Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decision-Making Deficits Associated with Amyloidosis in Lewy Body Disorders

Background: Lewy body disorders (LBD) are clinical syndromes characterized by pathological inclusions containing α-synuclein. Cognitive deficits are common or diagnostic in LBD, and may be associated with the presence of beta-amyloid (Aβ), which is a hallmark histopathologic abnormality characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that can also co-occur with LBD. Objective: In the present study we evaluated whether social decision-making difficulties in LBD are associated with Aβ burden. Methods: Decision-making abilities were measured with a simple, untimed, behavioral task previously validated in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, and performance was related to gray matter atrophy on MRI. Aβ burden was assessed by examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level of Aβ1−42 and by autopsy confirmation in a subgroup of patients. Results: The results revealed that LBD patients with evidence of Aβ have reduced social decision-making abilities compared to patients with no evidence of Aβ. The imaging analysis related greater decision-making difficulty in Aβ-positive patients in respect to Aβ-negative patients to gray matter atrophy in medial orbitofrontal. This region is a critical node of a decision-making network as well as a region previously associated with comorbid α-synuclein and Aβ in LBD. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that cognitive difficulties in LBD extend to include deficits in social decision-making and that this may be related to the presence of Aβ.
Compact climbing robot rolling on flexible magnetic rollers, for generator inspection with the rotor still installed

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and prototype implementation of a compact climbing robot with magnetic adhesion, which is only 8 mm high and allows for moving in any direction on the stators or rotors of power generators.Design/methodology/approach – After a brief description of the industrial environment where it is supposed to be used (inspection of generator stators with the rotor still installed), this paper describes the basic mechanical concept, pointing to the core innovation and the advantages towards previous designs. The paper concludes with a prototype implementation and some test results; and provides an outlook on future extensions in the final industrial version.Findings – Thanks to a new locomotion system based on flexible magnetic rollers (= magnetic wheels fixed on motorized flexible shafts; patented technology), the robot is able to span over gaps and non‐magnetic zones, both in axial and circumferential direction, while still being flexible enough for adapt.
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Emergency Department Visits Associated With Wildfire Smoke Exposure in California in 2015

Background Wildfire smoke is known to exacerbate respiratory conditions; however, evidence for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events has been inconsistent, despite biological plausibility. Methods and Results A population‐based epidemiologic analysis was conducted for daily cardiovascular and cerebrovascular emergency department (ED) visits and wildfire smoke exposure in 2015 among adults in 8 California air basins. A quasi‐Poisson regression model was used for zip code‐level counts of ED visits, adjusting for heat index, day of week, seasonality, and population. Satellite‐imaged smoke plumes were classified as light, medium, or dense based on model‐estimated concentrations of fine particulate matter. Relative risk was determined for smoky days for lag days 0 to 4. Rates of ED visits by age‐ and sex‐stratified groups were also examined. Rates of all‐cause cardiovascular ED visits were elevated across all lags, with the greatest increase on dense smoke days and among those aged ≥65 years at lag 0 (relative risk 1.15, 95% confidence interval [1.09, 1.22]). All‐cause cerebrovascular visits were associated with smoke, especially among those 65 years and older, (1.22 [1.00, 1.49], dense smoke, lag 1). Respiratory conditions were also increased, as anticipated (1.18 [1.08, 1.28], adults >65 years, dense smoke, lag 1). No association was found for the control condition, acute appendicitis. Elevated risks for individual diagnoses included myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, dysrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, ischemic stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Conclusions Analysis of an extensive wildfire season found smoke exposure to be associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ED visits for all adults, particularly for those over aged 65 years.
Investigation of wound healing activity of extracts from tinospora cordifolia

Tinospora cordifolia is widely used in many parts of the world to manage a wide range of diseases. As part of efforts to elucidate its pharmacological activities and medicinal potential, we studied the wound healing properties of the extracts using experimentally created wounds in rodents. The present study was aimed for wound healing potential of ethanol, aqueous and pet ether extracts of Tinospora cordifolia (leaf, stem and root) using three types of wound models in rats such as incision wound, excision wound and dead space wound. The results were obtained in terms of wound contraction, epithelialization time, tensile strength, hydroxyproline content and granuloma weight. Enhanced wound contraction and decreased epithelialization time were observed in extract-treated animals in excision wound model. The tensile strength of the incision wound in extract treated animals was significantly increased in comparison to control group. The granulation tissue weight and hydroxyproline content in the dead space wounds were also increased significantly in treated animals compared with control.
Multiple innovations underpinned branching form diversification in mosses

Summary Broad‐scale evolutionary comparisons have shown that branching forms arose by convergence in vascular plants and bryophytes, but the trajectory of branching form diversification in bryophytes is unclear. Mosses are the most species‐rich bryophyte lineage and two sub‐groups are circumscribed by alternative reproductive organ placements. In one, reproductive organs form apically, terminating growth of the primary shoot (gametophore) axis. In the other, reproductive organs develop on very short lateral branches. A switch from apical to lateral reproductive organ development is proposed to have primed branching form diversification. Moss gametophores have modular development and each module develops from a single apical cell. Here we define the architectures of 175 mosses by the number of module classes, branching patterns and the pattern in which similar modules repeat. Using ancestral character state reconstruction we identify two stages of architectural diversification. During a first stage there were sequential changes in the module repetition pattern, reproductive organ position, branching pattern and the number of module classes. During a second stage, vegetative changes occurred independently of reproductive fate. The results pinpoint the nature of developmental change priming branching form diversification in mosses and provide a framework for mechanistic studies of architectural diversification.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cotton Fibers: Single-fiber Failure

The fibers for specific textile end-use applications will be selected basically through their mechanical properties. They are key elements in fiber selection for successful applications. The way a single fiber behaves when it breaks is a good indicator of the mechanical properties whereby the results can be correlated to their microstructure. In this respect, our research concerned four types of cotton provided by the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI), Lubbock, TX. Their length and their degree of maturity are different. The thickness and the maturity have first been defined by a microscopic analysis, which is completed by a macroscopic scale analysis. The measurement of characteristics, such as the fiber length distribution, has also been investigated. Two different types of cotton have been chosen for advanced mechanical studies: the single-fiber breakage with both tensile and fatigue testing has been carried out and the fiber morphology has been observed using a scanning electron microscope. The aim of our study is the morphological investigation of the cotton fiber by specifying the breaking mode of a single fiber.
Joint Virtual Computing and Radio Resource Allocation in Limited Fronthaul Green C-RANs

We consider the virtualization technique in the downlink transmission of limited fronthaul capacity cloud-radio access networks. A novel virtual computing resource allocation (VCRA) method which can dynamically split the users workload into smaller fragments to be served by virtual machines is presented. Under the proposed scheme, we aim at maximizing the network energy efficiency by a joint design of virtual computing resources, transmit beamforming, remote radio head (RRH) selection, and RRH-user association. Moreover, we construct a more realistic fronthaul power consumption model, which is directly proportional to users’ rate transmitted by the corresponding RRHs. The formulated problem is combinatorial and difficult to solve in general. Our first contribution is to customize a branch-and-reduce-and-bound method to attain a globally optimal solution. To compute a high-quality approximate solution, a standard routine is used to deal with the continuous relaxation of the original problem. However, the proposed continuous relaxation is non-convex which implies another challenge. For a practically appealing solution approach, we resort to a local optimization method, namely the difference of convex algorithm. Our second contribution is on the use of Lipschitz continuity to arrive at a sequence of convex quadratic programs, which can be solved efficiently by modern convex solvers. Finally, a post-processing procedure is proposed to obtain a high-performance feasible solution from the continuous relaxation. Extensive numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms converge rapidly and achieve near-optimal performance as well as outperform other known methods. Moreover, we numerically show that the VCRA scheme significantly improves the system energy efficiency compared to the existing schemes.
Quaternion ICA From Second-Order Statistics

This paper addresses the independent component analysis (ICA) of quaternion random vectors. In particular, we focus on the Gaussian case and therefore only consider the quaternion second-order statistics (SOS), which are given by the covariance matrix and three complementary covariance matrices. First, we derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for the identifiability of the quaternion ICA model, which are based on the definition of the properness profile of a quaternion random variable and more specifically on the concept of rotationally equivalent properness profiles. Second, we show that the maximum-likelihood (ML) approach to the quaternion ICA problem reduces to the approximated joint diagonalization (AJD) of the sample-mean estimates of the covariance and complementary covariance matrices. Unlike the complex case, these four matrices cannot be simultaneously diagonalized in general, and we have to resort to a particular AJD algorithm. The proposed technique, which can be seen as a quasi-Newton method, is based on the local approximation of the nonconvex ML-ICA cost function (a measure of the entropy loss due to the residual correlation among the estimated quaternion sources), and it provides a satisfactory solution of the quaternion ICA model. The performance of the proposed quaternion ML-ICA algorithm, as well as its relationship to the identifiability conditions, are illustrated by means of several numerical examples.
A Comparative Analysis of Risk Factors Associated With Renal Impairment and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Background: The effect of boosted protease inhibitors (PI) on renal function is unclear. Methods: We assessed and compared the risk of developing renal impairment in individuals commencing 3 first line PI-based regimens vs a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor- based regimen. Patients commencing efavirenz, darunavir, atazanavir or lopinavir with 2 nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors from June 2006 - February 2010, with baseline eGFR>60ml/min per 1.73m2 were included. Univariate and adjusted Cox’s proportional hazards regression models were used to examine likelihood of developing renal impairment (defined as eGFR< 60ml/min per 1.73m2). Results: 386 of 2115 treated individuals developed renal impairment over 2680 person years of follow up. By univariate analysis, female gender (HR 1.51, p 0.002), baseline age (p<0.001), baseline eGFR (p<0.001), darunavir (HR 1.53, p<0.001), atazanavir (HR 1.27, p 0.036), lopinavir (HR 1.71, p<0.001), prior tenofovir exposure (HR 1.68, p<0.001), prior indinavir exposure (HR 2.03, p<0.001) and total duration of tenofovir exposure (HR 1.09, p<0.001) were associated with an increased risk of renal impairment. By multivariate analysis, treatment with atazanavir (HR 1.52, p 0.004) and lopinavir (HR 1.61, p<0.017) but not darunavir (HR 1.31, p 0.108) were associated with an increased risk of renal impairment compared with efavirenz. Conclusion: There was a significantly increased risk of developing renal impairment associated with atazanavir and lopinavir independent of exposure to tenofovir.
NOTE 6 × 6 LOA IS SOLVED

Lines of Action (LOA) is a two-person zero-sum game with perfect information; it is a chess-like game with a connection-based goal. In this note the 6 × 6 variant of LOA is weakly solved. A Proof-Number search method, PN, is used to compute that the game is a win for the first player (Black). Based on the results of solving the boards up to 6× 6, an optimistic time frame is given for solving 7× 7 and 8× 8.
SRY-box-containing Gene 2 Regulation of Nuclear Receptor Tailless (Tlx) Transcription in Adult Neural Stem Cells*

Background: Sox2 and TLX are essential for the self-renewal of adult neural stem cells (NSCs). Results: Sox2 positively regulates TLX expression and antagonizes the negative feedback system of TLX by a physical interaction between Sox2 and TLX. Conclusion: Sox2 and TLX form a molecular network regulating adult NSCs. Significance: This molecular network is a target to discover new ways regulate endogenous neurogenesis. Adult neurogenesis is maintained by self-renewable neural stem cells (NSCs). Their activity is regulated by multiple signaling pathways and key transcription factors. However, it has been unclear whether these factors interplay with each other at the molecular level. Here we show that SRY-box-containing gene 2 (Sox2) and nuclear receptor tailless (TLX) form a molecular network in adult NSCs. We observed that both Sox2 and TLX proteins bind to the upstream region of Tlx gene. Sox2 positively regulates Tlx expression, whereas the binding of TLX to its own promoter suppresses its transcriptional activity in luciferase reporter assays. Such TLX-mediated suppression can be antagonized by overexpressing wild-type Sox2 but not a mutant lacking the transcriptional activation domain. Furthermore, through regions involved in DNA-binding activity, Sox2 and TLX physically interact to form a complex on DNAs that contain a consensus binding site for TLX. Finally, depletion of Sox2 revealed the potential negative feedback loop of TLX expression that is antagonized by Sox2 in adult NSCs. These data suggest that Sox2 plays an important role in Tlx transcription in cultured adult NSCs.
Activities of Secreted Aryl Alcohol Quinone Oxidoreductases from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus Provide Insights into Fungal Degradation of Plant Biomass

ABSTRACT Auxiliary activities family 3 subfamily 2 (AA3_2) from the CAZy database comprises various functions related to ligninolytic enzymes, such as fungal aryl alcohol oxidases (AAO) and glucose oxidases, both of which are flavoenzymes. The recent study of the Pycnoporus cinnabarinus CIRM BRFM 137 genome combined with its secretome revealed that four AA3_2 enzymes are secreted during biomass degradation. One of these AA3_2 enzymes, scf184803.g17, has recently been produced heterologously in Aspergillus niger. Based on the enzyme's activity and specificity, it was assigned to the glucose dehydrogenases (P. cinnabarinus GDH [PcGDH]). Here, we analyze the distribution of the other three AA3_2 enzymes (scf185002.g8, scf184611.g7, and scf184746.g13) to assess their putative functions. These proteins showed the highest homology with aryl alcohol oxidase from Pleurotus eryngii. Biochemical characterization demonstrated that they were also flavoenzymes harboring flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a cofactor and able to oxidize a wide variety of phenolic and nonphenolic aryl alcohols and one aliphatic polyunsaturated primary alcohol. Though presenting homology with fungal AAOs, these enzymes exhibited greater efficiency in reducing electron acceptors (quinones and one artificial acceptor) than molecular oxygen and so were defined as aryl-alcohol:quinone oxidoreductases (AAQOs) with two enzymes possessing residual oxidase activity (PcAAQO2 and PcAAQO3). Structural comparison of PcAAQO homology models with P. eryngii AAO demonstrated a wider substrate access channel connecting the active-site cavity to the solvent, explaining the absence of activity with molecular oxygen. Finally, the ability of PcAAQOs to reduce radical intermediates generated by laccase from P. cinnabarinus was demonstrated, shedding light on the ligninolytic system of this fungus.
Socializing Drones for Inter-Service Operability in Ultra-Dense Wireless Networks using Blockchain

Ultra-dense wireless networks require on-demand nodes which can trust each other and relay information despite the difference in their service providers. This paper presents the secure utilization of drones as on-demand nodes for inter-service operability between multiple vendors by exploiting the features of the blockchain. Various components and strategies for driving blockchain-based drones are also presented. Further, this paper features the threat implications of the blockchain-based drones and compares the deployment issues with the centralized and traditional drone-assisted wireless networks.
Indicators and standards of quality for viewing the night sky in the national parks

Night skies are increasingly recognized as an important park resource that demands more management attention. Management of night skies can be guided by a management-by-objectives framework that requires formulation of indicators and standards of quality. Two surveys were conducted at Acadia National Park to identify indicators and standards for stargazing. The first survey used an importance –performance approach and documented light pollution as an important indicator variable. The second survey used a normative approach and visual simulations to identify a range of standards of quality for light pollution. This program of research was designed to help inform management of night skies at Acadia and other parks.
Effects of mixing protocol on morphology and properties of PA6/ABS blends compatibilized with MMA-MA

The effect of different mixing protocols in the preparation of PA6/ABS/MMA-MA (57.5/37.5/5 wt %) blends on their morphological, rheological, thermal, thermomechanical, and mechanical behavior were studied. Despite the second-phase size reduction due to copolymer incorporation, mixing sequence seems to play an important role in the properties of the blends. When PA6 is blended with the pre-blended ABS/MMA-MA system, compatibilizer is preferentially located in ABS phase and a co-continuous structure is formed. The co-continuity is believed to be responsible for the enhancements in toughness, but excessive presence of MMA-MA in ABS phase seems to hamper thermomechanical properties. On the other hand, when ABS is blended with the PA6/MMA-MA system previously prepared, compatibilizer is preferentially located in PA6 phase and a particle-in-matrix morphology is observed. The absence of excessive amount of MMA-MA in ABS phase avoids the negative effect on thermomechanical resistance, however enhancements in toughness are not so pronounced. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43612.
Cigarette smoke and platelet-activating factor receptor dependent adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae to lower airway cells

Background Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) is associated with increased risk of pneumococcal infection. The mechanism for this association is unknown. We recently reported that the particulate matter from urban air simulates platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR)-dependent adhesion of pneumococci to airway cells. We therefore sought to determine whether CS stimulates pneumococcal adhesion to airway cells. Methods Human alveolar (A549), bronchial (BEAS2-B), and primary bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpC) were exposed to CS extract (CSE), and adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae determined. The role of PAFR in mediating adhesion was determined using a blocker (CV-3988). PAFR transcript level was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, and PAFR expression by flow cytometry. Lung PAFR transcript level was assessed in mice exposed to CS, and bronchial epithelial PAFR expression assessed in active-smokers by immunostaining. Results In A549 cells, CSE 1% increased pneumococcal adhesion (p<0.05 vs control), PAFR transcript level (p<0.01), and PAFR expression (p<0.01). Pneumococcal adhesion to A549 cells was attenuated by CV-3988 (p<0.001). CSE 1% stimulated pneumococcal adhesion to BEAS2-B cells and HBEpC (p<0.01 vs control). CSE 1% increased PAFR expression in BEAS2-B (p<0.01), and in HBEpC (p<0.05). Lung PAFR transcript level was increased in mice exposed to CS in vivo (p<0.05 vs room air). Active smokers (n=16) had an increased percentage of bronchial epithelium with PAFR-positive cells (p<0.05 vs never smokers, n=11). Conclusion CSE stimulates PAFR-dependent pneumococcal adhesion to lower airway epithelial cells. We found evidence that CS increases bronchial PAFR in vivo.
A Winged-Helix Transcription Factor Foxg1 Induces Expression of Mss4 Gene in Rat Hippocampal Progenitor Cells

Foxg1 (previously named BF1) is a winged-helix transcription factor with restricted expression pattern in the telencephalic neuroepithelium of the neural tube and in the anterior half of the developing optic vesicle. Previous studies have shown that the targeted disruption of the Foxg1 gene leads to hypoplasia of the cerebral hemispheres with severe defect in the structures of the ventral telencephalon. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Foxg1 plays essential roles during brain development, we have adopted a strategy to isolate genes whose expression changes immediately after introduction of Foxg1 in cultured neural precursor cell line, HiB5. Here, we report that seventeen genes were isolated by ordered differential displays that are up-regulated by over-expression of Foxg1, in cultured neuronal precursor cells. By nucleotide sequence comparison to known genes in the GeneBank database, we find that nine of these clones represent novel genes whose DNA sequences have not been reported. The results suggest that these genes are closely related to developmental regulation of Foxg1.