Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accounting for the role of hematocrit in between‐subject variations of MRI‐derived baseline cerebral hemodynamic parameters and functional BOLD responses

Baseline hematocrit fraction (Hct) is a determinant for baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF) and between‐subject variation of Hct thus causes variation in task‐based BOLD fMRI signal changes. We first verified in healthy volunteers (n = 12) that Hct values can be derived reliably from venous blood T1 values by comparison with the conventional lab test. Together with CBF measured using phase‐contrast MRI, this noninvasive estimation of Hct, instead of using a population‐averaged Hct value, enabled more individual determination of oxygen delivery (DO2), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2). The inverse correlation of CBF and Hct explained about 80% of between‐subject variation of CBF in this relatively uniform cohort of subjects, as expected based on the regulation of DO2 to maintain constant CMRO2. Furthermore, we compared the relationships of visual task‐evoked BOLD response with Hct and CBF. We showed that Hct and CBF contributed 22%–33% of variance in BOLD signal and removing the positive correlation with Hct and negative correlation with CBF allowed normalization of BOLD signal with 16%–22% lower variability. The results of this study suggest that adjustment for Hct effects is useful for studies of MRI perfusion and BOLD fMRI. Hum Brain Mapp 39:344–353, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid and Scalable Plant-based Production of a Cholera Toxin B Subunit Variant to Aid in Mass Vaccination against Cholera Outbreaks

Introduction Cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) is a component of an internationally licensed oral cholera vaccine. The protein induces neutralizing antibodies against the holotoxin, the virulence factor responsible for severe diarrhea. A field clinical trial has suggested that the addition of CTB to killed whole-cell bacteria provides superior short-term protection to whole-cell-only vaccines; however, challenges in CTB biomanufacturing (i.e., cost and scale) hamper its implementation to mass vaccination in developing countries. To provide a potential solution to this issue, we developed a rapid, robust, and scalable CTB production system in plants. Methodology/Principal Findings In a preliminary study of expressing original CTB in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana, the protein was N-glycosylated with plant-specific glycans. Thus, an aglycosylated CTB variant (pCTB) was created and overexpressed via a plant virus vector. Upon additional transgene engineering for retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and optimization of a secretory signal, the yield of pCTB was dramatically improved, reaching >1 g per kg of fresh leaf material. The protein was efficiently purified by simple two-step chromatography. The GM1-ganglioside binding capacity and conformational stability of pCTB were virtually identical to the bacteria-derived original B subunit, as demonstrated in competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, surface plasmon resonance, and fluorescence-based thermal shift assay. Mammalian cell surface-binding was corroborated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. pCTB exhibited strong oral immunogenicity in mice, inducing significant levels of CTB-specific intestinal antibodies that persisted over 6 months. Moreover, these antibodies effectively neutralized the cholera holotoxin in vitro. Conclusions/Significance Taken together, these results demonstrated that pCTB has robust producibility in Nicotiana plants and retains most, if not all, of major biological activities of the original protein. This rapid and easily scalable system may enable the implementation of pCTB to mass vaccination against outbreaks, thereby providing better protection of high-risk populations in developing countries.
Error Bounds for Uplink and Downlink 3D Localization in 5G Millimeter Wave Systems

Location-aware communication systems are expected to play a pivotal part in the next generation of mobile communication networks. Therefore, there is a need to understand the localization limits in these networks, particularly, using millimeter-wave technology (mm-wave). Towards that, we address the uplink and downlink localization limits in terms of 3D position and orientation error bounds for mm-wave multipath channels. We also carry out a detailed analysis of the dependence of the bounds on different system parameters. Our key findings indicate that the uplink and downlink behave differently in two distinct ways. First of all, the error bounds have different scaling factors with respect to the number of antennas in the uplink and downlink. Secondly, uplink localization is sensitive to the orientation angle of the user equipment (UE), whereas downlink is not. Moreover, in the considered outdoor scenarios, the non-line-of-sight paths generally improve localization when a line-of-sight path exists. Finally, our numerical results show that mm-wave systems are capable of localizing a UE with sub-meter position error, and sub-degree orientation error.
Regulation of neurite morphogenesis by interaction between R7 regulator of G protein signaling complexes and G protein subunit Gα13

The R7 regulator of G protein signaling family (R7-RGS) critically regulates nervous system development and function. Mice lacking all R7-RGS subtypes exhibit diverse neurological phenotypes, and humans bearing mutations in the retinal R7-RGS isoform RGS9-1 have vision deficits. Although each R7-RGS subtype forms heterotrimeric complexes with Gβ5 and R7-RGS-binding protein (R7BP) that regulate G protein-coupled receptor signaling by accelerating deactivation of Gi/o α-subunits, several neurological phenotypes of R7-RGS knock-out mice are not readily explained by dysregulated Gi/o signaling. Accordingly, we used tandem affinity purification and LC-MS/MS to search for novel proteins that interact with R7-RGS heterotrimers in the mouse brain. Among several proteins detected, we focused on Gα13 because it had not been linked to R7-RGS complexes before. Split-luciferase complementation assays indicated that Gα13 in its active or inactive state interacts with R7-RGS heterotrimers containing any R7-RGS isoform. LARG (leukemia-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF)), PDZ-RhoGEF, and p115RhoGEF augmented interaction between activated Gα13 and R7-RGS heterotrimers, indicating that these effector RhoGEFs can engage Gα13·R7-RGS complexes. Because Gα13/R7-RGS interaction required R7BP, we analyzed phenotypes of neuronal cell lines expressing RGS7 and Gβ5 with or without R7BP. We found that neurite retraction evoked by Gα12/13-dependent lysophosphatidic acid receptors was augmented in R7BP-expressing cells. R7BP expression blunted neurite formation evoked by serum starvation by signaling mechanisms involving Gα12/13 but not Gαi/o. These findings provide the first evidence that R7-RGS heterotrimers interact with Gα13 to augment signaling pathways that regulate neurite morphogenesis. This mechanism expands the diversity of functions whereby R7-RGS complexes regulate critical aspects of nervous system development and function.
Rapid and durable response to intravenous immunoglobulin in delayed heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: a case report

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) results in platelet consumption and a virulent thrombotic state, which generally responds to cessation of heparin and initiation of anticoagulation. Rarely, delayed HIT can occur and/or persist after heparin is discontinued.
Impaired Collateral Flow Compensation During Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion in the Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Background and Purpose— The presence of collaterals is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack in patients with steno-occlusive carotid artery disease. Although metabolic syndrome negatively impacts collateral status, it is unclear whether and to what extent type 2 diabetes mellitus affects cerebral collateral flow regulation during hypoperfusion. Methods— We examined the spatial and temporal changes of the leptomeningeal collateral flow and the flow dynamics of the penetrating arterioles in the distal middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery branches over 2 weeks after unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) using optical coherent tomography in db/+ and db/db mice. We also assessed the temporal adaptation of the circle of Willis after CCAO by measuring circle of Willis vessel diameters. Results— After unilateral CCAO, db/db mice exhibited diminished leptomeningeal collateral flow compensation compared with db/+ mice, which coincided with a reduced dilation of distal anterior cerebral artery branches, leading to reduced flow not only in pial vessels but also in penetrating arterioles bordering the distal middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery. However, no apparent cell death was detected in either strain of mice during the first week after CCAO. db/db mice also experienced a more severe early reduction in the vessel diameters of several ipsilateral main feeding arteries in the circle of Willis, in addition to a delayed post-CCAO adaptive response by 1 to 2 weeks, compared with db/+ mice. Conclusions— Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an additional risk factor for hemodynamic compromise during cerebral hypoperfusion, which may increase the severity and the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack.
Analytical study of heart disease diagnosis using classification techniques

Heart disease is the number one problem for world. Heart disease more than people deaths occur during the first heart attack. But not only for heart attack have some problems attacked for breast cancer, lung cancer, ventricle. Valve, etc… It is essential to have a frame work that can effectually recognize the prevalence of heart disease in thousands of samples instaneously. In this paper the potential of nine (9) classification techniques was evaluated of prediction of heart disease. Namely decision tree, naive Bayesian neural network, SVM.ANN, KNN. My proposed algorithm of Apriori algorithm and SVM (support vector machine) in heart disease prediction. Using medical profiles such as a age, sex, blood pressure, chest pain type, fasting blood sugar. It can predict like of patients getting heart disease Based on this, medical society takes part interest in detecting and preventing the heart disease. From the analysis it have proved that classification based techniques contribute high effectiveness and obtain high accuracy compare than the previous methods.
Silver nanoparticles enhance the sensitivity of temozolomide on human glioma cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) continues to be associated with a dismal prognosis despite aggressive treatment. Significant efforts are being made to develop new nanotechnology-based therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Nanoparticles can act directly on cancer cells or as drug carriers to enhance the cancer therapeutic effect. In this study, we investigated the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on human glioma U251 cells and its role in the combinational use with Temozolomide (TMZ), an imidazotetrazine derivative of the alkylating agent dacarbazine, against glioma cells. AgNPs were synthesized in the sodium citrate system and the mean size were 26 nm in diameter. The AgNP particles showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity on U251 cells. They also showed the ability to enhance the drug-sensitivity of TMZ on U251 cells. Our results revealed that AgNPs could have a potential application in enhancing chemotherapy for glioma.
PART OF A SPECIAL ISSUE ON POPULATION BIOLOGY Ecological effects of cell-level processes: genome size, functional traits and regional abundance of herbaceous plant species

†Background and Aims Genome size is known to be correlated with a number of phenotypic traits associated with cell sizes and cell-division rates. Genome size was therefore used as a proxy for them in order to assess how common plant traits such as height, specific leaf area and seed size/number predict species regional abundance. In this study it is hypothesized that if there is residual correlation between genome size and abundance after these traits are partialled out, there must be additional ecological effects of cell size and/or cell-division rate. †Methods Variation in genome size, plant traits and regional abundance were examined in 436 herbaceous species of central European flora, and relationships were sought for among these variables by correlation and path analysis. †Key Results Species regional abundance was weakly but significantly correlated with genome size; the relationship was stronger for annuals (R 2 ¼ 0.145) than for perennials (R 2 ¼ 0.027). In annuals, genome size was linked to abundance via its effect on seed size, which constrains seed number and hence population growth rate. In perennials, it weakly affected (via height and specific leaf area) competitive ability. These relationships did not change qualitatively after phylogenetic correction. In both annuals and perennials there was an unresolved effect of genome size on abundance. †Conclusions The findings indicate that additional predictors of regional abundance should be sought among variables that are linked to cell size and cell-division rate. Signals of these cell-level processes remain identifiable even at the landscape scale, and show deep differences between perennials and annuals. Plant population biology could thus possibly benefit from more systematic use of indicators of cell-level processes.
Object Picking Through In-Hand Manipulation Using Passive End-Effectors With Zero Mobility

This letter presents a new method for picking objects through quasistatic in-hand manipulation with end-effectors that have no degrees of freedom. Our stable manipulation/grasp planning is achieved with two contacts at fixed distance and the force of gravity, and is provably complete and correct. Practically, our robotic in-hand manipulation technique can facilitate low-cost manipulation and render simple end-effectors such as the parallel-jaw gripper more dexterous in picking, placing, and handing-off objects in case, for example, failing actuated grippers become frozen and it is impossible to exert sufficiently large internal forces. Our picking technique can also be applied to placing objects. Implementation and experimentation on a custom-made direct-drive manipulator and a conventional manipulator are presented. Many experiments were performed for both picking and placing and the results demonstrate usefulness of this method for manipulating a variety of common objects, with different geometries and surface conditions.
Burgeoning Data Repository Systems, Characteristics, and Development Strategies: Insights of Natural Resources and Environmental Scientists

Abstract Currently, we are witnessing the emergence and abundance of many different data repositories and archival systems for scientific data discovery, use, and analysis. With the burgeoning of available data-sharing platforms, this study addresses how scientists working in the fields of natural resources and environmental sciences navigate these diverse data sources, what their concerns and value propositions are toward multiple data discovery channels, and most importantly, how they perceive the characteristics and compare the functionalities of different types of data repository systems. Through a user community research of domain scientists on their data use dynamics and insights, this research provides strategies and discusses ideas on how to leverage these different platforms. Furthermore, it proposes a top–down, novel approach to the processes of searching, browsing, and visualizing for the dynamic exploration of environmental data.
MiR‐144 affects fatty acid composition by regulating ELOVL6 expression in duck hepatocytes

Lipid metabolism in duck is very important for both raisers and people's health. In our previous studies, we have detected that miR‐144 is related to duck lipid metabolism and validated one of its target genes, elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 6 (ELOVL6). In the present study, we isolated, cultured, and identified duck hepatocytes, and transfected with miR‐144 mimics/inhibitor to mediate the miR‐144 level. The qRT‐PCR results showed that the ELOVL6 expression in duck hepatocytes was down/upregulated, respectively. The fat contents and each fatty‐acid percent content of the hepatocytes and medium were also determined. When ELOVL6 expression suppressed (miR‐144 mimics transfected), the palmitic acid (C16:0) content was significantly increased (P < 0.05); the oleic acid (C18:1, n‐9), eicosenoic acid (C20:1, n‐9), and eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3) contents were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The myristic acid (C14:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) contents were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the oleic acid (C18:1, n‐9) content was significantly increased (P < 0.05) when ELOVL6 expression upregulated (miR‐144 inhibitor transfected). It indicated that miR‐144 could regulate some saturated fatty acids elongated to longer unsaturated fatty acids through controlling ELOVL6 expression. Whereas, miR‐144/ELOVL6 appeared not associated with fat deposition in duck hepatocytes (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that miR‐144 might regulate the percentages of fatty acids in duck hepatocytes through affecting ELOVL6 expression.
SmartBAN With Periodic Monitoring Traffic: A Performance Study on Low Delay and High Energy Efficiency

The smart body area network (SmartBAN) is a recently proposed system for wireless body area networks (WBANs). Compared to conventional WBANs, it is designed to support lower system complexity and ultralow power consumption. In a SmartBAN, the sensors’ access is scheduled upon receiving a beacon on the data channel at the beginning of each working cycle, termed as interbeacon interval (IBI). As network performance, including delay and energy consumption, is highly dependent on the length of IBI, we present, in this paper, an optimal IBI frame for SmartBAN. Our focus is on the delivery of uplink periodically-generated sensor data with low delay and high energy efficiency. As periodic traffic is a common traffic pattern widely generated in e-health applications, for which most previously proposed Markov models for WBANs are inapplicable, a closed-form analytical delay model for periodic SmartBAN transmission is derived. Exploiting this model, a time-optimized framework that minimizes average uplink delay is formulated. An adaptive IBI algorithm is then proposed to determine the optimal IBI during the network connection between hub and sensors. Finally, sleep mode in sensors and doze mode in the hub are introduced to reduce energy consumption under the proposed framework. With optimal IBI, the percentage of energy savings and channel efficiency is evaluated. Simulation and theoretical results show that by using the proposed time-optimized framework, both delay and energy consumption of periodic traffic are significantly reduced. Comparisons with the IEEE 802.15. 6 WBAN show performance improvements in periodic uplink delay and energy consumption with our proposed time-optimized framework for SmartBANs.
The Virtual Environment for Rapid Prototyping of the Intelligent Environment

Advances in domains such as sensor networks and electronic and ambient intelligence have allowed us to create intelligent environments (IEs). However, research in IE is being held back by the fact that researchers face major difficulties, such as a lack of resources for their experiments. Indeed, they cannot easily build IEs to evaluate their approaches. This is mainly because of economic and logistical issues. In this paper, we propose a simulator to build virtual IEs. Simulators are a good alternative to physical IEs because they are inexpensive, and experiments can be conducted easily. Our simulator is open source and it provides users with a set of virtual sensors that simulates the behavior of real sensors. This simulator gives the user the capacity to build their own environment, providing a model to edit inhabitants’ behavior and an interactive mode. In this mode, the user can directly act upon IE objects. This simulator gathers data generated by the interactions in order to produce datasets. These datasets can be used by scientists to evaluate several approaches in IEs.
Caffeine Consumption Prevents Diabetes-Induced Memory Impairment and Synaptotoxicity in the Hippocampus of NONcZNO10/LTJ Mice

Diabetic conditions are associated with modified brain function, namely with cognitive deficits, through largely undetermined processes. More than understanding the underlying mechanism, it is important to devise novel strategies to alleviate diabetes-induced cognitive deficits. Caffeine (a mixed antagonist of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors) emerges as a promising candidate since caffeine consumption reduces the risk of diabetes and effectively prevents memory deficits caused by different noxious stimuli. Thus, we took advantage of a novel animal model of type 2 diabetes to investigate the behavioural, neurochemical and morphological modifications present in the hippocampus and tested if caffeine consumption might prevent these changes. We used a model closely mimicking the human type 2 diabetes condition, NONcNZO10/LtJ mice, which become diabetic at 7–11 months when kept under an 11% fat diet. Caffeine (1 g/l) was applied in the drinking water from 7 months onwards. Diabetic mice displayed a decreased spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze accompanied by a decreased density of nerve terminal markers (synaptophysin, SNAP25), mainly glutamatergic (vesicular glutamate transporters), and increased astrogliosis (GFAP immunoreactivity) compared to their wild type littermates kept under the same diet. Furthermore, diabetic mice displayed up-regulated A2A receptors and down-regulated A1 receptors in the hippocampus. Caffeine consumption restored memory performance and abrogated the diabetes-induced loss of nerve terminals and astrogliosis. These results provide the first evidence that type 2 diabetic mice display a loss of nerve terminal markers and astrogliosis, which is associated with memory impairment; furthermore, caffeine consumption prevents synaptic dysfunction and astrogliosis as well as memory impairment in type 2 diabetes.