Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel configuration of ultrasonic sensors for mobile robots

This paper introduces a new arrangement of ultrasonic sensors for mobile robots. The sensors employ a special configuration to widen the obstacle detection range. The sensors are placed at the front of the mobile robot, on left and right sides, and each sensor is pointed toward a predetermined direction in such a way as to cover the entire area in front of the mobile robot. The configuration can be used for navigation and obstacle avoidance while a robot moves along a desired path. This novel configuration is based on sensor radiation beam patterns and on the characteristics of the ultrasonic wave reflection. The paper describes some experiments comparing the conventional ring and line configurations with this novel configuration. <<ETX>>
Reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in cortex and hippocampus involved in the learning and memory deficit in molarless SAMP8 mice.

BACKGROUND The molarless condition has been reported to compromise learning and memory functions. However, it remains unclear how the molarless condition directly affects the central nervous system, and the functional consequences on the brain cortex and hippocampus have not been described in detail. The aim of this study was to find the molecular mechanism related with learning and memory deficit after a bilateral molarless condition having been surgically induced in senescence-accelerated mice/prone 8 (SAMP8) mice, which may ultimately provide an experimental basis for clinical prevention of senile dementia. METHODS Mice were either sham-operated or subjected to complete molar removal. The animals' body weights were monitored every day. Learning ability and memory were measured in a water maze test at the end of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months after surgery. As soon as significantly prolonged escape latency in the molarless group was detected, the locomotor activity was examined in an open field test. Subsequently, the animals were decapitated and the cortex and hippocampus were dissected for Western blotting to measure the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB), the high affinity receptor of BDNF. RESULTS Slightly lower weights were consistently observed in the molarless group, but there was no significant difference in weights between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the molarless group exhibited lengthened escape latency in the water maze test three months after surgery, whereas no difference in locomotor activity was observed. Meanwhile, in the cortex and hippocampus, BDNF levels were significantly decreased in the molarless group (P < 0.05); but the expression of its receptor, TrkB, was not significantly affected. CONCLUSION These results suggested that the molarless condition impaired learning and memory abilities in SAMP8 mice three months after teeth extraction, and this effect was accompanied by significantly reduced BDNF expression in the cortex and hippocampus.
Computer‐Based De Novo Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Boronic Acid‐Based Artificial Receptors for Selective Recognition of Dopamine

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that plays important roles in various physiological and pathological processes, such as Parkinson's disease. Chemosensors for dopamine have a number of potential applications. On the basis both of the strong and reversible complexation between the boronic acid moiety and a diol functional group and computational chemistry studies, we have designed a series of four compounds for selective three‐point recognition of dopamine, which include boronic acid–diol complexation, aromatic–hydrophobic interactions, and ionic interactions between a carboxylate and a protonated amino group. These compounds were synthesized in seven or eight linear steps and showed dopamine selectivity of up to tenfold over epinephrine. NMR spectroscopy experiments were conducted to probe the structures of the receptor–dopamine complexes. These receptors are the first to show such significant selectivity for dopamine over epinephrine in aqueous solution under near physiological conditions.
Destabilization of Yeast Micro- and Minisatellite DNA Sequences by Mutations Affecting a Nuclease Involved in Okazaki Fragment Processing (rad27) and DNA Polymerase δ (pol3-t)

ABSTRACT We examined the effects of mutations in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD27 (encoding a nuclease involved in the processing of Okazaki fragments) and POL3 (encoding DNA polymerase δ) genes on the stability of a minisatellite sequence (20-bp repeats) and microsatellites (1- to 8-bp repeat units). Both therad27 and pol3-t mutations destabilized both classes of repeats, although the types of tract alterations observed in the two mutant strains were different. The tract alterations observed in rad27 strains were primarily additions, and those observed in pol3-t strains were primarily deletions. Measurements of the rates of repetitive tract alterations in strains with both rad27 and pol3-t indicated that the stimulation of microsatellite instability by rad27 was reduced by the effects of the pol3-t mutation. We also found that rad27 and pol3-01 (an allele carrying a mutation in the “proofreading” exonuclease domain of DNA polymerase δ) mutations were synthetically lethal.
Elevated serum leptin levels are associated with low vitamin D, sarcopenic obesity, poor muscle strength, and physical performance in knee osteoarthritis*

Abstract Context: The associations between serum leptin, vitamin D status, sarcopenic obesity, muscle strength and physical performance in osteoarthritis (OA) remain uncertain. Objective: To analyse the relationships between serum leptin, vitamin D status, muscle strength and physical performance in OA patients. Methods: A total of 208 knee OA patients were enrolled. Serum leptin, vitamin D, muscle strength and physical performance were evaluated. Results: OA patients with sarcopenic obesity had significantly higher serum leptin levels than those with non-sarcopenic obesity. In addition, knee OA patients with sarcopenic obesity displayed low grip strength and poor physical performance. Furthermore, high serum leptin was negatively associated with vitamin D and physical performance. Conclusions: Serum leptin levels were correlated with low vitamin D, reduced muscle strength and functional impairment, suggesting that serum leptin might serve as a biomarker reflecting physical performance in OA patients.
Osteoporosis in Argentina.

In Argentina there are approximately 150 equipments of densitometry (population 35,000,000) :more than 90% of them are DEXA axial densitometers. Most centers performing densitometry inform that the patient has osteoporosis when the T-score of either spine or proximal femur is below 2.5 SD from young normals. This has led to frequent errors in diagnosis such as treating for osteoporosis patients having primary hyperparathyroidism. Epidemiological studies of hip fractures disclosed an annual incidence of 380 fractures (women) and 100 fractures (men) per 100,000 persons above 50 years of age.
Dual-band frequency reconfigurable MIMO antenna with continuous tuning range

A 2-element dual-band frequency reconfigurable multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna is presented. Consisting of meandered slot antennas as the elements, the proposed antenna is planar and provides large and smooth frequency transition in two bands from 1.35–1.62 GHz and 1.95–2.2 GHz. The frequency reconfigurability is achieved through varactor diode loading across the slot. Isolation between antenna elements is improved by etching out an isolation structure in the ground plane which results in a minimum 20 dB isolation in the entire operating band. The antenna is analyzed for MIMO evaluation parameters and shows good performance.
Activation of the Native 45-kDa Precursor Form of Interleukin-1-converting Enzyme*

Active interleukin-1β-converting enzyme (ICE) is composed of 20- and 10-kDa polypeptides (p20 and p10) derived from the processing of a cytosolic 45-kDa precursor protein (p45). The cleavage and activation of the native p45 ICE precursor have been characterized by use of specific inhibitors and antibodies recognizing various regions of ICE. The processing of p45 in vitro in THP.1 monocytic cell cytoplasmic extracts is inhibited only by protease inhibitors that inhibit ICE and not by inhibitors of other protease classes. The addition of L-742,395, a biotinylated irreversible ICE inhibitor, to these extracts labels only p45 and simultaneously inhibits p45 processing, demonstrating that the p45 has catalytic activity. Following a cleavage of p45 at a site that becomes the COOH terminus of p20, a more active intermediate is formed which migrates on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with an molecular mass of 35 kDa (ED50 of ~0.1 μM L-742,395 labeling versus 5 μM for p45). This new more active ICE form serves both as an intermediate enzyme to cleave p45 as well as a substrate for the formation of the final active ICE (ED50 of 1 nM L-742,395 labeling of p20 and for p22, an NH2-terminally extended form of p20). While initial cleavage of p45 can be found at the sites corresponding to both the NH2 termini of p22 and p20, these fragments cannot be labeled by L-742,395 and are hence inactive. p45 is not processed at the site corresponding to the NH2 terminus of the p10. Less than 50% of the p45 is cleaved down to active p20 or p22 ICE as determined by band shift on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the biotinylated fragments, indicating that the in vitro activation is highly inefficient. The ICE fragmentation occurs by an intermolecular process and is highly dilution sensitive. Cleavage of p45 by exogenous p20/p10 ICE differs from that of the endogenous p45 cleavage activity in that the p20/p10 activity is more salt sensitive, and it produces a different pattern of cleavage fragments, principally 35- and 12-kDa fragments. These results indicate that the nature of the ICE activity changes as p45 is processed down to the p20/p10 form of the enzyme.
Rehabilitation of cerebral palsy in a developing country: the need for comprehensive assessment

Records of 100 children with cerebral palsy from rural India attending a cerebral palsy clinic were analysed to determine the frequency of associated handicaps and to evaluate whether appropriate intervention had been instituted for these handicaps. All the children underwent speech, hearing, psychological, ophthalmologic, neurological, physical, functional and orthopaedic evaluations on their visit to the clinic. History was elicited from the parents of the patients to identify which of the disabilities were recognized either by them or their primary care physician, and whether any intervention had been instituted. The mean age of the patients was 6.9 years. Eighty-two per cent of the children had one or more disabilities apart from locomotor disabilities, visual defects being the commonest (54%). Fifty-four per cent of the children had more than one associated disability. Although 43% of the patients had been referred by a primary care physician, one or more associated disabilities had not been recognized and epilepsy was the only associated problem that had been treated prior to the evaluation. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation of all children with cerebral palsy to enable proper rehabilitation.
Sensitivity study for feature-based monocular 3D SLAM

Advances in cameras and computing hardware, both in terms of performance and miniaturization, has made vision-based localization a feasible sensor for aerial vehicles. In GPS deprived environments or scenarios where the resolution of GPS is not sufficient, such a sensor presents an attractive alternative. Vision-based position sensors typically estimate their pose by tracking natural features in the environment, while at the same time creating a map of those features. This process is referred to as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and it employs several sub-processes, such as feature detection and description, map generation, feature mapping, and optimization, each of which is subject to a large number of parameters. Due to the complexity of the problem, finding a satisfactory parameter setting can be a tedious task. In this paper we investigate the effects of each parameter in the context of SLAM. As an example we use the PTAM (Parallel Tracking and Mapping) algorithm from the University of Oxford. The results of this sensitivity study indicate which parameters are most influential in achieving good tracking performance and also show suitable ranges for each parameter. This information can be used to expedite discovery of a satisfactory parameter setting for a new environment.
Utilisation and energy consumption of fair-access in sensor networks with selected grid topologies

In a typical wireless sensor network, besides gathering accurate data, obtaining a fair amount of data from each sensor node is also important. This paper is continuation effort of our previous work. In previous work, we derive tight upper bounds on network utilisation for linear and two rows grid topology. This paper extends the research to 3-4 rows grid topologies which are more complicate. The significance of these bounds is two-fold: first, they hold for any medium access control protocol under both single-channel and half-duplex radios; second, they are provably tight. Furthermore, we investigate energy consumption of medium access control for multi-hop sensor networks. Based on the tight upper bounds on network utilisation, we derive tight lower bounds on network energy consumption in a cycle for linear and 2-4 rows grid topology.
Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis

The author states in the Preface, “One cannot do justice to sampling theory and methods in one semester, however, by using books like Hansen, Hurwitz, and Madow (1953), Sukhatme et al. (1984), and Cochran (1977), which are designed for a two-semester course. Hence I developed this book, which evolved after teaching a course to the graduate students at the University of Kentucky over several years. It contains as many sampling ideas at an elementary level as can be imparted during a semester’s course. The book is self contained, in the sense that all elementary proofs are provided. ” An interesting feature of this book is that it presents “varying-probability sampling” in Chapter 2 and then revisits it again in Chapter 10 in more detail. The author is to be commended for presenting a lot of material that is not available in a single book. Of the many recent books available in survey sampling, I have used in my teaching or read those of Hedayat and Sinha (1991), Thompson (1992), Thompson (1997), and Lohr (1999). I  nd all of these to be different from each other and furthermore, they are all valuable in my understanding of this important area of statistics. Elements of Sampling Theory and Methods is unique in its presentation of materials, and I like it with the four other books mentioned earlier. The author states in the Preface that “owing to the limited scope of this book, it is different to do justice to the numerous contributors to this  eld. The selection of topics is bound to be subjective and is dictated by the level of the course. Thus the bibliography is also highly selective. Hence, my apologies to those whose papers are not cited in the bibliography. ” This is of course understandable, but again the author has done a splendid job. The book’s price is reasonable in comparison to the other four books mentioned in this area. I strongly recommend this book to the readers of Technometrics.
Fast intracellular dissolution and persistent cellular uptake of silver nanoparticles in CHO-K1 cells: implication for cytotoxicity

Abstract Toxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) has been reported both in vitro and in vivo. However, the intracellular stability and chemical state of Ag NPs are still not very well studied. In this work, we systematically investigated the cellular uptake pathways, intracellular dissolution and chemical species, and cytotoxicity of Ag NPs (15.9 ± 7.6 nm) in Chinese hamster ovary cell subclone K1 cells, a cell line recommended by the OECD for genotoxicity studies. Quantification of intracellular nanoparticle uptake and ion release was performed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) was employed to assess the chemical state of intracellular silver. The toxic potential of Ag NPs and Ag+ was evaluated by cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and live–dead cell staining. The results suggest that cellular uptake of Ag NPs involves lipid-raft-mediated endocytosis and energy-independent diffusion. The degradation study shows that Ag NPs taken up into cells dissolved quickly and XANES results directly indicated that the internalized Ag was oxidized to Ag−O− species and then stabilized in silver−sulfur (Ag−S−) bonds within the cells. Subsequent cytotoxicity studies show that Ag NPs decrease cell viability and increase ROS production. Pre-incubation with N-acetyl-l-cysteine, an efficient antioxidant and Ag+ chelator, diminished the cytotoxicity caused by Ag NPs or Ag+ exposure. Our study suggests that the cytotoxicity mechanism of Ag NPs is related to the intracellular release of silver ions, followed by their binding to SH-groups, presumably coming from amino acids or proteins, and affecting protein functions and the antioxidant defense system of cells.
Comparative Placebo-controlled Pharmacodynamic Studies with Zotepine and Clozapine Utilizing Pharmaco-EEG and Psychometry

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study the encephalotropic and psychotropic properties of zotepine - a new tricyclic dibenzothiepine with antidopaminergic, adrenolytic and antiserotoninergic properties - were investigated utilizing quantitative EEG, psychometric and psychophysiological tests as well as clinical observations. Fifteen normal volunteers received randomized (latin square design) and at weekly intervals single oral doses of placebo, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg zotepine as well as 50 mg clozapine as reference compound. Plasma samplings for blood levels, EEG recordings, and evaluation of blood pressure, pulse rate and side-effects were carried out at the hours 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8, while psychometric data were recorded at the same time except the first hour. Computer-assisted spectral analysis of the EEG demonstrated after all three doses significant changes as compared with placebo characterized by an augmentation of delta and theta activity, decreased of alpha and beta activity, slowing of the centroid of the total activity and alpha activity, and decrease of the dominant frequency and its absolute and relative power. Such changes are typical for low-potency basic neuroleptics of the sedative type such as chlorpromazine. Clozapine also augmented slow activities, decreased alpha activity, the dominant frequency and the alpha centroid, but induced in contrast to zotepine a concomitant increase of fast beta activity, acceleration of the beta centroid and no slowing of the dominant frequency, while the total power was significantly attenuated. These findings confirm earlier reports about the pharmaco-EEG profile of clozapine, which has a resemblance to profiles of anticholinergic antidepressants of the amitriptyline type. Psychometric tests demonstrated after the higher doses of zotepine and clozapine a deterioration of noopsychic and thymospsychic functions which was more pronounced after the reference compound than after zotepine. The lowest dose of zotepine, 25 mg, even produced an improvement in numerical memory and complex reaction. CFF, skin conductance, pupillary diameter and pupillary response measurements decreased after both compounds. Dose-efficacy calculations showed 100 mg zotepine and clozapine to be the most CNS-effective compounds, followed by 50 mg and 25 mg zotepine, while placebo induced the least changes. Time-efficacy calculations showed neurophysiological and behavioral peak effects after zotepine at the 4th and 6th hour, as compared with the 2nd and 4th hour after clozapine. Pulse rate increased with both compounds; blood pressure decreased after clozapine but remained unchanged after zotepine. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Cathepsin D immunocytochemical assays in breast carcinomas: Image analysis and correlation to prognostic factors

Immunocytochemical assays of cathepsin D were assessed in a series of breast carcinomas (n=257) using monoclonal M1G8 anti‐total cathepsin D and the avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex. Cathepsin immunoreactivity was compared in frozen and paraffin sections. All tumours were anti‐cathepsin‐positive. Positive staining was observed in carcinoma and stromal cells and in the extracellular matrix. The amount of immunodetectable cathepsin in tissue was measured by computer‐assisted image analysis (SAMBA 2005). Both the percentage of immunostained tumour surface and the mean optical densities were processed as continuous variables for statistical analysis and correlated with prognostic factors. It was shown that cathepsin D was independent of the tumour size, the lymph node status, hormone receptors, and pHER‐2/neu overexpression. Cathepsin was significantly correlated with anti‐EGFR (P=0.012) and Ki67 (P=0.002) immunoreactivity, tumour grade (P=0.032), vascular invasion (P=0.0081), proliferation index (P=0.0045), and, to a lesser extent with AgNORs (P=0.0504) and the degree of hyperploidy (P=0.057). Tissue fixation and paraffin embedding significantly decreased cathepsin immunoreactivity. These results show that cathepsin D is not a totally independent prognostic factor in breast carcinomas.
The primary role of hepatic metabolism in idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury

Introduction: Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare, serious and sometimes fatal condition that lacks an effective clinical countermeasure. Polymorphisms of bioactivation/toxification pathways via the Phase I drug-metabolizing enzymes, Phase II detoxification reactions and Phase III excretion/transport, together with immunological factors, are predisposing factors for some DILI. Areas covered: This review focuses on the seminal role of hepatic drug metabolism in the idiosyncratic toxicity response and the potential role of genetic polymorphisms in specific drug-metabolizing enzymes or transporters. Furthermore, the article looks at recent developments for the assessment of those mechanisms, in order to avoid them in novel drug candidates that are still under development. Examples of proposed or confirmed metabolic mechanisms from the current literature for marketed or previously marketed drugs are summarized in detail. The contributions of Phase I, II and III and other enzymatic pathways in the idiosyncratic response are reviewed with particular emphasis on gene polymorphisms that might explain why some individuals respond in an aberrant manner. Expert opinion: Toxicologists continue to focus their efforts to define the idiosyncratic response at the biochemical and molecular levels. This has resulted in the development of some early drug screening tools based on such characteristics as the daily dose, metabolite covalent binding and polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes. While it will take years to fully assess the impact of these recently developed assessment tools, research on genetically based differences in hepatic metabolic pathways will continue, aided by the establishment of DILI registries for improved patient access.
Rapid method for detection of adherent bacteria on Foley urinary catheters

An accurate, rapid, and inexpensive method was developed for detecting and enumerating bacteria adherent to Foley urinary catheters based on malachite green staining of acridine orange-prestained specimens. This method has proven to be quick and reliable and will find application in quantitative studies of biomaterial-related sepsis.