Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuron‐Specific Phosphorylation of Alzheimer's β‐Amyloid Precursor Protein by Cyclin‐Dependent Kinase 5

Abstract: The mature form of Alzheimer's β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) is phosphorylated specifically at Thr668 in neurons. In mature neurons, phosphorylated APP is detected in neurites, with dephosphorylated APP being found mostly in the cell body. In vitro, active cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) phosphorylated the cytoplasmic domain of APP at Thr668. Treatment of mature neurons with an antisense oligonucleotide to Cdk5 suppressed Cdk5 expression and significantly diminished the level of phosphorylated APP. The expression of APP was unaffected in antisense‐treated neurons. These results indicate that in neurons APP is phosphorylated by Cdk5, and that this may play a role in its localization.
Assessing the efficacy of endoscopic office olfactory biopsy sites to produce neural progenitor cell cultures for the study of neuropsychiatric disorders

The olfactory region is capable of continuous neurogenesis. Situated on the cribriform plate and segments of the superior septum and both superior and middle turbinates, it is accessible through office‐based biopsy and can be used to generate neural progenitor cells to study molecular abnormalities associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the endoscopic office olfactory biopsy from middle turbinate and superior‐posterior septum to produce the neural progenitor cells.
A BDD-based approach to design power-aware on-line detectors for digital circuits

The work in this paper is mainly concerned with the development of an algorithm for designing a power-aware on-line detector (OLD), which is used in digital circuits to check faults concurrently. We have used Binary Decision Diagram (BDD) in our methodology on top of the existing work to reduce the dynamic power of an OLD significantly. Experiments on ISCAS89 benchmark circuits have shown, on an average, 41% reduction in dynamic power compared to the existing technique. This reduction can further be made to 57% with marginal impact on area overhead.
Strategies for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins in Developing Countries

According to the Fod and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, up to 25% of the world’s food crops have been estimated to be significantly contaminated with mycotoxins (WHO, 1999). Significant losses due to mycotoxins and their impact on human and animal health have been linked with national economic implications and all these factors have combined to make mycotoxins important worldwide (Bhat and Vashanti (1999). According to Plancinta et al. (1999), surveillance studies showed that world-wide contamination of cereal grains and other feeds with Fusarium mycotoxins is a global problem. Thus, in recognition of the global public health importance of food borne diseases and in order to promote economic growth and development, the World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned the Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG) to undertake the systematic reviews of some chemicals and toxins like cyanide in cassava, aflatoxin, dioxins and peanut allergens (Hird et al. 2009).
Bacterial Spore Based Biosensor for Detection of Contaminants in Milk

Milk and milk products comprise essential nutrients for all age groups. Hence ensuring the quality and safety of dairy products offered to the consumers is mandatory objective of the dairy industry. Bacterial spores one of the hardiest forms of life can be exploited as biosensing element over the cell based detection system because of longer shelf life of the spores. Bacterial spores in the presence of favorable conditions germinate into metabolically active vegetative cells. The ability of spores to carry out cycle between the spore state and germinated cell contributes to their attractiveness as biosensing systems. The presence of contaminants such as antibiotics, aflatoxin and bacteria affects the life cycle events of bacterial spores and hence can be exploited as platform for detection of aforementioned in milk. This review focuses on the application of bacterial spores as biosensing system for contaminants in milk system. Furthermore, we have focused our attention on the discussion of principal concepts of spore structure and spore germination and examples of spore based detection systems that have been achieved up until now to detect potential contaminants in milk in our laboratory.
Brain regions affected by impaired control modulate responses to alcohol and smoking cues.

OBJECTIVE Despite the commonly observed comorbidity of alcohol and tobacco use disorders and years of research, the mechanism underlying concurrent use of alcohol and tobacco is not yet clear. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the relationship between brain responses to alcohol and smoking cues in 45 subjects with episodic drinking and regular smoking. METHOD fMRI data were collected from two studies performing an alcohol-craving task and a smoking-craving task. First, we identified brain voxels significantly activated for both substance cues and then associated the activation of these voxels with various alcohol- and nicotine-dependence measures. Significant clusters (cluster-wise p < .05) correlated with behavioral assessments were extracted, and clusters identified from both cues were compared. RESULTS The association tests with various dependence scores showed that the loss of behavioral control subcategory in the Alcohol Dependence Scale was significantly correlated with brain activation of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and right posterior insula regardless of cue types. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the PCC and right posterior insula, each playing a role in the salience network, are affected significantly by impaired control for alcohol and in turn influence brain responses to not only alcohol but also smoking cues, providing insight to neuronal mechanisms for concurrent use or comorbidity of alcohol and nicotine dependence.
Vibration-based electromagnetic type energy harvester for bridge monitoring sensor application

Fabrication and experimentation of vibration-based electromagnetic energy harvester is reported in this research paper. Energy harvester with both planar and wound coils have been developed and characterized under sinusoidal excitation. Energy harvester consists of two permanent magnets residing on a Latex membrane, two double sided PCB fabricated planar coils, Teflon spacers for providing gap between the permanent magnets and planar coils, and wound coils mounted on sides of Teflon spacers. When the harvester is subjected to vibration, due to the relative movement between the magnets and coils, the coils experience the change in magnetic flux density which causes an emf to generate at the coils terminals. Energy harvester has a dimension of 18 mm × 18 mm. Prototype has been characterized under sinusoidal excitation and are subjected to frequency sweep from 10 to 80 Hz at acceleration levels of 0.3 g, 0.5 g, 1 g, 2 g and 3 g. Single planar and wound coil of prototype generates an open circuit voltage of 15.7 mV and 11.05 mV respectively at 3 g and at resonant frequency 27 Hz. When excited at resonance and 3 g base acceleration a load power of 1.8 μW and 2.1 μW is obtained from single planar and wound coil respectively under matching impedance conditions for prototype.
High‐rate cardiac pacing increases blood pressure and decreases right atrial pressure in patients with hemodynamic significant acute right ventricular myocardial infarction and bradyarrhythmia

Background: In an 84‐year‐old patient with acute right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVI), complete heart block, and low cardiac output, a significant increase in blood pressure (BP) and decrease in right atrial pressure (RAP) were accidentally observed during the performance of high‐rate ventricular pacing.
RNA-seq highlights parallel and contrasting patterns in the evolution of the nuclear genome of holo-mycoheterotrophic plants

• While photosynthesis is the most notable trait of plants, several lineages of plants (so-called holo-heterotrophs) have adapted to obtain organic compounds from other sources. The switch to heterotrophy leads to profound changes at the morphological, physiological and genomic levels. • Here, we characterize the transcriptomes of three species representing two lineages of mycoheterotrophic plants: orchids (Epipogium aphyllum and Epipogium roseum) and Ericaceae (Hypopitys monotropa). Comparative analysis is used to highlight the parallelism between distantly related holo-heterotrophic plants. • In both lineages, we observed genome-wide elimination of nuclear genes that encode proteins related to photosynthesis, while systems associated with protein import to plastids as well as plastid transcription and translation remain active. Genes encoding components of plastid ribosomes that have been lost from the plastid genomes have not been transferred to the nuclear genomes; instead, some of the encoded proteins have been substituted by homologs. The nuclear genes of both Epipogium species accumulated mutations twice as rapidly as their photosynthetic relatives; in contrast, no increase in the substitution rate was observed in H.monotropa. • Holo-heterotrophy leads to profound changes in nuclear gene content. The observed increase in the rate of nucleotide substitutions is lineage specific, rather than a universal phenomenon among non-photosynthetic plants.
Enhanced Expression of CXCL10 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Potential Role of Mucosal Toll-like Receptor 3 Stimulation

Background:We explored the gene expression in colonic biopsies of active and inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in an extensive material of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The chemokine CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 were among the upregulated genes. This study examined the expression of CXCL10 and the mechanisms for its release in patients with UC or CD and in intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) lines. Methods:A microarray gene expression analysis was done on colonic biopsies (n = 133) from patients with IBD. Biopsies were studied with immunohistochemistry for CXCL10 and CXCR3 expression. Mechanisms for CXCL10 release in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in the colonic epithelial cell lines HT-29 and SW620 were studied upon pattern recognition receptor (PRR) stimulation. Results:CXCL10 and CXCR3 mRNA abundances were increased in biopsies from active UC and CD compared to inactive disease and controls. CXCL10 was mainly localized to mucosal epithelial cells, with increased immunostaining in active IBD. CXCR3-positive cells were scattered in the lamina propria. CXCL10 was secreted from the colonic epithelial cell lines in response to the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)). This ligand also induced a marked release of CXCL10 in PBMCs from IBD patients and controls. Conclusions:We identified CXCL10 and CXCR3 as upregulated genes in colonic mucosa in active IBD. The TLR3-ligand poly(I:C) markedly increased release of CXCL10 in colonic epithelial cell lines, suggesting a TLR3-mediated CXCL10 release from mucosal epithelial cells in IBD patients.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a child after renal transplantation

Abstract: Although Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are common among school children and young adults, they have been rarely reported in renal transplant recipients. Herein, we report an 8‐yr‐old boy who had M. pneumoniae infection 1 yr after transplantation and showed liver dysfunction during the course of the disease. In children who underwent renal transplantation and receive immunosuppressive treatment, we suggest that symptoms of a simple upper respiratory tract infection may precede M. pneumoniae disease with potentially serious extrapulmonary complications.
Necessary changes to improve animal models

Animal models evolved from sire models and inherited some issues that affected sire models. Those issues include definition and treatment of contemporary groups, accounting for time trends and dealing with animals having unknown parents. The assumptions and limitations of the animal model need to be kept in mind. This review of the animal model will discuss the issues and will recommend enhancements to animal models for future applications.
Piezoelectric Vibrating Needle and Catheter for Enhancing Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Ultrasound imaging has been used for performing single-injection peripheral nerve blocks and continuous catheters. One limitation with current technology is the inability to confirm the location of the needle or catheter tip. We describe a new needle and catheter design that permits distal tip visualization using color flow Doppler. An 18-gauge 100-mm insulated Tuohy needle and a 20-gauge 50-mm polyamide catheter (open tip) with a Teflon-coated steel stylet (B. Braun, Bethlehem, PA) were customized by adhering in place two piezoelectric actuators. These created 1–8 kHz vibrations when coupled to a function generator (FG502, Tektronix, Richardson, TX) and a 100 W audio amplifier (R3000, KLH, Sun Valley, CA). Mimicking a lateral popliteal fossa block, the needle and catheter were inserted into the leg of an unembalmed cadaver. When activated, the tip of each was highlighted in color when scanned in the short axis using the color Doppler mode of a two-dimensional ultrasound and a 12 MHz L38 probe (MicroMaxx, Sonosite, Bothell, WA). Vibration technology may be a useful adjunct while performing ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. Further study evaluating its usefulness and safety in live tissue is warranted.
Thermal phenomena in nanoscale transistors

As transistor gate lengths are scaled to 50 nm and below thermal device design is becoming an important part of microprocessor engineering. Decreasing dimensions lead to nanometer-scale hot spots in the transistor drain region, which may increase the drain series and source injection electrical resistances. Such trends are accelerated with the introduction of novel materials and non-traditional transistor geometries, like ultra-thin body, FinFET, or nanowire devices, which impede heat conduction. Thermal analysis is complicated by sub-continuum phenomena including ballistic electron transport, which displaces and reshapes the hot spot region compared with classical diffusion theory predictions. Ballistic phonon transport from the hot spot and between material boundaries impedes conduction cooling. The increased surface to volume ratio of novel transistor designs also leads to a larger contribution from material boundary thermal resistance. This paper surveys trends in transistor geometries and materials, along with their implications for the thermal design of electronic systems.
Lovastatin Interacts with Natural Products to Influence Cultured Hepatocarcinoma Cell (Hep-G2) Growth

Objective: To assess the interaction of the hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coezyme A reductase inhibitor lovastatin individually and in combination with 3 natural plant compounds on hepatocarcinoma cell growth. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of lovastatin in combination with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), capsaicin, and curcumin were investigated in cultured hepatocarcinoma cells (Hep-G2), and the interactions were depicted using an isobolographical analysis. Results: All compounds tested reduced Hep-G2 cell growth to various degrees. In terms of individual cytotoxicity LC50 values, curcumin (55.5 ± 7.6 µmol/L) was found to be the most cytotoxic and had the lowest LC50, followed by lovastatin (62.3 ± 5.34 µmol/L), EGCG (82.1 ± 15.1 µmol/L), and capsaicin (199.5 ± 11.72 µmol/L). The individual LC50 values were used in a fix-fraction isobolographical analysis to predict the effect of combining lovastatin and the individual compounds. Experimentally derived LC50 values of 5 fractions containing fixed proportions of lovastatin to each of the 3 natural compounds allowed comparison of the experimentally derived LC50 to the predicted values depicted on the isobologram. Conclusion: Lovastatin in combination with capsaicin was found to be synergistic at all concentrations tested, and EGCG combinations produced both synergistic and additive results. Unexpectedly, lovastatin in combination with curcumin produced an antagonistic effect on cell growth, resulting in a greater concentration required than if the compounds were used individually.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Tomato-Infecting Tomato Mottle Mosaic Virus in New York

ABSTRACT The complete genome sequence of an isolate of tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) infecting tomatoes in New York was obtained using small RNA (sRNA) deep sequencing. ToMMV_NY-13 shared 99% sequence identity with isolates from Mexico and Florida. Broader distribution of this emerging virus is a cause for concern to the tomato industry.
An American Evangelical Pilgrimage to Israel: A Case Study on Politics and Triangulation

This article examines the political dimensions of American evangelical pilgrimages to Israel by using the methodological technique known as data triangulation. Based on evidence from primary and secondary data, the article illuminates (1) how tourism is used by pilgrims to promote their theological visions that have some political ramifications to the host country and (2) how the political circumstances in the state of Israel engender a noteworthy relationship between an extreme right party from Israel and the pilgrims. The findings regarding the political dimensions are organized around four functions achieved by using data triangulation. In so doing, this article attempts to provide new theoretical insights regarding the philosophical premises and the purposes traditionally related to the use of data triangulation in tourism research.
Linearization of two-way Doherty amplifier by injection of second and forth order nonlinear signals at the input and output of the carrier cell

In this paper two-way Doherty amplifier with the additional circuit for linearization has been realized and measurements of the linearization influence to the third - and fifth-order intermodulation products have been carried out. The linearization approach uses the fundamental signals' second harmonics and fourth-order nonlinear signals that are extracted at the output of the peaking cell, adjusted in amplitude and phase and injected at the input and output of the carrier cell in Doherty amplifier.
Clinical features of multiple myeloma patients with isolated extramedullary relapse

This study sought to analyze the clinical features and prognosis of multiple myeloma with isolated extramedullary relapse and with the absence of systemic progression. The clinical features and outcome were retrospectively analyzed in six multiple myeloma patients. These patients had secretory multiple myeloma at diagnosis. When relapsed, the dissociation between medullary and extramedullary response was detected. The serum or urine monoclonal component was extremely low or absent. The plasma cells in bone marrow were <5%. All patients received new targeted therapies (thalidomide or bortezomib) before extramedullary relapse. It is difficult to achieve second remission for them. Even in those showing response, the duration of response was extremely short. The median of overall survival from diagnosis and from extramedullary relapse was 19 months and 6 months, respectively. The overall survival was significantly shorter compared to the patients without extramedullary involvement (84 months, P= 0.001). These patients exhibited a special and rare relapse pattern. Patients with this relapse pattern were resistant to current therapies, including novel targeted agents and associated with poor prognosis.
The management of non-compliance with referral to out-patient after-care among attempted suicide patients: a controlled intervention study

SYNOPSIS The failure to comply with referral for out-patient after-care is a well-documented problem among attempted suicide patients. The present study aimed at the investigation of an experimental referral procedure by means of a randomized controlled study. Non-compliant patients in the experimental group were visited in their homes by a community nurse in order to assess reasons for non-compliance and to motivate patients to comply with referral. One year after their suicide attempt patients were visited in their homes in order to assess repetition of suicidal behaviour. Uni-and multi-variate analyses showed a significant beneficial effect of the experimental procedure on compliance with referral. A near-significant effect of the experimental procedure on the rate of repetition of suicidal behaviour was found.
Developed Computerized Tools Based on Mental Models for Creativity Support

Recently, creativity has become a hot spot of research in the wide area of academy and industry. The recognition of the definition or nature of creativity and the computerized tools for creativity support are two research perspectives. The latter as the common approach has got more and more attentions from multi-disciplines, such as cognitive psychology, management science, system science, knowledge science, social science and computer science, etc. Also, both the theory and mental models have been involved in the design and operation of the computerized tools. This paper presents a creativity support system, named group argumentation environment (GAE) which is a platform for idea generation, knowledge creation and wisdom emergence by versatile aids, like visualization of expert opinion structure, clustering of contributed opinions for concept formation and idea/knowledge detecting and growing, etc.
Efficacy of lamivudine in controlling hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND Indication of liver transplantation for patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains controversial because of the high incidence of posttransplant HBV recurrence and aggressive involvement of the allograft. In this article, we provide evidence that the introduction of lamivudine may favorably alter the prognosis of these patients. METHODS Lamivudine was used in 40 HBV-infected adult patients suffering from chronic end-stage liver disease who underwent liver transplantation. The drug was used in the following settings: failure of prolonged passive immunoprophylaxis, elective conversion from immunoprophylaxis, de novo posttransplant HBV infection, and primary treatment with lamivudine which started before and continued after transplantation. Twenty patients (50%) had viral replication at the time lamivudine was started. Posttransplant and antiviral treatment follow-ups were 8-64 months (median follow-up: 27.5 months) and 9-39 months (median follow-up: 19 months), respectively. RESULTS The patient and graft survival rates were 97.5% (39/40). Thirty-three patients (82.5%) have remained free of viral recurrence. In the seven re-infected patients, the manifestations of HBV involvement of the allograft have been mild. There have been no side effects related to lamivudine, and the treatment is substantially less costly than with other anti-HBV agents. CONCLUSIONS Compared with historic series utilizing other modalities of treatment, the use of lamivudine has, so far, yielded superior results. This drug may be an important acquisition for antiviral prophylaxis in HBV-infected liver recipients. Because of the risk of viral mutations, however, efforts should proceed to achieve more efficacious methods for prevention and control of HBV recurrence.