Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on New Method for Measurement of Internal Pressure of Vacuum Interrupters

In this paper a new method is presented for measuring internal pressure of vacuum tubes, without using magnetic fields but using decay velocity of emission current. Firstly, 500muA emission current is used to bombard the surfaces of contacts, which removes superfluous adsorbed layers of molecules from contacts surfaces. Secondly, 35muA emission current is used to ionize the residual gas, which yields ion current. The ion current strikes the surfaces of contacts, adsorbs and then becomes new added layers of molecules, which enlarges the work function of contacts material and reduces the emission current. The decay velocity (=Deltajthetas/Deltat, where Deltajthetas decay amount, Deltat decay time) of emission current is varied with internal pressure of vacuum tubes. So with certain Deltajthetas, internal pressure can be determined by measuring Deltat. The relationship of internal pressure with Deltat is deduced in theory and validated by experiment
RNF4-Dependent Hybrid SUMO-Ubiquitin Chains Are Signals for RAP80 and Thereby Mediate the Recruitment of BRCA1 to Sites of DNA Damage

DNA repair proteins find sites of damage marked by hybrid SUMO-ubiquitin chains. Hybrid Chains Mark the Spot Posttranslational modifications play a key role in marking sites of DNA damage so that the DNA repair machinery can find the damaged area and effect repair. Guzzo et al. report a role for hybrid chains consisting of SUMO attached to a Lys63-linked diubiquitin as contributing to the recruitment of the protein RAP80, which in turn recruits the DNA repair protein BRCA1, to sites of damaged DNA. Knockdown of the E3 ligase RNF4, which synthesizes hybrid SUMO-ubiquitin linkages, prevented efficient recruitment of RAP80 and BRCA1 to sites of DNA damage induced by irradiation. This study defined a high-affinity interaction between a closely positioned pair of ubiquitin-interacting motifs and a SUMO-interacting motif in RAP80 that contributes to the recognition of sites of DNA damage. The DNA repair function of the breast cancer susceptibility protein BRCA1 depends in part on its interaction with RAP80, which targets BRCA1 to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through recognition of K63-linked polyubiquitin chains. The localization of BRCA1 to DSBs also requires sumoylation. We demonstrated that, in addition to having ubiquitin-interacting motifs, RAP80 also contains a SUMO-interacting motif (SIM) that is critical for recruitment to DSBs. In combination with the ubiquitin-binding activity of RAP80, this SIM enabled RAP80 to bind with nanomolar affinity to hybrid chains consisting of ubiquitin conjugated to SUMO. Furthermore, RNF4, a SUMO-targeted ubiquitin E3 ligase that synthesizes hybrid SUMO-ubiquitin chains, localized to DSBs and was critical for the recruitment of RAP80 and BRCA1 to sites of DNA damage. Our findings, therefore, connect ubiquitin- and SUMO-dependent DSB recognition, revealing that RNF4-synthesized hybrid SUMO-ubiquitin chains are recognized by RAP80 to promote BRCA1 recruitment and DNA repair.
Heparin activates Wnt signaling for neuronal morphogenesis

Wnt factors are secreted ligands that affect different aspects of the nervous system behavior like neurodevelopment, synaptogenesis and neurodegeneration. In different model systems, Wnt signaling has been demonstrated to be regulated by heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Whether HSPGs modulate Wnt signaling in the context of neuronal behavior is currently unknown. Here we demonstrate that activation of Wnt signaling with the endogenous ligand Wnt‐7a results in an increased of neurite outgrowth in the neuroblastoma N2a cell line. Interestingly, heparin induces glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) inhibition, β‐catenin stabilization and morphological differentiation in both N2a cells and in rat primary hippocampal neuronal cultures. We also show that heparin modulates Wnt‐3a‐induced stabilization of β‐catenin. Several extracellular matrix and membrane‐attached HSPGs were found to be expressed in both in vitro neuronal models. Changes in the expression of specific HSPGs were observed upon differentiation of N2a cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that HSPGs may modulate canonical Wnt signaling for neuronal morphogenesis. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 805–815, 2008, © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mass culture of hydra: an improved method and its application to other aquatic invertebrates

Virtually unlimited numbers of hydra can be grown under precise conditions in the laboratory with relative ease. Artemia cysts must be treated to remove gross contamination before hatching the nauplii to be used as the food of hydra. Large volumes of a variety of chemically defined culture solutions should be prepared. A particular regimen of animal care especially devised for aquatic invertebrates must be adhered to. General requirements for, and the advantages of, laboratory cultivation of aquatic invertebrates are discussed.
The crystal structure of methane phase III

Methane is the simplest organic molecule, and like many supposedly simple molecular materials it has a rich phase diagram. While crystal structures could be determined for two of the solid phases, that of the low temperature phase III remained unsolved. Using high-resolution neutron powder diffraction and a direct-space Monte Carlo simulated annealing approach, this fundamental structure has now finally been solved. It is orthorhombic with space group Cmca, and 16 molecules in the unit cell. The structure is closely related to that of phase II, yet is no subgroup of it.
The structure of apo protein‐tyrosine phosphatase 1B C215S mutant: More than just an S → O change

Protein‐tyrosine phosphatases catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters via a two‐step mechanism involving a covalent phospho‐enzyme intermediate. Biochemical and site‐directed mutagenesis experiments show that the invariant Cys residue present in the PTPase signature motif (H/V)CX5R(S/T) (i.e., C215 in PTP1B) is absolutely required for activity. Mutation of the invariant Cys to Ser results in a catalytically inactive enzyme, which still is capable of binding substrates and inhibitors. Although it often is assumed that substrate‐trapping mutants such as the C215S retain, in solution, the structural and binding properties of wild‐type PTPases, significant differences have been found in the few studies that have addressed this issue, suggesting that the mutation may lead to structural/conformational alterations in or near the PTP1B binding site. Several crystal structures of apo‐WT PTP1B, and of WT‐ and C215S‐mutant PTP1B in complex with different ligands are available, but no structure of the apo‐PTP1B C215S has ever been reported. In all previously reported structures, residues of the PTPase signature motif have an identical conformation, while residues of the WPD loop (a surface loop which includes the catalytic Asp) assume a different conformation in the presence or absence of ligand. These observations led to the hypothesis that the different spectroscopic and thermodynamic properties of the mutant protein may be the result of a different conformation for the WPD loop. We report here the structure of the apo‐PTP1B C215S mutant, which reveals that, while the WPD loop is in the open conformation observed in the apo WT enzyme crystal structure, the residues of the PTPases signature motif are in a dramatically different conformation. These results provide a structural basis for the differences in spectroscopic properties and thermodynamic parameters in inhibitor binding observed for the wild‐type and mutant enzymes.
Feature evaluation for lane change prediction based on driving situation and driver behavior

Advanced driver assistance systems rely on the availability of robust information on the driving situation and the driver's needs and intentions to operate reasonably and safely. For this, they have to be enabled to identify and assess both the driving situation and the driver's intentions on the basis of features that can be measured by the vehicle. In case of the prediction of lane change maneuvers intended by the driver, a set of features is available describing the driving situation before lane changes, the driver's maneuver preparation and the vehicle's status. Against this background, the work presented aims at evaluating the suitability of these features to provide evidence to the maneuver prediction and at identifying suitable predictors on arterial roads in urban areas. Data obtained by a naturalistic driving study are used to evaluate and compare the effect sizes of each of the individual features in connection with different types of lane change maneuvers and with regard to the time of prediction.
Gabor feature extraction for gray scale image

Face detection has been an attractive field of research for both neuroscientists and computer vision scientists. Humans are able to identify reliably a large number of faces and neuroscientists are interested in understanding the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms at the base of the face detection process. Face detection helps human being to focus on the face recognition system, optimizing the system speed and performance. In this paper to detect the face Gabor filters are used. It performs dimensionality reduction and linear discriminate analysis on the Gabor wavelet faces. Gabor wavelet faces combined with neural network classifier shows very good performance, and achieves maximum correct recognition rate on different databases.
Mixed modelling to characterize genotype–phenotype associations

We propose using mixed effects models to characterize the association between multiple gene polymorphisms, environmental factors and measures of disease progression. Characterizing high‐order gene–gene and gene–environment interactions presents an analytic challenge due to the large number of candidate genes and the complex, undescribed interactions among them. Several approaches have been proposed recently to reduce the number of candidate genes and post hoc approaches to identify gene–gene interactions are described. However, these approaches may be inadequate for identifying high‐order interactions in the absence of main effects and generally do not permit us to control for potential confounders. We describe how mixed effects models and related testing procedures overcome these limitations and apply this approach to data from a cohort of subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease. Four (4) genetic polymorphisms in three genes of the same gene family are considered. The proposed modelling approach allows us first to test whether there is a significant genetic contribution to the variability observed in our disease outcome. This contribution may be through main effects of multi‐locus genotypes or through an interaction between genotype and environmental factors. This approach also enables us to identify specific multi‐locus gentoypes that interact with environmental factors in predicting the outcome. Mixed effects models provide a flexible statistical framework for controlling for potential confounders and identifying interactions among multiple genes and environmental factors that explain the variability in measures of disease progression. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Incremental Ketamine Hydrochloride Doses on Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) Following Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Primate Study

Summary the cumulative dose effect of ketamine hydrochloride (KH) on transcranial magnetic-induced motor evoked potentials (MEPs) was examined in monkeys. Electromyographic (EMG) responses were recorded from the contralateral abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and abductor hallucis (AH) muscles. MEP brain stimulation threshold, latency, and amplitude values were studied. After obtaining baseline recordings, increments of KH (5 mg/kg every 15–20 min) were given i.v. (50 mg/kg total dose). MEPs were repeatedly recorded following KH injections. No loss of potentials was encountered in any animal. However, KH induced significant MEP latency delay in doses ≥35–40 mg/kg and amplitude depression in doses ≥15–20 mg/kg (p < 0.01). Under various KH doses, the amplitude depression ranged from 13.6 to 45.5% for APB and 57.3 to 82% for AH compared to the control values. The MEP latency prolongation ranged from 3.5 to 18% for APB and 4.2 to 13.1% for AH. The stimulation threshold rise ranged from 6.7 to 14.7% for APB and 7 to 17.9% for AH. Statistical correlation was closest between cumulative KH doses and MEP latency prolongation. We conclude that, in the primate model, reliable MEP recording is feasible under deep KH anesthesia. However, awareness of drug-induced response alterations is essential during interpretation of intraoperative MEP changes. Further investigation is warranted regarding the specific dose effect in humans and safety of magnetic stimulation.
Phytophthora quercina infections in elevated CO2 concentrations

Abstract In the last decades, a new wave of oak decline has been observed in Poland. The most important pathogenic organisms involved in this phenomenon are probably soil-borne pathogens Phytophthoragenus, especially P. quercina. In this work, we sought to test the influence of elevated CO2 concentration on the susceptibility of oaks (Quercus robur L.) to infection by P. quercina. In order to test the susceptibility of oak fine roots to infection, we applied phosphite-based fertiliser Actifos in 0.6% concentration. One-year-old oak seedlings were grown for one year in greenhouse with either an ambient atmosphere (400 ppm CO2) or an elevated (800 ppm) concentration of CO2. Oaks grown at the elevated CO2 concentration developed longer shoots as proved by statistically significant differences. However, there was no difference in the development of root systems. The application of Actifos had a positive significant effect on the development of shoots and the surface area of fine roots under the elevated CO2 concentration.
Immunogenicity of the extracellular copper/zinc superoxide dismutase of the filarial parasite Acanthocheilonema viteae delivered by a two‐phase vaccine strain of Salmonella typhimurium

The recombinant extracellular copper/zinc superoxide dismutase of the filarial parasite Acanthocheilonema viteae (AVSOD2) was cloned in an expression vector under control of the bacteriophage T7 promoter and the resulting plasmid pLAT7 was introduced in tha aroA attenuated Salmonella typhimurium vaccine strain SL3261::pYZ84. This vaccine strain carries a chromosomally integrated two phase expression system containing inducible T7 RNA polymerase. The recombinant AVSOD2 was efficiently expressed, constituting up to 5% of the total bacterial protein. Furthermore, the plasmid vector containing the AVSOD2 cDNA was shown to be stable over a long period of time in the vaccine strain without antibiotic selection in vitro and in vivo. Jirds which were immunised orally with the recombinant vaccine strain expressing the A. viteae EC‐SOD produced a strong humoral immune response.
Peculiarity doesn't trump ordinarity: On recognition memory for exceptions to the category rule

While exceptions to a regularity might be rare, categories that have exceptions are not. Previous studies on learning categories that have exceptions suggested special status of exceptional items in memory (e.g. Palmeri & Nosofsky, 1995, Sakamoto and Love, 2004). However, this might be true only for a special kind of exceptions – those that call for forming complex binding structures, and could be learned only if they are fully memorized. In the two experiments in this study, we show that memory for exceptions is not better than memory for regular category members (Experiment 1). On the contrary, both children and adults had better memory for the features of regular items (Experiment 2). In addition, adults, but not 4year-olds, showed better memory for the rule than for probabilistic features. The overall results challenge the idea of the special status of exceptions in memory.
Compound heterozygosity for two MSH6 mutations in a patient with early onset colorectal cancer, vitiligo and systemic lupus erythematosus

Lynch syndrome (hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer, HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by heterozygous germline mutations in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2. Rare cases have been reported of an inherited bi‐allelic deficiency of MMR genes, associated with multiple café‐au‐lait spots, early onset CNS tumors, hematological malignancies, and early onset gastrointestinal neoplasia. We report on a patient with vitiligo in segments of the integument who developed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the age of 16, and four synchronous colorectal cancers at age 17 years. Examination of the colorectal cancer tissue showed high microsatellite instability (MSI‐H) and an exclusive loss of expression of the MSH6 protein. Immunohistochemical analysis of normal colon tissue also showed loss of MSH6, pointing to a bi‐allelic MSH6 mutation. Sequencing of the MSH6 gene showed the two germline mutations; c. 1806_1809delAAAG;p.Glu604LeufsX5 and c.3226C > T;p.Arg1076Cys. We confirmed that the two mutations are on two different alleles by allele‐specific PCR. To our knowledge, neither parent is clinically affected. They did not wish to be tested for the mutations identified in their daughter. These data suggest that bi‐allelic mutations of one of the MMR genes should be considered in patients who develop early‐onset multiple HNPCC‐associated tumors and autoimmune disorders, even in absence of either hematological malignancies or brain tumors. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electrostatic effects in hemoglobin: hydrogen ion equilibria in human deoxy- and oxyhemoglobin A.

The modified Tanford-Kirkwood theory of Shire et al. [Shire, S. J., Hanania, G.I. H. , & Gurd, F.R. N. (1974) Biochemistry 13, 2967] for electrostatic interactions was applied to the hydrogen ion equilibria of human deoxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin. Atomic coordinates for oxyhemoglobin were generated by the application of the appropriate rigid rotation function to alpha and beta chains of the deoxyhemoglobin structure [Fermi, G. (1975) J. Mol. Biol. 97, 237]. The model employs two sets of parameters derived from the crystalline protein structures, the atomic coordinates of charged amino acid residues and static solvent accessibility factors to reflect their individual degrees of exposure to solvent. Theoretical titration curves based on a consistent set of pKint values compared closely with experimental potentiometric curves. Theoretical pK values at half-titration for individual protein sites corresponded to available observed values for both quaternary states. The results bring out the cumulative effects of numerous electrostatic interactions in the tetrameric structures and the major effects of the quaternary transition that result from changes in static solvent accessibility of certain ionizable groups.
Antimicrobial microbes-bacteriocin producing lactic acid bacteria

The contribution of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to the improvement of food safety and stability of fermented foods has long been known. LAB overgrow other microorganisms of the same ecological niche in food products mainly due to lowering the pH, competing for nutrients, producing various antimicrobial substances such as organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotics and bacteriocins. Among these antimicrobials, bacteriocins have received great attention in recent years. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides that are inhibitory to other microorganisms, either within the same species (narrow spectrum) or across genera (medium to broad spectrum).
Novel Method of Local Corrosion Events Characterization by Electrochemical Noise Analysis

New methods of corrosion recognition and its rate evaluation are demanded. A method proposed in the sixties and being still in development is a method that explores fluctuations of current and voltage (electrochemical noise) generated by electrochemical reactions occurring during the corrosion processes. This method is important for local corrosion events because it does not disturb measurement conditions by additional polarization of the metal-electrolyte layer. In this paper a novel method of electrochemical noise analysis observed at pitting corrosion processes is presented. The method uses a set of asymmetrical metal electrodes and third-order statistics (hispectrum) for analyzing current noise flowing between the short-circuited electrodes
The Augmented Djembe Drum - Sculpting Rhythms

In this paper, we present an augmented djembe drum created by mounting a webcam inside a regular djembe. By moving your hands in the vicinity of the drum membrane, you can sculpt computer-generated rhythm patterns that imitate real-life djembe rhythms. You can also play the djembe for real, treating the patterns as interactive accompaniment. A computer vision system infers the 3d location of the performer's hands by tracking their shadows on the drum membrane. The individual drum hits of the patterns are automatic, but the player has direct control over their loudness, tempo and timbre. We explain the design and implementation of the instrument and share our design experiences. We also present qualitative results from testing the instrument with amateur musicians and experienced drummers.
HTDP-2, a New Synthetic Compound, Inhibits Glutamate Release through Reduction of Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ Influx in Rat Cerebral Cortex Nerve Terminals

Aim: The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of trans-6-(4-chlorobutyl)-5-hydroxy-4-(phenylthio)-1-tosyl-5,6-dihydropyridine-2(1H)-one (HTDP-2), a novel synthetic compound, on the release of endogenous glutamate in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes) and exploring the possible mechanism. Methods: The release of glutamate was evoked by the K+ channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and measured by an on-line enzyme-coupled fluorimetric assay. We also used a membrane potential-sensitive dye to assay nerve terminal excitability and depolarization, and a Ca2+ indicator, Fura-2-acetoxymethyl ester, to monitor cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]c). Results: HTDP-2 inhibited the release of glutamate evoked by 4-AP in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of glutamate release by HTDP-2 was prevented by the chelating intraterminal Ca2+ ions, and by the vesicular transporter inhibitor bafilomycin A1, but was insensitive to the glutamate transporter inhibitor DL-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate. HTDP-2 did not alter the resting synaptosomal membrane potential or 4-AP-mediated depolarization whereas it decreased the 4-AP-induced increase in [Ca2+]c. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of HTDP-2 on the evoked glutamate release was abolished by the N-, and P/Q-type Ca2+ channel blocker ω-conotoxin MVIIC, but not by the ryanodine receptor blocker dantrolene, or the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger blocker CGP37157. Conclusion: Based on these results, we suggest that, in rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals, HTDP-2 decreases voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel activity and, in so doing, inhibits the evoked glutamate release.