Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Burkholderia cenocepacia disrupts host cell actin cytoskeleton by inactivating Rac and Cdc42

Burkholderia cenocepacia, a member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, is an opportunistic pathogen that causes devastating infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The ability of B. cenocepacia to survive within host cells could contribute significantly to its virulence in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we explored the mechanisms that enable B. cenocepacia to survive inside macrophages. We found that B. cenocepacia disrupts the actin cytoskeleton of infected macrophages, drastically altering their morphology. Submembranous actin undergoes depolymerization, leading to cell retraction. The bacteria perturb actin architecture by inactivating Rho family GTPases, particularly Rac1 and Cdc42. GTPase inactivation follows internalization of viable B. cenocepacia and compromises phagocyte function: macropinocytosis and phagocytosis are markedly inhibited, likely impairing the microbicidal and antigen‐presenting capability of infected macrophages. The type VI secretion system is essential for the bacteria to elicit these changes. This is the first report demonstrating inactivation of Rho family GTPases by a member of the B. cepacia complex.
A study of six-phase diode rectifier with tap-changer interphase reactor

In power systems with simultaneous AC and rectified loads, it is important to eliminate effectively the AC current harmonic distortion. This paper presents a detailed analysis of six-phase diode rectifier system with tap-changer. Mathematical models are established under reasonable assumptions, considering commutation processes or not. AC current and output DC voltage waveforms are provided via analytic method. Furthermore, a Fourier series expansion of the AC current is presented. According to the theoretical and experimental results, the influential factors of current harmonic distortion are examined and the optimum turn ratio of the tap-changer is derived. Achievements in this paper are a most important technical guidance for the design of the scheme.
Network protocol system monitoring: a formal approach with passive testing

We study network protocol system monitoring for fault detection using a formal technique of passive testing that is a process of detecting system faults by passively observing its input/output behaviors without interrupting its normal operations. After describing a formal model of event-driven extended finite state machines, we present two algorithms for passive testing of protocol system control and data portions. Experimental results on OSPF and TCP are reported.
A Multipronged Intervention for Treatment of Psychotic Symptoms from Post-football Traumatic Brain Injury in an Adolescent Male: A Case Report

Abstract Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in adolescents. TBI can result in impaired cognitive functioning and mood disturbance. In some cases, TBI results in psychotic symptoms. There is little documentation for treatment of psychotic symptoms resulting from TBI. Case presentation The present case study reviews an adolescent male who was seen in an outpatient behavioral health clinic, following a football-related TBI. The TBI resulted in postconcussive syndrome including psychotic symptoms (i.e., visual and auditory hallucinations) and increased anxiety. Management and Outcome The adolescent underwent 12 individual sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and 7 sessions of family therapy for his anxiety and psychotic symptoms. He also underwent Vestibulo-Ocular Therapy. At the end of treatment, the patient's anxiety symptoms and those related to post-concussive syndrome were in remission with no hallucinations experienced for >6 months. Discussion The results provide encouragement for systematic randomized controlled trials of individual and family behavioral interventions as part of an integrated treatment approach for mild TBI.
System performance in microgrids based hybrid PV systems

Retrofitting existing diesel based microgrids to integrate renewable energy resources is of significant interest to microgrid developers. There are many technical challenges in the integration of renewable energy resources in the context of microgrid. Among the numerous issues associated with micro-grids, system operation considering spinning reserve management should be properly studied to allow a better understanding of the system performance and potential savings due to renewable energy integrations at planning stages. This paper presents the system performance study of the integration of a photovoltaic (PV) system in a diesel generation based microgrid. The impacts of solar PV system considering spinning reserve requirements are studied. Realistic data from a 20 MW mining project is used as a case study to perform analysis. The results show the feasibility and benefit of the hybrid PV system.
Benefits of Order: The Influence of Item Sequencing on Metacognition in Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract The ability to appraise one's own ability has been found to have an important role in the recovery and quality of life of clinical populations. Examinee and task variables have been found to influence metacognition in healthy students; however the effect of these variables on the metacognitive accuracy of adults with neurological insult, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), remains unknown. Twenty-two adults with moderate and severe TBI and a matched sample of healthy adults participated in this study examining the influence of item sequencing on metacognitive functioning. Retrospective confidence judgments were collected while participants completed a modified version of the Matrix Reasoning subtest. Significant influence of item sequence order was found, revealing better metacognitive abilities and performance when participants completed tasks where item difficulty progressed in order from easy to difficult. We interpret these findings to suggest that the sequencing of item difficulty offers “anchors” for gauging and adjusting to task demands. (JINS, 2012, 18, 379–383)
[Brazilian version of the Cornell depression scale in dementia].

OBJECTIVE Translating and adapting the Cornell scale for depression in dementia to the Portuguese language and verifying the interrater and test-retest reliability of the translated and adapted version. METHOD The Cornell scale was translated into Portuguese and back translated into English. Divergences of translation were identified and discussed, resulting in a version which was submitted to a pre-test for cross-cultural adaptation. The final version was administered to a sample of 29 patients with probable AD and to their caregivers. RESULTS The Cornell Scale presented good interrater (Kappa=0,77; p<0,001) and test-retest reliability (Kappa=0,76; p<0,001). The final version was easy to administer and well understood by the caregivers. CONCLUSION The Brazilian version of the Cornell Scale is an instrument with good reliability to evaluate depression in patients with dementia. This tool will contribute to the evaluation and follow-up of depressed patients with dementia in our population and may also be used in multicentric studies with Brazilian population.
Stability Analysis and H∞-Control of Delayed Neutral Stochastic Systems with Time-Varying Parameter Uncertainties

This paper is concerned with studying robust stochastic stability, stabilization and H∞-control of uncertain neutral stochastic systems with time-delay. Under the assumption that parametric uncertainties are time-varying and norm-bounded, delay-dependent sufficient conditions expressed by linear matrix inequalities are derived for the problems of robust stochastic stability, stabilization and H∞-control of uncertain neutral stochastic systems with time-delay. The usefulness of the theoretical results is exemplified by two numerical examples
Food Web Implications of δ13C and δ15N Variability over 370 km of the Regulated Colorado River USA

Abstract Dual stable isotope analysis in the regulated Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park, USA, revealed a food web that varied spatially through this arid biome. Down-river enrichment of δ13C data was detected across three trophic levels resulting in shifted food webs. Humpack chub δ13C and δ15N values from muscle plugs and fin clips did not differ significantly. Humpback chub and rainbow trout trophic position is positively correlated with standard length indicating an increase in piscivory by larger fishes. Recovery of the aquatic community from impoundment by Glen Canyon Dam and collecting refinements for stable isotope analysis within large rivers are discussed.
Inclined plane initial tracking voltage for AC, +DC and -DC

The tracking voltage in the inclined plane test with AC is compared to the tracking voltage with DC, using the initial-tracking-voltage test method as per ASTM D2303 and a proposed coefficient of variation parameter. The severity of DC, as opposed to AC voltage, on RTV silicone rubber materials is confirmed using both strategies, where +DC is found to be the most severe voltage. The leakage current waveforms are found to consist of two components corresponding to wetting of the surface and to dry-band arcing. The mean value of the leakage current is a reflection of the wetting of the surface; whereas, the leakage current variation is a reflection of the dry-band arcing. Accordingly, a coefficient of variation parameter is proposed as an indicator of the relative severity of the dry band-arcing. Employing this coefficient of variation parameter, the ratios of the equivalent +DC and -DC to AC initial-tracking voltage are attained for 30 wt% silica filled two-part RTV silicone rubber. The results obtained using the coefficient of variation parameter have been verified experimentally using the initial-tracking-voltage in ASTM D2303.
A hybrid rugosity mesostructure (HRM) for rendering fine haptic detail

The haptic rendering of surface mesostructure (fine relief features) in dense triangle meshes requires special structures, equipment, and high sampling rates for detailed perception of rugged models. Some approaches simulate haptic texture at a lower processing cost, but at the expense of fidelity of perception. We propose a better method for rendering fine surface detail by using image-based Hybrid Rugosity Mesostructures (HRMs), composed of paired maps of piece-wise heightfield displacements and corresponding normals, which are layered on top of a less complex mesh, adding greater surface detail than the one actually present in the geometry. The core of the algorithm renders surface features by modulating the haptic probe's force response using a blended HRM coat. The proposed method solves typical problems arising at edge crossings, concave foldings and smoothing texture stitching transitions across edges. By establishing a common set of specially devised meshes, HRM mesostructures, and a battery of performance tests, we build a usability testing framework that allows a fair and balanced experimental procedure for comparing haptic rendering approaches. The trial results and user testing evaluations show the goodness of the proposed HRM technique in the accurate rendering of high 3D surface detail at low processing costs, deriving useful modeling and perception thresholds for this technique.
A microstructural investigation of intervertebral disc lamellar connectivity: detailed analysis of the translamellar bridges

Little is known about the complex forces acting on the deformable multi‐layered annulus at a microstructural level as the spine is compressed, flexed and twisted. The recently described translamellar bridging network radially linking many lamellae at discrete locations around the disc wall could be expected to play a significant biomechanical role. In this study, segments of annular wall that were sectioned at a range of angles (oblique, in‐plane, sagittal and transverse) were examined using differential interference contrast microscopy to fully elucidate the fibrous detail of the translamellar bridging structures. Typically encompassing a width of 300–600 µm, translamellar bridging fibres proceed radially in the interbundle space within an individual lamella. Upon traversing the lamella, the bulk of these radial fibres bend through 90° to merge with the fibres of the adjacent lamellae. The central fibres of this bridging system continue into the equivalent bridging structures in the adjacent lamellae. As well as exposing structural details that underpin the biomechanical properties of the disc wall, this study has also exposed the limitations of using standard section planes commonly employed by disc researchers.
Exploring the rare S-H...S hydrogen bond using charge density analysis in isomers of mercaptobenzoic acid.

Experimental and theoretical charge density analyses on isomers of mercaptobenzoic acid have been carried out to quantify the hydrogen bonding of the hitherto less explored thiols, to assess the strength of the interactions using the topological features of the electron density. The electron density study offers interesting insights into the nature of the S-H.S interaction. The interaction energy is comparable with that of a weak hydrogen bond. The strength and directionality of the S-H.S hydrogen bond is demonstrated to be mainly due to the conformation locking potential of the intramolecular S.O chalcogen bond in 2-mercaptobenzoic acid and is stronger than in 3-mercaptobenzoic acid, which lacks the intramolecular S.O bond. The para-substituted mercaptobenzoic acid depicts a type I S.S interaction.
Habilitation Livestock Transcriptomics : Quantitative mRNA Analytics in

Molecular technologies are currently evolving rapidly in agricultural and veterinary sciences. This results in an immense progress in the accumulation of new data potentially useful for molecular diagnostics in farm animal physiology, immunology, diseases and new breeding strategies. While we are still at the “very beginning” of understanding genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics in relation to animal physiology, this development has dramatically changed our perspectives in research during the last decade. It can be foreseen, that the application of sophisticated rather than simple methods will be necessary for numerous diagnostic questions. One of this highly sophisticated methodologies is the quantitative assessment of target nucleic acids, mostly performed as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA level or combined with reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) to investigate the transcriptome on RNA level. This review will introduce the state of the art in quantitative RT-PCR using real-time RT-PCR on the field of livestock molecular endocrinology and physiology.
Influence of Glutamate Receptor Antagonists on Micturition in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury

This study was undertaken to determine if an AMPA (LY215490) or an NMDA (MK-801) glutamatergic receptor antagonist can reduce urinary tract dysfunctions related to detrusor hyperreflexia and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in awake, spinal cord-injured (SCI) rats. Experiments were performed on female Sprague-Dawley rats in which the spinal cord was completely transected at T(8-10) level, 2-3 weeks prior to performing an intravesical continuous infusion cystometrogram (CMG). Bladder volume threshold (VT) for inducing voiding and voiding efficiency (VE) were determined by measuring voided volumes and residual volumes (RV). After control CMGs were performed, cumulative intravenous doses of LY215490 (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg) or MK-801 (0.03, 0.3, and 3 mg/kg) were administered at 120-min intervals. Small doses of LY215490 (0.1 mg/kg) or MK-801 (0. 03 and 0.3 mg/kg) did not affect any parameters. A large dose (10 mg/kg) of LY215490 decreased maximal voiding pressure (MVP) by 27% and increased RV by 119% and VT by 58% but did not decrease VE. The highest cumulative dose (3 mg/kg) of MK-801 significantly increased RV by 134% and VT by 44% and markedly decreased VE by 60% and MVP by 18%. The effects of LY215490 to reduce MVP and increase VT without changing VE suggest that an AMPA receptor antagonist might be useful in treating detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and bladder hypertrophy after SCI. The effect of MK-801 to markedly reduce VE indicates that NMDA receptor antagonists may exacerbate neurogenic bladder dysfunction in SCI patients.
Oligosaccharides as Signals and Substrates in the Plant Cell Wall

An oligosaccharide is any short chain of sugar residues interconnected by glycosidic linkages. A few select oligosaccharides can, at very low concentrations, exert 'signaling" effects on plant tissues. Such oligosaccharides are termed 'oligosaccharins" (Darvill et al., 1992; Aldington and Fry, 1993), and their discovery has provoked much research. Most known oligosaccharins have been produced artificially by the acidor enzyme-catalyzed fragmentation of cell wall polysaccharides. Glycoproteins have also been implicated as sources of oligosaccharins. The concept has thus arisen that polysaccharides and glycoproteins, many of which have structural and/or enzymic roles (Bacic et al., 1988), also act as the locked-up form of nove1 signaling molecules. Some oligosaccharins are "elicitors," i.e. they induce responses that may help the plant to resist disease. The same and other oligosaccharins, however, also have effects on growth and development that are not obviously related to disease resistance. These non-elicitor effects will be the emphasis of the present article. Not surprisingly, some oligosaccharins have tumed out to be substrates for specific plant enzymes. Indeed, studies of oligosaccharins have led to the discovery of new cell wall enzymes. This aspect will also be explored because it may in some cases shed light on the mode of action of oligosacchar-
Dielectric frequency response of oil-paper composite insulation with transient moisture distribution

Because the temperature and load of transformer are variable, the moisture is usually inhomogeneous in oil-paper, especially for the traction transformer. In order to research the dielectric relaxation behavior of the oil-paper composite insulation with an inhomogeneous moisture distribution, it was proposed that a theoretical model for dielectric medium with an arbitrary distribution of conductivity and dielectric constant. The dielectric frequency response of oil-paper with transient moisture distribution was simulated by using the proposed model. The results show that transient moisture distribution caused the concentration polarization(CP), which enhanced the low-frequency relaxation. The model is validated against experimental data.
Effects of celecoxib or omega-3 fatty acids alone and in combination with risperidone on the behavior and brain biochemistry in amphetamine-induced model of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disease affecting approximately 1% of the world population (1). The symptoms of schizophrenia are classified into positive symptoms, which represent distortion of normal functioning and include delusion and hallucinations, paranoia, agitation; negative symptoms, which represent a deficit in functioning and include social withdrawal, affective flattening, and lack of motivation and cognitive symptoms which comprise deficits in learning, memory, attention, and executive functions (2-3).
Nonlinear control of a nanohexacopter nanohexacopter nanohexacopter carrying a manipulator arm

This paper proposes a simple solution for stabilization of a nano-hexacopter carrying a manipulator arm in order to increase the type of missions achievable by these types of systems. The manipulator arm is attached to the lower part of the hexacopter. The motion of the arm induces a change of the center of mass of the whole body, which induces torques which can produce the loss of stability. The present work deals with the stabilization of the whole system that is hexacopter and arm by means of a set of nonlinear control laws. First, an attitude control, stabilizes the hexacopter to a desired attitude taking into account the movement of the arm. Then, a suitable virtual control and the translational dynamics allow the formulation of a nonlinear controller, which drives the aerial vehicle to a desired position. Both controls consist in saturation functions. Experimental results validate the proposed control strategy and compares the results when the motion of the arm is taken into account or not.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for Mexican salamanders of the genus Ambystoma

We screened a partial genomic library enriched for microsatellites and characterized nine loci for the Mexican species of Ambystoma for studies of population structure. We tested marker variability in two metamorphic ( A. granulosum , A. altamirani ) and two paedomorphic ( A. andersoni , A. mexicanum ) species of the A. tigrinum complex. Our microsatellites were developed from pooled genomic DNA from three species, and may work on all species in the A. tigrinum complex in Mexico. These markers will be important for studies of conservation genetics in this radiation.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EPIGLOTTIC INVERSION IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

This single cohort, retrospective, descriptive study, was conducted because of anecdotal, clinical observations that most children with cerebral palsy exhibit limited epiglottic inversion during swallowing. Puree bolus swallows from previously recorded Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies (VFSS) of children with cerebral palsy were analyzed with image processing software to compare the degree of the epiglottic angle before the swallow to the epiglottic angle at maximum rotation, and the competence of airway protection using the Penetration-Aspiration Scale. Data were analyzed to describe correlation between angle of epiglottic inversion and entry of material into the laryngeal vestibule. Descriptive statistics were used to describe means and standard deviation of epiglottic inversion, penetration-aspiration score, and the age and sex of the participants. A comparison was made between angle of epiglottic inversion in children with cerebral palsy and healthy norms. Findings of this study included significantly limited epiglottic inversion in children with cerebral palsy. A correlation was not demonstrated between epiglottic inversion and penetration aspiration scores.
[3H]Ketanserin (Serotonin Type 2) Binding Increases in Rat Cortex Following Basal Forebrain Lesions with Ibotenic Acid

Abstract: The response of the serotonergic system following injury to the basal forebrain cholinergic system was investigated in rats. The density of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) type 2 (S2) receptor sites in the frontal cortex and hippocampus was determined 1 week and 4 months after production of lesions by injections of ibotenic acid into the medial septum and nucleus basalis magnocellularis. One week later, the number of S2 receptor sites in the frontal neocortex, as defined by [3H]ketanserin binding, was unchanged. Four months later, the number of [3H]ketanserin binding sites (and Bmax) was increased and high‐affinity [3H]serotonin uptake was decreased in the frontal neocortex, but not in the hippocampus, relative to unlesioned controls. Choline acetyltransferase (acetyl‐CoA:choline O‐acetyltrans ferase; EC 2.3.1.6) activity was decreased significantly in the frontal neocortex and hippocampus 1 week and 4 months after surgery. The change in frontal neocortical S2 receptor site density (a) was inversely related to the level of choline acetyltransferase activity, (b) was specific for cholinergic denervation associated with the cortex but not the hippocampus, and (c) may represent a localized denervation supersensitivity due to degeneration of median raphe cortical afferents.
Evaluation of a porcine model for pulmonary gene transfer using a novel synthetic vector

The pig lung, given its gross anatomical, histological and physiological similarities to the human lung, may be useful as a large animal model, in addition to rodents, in which to assess the potential of vectors for pulmonary airway gene transfer. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of the pig lung as a model of gene transfer to the human lung with a synthetic vector system.