Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bcl-2 and Bax Exert Opposing Effects on Ca2+ Signaling, Which Do Not Depend on Their Putative Pore-forming Region*

Recent work has shown that Bcl-2 and other anti-apoptotic proteins partially deplete the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ store and that this alteration of Ca2+ signaling reduces cellular sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli. We expressed in HeLa cells Bcl-2, Bax, and Bcl-2/Bax chimeras in which the putative pore-forming domains of the two proteins (α5-α6) were mutually swapped, comparing the effects on Ca2+ signaling of the two proteins and relating them to defined molecular domains. The results showed that only Bcl-2 reduces ER Ca2+ levels and that this effect does not depend on the α5-α6 helices of this oncoprotein. Soon after its expression, Bax increased ER Ca2+ loading, with ensuing potentiation of mitochondrial Ca2+ responses. Then the cells progressed into an apoptotic phenotype (which included drastic reductions of cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ responses and alterations of organelle morphology). These results provide a coherent scenario that high-lights a primary role of Ca2+ signals in deciphering apoptotic stimuli.
Antibiotic Resistance Gene Abundances Correlate with Metal and Geochemical Conditions in Archived Scottish Soils

The vast majority of antibiotic resistant genes (ARG) acquired by human pathogens have originated from the natural environment. Therefore, understanding factors that influence intrinsic levels of ARG in the environment could be epidemiologically significant. The selection for metal resistance often promotes AR in exposed organisms; however, the relationship between metal levels in nature and the intrinsic presence of ARG has not been fully assessed. Here, we quantified, using qPCR, the abundance of eleven ARG and compared their levels with geochemical conditions in randomly selected soils from a Scottish archive. Many ARG positively correlated with soil copper levels, with approximately half being highly significant (p<0.05); whereas chromium, nickel, lead, and iron also significantly correlated with specific ARG. Results show that geochemical metal conditions innately influence the potential for AR in soil. We suggest soil geochemical data might be used to estimate baseline gene presence on local, regional and global scales within epidemiological risk studies related to AR transmission from the environment.
Colorectal cancer surveillance: 2005 update of an American Society of Clinical Oncology practice guideline.

PURPOSE To update the 2000 American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline on colorectal cancer surveillance. RECOMMENDATIONS Based on results from three independently reported meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials that compared low-intensity and high-intensity programs of colorectal cancer surveillance, and on recent analyses of data from major clinical trials in colon and rectal cancer, the Panel recommends annual computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen for 3 years after primary therapy for patients who are at higher risk of recurrence and who could be candidates for curative-intent surgery; pelvic CT scan for rectal cancer surveillance, especially for patients with several poor prognostic factors, including those who have not been treated with radiation; colonoscopy at 3 years after operative treatment, and, if results are normal, every 5 years thereafter; flexible proctosigmoidoscopy [corrected] every 6 months for 5 years for rectal cancer patients who have not been treated with pelvic radiation; history and physical examination every 3 to 6 months for the first 3 years, every 6 months during years 4 and 5, and subsequently at the discretion of the physician; and carcinoembryonic antigen every 3 months postoperatively for at least 3 years after diagnosis, if the patient is a candidate for surgery or systemic therapy. Chest x-rays, CBCs, and liver function tests are not recommended, and molecular or cellular markers should not influence the surveillance strategy based on available evidence.
Baseline susceptibility of the American bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) to Bacillus thuringiensis Berl. var. kurstaki and its endotoxins in India.

Baseline susceptibility of larvae of the American bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hiibner) to Bacillus thuringiensis Berl var. kurstaki was studied by a diet incorporation method. Ninety-six hour median lethal concentrations (LC 5 0 ) of Bt var. kurstaki strains and parasporal crystal toxins varied widely for neonate larvae of different populations. Insect populations from nine locations in India showed differences in their susceptibility to Bt var. kurstaki strains and individual Cry toxins, viz. CrylAa 10.5, CrylAb 12.8, CrylAc 16.2, HD-114.1 and HD-73 5.7-fold. Insect populations obtained from pigeon pea crops at Navsari from December 2000 to January 2001, and at Delhi from October 1998 to November 2000 showed temporal variation in their susceptibility to Bt var. kurstaki HD-1 and HD-73. Temporal variation in insect susceptibility was correlated with temperature at these two locations. Insect acclimation to pre-treatment temperature influenced the susceptibility of the F 1 generation to Bt var. kurstaki. An increase in ambient temperature (about 10°C) increased the susceptibility to Bt var. kurstaki HD-73 by 7.5-fold. The role of selection pressure, host-plant, xenobiotic and other agroecological conditions on the susceptibility of H. armigera is discussed in relation to development of tolerance/resistance and integrated pest management.
Guanine nucleotides modulate calcium currents in a marine Paramecium.

Voltage-dependent calcium channels play a critical role in many cell functions and in many cell types ranging from protozoa to vertebrates. We have shown previously that guanine nucleotides modulate the calcium action potential and the duration of backward swimming in Paramecium, both indirect measurements of calcium channel function. To determine whether guanine nucleotides to indeed alter calcium currents, the inward calcium current (ICa) in Paramecium calkinsi was studied. First, the calcium current was characterized. The magnitude of ICa increased as the extracellular calcium concentration was increased from 0.5 to 50 mmol l-1, unlike the situation in freshwater species of Paramecium where the inward calcium current magnitude is maximal when extracellular calcium levels reach 1 mmol l-1. Inorganic compounds (NiCl2 at 10 mumol l-1 and CdCl2 at 1 mmol l-1) and organic compounds (naphthalene sulfonamides, W-7 and W-12-Br at 100 and 2 mumol l-1, respectively) reduced ICa. Regardless of the holding membrane potential (from -80 to -20 mV), the threshold activation for ICa was at -10 mV and the maximum value of ICa was reached at +20 mV, suggesting that there is only one type of calcium channel in P. calkinsi. Second, we injected GTP gamma S, GTP and GDP beta S into voltage-clamped cells while monitoring calcium and/or potassium currents. GTP gamma S increased the magnitude of ICa by 42 +/- 6% (mean +/- S.D., N = 5) and the effect was irreversible, GTP increased the magnitude of ICa by 37 +/- 4% (N = 4) in a reversible manner, and GDP beta S decreased ICa by 57 +/- 8% (N = 3) irreversibly. The outward potassium currents did not change when GTP gamma S was injected into the cells. These results support the hypothesis that injection of guanine nucleotides modulates the voltage-dependent calcium channel in P. calkinsi, presumably by activating G-protein-dependent processes.
Research of the Cu-Au nanocluster form and structure dependence on cooling rate with various concentrations of components

The structure of two-component CunAu144-n nanoclusters of various compositions and gold clusters of 145 atoms has been studied by molecular dynamics method. The findings show distribution of gold and copper atoms in clusters, as well as portion and distribution of atoms with packages corresponding to fcp, hcp, icosahedral, and decahedral phase. The summary table presents content of such ordered phases in clusters of various compositions after high-speed cooling from the melt.
Hepatoprotective effect of juglone on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and its effect on hepatic antioxidant defence and the expression levels of α-SMA and collagen III

The present study aimed to investigate the antifibrotic effects of juglone on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced fibrosis in rats. Juglone, which is a quinone, significantly decreased DMN-induced rat hepatic fibrosis, which was associated with increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decreased oxidative stress and reduced levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen (Col) III in the liver. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hyaluronic acid, laminin, type III precollagen and type IV collagen were significantly reduced by treatment with juglone. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by subcutaneous injections of DMN solution and hepatic fibrosis was assessed using Massonstrichome staining. The expression levels of α-SMA and Col III were determined using immunohistochemical techniques. The activities of SOD and malondialdehyde in liver homogenates were also determined. The results suggested that juglone augmented the antioxidative capability of the liver, possibly by stimulating the activity of SOD, which promoted the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and decreased the accumulation of extracellular matrix collagen in the liver, thereby alleviating hepatic fibrosis. Silymarin was used as a positive control for liver fibrosis protection. It was hypothesized that juglone alleviates or mitigatesoxidative stress-mediated hepatic fibrosis by upregulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and inhibiting the activation of HSC.
A NOVEL EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHM FOR DATA CLUSTERING IN N DIMENSIONAL SPACE

K-means clustering algorithm is one of the main algorithms applying in machine learning and pattern recognition. However, as the center of clusters are selected randomly and also due to the dependence of clustering result on the initial centers of clusters we may trap into local optima centers. In this paper a new genetic algorithm approach based on k-means algorithm is suggested in which the centers of clusters are selected better and in an appropriate manner. In order to increase the efficiency of this algorithm, in each stage, the layout of cluster centers which are in the form of chromosomes are changed with respect to the best chromosome. By estimation of results of the proposed approach on a standard data set and also comparison of this algorithm with other related algorithms we can show that our approach is more efficient than k-means algorithm and other algorithms which have been selected in this paper for comparison purposes.
Bipolar Resistive Switching Characteristics of Transparent Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide Resistive Random Access Memory

This study investigates a sputtered InGaZnO (IGZO) thin film to apply into a resistive random access memory device. After the formation of an indium tin oxide (ITO)/IGZO/ITO structure at room temperature, the device exhibits a repeatable bipolar resistance switching behavior without an electroforming process and an excellent transmittance in the visible region. The conduction mechanisms for low and high resistance states are dominated by Ohm's law and space-charge-limited current behavior, respectively. In retention and endurance tests, a resistance ratio of more than 1 order remains after 10 4 s at 90°C and after 100 dc voltage sweeping cycles.
Second order sliding mode control of a 3-Dimensional Overhead-Crane

In this paper the 3-Dimensional Overhead Crane is the subject of study. The note includes the Euler-Lagrange equations of a 5 degrees of freedom, 5DOF, Overhead Crane and the design of a Second Order Sliding Mode Controller in order to ensure the precise load transfer during the load movement despite of model uncertainties and un-modeled dynamics. Moreover, the system is under-actuated and 5DOF should be controlled with 3 control actions. The stability analysis is developed based on Lyapunov second method ensuring the finite time convergence to the desired sliding output. Simulations and Experimental results are presented.
Single-Image Omnidirectional Vision Systems :

Single-Image Omnidirectional Vision Systems: A Survey of Models, Calibration, and Applications by Carlos Jaramillo Graduate Center, City University of New York Professor Jizhong Xiao, Advisor The prominent use of omnidirectional vision sensors (ODVS) in various areas of computer vision, such as visual odometry for navigation (egomotion), structure reconstruction (mapping) and localization, teleconferencing, surveillance, virtual reality, and so on, motivates the study of existing camera models and their fundamental calibration methods. The main advantage of an ODVS is the instantaneous wide field-of-view from a single image. Among the most popular instantaneous ODVSs, we consider fish-eye lenses and the family of omnidirectional catadioptric systems (central and non-central), which are those sensors combining conventional cameras and curved mirrors obtained by revolving conic sections (e.g. hyperboloids, paraboloids, spheres, etc.) in order to capture the entire 360◦ azimuthal region of a panorama. Although the majority of state-of-the-art methods describe the image formation (projective geometry) and calibration via the unified “sphere model”, we discuss various alternatives such as the distortion-based model and analytical models. In fact, a calibrated system is required for reliable 3D perception (from motion or multiviews) because the perfect assembly of the components is never guaranteed. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the portrayed approaches and how well they generalize. We cover multiview ODVS configurations for viewing a common region of interest for the instantaneous computation of 3D information. We consider coaxial and multiaxial catadioptric configurations using a single camera for rig compactness and simplification. In particularly, coaxial (folded catadioptric) ODVSs can provide range measurements from triangulation of pixel correspondences around the complete panorama. We review a few proposed techniques for calibrating multiview ODVS as well.
High Prevalence of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases in Patients with Menière's Disease

Background Autoimmunity appears to be associated with the pathophysiology of Meniere's disease (MD), an inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo associated with hearing loss and tinnitus. However, the prevalence of autoimmune diseases (AD) in patients with MD has not been studied in individuals with uni or bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Methods and Findings We estimated the prevalence of AD in 690 outpatients with MD with uni or bilateral SNHL from otoneurology clinics at six tertiary referral hospitals by using clinica criteria and an immune panel (lymphocyte populations, antinuclear antibodies, C3, C4 and proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, INFγ). The observed prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was higher than expected for the general population (1.39 for RA, 0.87 for SLE and 0.70 for AS, respectively). Systemic AD were more frequently observed in patients with MD and diagnostic criteria for migraine than cases with MD and tension-type headache (p = 0.007). There were clinical differences between patients with uni or bilateral SNHL, but no differences were found in the immune profile. Multiple linear regression showed that changes in lymphocytes subpopulations were associated with hearing loss and persistence of vertigo, suggesting a role for the immune response in MD. Conclusions Despite some limitations, MD displays an elevated prevalence of systemic AD such as RA, SLE and AS. This finding, which suggests an autoimmune background in a subset of patients with MD, has important implications for the treatment of MD.
Characterization of Trackless Tacks Using Fracture Mechanics

Current practices lack a standard procedure for evaluating the performance of trackless tack. The primary purpose of this study is to develop a procedure through literature search that incorporates the combined shear and tensile stress state that an interlayer tack coat experiences in between a hot-mix asphalt overlay and an existing pavement, using the crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD), a standard method to predict the fracture energy. Recent developments in fracture testing and numerical simulation techniques have provided stronger links between material fracture properties and field cracking performance of asphalt pavements. Using the fracture energy as a criterion, performance of various trackless tack materials can be compared. The higher fracture energy required to crack a material, the better performance the material will have. The fracture energy methodology can be applied to characterize the performance of trackless tack with confidence.
Towards a computational theory of human daydreaming

This paper examines the phenomenon of daydreaming: spontaneously recalling or imagining personal or vicarious experiences in the past or future. The following important roles of daydreaming in human cognition are postulated: plan preparation and rehearsal, learning from failures and successes, support for processes of creativity, emotion regulation, and motivation. A computational theory of daydreaming and its implementation as the program DAYDREAMER are presented. DAYDREAMER consists of 1) a scenario generator based on relaxed planning, 2) a dynamic episodic memory of experiences used by the scenario generator, 3) a collection of personal goals and control goals which guide the scenario generator, 4) an emotion component in which daydreams initiate, and are initiated by, emotional states arising from goal outcomes, and 5) domain knowledge of interpersonal relations and common everyday occurrences. The role of emotions and control goals in daydreaming is discussed. Four control goals commonly used in guiding daydreaming are presented: rationalization, failure/success reversal, revenge, and preparation. The role of episodic memory in daydreaming is considered, including how daydreamed information is incorporated into memory and later used. An initial version of DAYDREAMER which produces several daydreams (in English) is currently running.
Self-Assembly of Bi2Te3-Nanoplate/Graphene-Nanosheet Hybrid by One-Pot Route and Its Improved Li-Storage Properties

A sandwich structured Bi2Te3-nanoplates/graphene-nanosheet (Bi2Te3/G) hybrid has been synthesized by a facile in situ solvothermal route and has been investigated as a potential anode material for Li-ion batteries. Bi2Te3 grows during the solvothermal process with the simultaneous reduction of graphite oxide into graphene. The in situ formation process of the hybrid has been investigated by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectra. The Li-storage mechanism and performance of Bi2Te3/G and bare Bi2Te3 have been studied by galvanostatic cycling and cyclic voltammetry. The Bi2Te3/G sandwich exhibits an obviously improved cycling stability compared to bare Bi2Te3. The enhancement in electrochemical performance can be attributed to the combined conducting, confining and dispersing effects of graphene for Bi2Te3 nanoplates and to the self-assembled sandwich structure.
Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels in knee osteoarthritis in a Brazilian population: clinical and radiological correlation

Objectives: In this study we present data on serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels in a Brazilian population with isolated knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared to healthy controls. Clinical and radiological correlations with COMP levels were also evaluated. Methods: Two hundred and seventy‐two patients seen at the Rheumatology Division of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) with a symptom of ‘pain in the knees’ for at least 3 months were invited to participate in this study. History and clinical examination were performed in all patients. Eighty‐six patients with clinical isolated knee OA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and without other causes of pain in the knee were included. Fifty‐eight healthy individuals were selected, matched for age and sex, and used as controls. OA evaluation included Lequesne and Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) questionnaires, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and standard knee X‐rays. Blood samples were taken from all participants and serum COMP levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). OA radiological analysis was performed using the Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L) grading scale. Results: Patients with symptomatic knee OA presented significantly higher serum COMP levels compared to healthy controls and to those with non‐symptomatic narrowing of the articular space (p<0.001). Patients with clinical evidence of knee OA and without radiological abnormalities (K/L grade 0 or 1) had intermediate serum COMP levels, significantly higher than those observed in healthy controls (p<0.03). Conclusions: We observed increased serum COMP levels in patients with symptomatic radiological knee OA. High serum COMP levels may also indicate cartilage damage in selected symptomatic patients without significant radiological abnormalities.
Implementation of Field Programmable Gate Array based Maximum Power Point Tracking controller of photovoltaic system

Photovoltaic (PV) cell is one of the electrical part to convert photo-light into electricity in order to generate the electrical power. This paper presents the implementation of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller in evaluating the Maximum Power Point (MPP) output voltage of PV system. Matlab Simulink and Quartus II VHDL software tools are used as simulator of this FPGA, while Altera DE2 board is used as a controller. Both simulator and hardware had shown the same results, which prove that the designed system has been successfully extracting the MPP. The system has been evaluated in sunny day and partially shaded conditions to analyze the respective outputs.
CIRCULATING LEVELS OF PREGNANCY‐SPECIFIC β1−GLYCOPROTEIN AND HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY: THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO PARITY, BIRTH WEIGHT, AND PLACENTAL WEIGHT

Circulating levels of pregnancy‐specific β1‐glycoprotein (SP1) and human placental lactogen (HPL) were measured in 153 normal subjects during the third trimester of pregnancy. The levels of SP1 and HPL showed a skewed distribution and rose progressively to reach a plateau by the 36th week. The normal range was calculated by ranking the data and division into centiles as well as by logarithmic transformation of the values. A low but significant correlation was observed between SP1 and HPL levels, SP1 and birth weight. There was also a correlation between HPL levels and placental weight.