Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NOS1AP Interacts with α-Synuclein and Aggregates in Yeast and Mammalian Cells

The NOS1AP gene encodes a cytosolic protein that binds to the signaling cascade component neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). It is associated with many different disorders, such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, cardiovascular disorders, and breast cancer. The NOS1AP (also known as CAPON) protein mediates signaling within a complex which includes the NMDA receptor, PSD-95, and nNOS. This adapter protein is involved in neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthesis regulation via its association with nNOS (NOS1). Our bioinformatics analysis revealed NOS1AP as an aggregation-prone protein, interacting with α-synuclein. Further investigation showed that NOS1AP forms detergent-resistant non-amyloid aggregates when overproduced. Overexpression of NOS1AP was found in rat models for nervous system injury as well as in schizophrenia patients. Thus, we can assume for the first time that the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders include misfolding and aggregation of NOS1AP. We show that NOS1AP interacts with α-synuclein, allowing us to suggest that this protein may be implicated in the development of synucleinopathies and that its aggregation may explain the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.
FAK-Mediated Signaling Controls Amyloid Beta Overload, Learning and Memory Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

The non-receptor focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is highly expressed in the central nervous system during development, where it regulates neurite outgrowth and axon guidance, but its role in the adult healthy and diseased brain, specifically in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is largely unknown. Using the 3xTg-AD mouse model, which carries three mutations associated with familial Alzheimer’s disease (APP KM670/671NL Swedish, PSEN1 M146V, MAPT P301L) and develops age-related progressive neuropathology including amyloid plaques and Tau tangles, we describe here, for the first time, the in vivo role of FAK in AD pathology. Our data demonstrate that while site-specific knockdown in the hippocampi of 3xTg-AD mice has no effect on learning and memory, hippocampal overexpression of the protein leads to a significant decrease in learning and memory capabilities, which is accompanied by a significant increase in amyloid β (Aβ) load. Furthermore, neuronal morphology is altered following hippocampal overexpression of FAK in these mice. High-throughput proteomics analysis of total and phosphorylated proteins in the hippocampi of FAK overexpressing mice indicates that FAK controls AD-like phenotypes by inhibiting cytoskeletal remodeling in neurons which results in morphological changes, by increasing Tau hyperphosphorylation, and by blocking astrocyte differentiation. FAK activates cell cycle re-entry and consequent cell death while downregulating insulin signaling, thereby increasing insulin resistance and leading to oxidative stress. Our data provide an overview of the signaling networks by which FAK regulates AD pathology and identify FAK as a novel therapeutic target for treating AD.
Steady-State Thermal Analysis of Functionally Graded Rotating Disks Using Finite Element and Analytical Methods

A steady-state thermal analysis for a hollow and axisymmetric functionally graded (FG) rotating disk with a uniform thickness was performed in this study. In the studied FG disk, metal and ceramic materials were considered for the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, when the material properties varied along the radial direction but not through material thickness variations. A power law distribution was employed to represent the material properties. Three different methods were used to present the temperature distribution along the radial direction of the FG disk, namely (1) an in-house finite element (FE) program, (2) the ANSYS parametric design language (APDL), and (3) an analytical solution. Furthermore, the in-house FE program presented the thermal stress and thermal strain of the FG disk. The weighted residual method in the FEM was used to present the temperature distribution when the material properties along an element are varying in contrast with using a commercial finite element software when the material properties are constant within an element to simulate FGMs. The accuracy of the in-house FE program was tested, and it was shown that the temperature distributions obtained by using the abovementioned methods were exactly the same. A parametric material gradation study was performed to understand the effects on the temperature, thermal strain, and stress. The material gradation was found to have a significant effect in this regard. The in-house finite element program enables one to perform a post-processing analysis in a more efficient and convenient manner than that through simulations in a finite element software program such as ANSYS. Lastly, this in-house code can be used to perform an optimization analysis to minimize the thermal strain and stress while the stiffness of the plate is maintained when the material properties within an element vary.
Liquid Crystal Biosensors: Principles, Structure and Applications

Liquid crystals (LCs) have been widely used as sensitive elements to construct LC biosensors based on the principle that specific bonding events between biomolecules can affect the orientation of LC molecules. On the basis of the sensing interface of LC molecules, LC biosensors can be classified into three types: LC–solid interface sensing platforms, LC–aqueous interface sensing platforms, and LC–droplet interface sensing platforms. In addition, as a signal amplification method, the combination of LCs and whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical microcavities can provide higher detection sensitivity due to the extremely high quality factor and the small mode volume of the WGM optical microcavity, which enhances the interaction between the light field and biotargets. In this review, we present an overview of the basic principles, the structure, and the applications of LC biosensors. We discuss the important properties of LC and the principle of LC biosensors. The different geometries of LCs in the biosensing systems as well as their applications in the biological detection are then described. The fabrication and the application of the LC-based WGM microcavity optofluidic sensor in the biological detection are also introduced. Finally, challenges and potential research opportunities in the development of LC-based biosensors are discussed.
NewSQL Database Management System Compiler Errors: Effectiveness and Usefulness

Abstract Modern database management is often faced with a high number of concurrent end-users, and the need for database distribution to ensure fault tolerance and high throughput. To flexibly address these challenges, many modern database management systems (DBMS) provide highly automated and effortless, i.e., highly usable database distribution, deployment, and maintenance. However, the usability considerations are yet to extend from the aforementioned DBMS features to query language compilers. In this study, based on participant answers (N = 157), we compare the error message qualities of four modern DBMSs (CockroachDB, SingleStore, NuoDB, and VoltDB) using one objective and three subjective metrics. Our results show that some of the DBMSs provide the users with more useful error messages, even though many of these error messages violate even the most basic usability guidelines. These results (i) are applicable in further developing the usability aspects of query language compilers, (ii) provide a timely effort of bridging the gap between human-computer interaction and query language compilers, and (iii) offer suggestions on teaching novices, who require emphasized support in query formulation.
Construction of Electrochemical Sensors for Antibiotic Detection Based on Carbon Nanocomposites

Excessive antibiotic residues in food can cause detrimental effects on human health. The establishment of rapid, sensitive, selective, and reliable methods for the detection of antibiotics is highly in demand. With the inherent advantages of high sensitivity, rapid analysis time, and facile miniaturization, the electrochemical sensors have great potential in the detection of antibiotics. The electrochemical platforms comprising carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have been proposed to detect antibiotic residues. Notably, with the introduction of functional CNMs, the performance of electrochemical sensors can be bolstered. This review first presents the significance of functional CNMs in the detection of antibiotics. Subsequently, we provide an overview of the applications for detection by enhancing the electrochemical behaviour of the antibiotic, as well as a brief overview of the application of recognition elements to detect antibiotics. Finally, the trend and the current challenges of electrochemical sensors based on CNMs in the detection of antibiotics is outlined.
Energy-Harvesting Cognitive Radios in Smart Cities

Wireless communication has been experiencing tremendous advancements. These developments have triggered new wireless networking paradigms and communication services. For instance, 5G is being studied by the research community to provide mobile broadband communications in wireless networks. Recently, the concept of IoT (Atzori et al., 2010), which is one of the key elements of 5G wireless networks, has been proposed to connect every device to the Internet, such as wireless sensor nodes, RFID tags, household appliances, etc. As these technologies grow, they have been applied to various real-world problems. One of the most important application areas is the management of cities in a more efficient and smarter way. The smart city is a vision that extracts information from systems in the city to take measures for its management. This vision can be realized if information and communication technologies are employed in these systems to observe and manage them. Wireless sensors can be utilized as key elements for observing systems such as hospitals, highways, transportation networks, and power grids (Su et al., 2011). The transmission of the sensor observations about the city needs Internet connection to inform city officials. This fact leads to the utilization of the IoT since it can integrate all the facilities of the city with the Internet. Hence, the realization of the smart city vision becomes possible since the systems can be sensed, analyzed, and integrated with the use of communication technologies (Jalali et al., 2015). This enables the ability of managing the city in a cleverer and more efficient way in terms of city infrastructure, services, communication, business, energy, water, and so forth. The smart city uses information and communication technologies to manage cities in an integrated manner (Zhang, 2010). The holistic view of the smart city can be seen in Figure 1.1. 1, where smart grid, smart Transportation, smart communication, smart building, smart home, and smart infrastructure are bound together. With the use of next-generation information technologies, core systems are sensed, and the extracted information is analyzed for better management of the city and for improving quality of life in cities. To this end, it is envisioned that sensors are being deployed in different
Enhancing Rover Teleoperation on the Moon With Proprioceptive Sensors and Machine Learning Techniques

Geological formations, environmental conditions, and soil mechanics frequently generate undesired effects on rovers' mobility, such as slippage or sinkage. Underestimating these undesired effects may compromise the rovers' operation and lead to a premature end of the mission. Minimizing mobility risks becomes a priority for colonising the Moon and Mars. However, addressing this challenge cannot be treated equally for every celestial body since the control strategies may differ; e.g. the low latency Earth-Moon communication allows constant monitoring and controls, something not feasible on Mars. This letter proposes a Hazard Information System (HIS) that estimates the rover's mobility risks (e.g. slippage) using proprioceptive sensors and Machine Learning (supervised and unsupervised). A Graphical User Interface was created to assist human-teleoperation tasks by presenting mobility risk indicators. The system has been developed and evaluated in the lunar analogue facility (LunaLab) at the University of Luxembourg. A real rover and eight participants were part of the experiments. Results demonstrate the benefits of the HIS in the decision-making processes of the operator's response to overcome hazardous situations.
Potential Multifunctional Bioactive Compounds from Dysosma versipellis Explored by Bioaffinity Ultrafiltration-HPLC/MS with Topo I, Topo II, COX-2 and ACE2

Background Dysosma versipellis (D. versipellis) has been traditionally used as a folk medicine for ages. However, the specific phytochemicals responsible for their correlated anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antiviral activities remain unknown. Purpose This study aimed to explore the specific active components in D. versipellis responsible for its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and antiviral effects, and further elucidate the corresponding mechanisms of action. Methods Bioaffinity ultrafiltration coupled to liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UF-LC/MS) was firstly hired to fast screen for the anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antiviral compounds from rhizomes of D. versipellis, and then further validation was conducted using in vitro inhibition assays and molecular docking. Results A total of 12, 12, 9 and 12 phytochemicals with considerable affinities to Topo I, Topo II, COX-2 and ACE2 were fished out, respectively. The anti-proliferative assay in vitro indicated that podophyllotoxin and quercetin exhibited comparably strong inhibitory rates on A549 and HT-29 cells compared with 5-FU and etoposide. Meanwhile, kaempferol displayed prominent dose-dependent inhibition against COX-2 with IC50 value at 0.36 ± 0.02 μM lower than indomethacin at 0.73 ± 0.07 μM. Furthermore, quercetin exerted stronger inhibitory effect against ACE2 with IC50 value at 104.79 ± 8.26 μM comparable to quercetin 3-O-glucoside at 135.25 ± 6.54 μM. Conclusion We firstly showcased an experimental investigation on the correlations between bioactive phytochemicals of D. versipellis and their multiple drug targets reflecting its potential pharmacological activities, and further constructed a multi-target and multi-component network to decipher its empirical traditional applications. It could not only offer a reliable and valuable experimental basis to better comprehend the curative effects of D. versipellis but also provide more new insights and strategies for other traditional medicinal plants.
Estimation of Queue Length at Signalized Intersection Under Non-Lane Based Traffic Conditions

Excessive queue length is formed at approaches of signalized intersection if demand flow rate exceeds the saturation flow. The analysis of approaching flow at signalized intersections make easier to predict the queue length for avoiding traffic congestion. At congestion level, queue length reaches to maximum, and the traffic flow becomes zero. Measurement of queuing is essential for design and evaluation of traffic flow facilities. The literature review finds various methods for estimating queue length at signalized intersection under homogeneous and heterogenous traffic flow conditions. Traffic flow data was collected at different intersections in Hyderabad city using videography method. The present study determined queue length at approaches of signalized intersection by using the existing methods given in the literature. The results showed the queue length obtained from different methods are failed to match the queue length as observed in the field. Finally, the study developed a multivariable model for predicting queue length by checking the sensitivity of various factors influencing on queue length at the approach of signalized intersections. Further, the model was validated using field data collected at other approaches based on statistical analysis. Statistical evidence confirmed that the queue length estimated from the proposed model well replicates the queue length observed in the field under the given traffic and roadway conditions. The study recommends that the proposed model works well for the signalized intersection operating with a high proportional share (above 30%) of Two-wheeler in the mixed traffic but limited to operating with higher volume conditions.
Needle Tip Pose Estimation for Ultrasound-Guided Steerable Flexible Needle With a Complicated Trajectory in Soft Tissue

Visualization of the surgical needle is critical for an image guided insertion. However, it is difficult to obtain a 3D tip pose of a steerable flexible needle under 2D US images. In this letter, an image processing method is used to extract the needle shaft radial cross-sectional centroid coordinates (NSRCCCs). Based on the NSRCCCs, two methods are proposed to estimate the needle tip pose in real-time, which are based on Rodrigues’ rotation formula, and Fourier expansion with three-terms and linear interpolation algorithm (FEWT&LIA), respectively. In order to validate the methods proposed in this letter, the insertion experiments with different depths are conducted in phantom tissues, and the results show that the mean errors are 0.68 mm and 0.65 mm with using the Rodrigues’ rotation formula based method and the FEWT&LIA based method, respectively, showing clinically acceptable accuracy.
A Systematic Policy of Misinformation on the Toxicity of Asbestos: Lobbying as Key Component of a Major Health Crisis

Asbestos is one of the most-deadly occupational carcinogens on the planet. Its toxicity has been proven by scientific studies conducted for several decades, including for people who have never worked in industries directly related to asbestos, or who have massively used it. The serious diseases and deaths caused by asbestos have provoked a major health crisis which has led to significant media exposure and then to resounding trials of victims and families of victims claiming compensation. The article aims to underline that if the toxicity of asbestos has been known for a long time, the manufacturers of the sector have succeeded in protecting their activity thanks to a policy of misinformation driven by powerful lobbying companies. The interest of the asbestos health crisis is to underline that the tools used for misinformation can counter, over a long period of time, the most relevant scientific arguments seeking to establish the reality of the facts. From a methodological point of view, secondary data were collected from official reports and minutes of meetings of lobbying companies, including meetings of the Asbestos permanent committee (Comité permanent amiante, or CPA) in France. The study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of misinformation to fight for several decades the scientific evidence from several hundred medical publications.
Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacities of Young Citrus Fruits Cultivated in China

Fruits of six varieties of young citrus cultivated in China were collected for phytochemical composition analysis and antioxidant activity determination. The phenolic acids, synephrine, flavone, and flavanone were analyzed using HPLC, and the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu, Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2- 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) analysis. The results indicated that Ougan variety had the highest total phenolic content (125.18 GAE mg/g DW), followed by the Huyou variety (107.33 mg/g DW), while Wanshuwenzhoumigan variety had the lowest (35.91 mg/g DW). Ferulic acid was the most dominant soluble phenolic acid in the selected young citrus, followed by p-coumaric acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, whereas nobiletin and tangeretin were the most abundant flavones in the Ponkan, Ougan, and Wanshuwenzhoumigan varieties. Antioxidant capacity that measured by ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH showed similar trends and was positively correlated with the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (p < 0.05). Considering the high content of phenolics in the young fruits of Ougan and Huyou variety, those two varieties might be potential resources for extracting phytochemicals for health promotion.
Conformational Plasticity of Centrin 1 from Toxoplasma gondii in Binding to the Centrosomal Protein SFI1

Centrins are calcium (Ca2+)-binding proteins that are involved in many cellular functions including centrosome regulation. A known cellular target of centrins is SFI1, a large centrosomal protein containing multiple repeats that represent centrin-binding motifs. Recently, a protein homologous to yeast and mammalian SFI1, denominated TgSFI1, which shares SFI1-repeat organization, was shown to colocalize at centrosomes with centrin 1 from Toxoplasma gondii (TgCEN1). However, the molecular details of the interaction between TgCEN1 and TgSFI1 remain largely unknown. Herein, combining different biophysical methods, including isothermal titration calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy, we determined the binding properties of TgCEN1 and its individual N- and C-terminal domains to synthetic peptides derived from distinct repeats of TgSFI1. Overall, our data indicate that the repeats in TgSFI1 constitute binding sites for TgCEN1, but the binding modes of TgCEN1 to the repeats differ appreciably in terms of binding affinity, Ca2+ sensitivity, and lobe-specific interaction. These results suggest that TgCEN1 displays remarkable conformational plasticity, allowing for the distinct repeats in TgSFI1 to possess precise modes of TgCEN1 binding and regulation during Ca2+ sensing, which appears to be crucial for the dynamic association of TgCEN1 with TgSFI1 in the centrosome architecture.
The abundance of nitrogen in QSOs.

Models of photoionized QSO emission-line regions show that measurements of O iii/N iv/C iv or N iii/C iii can yield the C/N/O ratios to an accuracy of a factor 2 or better. The N iii/C iii intensity ratios observed for the QSO PKS 1756+237 (z=1.72) implies a N/C abundance ratio 5 times larger than the solar value. This is comparable with the nitrogen overabundance in the nuclei of nearby galaxies, and it points to advanced chemical evolution in this QSO, with Zapproximately-greater-thanZ/sub sun/. Such a large abundance of nitrogen appears to be exceptional; composite spectra indicate that most QSOs have (N/O) approximately one-fourth to one-half the solar value. (AIP)