Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sestrin2 inhibits uncoupling protein 1 expression through suppressing reactive oxygen species

Significance Antioxidant therapy was once considered useful for treating metabolic syndrome because excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was identified as an inducer of diverse metabolic pathologies. However, the effectiveness of dietary antioxidants in treating obesity-associated diseases had been largely controversial in numerous animal and human clinical studies, some of which actually show adverse effects upon antioxidant consumption. Here, we show that Sestrin2 and other antioxidants can interfere with uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) expression through suppression of ROS-mediated p38 MAPK activation. Ucp1, a protein responsible for heat generation and energy dissipation, is known to suppress diverse metabolic pathologies associated with obesity and aging. Thus, our results explain why some antioxidant therapies were not successful in treating obesity-associated diseases and extending health and lifespan in mammals. Uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), which is localized in the mitochondrial inner membrane of mammalian brown adipose tissue (BAT), generates heat by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. Upon cold exposure or nutritional abundance, sympathetic neurons stimulate BAT to express Ucp1 to induce energy dissipation and thermogenesis. Accordingly, increased Ucp1 expression reduces obesity in mice and is correlated with leanness in humans. Despite this significance, there is currently a limited understanding of how Ucp1 expression is physiologically regulated at the molecular level. Here, we describe the involvement of Sestrin2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regulation of Ucp1 expression. Transgenic overexpression of Sestrin2 in adipose tissues inhibited both basal and cold-induced Ucp1 expression in interscapular BAT, culminating in decreased thermogenesis and increased fat accumulation. Endogenous Sestrin2 is also important for suppressing Ucp1 expression because BAT from Sestrin2−/− mice exhibited a highly elevated level of Ucp1 expression. The redox-inactive mutant of Sestrin2 was incapable of regulating Ucp1 expression, suggesting that Sestrin2 inhibits Ucp1 expression primarily through reducing ROS accumulation. Consistently, ROS-suppressing antioxidant chemicals, such as butylated hydroxyanisole and N-acetylcysteine, inhibited cold- or cAMP-induced Ucp1 expression as well. p38 MAPK, a signaling mediator required for cAMP-induced Ucp1 expression, was inhibited by either Sestrin2 overexpression or antioxidant treatments. Taken together, these results suggest that Sestrin2 and antioxidants inhibit Ucp1 expression through suppressing ROS-mediated p38 MAPK activation, implying a critical role of ROS in proper BAT metabolism.
Application of AIM combined with MN-preconditioner to scattering analysis of arbitrarily shaped planar structures

In this paper, adaptive integral method (AIM) combined with a novel preconditioner scheme mesh neighbor (MN) preconditioner is applied to the scattering analysis of arbitrarily shaped planar structures. Using AIM the RWG basis functions are translated onto a rectangular grid then fast Fourier transform is invoked to compute the matrix-vector products in the iterative solver. The algorithm has a memory requirement and computation complexity proportional to O (N) and O (N log N), respectively MN-preconditioner is applied to improve the convergence of iterative solvers. The numerical results are presented to show the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Association of fallout 239+240Pu and 241Am with various soil components in successive layers of a grassland soil.

The association of 239+240 Pu and 241 Am from the global fallout with various soil components was investigated in six successive layers of an undisturbed grassland soil (Alfisol) from 0 to 30 cm by a sequential extraction procedure. In this way, the fractions readily exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to iron and manganese oxides, bound to organic matter, and residual (mineral) were determined. The results revealed that these radionuclides are in most soil layers primarily attached to the soil organic matter (in general >57%) but to a considerable extent also attached to oxides and minerals. As a result, the readily exchangeable fraction of these actinides 30-40 years after their deposition is rather low (for Pu, <1%). Significant differences between the partitioning of Pu and Am are observed for all fractions, even though they are rather small for the bound to organic matter fraction [with the exception of the 5-10-cm layer in the A h horizon, where much more Pu (67%) than Am (18%) is associated with organic matter]. In the fraction bound to oxides, more Am is found than Pu ; in the residual fraction (minerals) of most soil layers, more Pu than Am is present. In all soil layers, the readily exchangeable fraction of Am is significantly higher than that of Pu (on average by a factor of 7). The results are also discussed in relation to the long-term vertical migration rates as determined recently for both radionuclides in the same soil and with respect to possible soil reclamation procedures.
[Follow up of total hip prothesis: storage phosphor versus screen-film radiography].

PURPOSE Digital radiography may lead to interpretation difficulties in patients with hip prosthesis, especially when initial evaluation was performed using screen film radiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate inter-observer and inter-technique reproducibility comparing digital and screen-film radiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-eight patients with unilateral (n=24) or bilateral (n=4) hip prosthesis (total=32 prostheses) underwent screen-film and digital (storage phosphor) radiography. The bone-cement and metal-cement interfaces were evaluated for the presence of a lucent line in 14 different sectors reclassified into 3 regions. This evaluation was performed by two independent readers. Inter-observer and inter-technique reproducibility were calculated using kappa values. RESULTS The inter-observer reproducibility was negligible, poor or average with Kappa values ranging from 0.07 to 0.47. The degree of agreement between the two methods was poor, average or good for both observers with Kappa values ranging from 0.10 to 0.66. CONCLUSION Although inter-technique agreement is not high, it is better than inter-observer agreement. Therefore, storage phosphor technique should not be rejected for total hip prosthesis follow-up, even though previous films were screen-film radiographs.
Transferring value-added activities in new product development: A multiple case study in the automotive sector within modular strategy context

Automobile companies have used modularity as a strategy applied to new product development along with the outsourcing of production. To develop products using the modular strategy, activities inherent to production are redistributed, based on a division of work among assemblers and their suppliers. In this context, this study investigates the implications of modular strategies for the process of transferring value-added activities in new product development to first and second-tier suppliers. The research relies on a multiple case study approach. The companies studied were positioned in distinct levels of modular competencies (dasiaembryonicpsila, dasiaunder developmentpsila, and dasiamaturepsila), according to the empirical evidence. The relationships between the stage of maturity and major new product development practices were also identified.
TSUNAMI: a path oriented scheme for algebraic test generation

An algorithm is presented for generating tests for single stuck line faults using a combination of algebraic processing and conventional path oriented search. Unlike conventional test generation algorithms, this algorithm uses algebraic methods to determine the complete set of input assignments that will propagate an error signal through a gate in a path to a primary output. The algorithm uses ordered binary decision diagrams (BDDs) for algebraic processing. For a large number of circuits that are amenable to analysis using BDDs, the algorithm is faster than previous algebraic methods. The algorithm has been implemented as the program TSUNAMI. Experimental results demonstrate that for most circuits TSUNAMI can generate test sets for all faults in fairly small amounts of time and is very efficient for hard-to-detect and redundant faults. Moreover, since a large set of tests is generated for each fault, these sets can be compacted to a very high degree. Using benchmark circuits as a reference, TSUNAMI obtains test sets up to 70% smaller than test sets generated by conventional algorithms. <<ETX>>
UWB Precise Positioning Sensor Network with Simple Tag structure

This paper is a discussion of the designing of a UWB precise positioning sensor network with simple tag structure that we have completed. We first studied object positioning using a UWB sensor network where microcell pattern recognition and energy detection techniques were employed. We then used repeat-pulses TOA and energy detection techniques to design a small, simple, and cheap Tag structure for precise positioning. What has made our work stand out is that we divided the large house into several triangle microcells based on our knowledge from an analysis of base stations' locations. Our model has been designed in such a manner that more precise arrival time of UWB signal can be obtained from the predefining delay excess time and multipath propagation delay. Simulation results are also given in this paper.
Les oracions adversatives

Aquesta tesi doctoral es una proposta d'analisi de les oracions adversatives, es a dir, aquelles oracions on es manifesta una relacio de contrast semantic. El treball s'estructura en dues grans parts: la primera inclou un estat de la questio, on hi ha ressenyats els treballs que s'han centrat en els diferents aspectes de l'adversativitat i tambe aquells estudis que tenen relacio amb el tema. Aquesta part consta de quatre capitols on se sintetitzen les aportacions fetes per la gramatica tradicional, l'estructural, la generativa i la linguistica textual. La segona part co¬menca amb una definicio inicial i provisional de l'adversativitat, que sera matisada i reformulada en les conclusions, una vegada analitzats cadascun dels aspectes de la questio. Entre la definicio i les conclusions se situen tres capitols on tractem els aspectes sintactics estructures, caracteristiques de la construccio i dels elements connectors-, els aspectes semantics -forma logica de les construccions adversatives, significat i relacions loqico-semantiques entre els membres units- i els aspectes pragmatics -funcio interactiva i funcio textual. Amb aquest estudi hem pretes d'analitzar l'adversativitat sota tots els aspectes possibles i, al mateix temps, donar suport a la teoria proposada per Rojo a Clausulas y oraciones, segons la qual cal diferenciar tres tipus de composicio oracional: la coordinacio, la subordinacio i la interordinacio, tipus aquest ultim que es defineix perque incorpora, en mesura variable, caracteristiques dels altres dos, tot i que presenta caracteristiques distintives (binarietat, asimetria i interdependencia).
Genetic algorithm in suppression of quantization side-lobes of phased array antenna

Phase quantization errors appear in phased array antenna utilizing the digital phase shifter for beam steering. And this cause relatively high parasitic side-lobes. This paper demonstrates the application of genetic algorithm (GA) in reducing the phased quantization errors effects on parasitic side-lobe level of phased array antenna. GA has the ability to escape from local minima and maxima and is ideally suited for problems where the number of variables is very high. The results of simulations, accomplished using the methods of random phase feeding and GA are presented in this paper.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Meropenem and Biapenem in Bile and Dosing Considerations for Biliary Tract Infections Based on Site-Specific Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the pharmacokinetics of meropenem and biapenem in bile and estimated their pharmacodynamic target attainment at the site. Meropenem (0.5 g) or biapenem (0.3 g) was administered to surgery patients (n = 8 for each drug). Venous blood samples and hepatobiliary tract bile samples were obtained at the end of infusion (0.5 h) and for up to 5 h thereafter. Drug concentrations in plasma and bile were analyzed pharmacokinetically and used for a Monte Carlo simulation to predict the probability of attaining the pharmacodynamic target (40% of the time above the MIC). Both drugs penetrated similarly into bile, with mean bile/plasma ratios of 0.24 to 0.25 (maximum drug concentration) and 0.30 to 0.38 (area under the drug concentration-time curve). The usual regimens of meropenem (0.5 g every 8 h [q8h]) and biapenem (0.3 g q8h) (0.5-h infusions) achieved similar target attainment probabilities in bile (≥90%) against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae isolates. However, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, meropenem at 1 g q8h and biapenem at 0.6 g q8h were required for values of 80.7% and 71.9%, respectively. The biliary pharmacodynamic-based breakpoint (the highest MIC at which the target attainment probability in bile was ≥90%) was 1 mg/liter for 0.5 g q8h and 2 mg/liter for 1 g q8h for meropenem and 0.5 mg/liter for 0.3 g q8h and 1 mg/liter for 0.6 g q8h for biapenem. These results help to define the clinical pharmacokinetics of the two carbapenems in bile while also helping to rationalize and optimize the dosing regimens for biliary tract infections based on site-specific pharmacodynamic target attainment.
On using the Normalized Compression Distance to Cluster Web Search Results

Current Web search engines return long lists of ranked documents that users are forced to sift through to find relevant documents. This paper introduces a new approach for clustering Web search results, based on the notion of clustering by compression. Compression algorithms allow defining a similarity measure based on the degree of common information. Classification methods allow clustering similar data without any previous knowledge. The clustering by compression procedure is based on a parameter-free, universal, similarity distance, the normalized compression distance or NCD, computed from the lengths of compressed data files. Our goal is to apply the clustering by compression algorithm in order to cluster the documents returned by a Web search engine in response to a user query.
Matematica, Musica e Tecnologie: un trinomio possibile

It In questo lavoro descriviamo come le tecnologie dell'informazione e della computazione arricchiscono il classico rapporto tra Matematica e Musica, mettendo a disposizione dell'artista nuovi metodi e strumenti per la creativita' musicale. I nuovi modelli della Scienza legati ai frattali, ai sistemi dinamici, alla complessita' e al caos forniscono una grande quantita' di strutture matematiche che attraverso opportuni codici possono essere tradotti in suoni e musica. L'artista puo' usare questo contesto per le proprie produzioni, ed il matematico puo' trovare nelle produzioni musicali una semantica delle strutture matematiche astratte che intervengono nel corso dei suoi studi. In questo lavoro vengono esplorati i rapporti tra Spazi Matematici, Spazi Sonori e Spazi Musicali e come le strutture matematiche possono essere tradotte in musica attraverso opportuni codici.
Noise-enhanced contrast stretching of dark images in SVD-DWT domain

A noise-enhanced contrast stretching algorithm for enhancement of dark images in SVD-DWT domain has been presented in this paper. A dark or low-contrast image is considered to be comprising a weak signal (information) and noise (due to insufficient illumination). Since singular values of an image represent luminance of independent image layers, the internal noise may be considered to be inherent in the singular values of the image, as well that of the wavelet approximation coefficients of a dark image. The singular values of the approximation coefficients are iteratively processed using the analogy of a double-well system exhibiting dynamic stochastic resonance (SR), where addition of noise is utilized to enhance system performance. Iteration is terminated with the criterion of target contrast and visual qualities. Comparison with other SR-based and non-SR based algorithms shows noteworthy performance of the algorithm in the SVD-DWT domain.
Evaluation of currents induced in human body by plane wave exposure at 1–90 MHz

In existing exposure standards and guidelines the relationship between dosimetric quantities at a given frequency is not always consistent as some simultaneously applied limits are more restrictive than others, e.g. limits on induced currents compared to those on external electric field or specific absorption rate (SAR). To evaluate the current induced in the human body in 1–90 MHz range, we propose an equivalent circuit composed of two elements: the first one provides the voltage at human body mid-height and the second one describes the equivalent human body impedance. Then, assuming that the human body is equivalent to an antenna between 1 and 90 MHz, we calculate induced currents at the human body height. Using the relationship between external electric field and voltage at the body mid-height, we calculate the current along the body and suggest updated limits on induced currents more consistent with the external electric field limits.
Estrogenic Activity of Naturally Occurring Anthocyanidins

Anthocyanins, which are natural plant pigments from the flavonoid family, represent substantial constituents of the human diet. Because some other bioflavonoids are known to have estrogenic activity, the aim of this study was to determine the estrogenic activity of the anthocyanine aglycones. Binding affinity to the estrogen receptor-α was 10,000- to 20,000-fold lower than that of the endogenous estrogen estradiol. In the estrogen receptor-positive cell line MCF-7, the anthocyanidins induced expression of a reporter gene. The tested anthocyanidins showed estrogen-inducible cell proliferation in two cell lines (MCF-7 and BG-1), but not in the receptor-negative human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The phytoestrogen-induced cell proliferation could be blocked by addition of the receptor antagonist 4-hydroxytamoxifen. Combination treatments with the endogenous estrogen estradiol resulted in a reduction of estradiol-induced cell proliferation. Overall, the tested anthocyanidins exert estrogenic activity, which might play a role in altering the development of hormone-dependent adverse effects.
State-of-the-art high power density and high efficiency DC-DC chopper circuits for HEV and FCEV applications

Recent environmental issues have accelerated the use of more efficient and energy saving technologies in any area of our daily life. One of the major energy consumptions is in the transportation area, especially in the automobile field. DC/DC chopper circuits for use in hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and so on will be discussed in this paper from the view point of power density and efficiency. A typical power range of such converters can be in order of kWs up to over 100 kW with a short term overload requirement of often more than 200%. Considering the state of the art, switching frequency of these converters is in the range from 50 kHz with IGBTs to 200 kHz with power MOSFETs, the power density peaks at about 25 kW/l, and the highest efficiency is close to 98 [%] depending on the load conditions. As can be seen from the brief introduction, the design of such converter presents multiple challenges from power density as well as efficiency point of view and these are discussed further in the paper.
Behavior and Muscle Performance in Heterothermic Bats

Body temperatures of winter‐resident Korean bats typically range from 10° to 40°C between August and September and from 3° to 15°C between January and April. To learn how behavior and the motor systems of heterothermic bats respond to this body‐temperature variation, we examined whole‐organism performance and the temperature‐dependence of contractile properties of flight muscle in Murina leucogaster ognevi. In winter and midspring, the lowest limits of body temperature were 8°C for biting and crawling, 16°C for visually observable shivering, 22°C for wing flapping (without powered flight), and 28°C for aerial flight. In summer, the lowest temperature limits changed little for biting and wing flapping, but the temperature limits increased about 3°C for crawling, shivering, and flight. Maximum isometric tetanic tension of the isolated biceps brachii muscle was almost insensitive to tissue temperatures between 10° and 40°C, with an average temperature coefficient of 1.02 in summer and of 0.96 in winter. Rate of tetanic tension production between 10° and 40°C and shortening velocity and power between 15° and 25°Cwere temperature sensitive, with average temperature coefficients of 1.3–2.3. Seasonal differences in contractile properties within each temperature were not significant, except for maximum tetanic tension at 30°–40°C. Thus, the motor system of the bats had functional capacity over the range of body temperature experienced in winter to summer. The temperature‐dependence of behavior was consistent with muscle physiology. The defensive behaviors, like biting and crawling, observed at 8°–12°C body temperature could be exerted by using temperature‐independent tetanic tension, whereas activities, such as flight, that require power generation would be restricted to higher body temperatures by temperature‐sensitive rate properties. Some rate processes appeared to be more temperature sensitive in summer than in winter.
An anti‐apoptotic protein, Hax‐1, inhibits the HIV‐1 rev function by altering its sub‐cellular localization

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) Rev protein facilitates the nuclear export of viral mRNA containing the Rev response element (RRE). Although several host proteins co‐operating with Rev in viral RNA export have been reported, little is known about the innate host defense factors that Rev overcomes to mediate the nuclear export of unspliced viral mRNAs. We report here that an anti‐apoptotic protein, HS1‐associated protein X‐1 (Hax‐1), a target of HIV‐1 Vpr, interacts with Rev and inhibits its activity in RRE‐mediated gene expression. Co‐expression of Sam68 emancipates Rev activity from Hax‐1‐mediated inhibition. Hax‐1 does not bind to RRE RNA by itself, but inhibits Rev from binding to RRE RNA in vitro. The impact of Hax‐1 on Rev/RRE interactions in vitro correlates well with the reduced level of RRE‐containing mRNA in vivo. Immunofluorescence studies further reveal that Hax‐1 and Rev are cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins, respectively, when expressed independently. However, in Hax‐1 co‐expressing cells, Rev is translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it is co‐localized with Hax‐1 in the cytoplasm. We propose that over‐expression of Hax‐1, possibly through binding to Rev, may interfere with the stability/export of RRE‐containing mRNA and target the RNA for degradation. J. Cell. Physiol. 214:14–19, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of inorganic phosphate transport systems in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A kinetic study of Pi transport with 32Pi revealed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae has two systems of Pi transport, one with a low Km value (8.2 microM) for external Pi and the other with a high Km value (770 microM). The low-Km system was derepressed by Pi starvation, and the activity was expressed under the control of a genetic system which regulates the repressible acid and alkaline phosphatases. The function of the PHO2 gene, which is essential for the derepression of repressible acid phosphatase but not for the derepression of repressible alkaline phosphatase, was also indispensable for the derepression of the low-Km system.