Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excess dietary histidine decreases the liver copper level and serum alanine aminotransferase activity in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats

Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats spontaneously develop fulminant hepatitis, associated with excess Cu accumulation in the liver: thus, they are considered an animal model of Wilson's disease. In the present study, we investigated the ability of excess dietary histidine to reduce the excess accumulation of liver Cu in LEC rats by comparing them with Fischer rats. The results clearly showed that the excess-histidine diet markedly stimulated the Cu excretion in urine, and significantly decreased the liver Cu content in LEC rats by 47·5%. The serum Cu content in LEC rats was not influenced by excess dietary histidine. We also compared the effects of excess dietary histidine on some liver antioxidant enzyme activities, liver and serum lipid levels and serum alanine aminotransferase activity of LEC and Fischer rats. Dietary histidine decreased the activities of total and Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase in the liver of both strains. In LEC rats, the liver cholesterol content decreased, and serum cholesterol and phospholipids levels increased on feeding the excess-histidine diet. When fed on the basal diet, the serum alanine aminotransferase activity was higher in LEC rats than in Fischer rats, but a significant decrease in serum alanine aminotransferase activity of LEC rats was observed on feeding the excess-histidine diet. These results suggest that excess dietary histidine is effective in removing Cu ions from the liver of LEC rats. Thus, it may be of benefit in the prevention or treatment of liver injury in LEC rats and in patients with Wilson's disease.
New insights into optimal widely linear array receivers for the demodulation of BPSK, MSK, and GMSK signals corrupted by noncircular interferences-application to SAIC

For nonstationary observations, potentially second-order (SO) noncircular, the SO optimal complex filters are time variant and, under some conditions of noncircularity, widely linear (WL). For more than a decade, there has been an increasing interest in optimal WL filters in radiocommunications contexts involving rectilinear signals such as binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) signals. In particular, it has been pointed out that single antenna interference cancellation (SAIC) may be performed by such filters in the context of BPSK cellular networks. Recently, it has been shown that, by a simple algebraic operation of demodulation on the baseband signal, the minimum shift keying (MSK) and Gaussian MSK (GMSK) modulations can be made to approximately correspond to a BPSK modulation, allowing the application of the SAIC concept to the GSM cellular network at the mobile level, being currently studied for standardization, and offering significant improvements of the network's capacity. Despite the increasing interest in optimal WL filters in rectilinear or quasi-rectilinear contexts, many questions about their behavior and their performance have still arisen. The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the behavior, properties, and performance of optimal WL array receivers, and thus of the SAIC technology, for the demodulation of BPSK, MSK, and GMSK signals corrupted by noncircular interferences.
Expression of nitric oxide synthase and soluble guanylyl cyclase in the developing olfactory system of Manduca sexta

The gaseous messenger nitric oxide (NO), with its ability to mediate both intercellular and intracellular communication, can play important roles in mediating cellular communication in both the development and the function of the nervous system. The authors investigated the possible role of NO signaling in the developing olfactory system (antennal lobe) of the moth Manduca sexta. NO synthase (NOS), the enzyme that generates NO, was localized by using immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d) histochemistry. Although NADPH‐d staining appears to be a poor indicator of the presence of NOS in this system, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization reveal that NOS is expressed in the axons of olfactory receptor neurons throughout development and in the perineurial sheath that covers the brain early in development. NOS is present in axon terminals as they form protoglomeruli, raising the possibility that NO mediates cell‐cell interactions during antennal lobe development. NO‐sensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), one of the best characterized targets of NO, was localized in the developing olfactory system by using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry for the Manduca sexta sGCα1 subunit. The ability of the developing olfactory system to respond to exogenous NO also was examined by using cyclic guanosine monophosphate immunocytochemistry. sGC is expressed in mechanosensory neurons in the developing antenna and in many antennal lobe neurons in both the medial and lateral cell body clusters. Thus, NOS and sGC are expressed in a pattern that suggests that this signaling pathway may mediate intercellular communication during development of the olfactory system in Manduca sexta. J. Comp. Neurol. 422:191–205, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concentration‐dependent effects of WNTLESS on WNT1/3A signaling

Background: WNTLESS (WLS) is a multi‐transmembrane protein that transports Wnt ligands from the Golgi to the cell surface. Although WLS loss‐of‐function experiments in the developing central nervous system reveal phenotypes consistent with defects in WNT1 and WNT3A signaling, data from complementary gain‐of‐function experiments have not yet been reported. Here, we report the phenotypic consequences of WLS overexpression in cultured cells and in the developing chick spinal cord. Results: Overexpression of small amounts of WLS along with either WNT1 or WNT3A promotes the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in HEK293T cells, while overexpression of higher levels of WLS inhibits the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in these cells. Similarly, overexpressed WLS inhibits the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in the developing spinal cord, as assessed by cell proliferation and specification. These effects appear to be Wnt‐specific as overexpression of WLS inhibits the expression of FZD10, a target of β‐catenin‐dependent transcription. Conclusions: Our results show that overexpression of WLS inhibits Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in the spinal cord. As the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in the spinal cord requires WNT1 or WNT3A, our results are consistent with a model in which the relative concentration of WLS to Wnt regulates WNT1/3A signaling in the developing spinal cord. Developmental Dynamics 243:1095–1105, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A World Malaria Map: Plasmodium falciparum Endemicity in 2007

Background Efficient allocation of resources to intervene against malaria requires a detailed understanding of the contemporary spatial distribution of malaria risk. It is exactly 40 y since the last global map of malaria endemicity was published. This paper describes the generation of a new world map of Plasmodium falciparum malaria endemicity for the year 2007. Methods and Findings A total of 8,938 P. falciparum parasite rate (PfPR) surveys were identified using a variety of exhaustive search strategies. Of these, 7,953 passed strict data fidelity tests for inclusion into a global database of PfPR data, age-standardized to 2–10 y for endemicity mapping. A model-based geostatistical procedure was used to create a continuous surface of malaria endemicity within previously defined stable spatial limits of P. falciparum transmission. These procedures were implemented within a Bayesian statistical framework so that the uncertainty of these predictions could be evaluated robustly. The uncertainty was expressed as the probability of predicting correctly one of three endemicity classes; previously stratified to be an informative guide for malaria control. Population at risk estimates, adjusted for the transmission modifying effects of urbanization in Africa, were then derived with reference to human population surfaces in 2007. Of the 1.38 billion people at risk of stable P. falciparum malaria, 0.69 billion were found in Central and South East Asia (CSE Asia), 0.66 billion in Africa, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia (Africa+), and 0.04 billion in the Americas. All those exposed to stable risk in the Americas were in the lowest endemicity class (PfPR2−10 ≤ 5%). The vast majority (88%) of those living under stable risk in CSE Asia were also in this low endemicity class; a small remainder (11%) were in the intermediate endemicity class (PfPR2−10 > 5 to < 40%); and the remaining fraction (1%) in high endemicity (PfPR2−10 ≥ 40%) areas. High endemicity was widespread in the Africa+ region, where 0.35 billion people are at this level of risk. Most of the rest live at intermediate risk (0.20 billion), with a smaller number (0.11 billion) at low stable risk. Conclusions High levels of P. falciparum malaria endemicity are common in Africa. Uniformly low endemic levels are found in the Americas. Low endemicity is also widespread in CSE Asia, but pockets of intermediate and very rarely high transmission remain. There are therefore significant opportunities for malaria control in Africa and for malaria elimination elsewhere. This 2007 global P. falciparum malaria endemicity map is the first of a series with which it will be possible to monitor and evaluate the progress of this intervention process.
Balanced Driving System for Multiple Cold-Cathode Fluorescent Lamps

A novel circuit with dual-high-voltage topology to drive cold-cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) for liquid crystal display (LCD) backlight modules is proposed in this paper. In the proposed circuit topology, all the lamps are connected in series to alleviate the influence of parasitic capacitance induced between the lamps and the aluminum backplank. Balance lamp current and uniform light output can be achieved without using any current balancing circuit. The circuit topology is capable of driving arbitrarily even numbers of lamps with same lamp current while achieving significant reduction in size, weight, and cost. The circuit is verified by experimenting on a backlight module with four L-type lamps in a 19-inch LCD. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility.
Hemodynamic and Mechanical Properties of the Proximal Aorta in Young and Middle-Aged Adults With Isolated Systolic Hypertension: The Dallas Heart Study

The aim of this study was to assess characteristic impedance (Zc) of the proximal aorta in young and middle-aged individuals with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). Zc is an index of aortic stiffness relative to aortic size. In the Dallas Heart Study, 2001 untreated participants 18 to 64 years of age (mean age: 42.3 years; 44% black race) were divided into the following groups based on office blood pressure (BP) measurements: (1) optimal BP (systolic BP [SBP] <120 mm Hg and diastolic BP [DBP] <80 mm Hg; n=837); (2) prehypertension (SBP 120–139 mm Hg and DBP 80–89 mm Hg; n=821); (3) ISH (SBP ≥140 mm Hg and DBP <90 mm Hg; n=121); (4) isolated diastolic hypertension (SBP <140 mm Hg and DBP ≥90 mm Hg; n=44); and (5) systolic–diastolic hypertension (SBP ≥140 mm Hg and DBP ≥90 mm Hg; n=178). Zc, aortic arch pulse wave velocity, and minimum ascending aortic size were quantified using cardiovascular magnetic resonance. In multivariable-adjusted linear models, Zc was highest in the ISH group compared with the optimal BP, isolated diastolic hypertension, or systolic–diastolic hypertension groups (103.2±4.0 versus 68.3±2.1, 75.4±6.0, and 88.9±4.8 dyne*seconds/cm5, respectively; all P<0.05). The Zc–ISH association did not differ by race. Aortic pulse wave velocity was highest in the ISH group compared with the optimal BP, isolated diastolic hypertension, or systolic–diastolic hypertension groups (6.3±0.3 versus 4.3±0.1, 4.4±0.4 and 5.5±0.3 m/s, respectively; all P<0.05), whereas aortic size was similar across groups (all P>0.2). Results were similar in a subgroup of 1551 participants 18 to 49 years of age. In a multiracial population-based sample, we found evidence of a mismatch between proximal aortic stiffness and diameter in young and middle-aged adults with ISH.
Podocyte Migration during Nephrotic Syndrome Requires a Coordinated Interplay between Cathepsin L and α3 Integrin*

Podocyte foot process effacement and disruption of the slit diaphragm are typically associated with glomerular proteinuria and can be induced in rats by the injection of puromycin aminonucleoside. Here, we show that the induction of puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis involves podocyte migration conducted by a coordinated interplay between the cysteine protease cathepsin L and α3 integrin. Puromycin aminonucleoside treatment up-regulates cathepsin L expression in podocytes in vivo as well as expression and enzymatic activity of cathepsin L in podocytes in vitro. Isolated podocytes from mice lacking cathepsin L are protected from cell puromycin aminonucleoside-induced cell detachment. The functional significance of cathepsin L expression was underscored by the observation that puromycin aminonucleoside-induced cell migration was slowed down in cathepsin L-deficient podocytes and by the preservation of cell-cell contacts and expression of vital slit diaphragm protein CD2AP. Cathepsin L expression and activity were induced in podocytes lacking α3 integrin. Similarly, acute functional inhibition of α3 integrin in wild type podocytes with a blocking antibody increased the expression of cathepsin L activity. Down-regulation of α3 integrin protected against puromycin aminonucleoside-induced podocyte detachment. In summary, these data establish that podocyte foot process effacement is a migratory event involving a novel interplay between cathepsin L and α3 integrin.
A clinical and optical coherence tomography study of choroidal colobomas

Purpose of review This paper reviews current understanding of coloboma of the choroid, as evaluated clinically and using optical coherence tomography. Recent findings Studies of the margin of coloboma of the choroid with optical coherence tomography revealed several interesting features, including variability in transition from normal retina to intercalary membrane (gradual or abrupt), presence of subclinical retinal detachments, focal communications between the subretinal space and subintercalary membrane space in eyes with extra-colobomatous retinal detachments, and inward humping of the eye wall in some cases. Pathological studies have stressed the importance of the intercalary membrane and the margin of coloboma as barriers for occurrence of retinal detachments. Vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade could correct these retinal detachments in a majority of cases. Summary Optical coherence tomography can provide insight into pathology at the margin of the coloboma. Coupled with knowledge from histopathological studies, this information can guide the management of retinal detachments secondary to coloboma of the choroid with a high degree of success.
Towards counting via passive radar using OFDM waveforms

The capability of counting targets (people or things) in a monitored area is important for emerging wireless applications. To this aim, passive systems that rely on signals of opportunity and device-free targets are preferred to active systems that rely on dedicated or personal devices for preserving privacy and reducing implementation costs. This paper develops a framework for design and analysis of device-free counting systems via OFDM signals of opportunity. In particular, counting techniques based on model order selection are proposed. Preliminary results show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques in simple use cases.
Hyper-programmable architectures for adaptable networked systems

We explain how modern programmable logic devices have capabilities that are well suited for them to assume a central role in the implementation of networked systems, now and in the future. To date, such devices have featured largely in ASIC substitution roles within networked systems; this usage has been highly successful, allowing faster times to market and reduced engineering costs. We argue that there are many additional opportunities for productively using these devices. The requirement is exposure of their high inherent computational concurrency matched by concurrent memory accessibility, their rich on-chip interconnectivity and their complete programmability, at a higher level of abstraction that matches the implementation needs of networked systems. We discuss specific examples supporting this view, and present a highly flexible soft platform architecture at an appropriate level of abstraction from physical devices. This may be viewed as a particularly configurable and programmable type of network processor, offering scope both for innovative networked system implementation and for new directions in networking research. In particular, it is aimed at facilitating scalable solutions, matching differently resourced programmable logic devices to differing performance and sophistication requirements of networked systems, from cheap consumer appliances to high-end network switching.
HIV Infection and TLR Signalling in the Liver

Despite the availability of effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), liver disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals, specifically, in the presence of viral hepatitis coinfection. HIV, a single stranded RNA virus, can bind to and activate both Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 and TLR8 in circulating blood mononuclear cells, but little is known about the effect of HIV on TLRs expressed in the liver. HIV can directly infect cells of the liver and HIV-mediated depletion of CD4+ T-cells in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) results in increased circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS), both of which may impact on TLR signaling in the liver and subsequent liver disease progression. The potential direct and indirect effects of HIV on TLR signaling in the liver will be explored in this paper.
Replication origins of single-stranded-DNA plasmid pUB110

The two replication origins of plasmid pUB110 have been characterized. The site of initiation of DNA replication at the plus origin was mapped to within an 8-base-pair sequence. DNA synthesis initiated at the origin was made to terminate precociously in an inserted sequence of 18 base pairs that is homologous to a sequence in the origin. This suggests that pUB110 replicates as a rolling circle. The minus origin of plasmid pUB110 has been characterized, and the minimal sequence required for function has been determined. As with other minus origins, activity is orientation specific with respect to the direction of replication. Its activity is sensitive to rifampin in vivo, suggesting that RNA polymerase catalyzes single-strand to double-strand conversion. Unlike all other plasmids of gram-positive bacteria thus far described, the pUB110 minus origin is functional in more than one host.
The Brf and TATA-binding Protein Subunits of the RNA Polymerase III Transcription Factor IIIB Mediate Position-specific Integration of the Gypsy-like Element, Ty3*

Ty3 integrates into the transcription initiation sites of genes transcribed by RNA polymerase III. It is known that transcription factors (TF) IIIB and IIIC are important for recruiting Ty3 to its sites of integration upstream of tRNA genes, but that RNA polymerase III is not required. In order to investigate the respective roles of TFIIIB and TFIIIC, we have developed an in vitrointegration assay in which Ty3 is targeted to the U6 small nuclear RNA gene, SNR6. Because TFIIIB can bind to the TATA box upstream of the U6 gene through contacts mediated by TATA-binding protein (TBP), TFIIIC is dispensable for in vitro transcription. Thus, this system offers an opportunity to test the role of TFIIIB independent of a requirement of TFIIIC. We demonstrate that the recombinant Brf and TBP subunits of TFIIIB, which interact over the SNR6 TATA box, direct integration at theSNR6 transcription initiation site in the absence of detectable TFIIIC or TFIIIB subunit B". These findings suggest that the minimal requirements for pol III transcription and Ty3 integration are very similar.
A Computer Aided Design for optimization of optical networks

HiperionCAD is a computer aided design (CAD) software which allows the design and optimization of optical networks. The tool has been developed by means of the model driven development (MDD) approach. A graphical modeling framework (GMF) has been employed to model the domain, automatic code generation and graphic edition of the object models. We introduce the idea of a different CAD tool for design and optimization of optical network. The optimization of each component parameters comprising the network is performed using a genetic algorithm (GA) and the feasibility of this GA implementation is discussed by considering the different procedures. This paper is focused on describing the main characteristics and a demonstration of the implemented HiperionCAD tool for the optimization of optical networks by GA implementation.
Voice and graphical -based interfaces for interaction with a robot dedicated to elderly and people with cognitive disorders

Human-robot interaction (HRI) takes place especially through interfaces. The design of such interfaces is a very delicate and crucial phase because it influences the robot accessibility and usability by the user. In this paper, we describe and analyze the results of 2 tests conducted so as to understand some of the optimal features that should characterize the robot voice and graphical-based user interfaces. Our test platform is an assistive robot developed for the elderly with mild cognitive impairments. Therefore, the user interfaces must be clear and simple. The ambiguities must be eliminated so as to facilitate the use of the robot and hence not to discourage the elderly population to use new technologies.
Finite-horizon optimal transmission policies for energy harvesting sensors

In this paper, we derive optimal transmission policies for energy harvesting sensors to maximize the utility obtained over a finite horizon. First, we consider a single energy harvesting sensor, with discrete energy arrival process, and a discrete energy consumption policy. Under this model, we show that the optimal finite horizon policy is a threshold policy, and explicitly characterize the thresholds, and the thresholds can be precomputed using a recursion. Next, we address the case of multiple sensors, with only one of them allowed to transmit at any given time to avoid interference, and derive an explicit optimal policy for this scenario as well.
Examination of contacts between strands by electrical measurement and topographical analysis

The contact resistance between crossing strands of Rutherford type superconducting be an essential parameter the main magnets in accelerators like the LHC. A strong development program to study the parameters fixing its value has been launched at CERN. The electrical contact resistance of individual strands with pre-selected coatings has been studied at 4.2 K under varying loading force by means of a 3 contacts DC method. The electro-mechanical properties of contacts have been studied on bare strands and strands with Sn, Ni, or Zn based coatings. The contact resistances measured on strands were compared to measurements made on cables. Contact resistance properties were analysed with respect to the requirements for the LHC main magnet cables.