Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Value of Frequency Domain Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Metrics Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuation and Fractional Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuation in the Assessment of Brain Tumor-Induced Neurovascular Uncoupling

The aim of this study was to explore whether the phenomenon of brain tumor-related neurovascular uncoupling (NVU) in resting-state blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI) (rsfMRI) may also affect the resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) frequency domain metrics the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and fractional ALFF (fALFF). Twelve de novo brain tumor patients, who underwent clinical fMRI examinations, including task-based fMRI (tbfMRI) and rsfMRI, were included in this Institutional Review Board-approved study. Each patient displayed decreased/absent tbfMRI activation in the primary ipsilesional (IL) sensorimotor cortex in the absence of a corresponding motor deficit or suboptimal task performance, consistent with NVU. Z-score maps for the motor tasks were obtained from general linear model analysis (reflecting motor activation vs. rest). Seed-based correlation analysis (SCA) maps of sensorimotor network, ALFF, and fALFF were calculated from rsfMRI data. Precentral and postcentral gyri in contralesional (CL) and IL hemispheres were parcellated using an automated anatomical labeling template for each patient. Region of interest (ROI) analysis was performed on four maps: tbfMRI, SCA, ALFF, and fALFF. Voxel values in the CL and IL ROIs of each map were divided by the corresponding global mean of ALFF and fALFF in the cortical brain tissue. Group analysis revealed significantly decreased IL ALFF (p = 0.02) and fALFF (p = 0.03) metrics compared with CL ROIs, consistent with similar findings of significantly decreased IL BOLD signal for tbfMRI (p = 0.0005) and SCA maps (p = 0.0004). The frequency domain metrics ALFF and fALFF may be markers of lesion-induced NVU in rsfMRI similar to previously reported alterations in tbfMRI activation and SCA-derived resting-state functional connectivity maps.
Use of stress tests in evaluating kidney disease

Purpose of review The kidney, like most other organs, has a reserve capacity that can be utilized in times of increased physiologic demand. The ability to quantify this renal reserve function across various parts of the nephron (glomerular and tubular) has been an area of increased investigation over the past several years. In this review, we discuss several techniques that have been developed to interrogate the maximal physiologic capacity of the injured kidney. Recent findings Although protein loading has been established as an ideal method to investigate glomerular filtration capacity in healthy kidneys, other methods such as the antagonism of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system have demonstrated promise as a method to determine underlying glomerular disease in those with acute kidney injury and other comorbidities (e.g., congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease). The furosemide stress test has been demonstrated to be a useful clinical tool to ascertain tubular integrity in the setting of acute kidney injury. Summary Although various methods to interrogate the reserve capacity of the several nephron segments (glomerulus and tubules) have been investigated, none of these techniques have had wide-spread clinical implementation. Further research into acute kidney injury stress testing is warranted.
The Anxiety Depression Distress Inventory–27 (ADDI–27): New Evidence of Factor Structure, Item-Level Measurement Invariance, and Validity

ABSTRACT Three studies examining the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Anxiety Depression Distress Inventory–27 (ADDI–27) extended the initial instrument development studies for this recently introduced inventory. The ADDI–27 is an empirically derived short form of the Mood and Anxiety Questionaire–90 (MASQ–90) comprising three scales: Positive Affect, Somatic Anxiety, and General Distress. The main objectives of Study 1 (N = 700) were to examine the factor structure of the ADDI–27 and its measurement invariance across gender at the item level. The objective of Study 2 (N = 538) was to examine evidence for the convergent and discriminant validity of scores on the ADDI–27. The objective of Study 3 (N = 240) was to assess further evidence for the nomological network and convergent and discriminant validity of the ADDI–27 scores. Results of exploratory structural equation modeling yielded strong support for a 3-factor model, with approximate fit indexes meeting or exceeding the conventional cutoffs. With p ≤ . 001 as the criterion for detecting noninvariance, results of measurement invariance analysis suggested that all of the ADDI–27 items were invariant across gender. Results of multivariate validity analyses across 2 studies provided support for the convergent and discriminant validity of scores on the ADDI–27 scales.
Salt-bridge Dynamics in Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: A trade-off between electrostatic interactions and structural flexibility

Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) are enriched in charged and polar residues; and, therefore, electrostatic interactions play a predominant role in their dynamics. In order to remain multi-functional and exhibit their characteristic binding promiscuity, they need to retain considerable dynamic flexibility. At the same time, they also need to accommodate a large number of oppositely charged residues, which eventually lead to the formation of salt-bridges, imparting local rigidity. The formation of salt-bridges therefore oppose the desired dynamic flexibility. Hence, there appears to be a meticulous trade-off between the two mechanisms which the current study attempts to unravel. With this objective, we identify and analyze salt-bridges, both as isolated as well as composite ionic bond motifs, in the molecular dynamic trajectories of a set of appropriately chosen IDPs. Dynamic structural properties of these salt-bridges like persistence, time evolution of the secondary structural ‘order-disorder’ transitions, correlated atomic movements, contribution in the overall electrostatic balance of the proteins and other essential features have been studied in necessary detail. The results suggest that the key to maintain such a trade-off over time is the continuous formation and dissolution of salt-bridges with a wide range of persistence. Also, the continuous dynamic interchange of charged-atom-pairs (coming from a variety of oppositely charged side-chains) in the transient ionic bonds supports a model of dynamic flexibility concomitant with the well characterized stochastic conformational switching in these proteins. Furthermore, the analyses of hydrophobic burial profiles present a simple and effective single-parameter-tool (namely, the rGb score) to characterize the instability of the IDPs in solution – which serves as the basis of their high reactivity. The results and conclusions should facilitate the future design of salt-bridges as a mean to further explore the disordered-globular interface in proteins.
RAGE Deletion Confers Renoprotection by Reducing Responsiveness to Transforming Growth Factor-β and Increasing Resistance to Apoptosis

Signaling via the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE)—though complex and not fully elucidated in the setting of diabetes—is considered a key injurious pathway in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We report here that RAGE deletion resulted in increased expression of fibrotic markers (collagen I and IV, fibronectin) and the inflammatory marker MCP-1 in primary mouse mesangial cells (MCs) and in kidney cortex. RNA sequencing analysis in MCs from RAGE−/− and wild-type mice confirmed these observations. Nevertheless, despite these gene expression changes, decreased responsiveness to transforming growth factor-β was identified in RAGE−/− mice. Furthermore, RAGE deletion conferred a more proliferative phenotype in MCs and reduced susceptibility to staurosporine-induced apoptosis. RAGE restoration experiments in RAGE−/− MCs largely reversed these gene expression changes, resulting in reduced expression of fibrotic and inflammatory markers. This study highlights that protection against DN in RAGE knockout mice is likely to be due in part to the decreased responsiveness to growth factor stimulation and an antiapoptotic phenotype in MCs. Furthermore, it extends our understanding of the role of RAGE in the progression of DN, as RAGE seems to play a key role in modulating the sensitivity of the kidney to injurious stimuli such as prosclerotic cytokines.
Synergistic action of protein kinase C θ and calcineurin is sufficient for Fas ligand expression and induction of a crmA‐sensitive apoptosis pathway in Jurkat T cells

Deletion of activated peripheral T cell clones by apoptosis requires the regulated expression of Fas ligand (FasL) and sensitization of these cells to CD95‐mediated signaling. To investigate the signaling pathways responsible for FasL expression in T cells, we tested‐besides subfamily‐selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors – the effect of constitutively active mutants of representatives of all PKC subfamilies, i.e. PKCα,ϵ,θ,ι, on FasL luciferase promoter reporter constructs. In synergy with a constitutively active form of protein phosphatase 2B calcineurin (CaN), only PKCθ, but not PKCα,ϵ,ι, preferentially induced FasL promoter reporter activity and, consequently, FasL protein expression in Jurkat T cells. Activation of an inducible PKCθ AE‐estrogen receptor fusion mutant led to a CaN‐dependent and rapid FasL reporter activity detected as early as 4 h after addition of 4‐hydroxytamoxifen, incidating a direct effect of PKCθ action on FasL expression. Consistently, in Jurkat T cells, expression of PKCθ AE / CaN significantly enhanced FasL protein expression and apoptosis in a CD95‐dependent manner since cell death was not observed in T cells co‐expressing the caspase‐8 inhibitor crmA. Taken together, our results support the notion that PKCθ and CaN are sufficient to regulate apoptosis through FasL expression.
Electrophysiological Method for Whole-cell Voltage Clamp Recordings from Drosophila Photoreceptors

Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings from Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptors have revolutionized the field of invertebrate visual transduction, enabling the use of D. melanogaster molecular genetics to study inositol-lipid signaling and Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels at the single-molecule level. A handful of labs have mastered this powerful technique, which enables the analysis of the physiological responses to light under highly controlled conditions. This technique allows control over the intracellular and extracellular media; the membrane voltage; and the fast application of pharmacological compounds, such as a variety of ionic or pH indicators, to the intra- and extracellular media. With an exceptionally high signal-to-noise ratio, this method enables the measurement of dark spontaneous and light-induced unitary currents (i.e. spontaneous and quantum bumps) and macroscopic Light-induced Currents (LIC) from single D. melanogaster photoreceptors. This protocol outlines, in great detail, all the key steps necessary to perform this technique, which includes both electrophysiological and optical recordings. The fly retina dissection procedure for the attainment of intact and viable ex vivo isolated ommatidia in the bath chamber is described. The equipment needed to perform whole-cell and fluorescence imaging measurements are also detailed. Finally, the pitfalls in using this delicate preparation during extended experiments are explained.
Role of AxyZ Transcriptional Regulator in Overproduction of AxyXY-OprZ Multidrug Efflux System in Achromobacter Species Mutants Selected by Tobramycin

ABSTRACT AxyXY-OprZ is an RND-type efflux system that confers innate aminoglycoside resistance to Achromobacter spp. We investigated here a putative TetR family transcriptional regulator encoded by the axyZ gene located upstream of axyXY-oprZ. An in-frame axyZ gene deletion assay led to increased MICs of antibiotic substrates of the efflux system, including aminoglycosides, cefepime, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and erythromycin, indicating that the product of axyZ negatively regulates expression of axyXY-oprZ. Moreover, we identified an amino acid substitution at position 29 of AxyZ (V29G) in a clinical Achromobacter strain that occurred during the course of chronic respiratory tract colonization in a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient. This substitution, also detected in three other strains exposed in vitro to tobramycin, led to an increase in the axyY transcription level (5- to 17-fold) together with an increase in antibiotic resistance level. This overproduction of AxyXY-OprZ is the first description of antibiotic resistance acquisition due to modification of a chromosomally encoded mechanism in Achromobacter and might have an impact on the management of infected CF patients. Indeed, tobramycin is widely used for aerosol therapy within this population, and we have demonstrated that it easily selects mutants with increased MICs of not only aminoglycosides but also fluoroquinolones, cefepime, and tetracyclines.
T–S Fuzzy Logic Based Modeling and Robust Control for Burning-Through Point in Sintering Process

Burning-through point (BTP) control is the key to guranteeing the sintering process and sinter quality. Due to an opening combustion and multiple input conditions, the combustion process of the sintering process shows a typical characteristic of time-varying operation conditions. This paper analyzes the influence factors resulting in time-varying operation conditions and then constructs an improved Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model of BTP based on the linear parameter varying (LPV-TS-BTP model), in which the BTP temperature and the central bellows temperature are taken as time-varying parameters. The model explains how the different working conditions change the systems dynamics and describes this time-varying nonlinear model in the form of a linear combination model. Then, a fuzzy robust control method based on the LPV-TS-BTP model is designed by using the parallel distributed compensation principle to realize the BTP control of complex process, in which the controller parameters are achieved by using the linear matrix inequality (LMI) method. The simulations about modeling and control, which are carried out on a semiphysical simulation platform for the sintering process, verify that the model has a high prediction accuracy, and the fuzzy robust control makes BTP stable around a given bellows.
On anycast routing based on parallel evolutionary algorithm

Anycast is a new communication service for the transmission of data from a source node to (any) one member in a group of designated recipients in a network. Using anycast services may considerably simplify some applications. In this paper, an anycast routing algorithm based on parallel evolutionary algorithm (ARBPEA) is proposed. According to the formulation of anycast routing problem, the initial population is divided into several sub-populations in accordance with the size of anycast group, and a migration strategy for transferring the elitist routes among sub-populations is presented to obtain the optimum route. In the meanwhile, better penalty functions of QoS constraints are introduced to evaluate a route's satisfaction degree of clients' QoS requirements. At last, Simulation results show that our algorithm can achieve better performance on the delay and bandwidth.
Back-to-Back Schottky Diode from Vacuum Filtered and Chemically Reduced Graphene Oxide

This paper presents fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/silicon (Si) back-to-back Schottky diode (BBSD) through graphene oxide (GO) thin film formation by vacuum filtration and chemical reduction of the film via ascorbic acid. In order to understand and assess the viability of these two processes, process condition and parameters were varied and analyzed. It was confirmed that the GO film thickness could be controlled by changing GO dispersion volume and concentration. Filtration of 200 ml of 0.4 ppm GO dispersion produced average film thickness of 53 nm. As for the reduction process, long duration was required to produce higher reduction degree. rGO film that underwent two times reduction at before and after transfer process with concentrated ascorbic acid gave the lowest sheet resistance of 3.58 MΩ/sq. In the final part of the paper, result of the BBSD device fabrication and current-voltage characterization were shown. The formed two rGO/Si Schottky junctions in the BBSD gave barrier height of 0.63 and 0.7 eV. The presented results confirmed the viability of fabricating rGO-based device using a simple method and without requirement of sophisticated equipment.
Isolation and characterization of a monoclonal antibody containing an extra heavy-light chain Fab arm

ABSTRACT Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibody (mAb) variants to understand the impact of their structure on function is a typical activity during early-stage candidate selection that contributes to derisking clinical development. In particular, efforts are devoted to characterizing oligomeric variants, owing to their potential immunogenic nature. We report here a mAb variant consisting of a canonical mAb monomer associated in a non-covalent fashion with an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) arm amputated from its Fc domain. The truncated heavy chain is encoded in the cell line genome and is the likely product of a genomic recombination during cell line generation. The addition of the Fab arm results in severe loss of potency, indicating its interaction with the Fab domain of the monomer. The presence of such a variant can easily be mitigated by an adequate purification step.
Secure and Efficient Data Storage in Unattended Wireless Sensor Networks

Providing forward and backward secrecy is still a big challenge in Unattended Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs), though some storage schemes have been proposed. Additionally, high storage requirement needs efficient storage techniques. In this paper, we propose a novel homomorphic encryption and key-evolution based scheme for efficient and secure data storage, which supports both forward and backward secrecy in UWSNs. We show that the stored data based on our scheme can be used to efficiently compute statistic values, e.g., expected value and variance of the sensed data, and at the same time the storage cost is significantly reduced using our scheme. Detailed analysis has been conducted to evaluate the scheme in terms of efficiency and security.
Calcium Signaling, PKC Gamma, IP3R1 and CAR8 Link Spinocerebellar Ataxias and Purkinje Cell Dendritic Development

Background Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of cerebellar diseases characterized by progressive ataxia and cerebellar atrophy. Several forms of SCAs are caused by missense mutations or deletions in genes related to calcium signaling in Purkinje cells. Among them, spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA14) is caused by missense mutations in PRKCG gene which encodes protein kinase C gamma (PKCγ). It is remarkable that in several cases in which SCA is caused by point mutations in an individual gene, the affected genes are involved in the PKCγ signaling pathway and calcium signaling which is not only crucial for proper Purkinje cell function but is also involved in the control of Purkinje cell dendritic development. In this review, we will focus on the PKCγ signaling related genes and calcium signaling related genes then discuss their role for both Purkinje cell dendritic development and cerebellar ataxia. Methods Research related to SCAs and Purkinje cell dendritic development is reviewed. Results PKCγ dysregulation causes abnormal Purkinje cell dendritic development and SCA14. Carbonic anhydrase related protein 8 (Car8) encoding CAR8 and Itpr1 encoding IP3R1were identified as upregulated genes in one of SCA14 mouse model. IP3R1, CAR8 and PKCγ proteins are strongly and specifically expressed in Purkinje cells. The common function among them is that they are involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in Purkinje cells and their dysfunction causes ataxia in mouse and human. Furthermore, disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis caused by mutations in some calcium channels in Purkinje cells links to abnormal Purkinje cell dendritic development and the pathogenesis of several SCAs. Conclusion Once PKCγ signaling related genes and calcium signaling related genes are disturbed, the normal dendritic development of Purkinje cells is impaired as well as the integration of signals from other neurons, resulting in abnormal development, cerebellar dysfunction and eventually Purkinje cell loss.
Advancements in Properties of Cement Containing Pulverised Fly Ash and Nanomaterials by Blending and Ultrasonication Method (Review - Part I)

This review research aims to discuss the results obtained researches on cement containing pure cement, pulverised fly ash, and nanoparticles, in order for eliminating negative side effects underlie the substitution of by–products for pure Portland cement. Nanoparticles (NP) used in these researches are nanoTiO2, nanoSiO2, nanoCaCO3, fibers of carbon nano tube (CNT), nanolimestone (nanoCaCO3), nanoZrO2, nanoclays, and nanometakaolin (nMK) for improving properties of cement systems. Published manuscripts explains two methods regarding on the usage of nanoparticles for cement system: blending and ultrasonication for dispersion of nanoparticles. However, differences between blending and ultrasonication methods suggested by various researchers are also discussed. Experiments reported these papers include the water demand, the density, the setting–times, the heat of hydration, the fluidity, the compressive strength and the flexural strength. According to these results, nanoparticles increase the water demand and heat of hydration of cement; it decreases the density and fluidity for cement mortars, evidently. The most effective nanoparticles on early compressive and flexural strengths are fibers of carbon nano tube and nanoCaCO3. These papers also point effects of these nanoparticles on the strength gain of cement. This review paper inform us until Effect of nanomaterial on water demand and density section in this Part I. Second part of this review paper will explain Hydration properties of Portland pulverised fly ash cement section, Effect of nanomaterial on setting–time section, Effect of nanomaterial on heat of hydration section, Strength gain mechanisms for hardened Portland pulverised fly ash cement paste and mortar section, Effect of nanomaterial on compressive strength section, Effect of nanomaterial on flexural strength (Bending) section, and Conclusion section.
Proteasome 19S RP Binding to the Sec61 Channel Plays a Key Role in ERAD

Import of secretory proteins into the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is an established function of the Sec61 channel. The contribution of the Sec61 channel to export of misfolded proteins from the ER for degradation by proteasomes is still controversial, but the proteasome 19S regulatory particle (RP) is necessary and sufficient for extraction of specific misfolded proteins from the ER, and binds directly to the Sec61 channel. In this work we have identified an import-competent sec61 mutant, S353C, carrying a point mutation in ER-lumenal loop 7 which reduces affinity of the cytoplasmic face of the Sec61 channel for the 19S RP. This indicates that the interaction between the 19S RP and the Sec61 channel is dependent on conformational changes in Sec61p hinging on loop 7. The sec61-S353C mutant had no measurable ER import defects and did not cause ER stress in intact cells, but reduced ER-export of a 19S RP-dependent misfolded protein when proteasomes were limiting in a cell-free assay. Our data suggest that the interaction between the 19S RP and the Sec61 channel is essential for the export of specific substrates from the ER to the cytosol for proteasomal degradation.