Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decreased synthesis of acetylcholine accompanying impaired oxidation of pyruvic acid in rat brain minces.

The relation between pyruvate utilization and acetylcholine synthesis was investigated in minces of adult rat brain. The flux of pyruvate to acetylcholine was less than 1% of that to CO2; nevertheless, a number of agents which inhibited conversion of [1-14C]-pyruvate or [2-14C]pyruvate into 14CO2 were associated with corresponding decreases in the conversion of [2-14C]pyruvate into acetylcholine. The amount of acetylcholine produced by minces of whole rat brain, measured by g.l. c. -mass spectrometry, decreased similarly. Among the inhibitory compounds tested were 3-bromopyruvate, an irreversible inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase; 2-oxobutyrate, a competitive inhibitor of pyruvate dehydrogenase; other 2-oxo acids; and amobarbital and pentobarbital. Linear-regression equations relating CO2 production to acetylcholine synthesis gave correlation coefficients of 0.89-0.93 for the combined observations. The inhibition of acetylcholine synthesis could not be attributed to inhibition of choline acetyltransferase. Incorporation of [2-14C]pyruvate into lipids, proteins and nucleic acids was effected less than that into acetylcholine. Under these experimental conditions, it was shown that pyruvate utilization can limit acetylcholine synthesis.
Damage and alteration of mangroves inhabited by a marine wood-borer

Animals can exert a strong influence on the structure and function of foundation species such as mangroves. Because mangroves live at the interface of land and sea, both terrestrial and marine species affect them, including numerous herbivores and boring species. These organisms can affect the fecundity, performance, and morphology of mangroves. In a mangrove stand in southwestern Taiwan, we discovered that mangroves were extensively damaged by woodboring isopods Sphaeroma terebrans. We examined the relationships between burrowing damage from S. terebrans and metrics of mangrove fecundity, performance, and morphology. Individuals of Rhizophora stylosa that were more burrowed by isopods had significantly fewer propagules, fewer ground roots stabilizing the tree, smaller leaves, and more non-foliated twigs. Similarly, Avicennia marina with more burrows had fewer pneumatophores and lenticels (used for gaseous exchange), and pneumatophores with more necrotic tissue. The most heavily damaged trees were hollowed-out with burrows (A. marina) or fell over when their supportive root system failed (R. stylosa). These correlations suggest that marine wood-borers can negatively influence mangroves and alter tree morphology, although other stressors may also be involved. While studies have examined the effects of isopods on root-level production, we provide the first quantitative evidence that localized burrowing damage is correlated with tree-level effects. These results are consistent with other literature demonstrating the importance of sub-lethal damage by borers in shaping foundation species. Such damage may have cascading effects on the diverse assemblages of marine and terrestrial biota that use mangroves as habitat.
Numerical Analysis of Plasmon Resonances Based on Fast Multipole Method

A novel technique for the numerical analysis of plasmon resonances by using fast multipole method (FMM) is presented. This approach is based on the solution of eigenvalue problem for boundary integral equations, which can be naturally implemented by using the fast multipole method. Numerical examples that highlight the efficiency of the fast multipole implementation are reported
A general semiparametric hazards regression model: efficient estimation and structure selection

We consider a general semiparametric hazards regression model that encompasses the Cox proportional hazards model and the accelerated failure time model for survival analysis. To overcome the nonexistence of the maximum likelihood, we derive a kernel‐smoothed profile likelihood function and prove that the resulting estimates of the regression parameters are consistent and achieve semiparametric efficiency. In addition, we develop penalized structure selection techniques to determine which covariates constitute the accelerated failure time model and which covariates constitute the proportional hazards model. The proposed method is able to estimate the model structure consistently and model parameters efficiently. Furthermore, variance estimation is straightforward. The proposed estimation performs well in simulation studies and is applied to the analysis of a real data set. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A framework for craniofacial surgery simulation based on pre-specified target face configurations

This paper presents a novel method for assisting surgeons in automatically computing an optimal surgical plan by directly specifying the desired correction to a facial outline. First, the desired facial appearance is prescribed using a 3D sculpturing tool, while the cut regions of the skull are defined based on facial anatomy. Then, the deformation of the face meshes is performed using an improved biomechanical model in which virtual external forces are driven by the displacements corresponding to the differences of node coordinates between the original and specified face meshes, and free nodes and fixed nodes are defined in terms of the contact surfaces between the soft tissues and the bones within the cut regions. Finally, the shape of the contact surfaces is updated following the deformation of the soft tissues. After registering the deformable contact surfaces and the cut surfaces, the final positions of the cut bones are estimated. Evaluation of preliminary experimental results quantitatively demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Talimogene laherparepvec in the treatment of melanoma

Introduction: Metastatic melanoma continues to present a significant therapeutic challenge, with an incidence rate rising faster than that of any other cancer. The last 5 years have seen a revolution in the development of new treatments for advanced melanoma, with oncogene targeted agents and checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies providing the first convincing evidence of a positive shift in overall survival. The role of oncolytic virotherapy in this rapidly evolving field has long been the subject of debate. However, it is with the development of Talimogene Laheparepvec (T-Vec), an intratumourally administered, genetically modified clinical herpes simplex virus-1 strain that has shown positive results in Phase III testing, that the potential for the use of OV may be realised. Areas covered: This review will outline some of the recent advances in the treatment of advanced melanoma, with a detailed overview of evidence surrounding the development of T-Vec. A literature search was conducted using the databases ‘Medline’ and ‘Pubmed’, including a subsequent manual search of references to identify papers of further relevance. Expert opinion: As the pivotal OPTiM trial concludes, we outline some of the potential new directions for T-Vec and OV therapy and evaluate the ever-increasing role these novel agents are likely to play in the future landscape of cancer immunotherapy.
Metabolic Flux Analysis of Plastidic Isoprenoid Biosynthesis in Poplar Leaves Emitting and Nonemitting Isoprene 1 [ W ]

Research Unit Environmental Simulation, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany (A.G., Z.B., M.R., J.-P.S.); Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany (L.P.W., J.G.); Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, 08193 Barcelona, Spain (P.P., M.R.-C.); Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia (Ü.N.); and Institute of Bioand Geosciences-Agrosphere (IBG-3), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Juelich, Germany (N.B.)
Induction of interferon lambda in influenza a virus infected cells treated with shRNAs against M1 transcript.

RNA interference (RNAi) represents a form of post-transcriptional gene silencing mediated by small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and provides a powerful tool to specifically inhibit viral infection. To investigate therapeutic capacity of siRNAs targeting M gene, six vectors with U1-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression system were prepared and tested in infected cells and animals. In infected cells, three of six shRNAs targeting M1 gene significantly (P <0,01) reduced the virus titer to 66%, 45% or 21%, respectively. Replication of IAV and levels of M1 RNAs were significantly reduced in the cells transfected with shRNAs, which decreased the virus titer. IFN-α/β altered in shRNAs-treated cells. The level of IFN-λ (type III interferon) mRNA was significantly increased in the infected cells treated with shM22, shM349, shM522, and (type I interferon) as well as IP-10 (type II interferon) mRNAs were not significantly their mixtures. The increased level of IFN-λ mRNA corresponded to significantly increased level of RIG-1 mRNA. shRNAs inhibited influenza virus infection in a gene-specific manner in co-operation with IFN-λ. Some constructs targeting the M1 transcript prolonged the survival of infected mice.
Automatic linguistic knowledge acquisition for web-based translation and language learning

In this paper we present a new approach for the automatic acquisition of linguistic knowledge for machine translation based on parallel corpora and bilingual lexica. We have implemented a first prototype of a Web-based Japanese-English translation system called JETCAT and built a Fire-fox extension to analyze Japanese Web pages and translate sentences via Ajax. In addition, we visualize lexical and translation knowledge to offer a useful tool for Web-based language learning. Finally, the user can simply correct translation results and update the knowledge base resulting in a fully customizable personal translation assistant.
FACULTY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Pose estimation is a well-studied problem in computer vision. Many solutions which provide high accuracy depend on nonlinear optimization. For real-time applications, linear or closed-form solutions are preferred. Some relatively new methods also fuse inertial sensor data with that from the visual sensor to achieve higher accuracy. We propose a closed-form solution to estimate camera pose using two lines and gravity information. The system is developed so that it could work in unprepared environments which satisfy the Manhattan world assumption. We first test the proposed method on a synthetic data set and compare it to other state-of-the-art point and line based pose estimation methods, comparing their mean rotation and mean translation errors. I.M. U. noise effect on the overall performance of the system is also tested. We then proceed to test our algorithm in real world by rectifying perspective deformed images. The deviation of the calculated pose from the ground-truth pose is calculated for each image to test the real world performance of the proposed algorithm. Also, I.M. U. noise is calculated, which correspond to the 0.5% noise level expected in low cost I.M. U. ’s.
Gait Training With Virtual Reality–Based Real-Time Feedback: Improving Gait Performance Following Transfemoral Amputation

Background and Purpose Gait training is an important component of rehabilitation after lower-extremity amputation. Abnormal gait performance often persists even for individuals who reacquire a high level of function. This case report describes the use of a virtual reality (VR)–based gait training program that provides real-time feedback in order to improve biomechanical and physiological performance. The aim of this case report is to describe the effects of the training in a person with a transfemoral amputation. Case Description A 24-year-old man with a transfemoral amputation completed a 3-week gait training program. The intervention consisted of 12 sessions of treadmill walking with real-time visual feedback on full-body gait kinematics. A treating therapist directed the patient's attention to specific gait deviations as a means to normalize gait biomechanics. Outcomes The patient completed overground biomechanical gait analyses and multiple-speed treadmill tests 3 weeks apart prior to and following the training program. Biomechanical gait analyses indicated the training produced improved frontal-plane hip, pelvis, and trunk motion during overground walking. Improvement in trunk motion was observed at the posttraining test, and improvements in pelvis and hip motion were observed at the 3-week follow-up test. Decreases of up to 23% in oxygen consumption also were demonstrated. Discussion Although the exact contribution of the visual feedback could not be isolated, the training was effective in improving the patient's walking performance. Biomechanical data suggest correcting trunk motion and increasing hip abductor strength (force-generating capacity) may be important in facilitating improvements at the pelvis and hip. Observed improvements in oxygen consumption were significantly larger than achieved through previously reported interventions.
BALLISTIC LIMITS OF TISSUE AND CLOTHING

When a high-explosive munition detonates, the casing that surrounds the explosive charge is fragmented and is projected outwards at high speed. The fragments often are irregularly shaped, weigh from fractions to hundreds of grams and move at speeds as high as several thousand meters per second. Because of practical considerations in designing and developing diverse armoring materials for soldiers (such as body armor, helmets and their liners, and other protective gear), and because of hazards associated with the accidental detonations of munitions on production lines, in transit, in storage or in use, the authors decided to try to evolve a criterion for predicting the likelihood that any of these fragments (or missiles) would perforate (completely traverse) the skin and subcutaneous tissue. If such perforation occurs, then the residual speed of the missile usually is sufficient to cause a significant wound. Fortunately, experimental facilities (and indeed some data) were available from other studies’ so that the experimental portion of the task was not difficult.
Development of Planar Microwave Moisture Sensors for Hevea Rubber Latex and Oil Palm Fruits

A review of the several moisture sensors using planar structures such as microstrip, conductor-backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) and microstrip antenna is described. These sensors are used for determination of moisture content in hevea rubber latex and oil palm fruit. This study includes the state of the art of sensor design by which the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the hevea latex and oil palm are taking into consideration. A prototype developed known as microwave reflection type latexometer is able to measure the moisture content of hevea latex with the accuracy of less than 1% and suitable to be used at latex collecting center and latex dipping industries for process control. A close relationship has been found between insertion loss and moisture content in the mesocarp of oil palm fruit for the CBCPW sensor. This relationship will give the possibility of using this sensor to gauge fruit ripeness or oil content in the mesocarp
Optimized regulation of DC voltage in Interline Power Flow Controller (IPFC) using genetic algorithm

The Interline Power Flow Controller (IPFC) is a voltage-source-converter (VSC)-based flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) controller for series compensation in a multiline transmission system of a substation. The common DC link in the IPFC configuration enables each inverter to transfer real power to another, so regulation of DC link voltage is an important issue in overall performance of the system. In this paper, a new method based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) is presented to regulate DC link voltage. In this method, GA and system objective function are adopted to choose best PI parameters for the linear controller of DC link of IPFC. Simulation results in Matlab/Simulink verifies the effectiveness of optimized choose of PI controller parameters which are chosen in a try and error manner conventionally
Rehabilitation of Syndesmotic (High) Ankle Sprains

Context: High ankle sprains are common in athletes who play contact sports. Most high ankle sprains are treated nonsurgically with a rehabilitation program. Evidence Acquisition: All years of PUBMED, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL PLUS, SPORTDiscuss, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched to August 2010, cross-referencing existing publications. Keywords included syndesmosis ankle sprain or high ankle sprain and the following terms: rehabilitation, treatment, cryotherapy, braces, orthosis, therapeutic modalities, joint mobilization, massage, pain, pain medications, TENS (ie, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation), acupuncture, aquatic therapy, strength, neuromuscular training, perturbation training, and outcomes. Results: Level of evidence, 5. A 3-phase rehabilitation program is described. The acute phase is directed at protecting the joint while minimizing pain, inflammation, muscle weakness, and loss of motion. Most patients are treated with some form of immobilization and have weightbearing restrictions. A range of therapeutic modalities are used to minimize pain and inflammation. Gentle mobilization and resistance exercises are used to gain mobility and maintain muscle size and strength. The subacute phase is directed at normalizing range of motion, strength, and function in activities of daily living. Progressive mobilization and strengthening are hallmarks of this phase. Neuromuscular training is begun and becomes the central component of rehabilitation. The advanced training phase focuses on preparing the patient for return to sports participation. Perturbation of support surfaces, agility drills, plyometrics, and sport-specific training are central components of this phase. Conclusion: The rehabilitation guidelines discussed may assist clinicians in managing syndesmotic ankle sprains.
Developing an effective support system for inquiry learning in a Web-based environment

Sixty-five teams of basic and secondary school students solved problem-solving tasks during a virtual hike in a Web-based inquiry-learning simulation ‘Hiking Across Estonia’. This environment provided learners with all necessary background information for problem-solving and tools for carrying out experiments. There were 25 tasks in certain order about ecological and environmental issues. The teams were clustered according to the data about participants, the results of the pre- and post-test, and their achievement in problem-solving tasks of the virtual hike. Only two out of five clusters were regarded as effective in solving problems and analysing tables, graphs, figures, and photos. The others had difficulties in forming contextual or task and process awareness. A support system for increasing the effectiveness of inquiry learning and enhancing their development of analytical skills was developed on the basis of the strategies that the members of five clusters had used in solving the problems, their achievement in solving the tasks during the virtual hike and in the pre- and post-test, and the personal data about the teams. The support system contained different notes before solving the problems and changed sequence of the tasks on the virtual hike for some clusters. The usage of this system was evaluated in a second study with 60 teams. The comparison of two studies demonstrated significant effectiveness of the support system to both general problem-solving ability and analytical skills. The characteristics of each cluster and the influence of the support system are discussed in this paper.
Exploring the influence of ancient and historic megaherbivore extirpations on the global methane budget

Significance Most large mammals are endangered or vulnerable across the globe. Although the loss of charismatic fauna is of great concern, their role in ecosystem function remains poorly characterized. Here, we quantify one potential effect of the decline of large herbivores: the reduction of the greenhouse gas methane released as a byproduct of plant digestion. We examine three time periods where large-scale losses of megaherbivores occurred—the African rinderpest epizootic of the 1890s, the massive Great Plains bison kill-off in the 1860s, and the terminal Pleistocene extinction of megafauna. We find detectable decreases in the global methane budget related to the extirpation of megaherbivores. Our findings underscore the importance of large mammals in regulating ecosystems and feedbacks on climate. Globally, large-bodied wild mammals are in peril. Because “megamammals” have a disproportionate influence on vegetation, trophic interactions, and ecosystem function, declining populations are of considerable conservation concern. However, this is not new; trophic downgrading occurred in the past, including the African rinderpest epizootic of the 1890s, the massive Great Plains bison kill-off in the 1860s, and the terminal Pleistocene extinction of megafauna. Examining the consequences of these earlier events yields insights into contemporary ecosystem function. Here, we focus on changes in methane emissions, produced as a byproduct of enteric fermentation by herbivores. Although methane is ∼200 times less abundant than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the greater efficiency of methane in trapping radiation leads to a significant role in radiative forcing of climate. Using global datasets of late Quaternary mammals, domestic livestock, and human population from the United Nations as well as literature sources, we develop a series of allometric regressions relating mammal body mass to population density and CH4 production, which allows estimation of methane production by wild and domestic herbivores for each historic or ancient time period. We find the extirpation of megaherbivores reduced global enteric emissions between 2.2–69.6 Tg CH4 y−1 during the various time periods, representing a decrease of 0.8–34.8% of the overall inputs to tropospheric input. Our analyses suggest that large-bodied mammals have a greater influence on methane emissions than previously appreciated and, further, that changes in the source pool from herbivores can influence global biogeochemical cycles and, potentially, climate.
Distributed Multi-Agent System-Based Load Frequency Control for Multi-Area Power System in Smart Grid

This paper presents an intelligent controller for “load frequency control (LFC)” application in “smart grid (SG)”environment having changes in communication topology (CT) via a multi-agent system (MAS) technology. In this study, network-induced effects, time delay, and change in CT have been addressed to examine the system performance in a closed loop. An event-triggered control method is used to reduce the communication burden in a network. An intelligent controller based on reinforcement learning consists of two levels, estimator agent and controller agent, in each multi-area system. Particle swarm optimization is used to tune the controller parameters. Furthermore, the proposed control strategy and system architecture as MAS for LFC in SG are analyzed in detail, verified for various load conditions and different network configurations. In addition, mean-square error of the power system states with CT is also analyzed. The results of this study validate the feasibility of the proposed control, as well as the capability of the MAS for the operation of LFC in SG with changes in CT.