subtype 2b, was more prevalent than ubiquitous type 1. JCV type 2 strain infection has been found to be associated with male infertility. These data suggest that the JC virus should be taken into consideration as an infectious agent which is responsible for male infertility.
Selective exploration exploiting skills in hierarchical reinforcement learning framework

In this paper, novel reinforcement learning method with intrinsic motivation for reproducibility of the past successful experience is presented. The experience is extracted as skill, which is composed of action sequence and abstract knowledge about observed sensor input. Utilizing the collected skills, reproduction of the successful experience is attempted in novel and unknown environment. Consistent exploration and active reduction of search space are realized by learning with intrinsic motivation for reproducibility of experience. Simulation experiments in grid world demonstrate that proposed method significantly accelerate speed of learning.