Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study on the Role of Olfaction in Host Plant Detection of Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Nymphs

ABSTRACT The American grapevine leafhopper, Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is the vector of the phytoplasma that causes Flavescence dorée, one of the most threatening grapevine yellows disease. The role of olfaction in host plant detection of this species is still unknown. In this study, the attractiveness of a host plant, the grapevine rootstock Vitis riparia × rupestris 101/14, to nymphs was verified through behavioral bioassays in a vertical glass Y-olfactometer. Furthermore, the olfactory sensitivity to odors extracted from grapevine organs headspace and the external morphology of the antennae were studied by electroantennography (EAG) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Headspace collections were made from fresh apical shoots and leaves. Concentrated extracts were analyzed by coupled gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify volatile compounds. In EAG experiments, weak responses to plant odors were recorded. SEM observations indicated the presence of few antennal sensilla, potentially associated with olfaction. Our results suggest that olfactory cues may play a role in the host plant detection of S. titanus nymphs.
Improving Glaucoma Diagnosis by the Combination of Perimetry and HRT Measurements

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine, whether the combination of morphologic data of the optic nerve head and visual field (VF) data would improve diagnosis of glaucoma, on the basis of the measurements alone. Patients and MethodsEighty-eight perimetric glaucomatous and 88 normal optic discs from the Erlangen Glaucoma Registry were matched for age. All normals and patients were examined in a standardized manner (Slitlamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, 24 h-applanation tonometry, automated VF testing, 15-degree optic disc stereographs, and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT)-scanning of the optic disc). The HRT variables were calculated in 4 optic disc sectors. All variables were calculated with the software's standard reference plane. To gain the same allocation of sectors as provided by the HRT software, the VF responses were averaged within 4 sectors. Classification results of these VF responses were compared with the summarized results within 4 sectors. Six different combinations of morphologic and VF data were used to assess their suitability to diagnose the disease. HRT measurements, and the standard output of the Octopus (HRT/PERI1), HRT measurements and the summarized sectors and their standard deviations (HRT/PERI2), HRT measurements, standard output of the octopus and the summarized sectors and their standard deviations (HRT/PERI1/PERI2), standard output of the Octopus (PERI1), summarized sectors of the Octopus and their standard deviations (PERI2) and HRT measurements. To assess the diagnostic value of the different data sets machine learning classifiers, stabilized linear discriminant analysis, classification trees, bagging, and double-bagging were applied. ResultsCombination of morphologic and VF data improved the automated classification rules. The accuracy to diagnose glaucoma just by VF and HRT indices was maximized for double-bagging using both diagnostic tools. An estimated misclassification probability of less than 0.07 could be achieved for the primary open angle glaucoma patients combining HRT and VF sectors by double bagging. So highest sensitivity was 95% and specificity 91%, achieved by double-bagging and combination of HRT, PERI1, and PERI2. ConclusionsThe combination of optic disc measurements and VF data could not only improve glaucoma diagnosis in future, but could also help to find an objective way to diagnose glaucomatous optic atrophy. The limitation of the topographic relationship between structure and function is the individual variability of the optic disc morphology and the subjective variability of VF testing.
Hyperreninemia Characterizing Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Improves after Metformin Therapy

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenemia and insulin resistance. Hyperreninemia is observed in insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemic states. Aims: To investigate the levels of total plasma renin and their possible relationship with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia and to explore the effect of metformin on these parameters in PCOS women. Methods: 48 PCOS women who were age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched with 21 healthy women were studied. Total renin, aldosterone levels, glucose and insulin levels were measured at basal state and during an oral glucose tolerance test in all subjects. A subgroup of women with PCOS was evaluated 6 months after metformin administration. Results: Total renin levels were significantly higher in PCOS women compared to controls. PCOS women compared to controls displayed higher areas under the curve for glucose, insulin and total renin (AUCREN). Mean AUCREN was correlated significantly with insulin resistance indices and positively with free testosterone levels. Total renin, aldosterone, androgen levels and insulin sensitivity indices were significantly improved after 6 months on metformin treatment. Conclusions: PCOS women demonstrated an insulin resistance and hyperandogenemia-related increase in serum total renin levels. Metformin treatment was shown to significantly reduce total renin levels.
Role of geometrical cues in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell survival, growth and osteogenic differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cells play a vital role in bone formation process by differentiating into osteoblasts, in a tissue that offers not a flat but a discontinuous three-dimensional (3D) topography in vivo. In order to understand how geometry may be affecting mesenchymal stem cells, this study explored the influence of 3D geometry on mesenchymal stem cell-fate by comparing cell growth, viability and osteogenic potential using monolayer (two-dimensional, 2D) with microsphere (3D) culture systems normalised to surface area. The results suggested lower cell viability and reduced cell growth in 3D. Alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in 3D; however, both collagen and mineral deposition appeared significantly lower in 3D, even after osteogenic supplementation. Also, there were signs of patchy mineralisation in 3D with or without osteogenic supplementation as early as day 7. These results suggest that the convex surfaces on microspheres and inter-particulate porosity may have led to variable cell morphology and fate within the 3D culture. This study provides deeper insights into geometrical regulation of mesenchymal stem cell responses applicable for bone tissue engineering.
Effects of Diabetes and Level of Glycemia on All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality: The San Antonio Heart Study

OBJECTIVE Although the level of hyperglycemia is clearly a risk factor for microvascular complications in diabetic patients, its role in macrovascular complications remains controversial. We followed 4,875 subjects (65% Mexican-American) for 7–8 years to investigate the effects of diabetes and hyperglycemia on all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. These end points were also analyzed according to quartiles of baseline fasting plasma glucose among diabetic participants. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the relative risks (RRs) for all-cause and CVD mortality. RESULTS Diabetes was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (RR [95% CI] = 2.1 [1.3–3.5] in men; 3.2 [1.9–5.4] in women) and increased CVD mortality (3.2 [1.4–7.1] in men; 8.5 [2.8–25.2] in women). Among diabetic subjects, those in quartile 4 had a 4.2-fold greater risk of all-cause mortality (P < 0.001) and a 4.7-fold greater risk of CVD mortality (P = 0.01) than those in quartiles 1 and 2 combined. After further adjustment for other potential risk factors, subjects in quartile 4 had a 4.9-fold greater risk of all-cause mortality and a 4.9-fold greater risk of CVD mortality than those in quartiles 1 and 2. In addition, hypertension, current smoking, and cholesterol >6.2 mmol/1 were significant predictors of CVD mortality using Cox models. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that diabetes is a predictor of both all-cause and CVD mortality in the general population and that both hyperglycemia and common CVD risk factors are important predictors of all-cause and CVD mortality in diabetic subjects.
Implications of Data Screens on Merger and Acquisition Analysis: A Large Sample Study of Mergers and Acquisitions from 1992-2009

We analyze a comprehensive set of mergers and acquisitions from SDC data from 1992 through 2009. We do not impose common restrictions such as excluding private bidders, small targets, or deals without a deal value. We show a broader scope of mergers and acquisitions activity than that implied in the literature, which generally oversamples larger deals involving public firms. Further, some of our results differ from the extant literature. For example, the finding that mergers occur in waves is attenuated with a greater presence of smaller and/or non-public firms. Also, acquirers gain in most takeovers despite a threefold decline over the sample period in acquirer returns. The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com. , Oxford University Press.
Anomaly Detection and Machine Learning Methods for Network Intrusion Detection : an Industrially Focused Literature Review

This paper outlines a literature review undertaken towards the goal of creating an industrial viable (real world) anomaly detection/machine learning based network intrusion detection system. We develop a taxonomy of available methods, and outline the pros and cons of each. This review leads to several important conclusions: (1) There are a large number of algorithms in the literature with significant level of overlap; (2) given the state of the literature today, it is not possible to objectively select the best algorithm; (3) there is a lack of research on the feature selection process needed for machine learning approaches; and (4) the low base-rate of attacks on computer networks compared with benign traffic means that effective detection systems will consist of many detection algorithms working simultaneously. Keywords— Network Intrusion Detection, Machine Learning, Anomaly Detection
Improved sensitivity of vaginal self‐collection and high‐risk human papillomavirus testing

Self‐collected vaginal specimens tested for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) have been shown to be less sensitive for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer (≥CIN 3) than physician‐collected endocervical specimens. To increase the sensitivity of self‐collected specimens, we studied a self‐sampling device designed to obtain a larger specimen from the upper vagina (POI/NIH self‐sampler) and a more sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based HR‐HPV assay. Women (10,000) were screened with cervical cytology and HR‐HPV testing of vaginal self‐collected and endocervical physician‐collected specimens. Women were randomly assigned to use either a novel self‐collection device (POI/NIH self‐sampler) or conical‐shaped brush (Qiagen). The self‐collected and clinician‐collected specimens were assayed by Cervista (Hologic) and the research only PCR‐based matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF). Women with any abnormal screening test underwent colposcopy and biopsy. Women (8,556), mean age of 38.9, had complete data; 1.6% had ≥ CIN 3. For either HR‐HPV assay, the sensitivity was similar for the two self‐collection devices. Tested with Cervista, the sensitivity for ≥CIN 3 of self‐collected specimens was 70.9% and for endocervical specimens was 95.0% (p = 0.0001). Tested with MALDI‐TOF, the sensitivity for ≥CIN 3 of self‐collected specimens was 94.3% and for endocervical specimens was also 94.3% (p = 1.0). A self‐collected sample using a PCR‐based assay with the capability of very high throughput has similar sensitivity as a direct endocervical specimen obtained by a physician. Large population‐based screening “events” in low‐resource settings could be achieved by promoting self‐collection and centralized high‐throughput, low‐cost testing by PCR‐based MALDI‐TOF.
A review on PFC Cuk converter fed BLDC motor drive using artificial neural network

In this paper a Power Factor Correction Cuk converter fed Brushless DC Motor Drive using a Artificial Neural Network is used. The Speed of the Brushless dc motor is controlled by varying the output of the DC capacitor. A Diode Bridge Rectifier followed by a Cuk converter is fed into a Brushless DC Motor to attain the maximum Power Factor. Here we are evaluating the three modes of operation in discontinuous mode and choosing the best method to achieve maximum Power Factor and to minimize the Total Harmonic Distortion. We are comparing the conventional PWM scheme to the proposed Artificial neural network. Here simulation results reveal that the ANN controllers are very effective and efficient compared to the PI and Fuzzy controllers, because the steady state error in case of ANN control is less and the stabilization if the system is better in it. Also in the ANN methodology the time taken for computation is less since there is no mathematical model. The performance of the proposed system is simulated in a MATLAB/Simulink environment and a hardware prototype of the proposed drive is developed to validate its performance.
Human cartilage is degraded by rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid but not by recombinant cytokines in vitro

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) stimulated significant loss of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) from normal and pathological human cartilage biopsies over 2 days as compared with normal human serum. By contrast, 15 RA SFs failed to degrade killed normal cartilage, and degraded killed RA cartilage less effectively than living RA cartilage. Four RA SFs were treated with neutralizing anti‐cytokine antisera prior to incubation with normal cartilage. The degrading effects of two of the fluids were reversed by anti‐interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) while degradation by the third and fourth fluids were reversed by anti‐intcrleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). respectively. However, recombinant human IL‐1α. 1L‐1β. TNFα or a combination of all three cytokines had no degrading effect in this 2‐day culture system. It is concluded that RA SF degrades cartilage by a mechanism involving a synergistic interaction between cytokines and some other component of SF.
Direct construction of a four-dimensional mesh model from a three-dimensional object with continuous rigid body movement

In the field of design and manufacturing, there are many problems with managing dynamic states of three-dimensional (3D) objects. In order to solve these problems, the four-dimensional (4D) mesh model and its modeling system have been proposed. The 4D mesh model is defined as a 4D object model that is bounded by tetrahedral cells, and can represent spatio-temporal changes of a 3D object continu- ously. The 4D mesh model helps to solve dynamic problems of 3D models as geometric problems. However, the construction of the 4D mesh model is limited on the time-series 3D voxel data based method. This method is memory-hogging and requires much computing time. In this research, we propose a new method of constructing the 4D mesh model that derives from the 3D mesh model with continu- ous rigid body movement. This method is realized by making a swept shape of a 3D mesh model in the fourth dimension and its tetrahe- dralization. Here, the rigid body movement is a screwed movement, which is a combination of translational and rotational movement.
Leptin-Induced IL-6 Production Is Mediated by Leptin Receptor, Insulin Receptor Substrate-1, Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase, Akt, NF-κB, and p300 Pathway in Microglia1

Leptin, the adipocyte-secreted hormone that centrally regulates weight control, is known to function as an immunomodulatory regulator. We investigated the signaling pathway involved in IL-6 production caused by leptin in microglia. Microglia expressed the long (OBRl) and short (OBRs) isoforms of the leptin receptor. Leptin caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in IL-6 production. Leptin-mediated IL-6 production was attenuated by OBRl receptor antisense oligonucleotide, PI3K inhibitor (Ly294002 and wortmannin), Akt inhibitor (1L-6-hydroxymethyl-chiro-inositol-2-((R)-2-O-methyl-3-O-octadecylcarbonate)), NF-κB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate), IκB protease inhibitor (l-1-tosylamido-2-phenylenylethyl chloromethyl ketone), IκBα phosphorylation inhibitor (Bay 117082), or NF-κB inhibitor peptide. Transfection with insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 small-interference RNA or the dominant-negative mutant of p85 and Akt also inhibited the potentiating action of leptin. Stimulation of microglia with leptin activated IκB kinase α/IκB kinase β, IκBα phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 phosphorylation at Ser276, p65 and p50 translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus, and κB-luciferase activity. Leptin-mediated an increase of IκB kinase α/IκB kinase β activity, κB-luciferase activity, and p65 and p50 binding to the NF-κB element was inhibited by wortmannin, Akt inhibitor, and IRS-1 small-interference RNA. The binding of p65 and p50 to the NF-κB elements, as well as the recruitment of p300 and the enhancement of histone H3 and H4 acetylation on the IL-6 promoter was enhanced by leptin. Our results suggest that leptin increased IL-6 production in microglia via the leptin receptor/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB and p300 signaling pathway.
Handing-over model-free objects to human hand with the help of vision/force robot control

Handing-over objects from robot to humans is essential step to perform different tasks especially those requiring physical interaction between the robot and the human, e.g. service robots can help elderly, blind and disabled people or human-robot teamwork could work together in factories. This work will propose a new robot system which combines visual servoing and force control in order to hand over model-free objects from undefined place to human hand. This work will present: 1. vision algorithms which help the robot system to detect and to segment the objects without any information about their model. 2. The possibility for visual tracking of human hand with the help of Kinect camera. 3. The importance of fusion vision and force control in order to ensure the safety during the human-robot interaction. 4. How the robot will deliver the objects to the human hand with the help of vision and force control. This work will be supported with experimental results.
Development of pigment‐dispersing hormone‐immunoreactive neurons in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster

An antiserum against the crustacean pigment‐dispersing hormone (PDH) was used to identify PDH‐immunoreactive neurons in the developing nervous systems of wild type Drosophila melanogaster and the brain mutant disconnected. Particular attention was paid to a group of PDH‐immunoreactive neurons at the anterior margin of the medulla—the pigment‐dispersing factor‐containing neurons close to the medulla (PDFMe neurons)—that seem to be involved in the control of adult circadian rhythmicity. In adults, this group consists of four to six neurons with large somata (large PDFMe neurons) and of four neurons with small somata (small PDFMe neurons). Both subgroups were usually absent in adults of behaviorally arrhythmic mutants of disconnected. In the wild type, PDH immunoreactivity was seen first in the small PDFMe neurons of 4 hour old first‐instar larvae. The small PDFMe neurons were found to persist unchanged into adulthood, whereas the large ones seemed to develop halfway through metamorphosis. Beside the PDFMe neurons, three other clusters of PDH‐immunoreactive neurons were stained in the developing nervous systems of Drosophila and are described in detail. Two of them were located in the brain, and the third was located in the abdominal neuromeres of the thoracic nervous system. In the mutant disconnected, the larval and the adult set of PDFMe neurons were absent. The other clusters of PDH‐immunoreactive neurons seemed to develop normally. The present results are consistent with the hypothesis that the PDFMe neurons are circadian pacemaker neurons that may control rhythmic processes in larvae, pupae, and adults. J. Comp. Neurol. 380:335–354, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pharmacological management of diabetic dyslipidemia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Areas covered: Main goal of hypolipidemic treatment in diabetic patients is low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering with the use of statins. Addition of ezetimibe is useful in diabetic patients who cannot achieve their LDL-C target. However, many diabetic patients have increased residual CVD risk, which is mainly attributed to high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) values. The addition of fenofibrate targets these variables and possibly reduces residual CVD risk, but a possible beneficial effect has been shown only in a pre-specified subgroup analysis in patients with high triglycerides and low HDL-C values. The newer proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors lower substantially LDL-C levels, but data from specifically designed trials in diabetic patients are not currently available. Although the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors have shown harmful effects or lack of efficacy in completed clinical trials, the newer CETP inhibitors have promising effects on lipid profile and carbohydrate metabolism, but their effects on CVD risk and safety profile have not been assessed. Expert commentary: Clinicians have a range of pharmacological options to reduce the CVD risk of diabetic patients.
Identification of a Functional Homolog of the Mammalian CYP3A4 in Locusts

Insects have been proposed as a new tool in early drug development. It was recently demonstrated that locusts have an efflux transporter localized in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that is functionally similar to the mammalian P-glycoprotein efflux transporter. Two insect BBB models have been put forward, an ex vivo model and an in vivo model. To use the in vivo model it is necessary to fully characterize the locust as an entire organism with regards to metabolic pathways and excretion rate. In the present study, we have characterized the locust metabolism of terfenadine, a compound that in humans is specific to the cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry coupled to ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, we have detected metabolites identical to human metabolites of terfenadine. The formation of human metabolites in locusts was inhibited by ketoconazole, a mammalian CYP3A4 inhibitor, suggesting that the enzyme responsible for the human metabolite formation in locusts is functionally similar to human CYP3A4. Besides the human metabolites of terfenadine, additional metabolites were formed in locusts. These were tentatively identified as phosphate and glucose conjugates. In conclusion, not only may locusts be a model useful for determining BBB permeation, but possibly insects could be used in metabolism investigation. However, extensive characterization of the insect model is necessary to determine its applicability.