Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The inflammatory process in ALS involves infiltration of T cells and activation of antigen presenting cells co‐localizing with motor neuron damage in the brain and spinal cord. The role of T cells in the pathogenic process is not settled. T cells may damage motor neurons by cell‐cell contact or cytokine secretion, or contribute indirectly to motor neuron damage through activation of microglia and macrophages. Alternatively, T cell infiltration may be an epiphenomenon related to clearance of dead motor neurons. Lessons from animal models of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration have shown that T cell responses can be neuroprotective or even enhance neurogenesis. Therefore, it is possible that T cells can be induced to slow motor neuron destruction and facilitate repair in ALS. The T cell modulating drug glatiramer acetate has shown promising results in animal models, and is being currently investigated in a phase II trial in ALS. This paper reviews the evidence for T cells as pathogenic players and therapeutic targets in ALS.
Hunting for right and left parietal hot spots using single-pulse TMS: modulation of visuospatial perception during line bisection judgment in the healthy brain

A series of studies have consistently reproduced left neglect-like bias on line length estimation tasks in healthy participants by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the right posterior parietal cortex (PPC), while no significant changes have been reported when stimulating the left PPC. However, a notable inter-individual variability in the right parietal site where TMS modulates visuospatial perception can be observed, and no general agreement exists on how to identify the optimal parietal site of stimulation. In the present study, we propose a new site-finding TMS protocol to easily identify the optimum parietal location, or “hot spot,” where TMS may modulate visuospatial perception on a line length estimation task (the Landmark task). Single-pulse TMS at 115% of motor threshold was applied 150 ms after the visual stimulus onset over nine different sites of a 3 cm × 3 cm grid, centred over right or left PPC (P4 and P3 according to the 10–20 EEG system, respectively) in eight healthy participants. Stimulation of right PPC induced a significant left neglect-like bias, when the coil was applied over the most posterior and dorso-posterior sites. Unexpectedly, TMS over left PPC also produced left neglect-like bias. However, in this case significant effects were found when targeting the most anterior and dorso-anterior portions of the grid. These results are discussed in relation to recent findings on neural networks underlying spatial cognition. The hunting protocol we propose might offer an economical and easy-to-use tool to functionally identify the optimal parietal site where TMS can modulate visuospatial perception, in healthy subjects and possibly in post-stroke patients undergoing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment.
Subthreshold Dual Mode Logic

In this brief, we introduce a novel low-power dual mode logic (DML) family, designed to operate in the subthreshold region. The proposed logic family can be switched between static and dynamic modes of operation according to system requirements. In static mode, the DML gates feature very low-power dissipation with moderate performance, while in dynamic mode they achieve higher performance, albeit with increased power dissipation. This is achieved with a simple and intuitive design concept. SPICE and Monte Carlo simulations compare performance, power dissipation, and robustness of the proposed DML gates to their CMOS and domino counterparts in the 80-nm process. Measurements of an 80-nm test chip are presented in order to prove the proposed concept.
Do Mitochondria Limit Hot Fish Hearts? Understanding the Role of Mitochondrial Function with Heat Stress in Notolabrus celidotus

Hearts are the first organs to fail in animals exposed to heat stress. Predictions of climate change mediated increases in ocean temperatures suggest that the ectothermic heart may place tight constraints on the diversity and distribution of marine species with cardiovascular systems. For many such species, their upper temperature limits (Tmax) and respective heart failure (HF) temperature (THF) are only a few degrees from current environmental temperatures. While the ectothermic cardiovascular system acts as an “ecological thermometer,” the exact mechanism that mediates HF remains unresolved. We propose that heat-stressed cardiac mitochondria drive HF. Using a common New Zealand fish, Notolabrus celidotus, we determined the THF (27.5°C). Haemoglobin oxygen saturation appeared to be unaltered in the blood surrounding and within heat stressed hearts. Using high resolution respirometry coupled to fluorimeters, we explored temperature-mediated changes in respiration, ROS and ATP production, and overlaid these changes with THF. Even at saturating oxygen levels several mitochondrial components were compromised before THF. Importantly, the capacity to efficiently produce ATP in the heart is limited at 25°C, and this is prior to the acute THF for N. celidotus. Membrane leakiness increased significantly at 25°C, as did cytochrome c release and permeability to NADH. Maximal flux rates and the capacity for the electron transport system to uncouple were also altered at 25°C. These data indicate that mitochondrial membrane integrity is lost, depressing ATP synthesis capacity and promoting cytochrome c release, prior to THF. Mitochondria can mediate HF in heat stressed hearts in fish and play a significant role in thermal stress tolerance, and perhaps limit species distributions by contributing to HF.
A Novel Approach in Mold Design in Regards to Weight Reduction of Foam Injection Molded Parts

This paper presents an experimental study on the mold design and the effect of processing parameters on the expansion of foam injection molded parts. Plastic foaming technology has been developed for producing light weight articles along with reducing shrinkage, warpage and sink marks. Limitation in foam expansion is a primary challenge in foam injection molding process. The processing parameters have limited effects on the expansion ratio (or relative density) and cell population density of foam. In this study a novel approach in mold design is introduced to take advantages of concepts such as counter-pressure and mold opening to further extend the expansion range. A modular sheet mold with a rectangular cavity and a fan gate was designed and manufactured. The mold includes a main cavity, the thickness of which could be varied, connected to an overflow channel via a secondary gate, the size of which was also varied in this research. The investigated parameters were part thickness, secondary gate width, blowing agent amount, injection pressure, mold temperature and part thickness. Two-level test experiments were carried out in this research work. The results indicated the high effectiveness of the proposed approach in further reducing the foamed part weight. For the parts with a larger thickness, a noticeable decrease in bulk density and an increase in cell population density along with an improvement in cellular structure uniformity were observed. The expansion was increased as the chemical blowing agent content increased. Other investigated processing parameters, such as injection pressure and mold temperature, had insignificant effects on the relative bulk density within the selected range.
Concurrent validity of kidney transplant questionnaire in US renal transplant recipients

Background Valid instrumentation in the assessment of health-related quality of life (HQoL) in renal transplant recipients is critical to identifying particular nuances and determinants of HQoL in this population. Therefore, the validity of disease-specific instruments to measure HQoL in renal transplant recipients, such as the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire (KTQ), needs further investigation. The objective of this study was to assess the concurrent validity of the KTQ in adult US renal transplant recipients using the well established SF-12 Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2) as the comparison instrument. Methods One hundred and fourteen renal transplant recipients met the following inclusion criteria for this study, ie, were at least 21 years of age, more than two years post-transplant, and receiving immunosuppressant therapy. Subjects were asked to complete a series of HQoL instruments, ie, the KTQ and the SF-12v2 (physical component summary [PCS-12] and mental component summary [MCS-12]). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and correlational analyses were conducted to examine the concurrent validity of the HQoL instruments. Results Among 100 participants (87.7% response rate), the majority of participants were male (52%), had deceased donor transplants (63%), and received Medicare benefits (84%). PCS-12 was positively correlated with three of five KTQ subscales (P < 0.05), ie, KTQ-physical (r = 0.43), KTQ-fatigue (r = 0.42), and KTQ-uncertainty/fear (r = 0.2). MCS-12 was positively correlated with all KTQ subscales (P < 0.01), ie, KTQ-physical (r = 0.26), KTQ-fatigue (r = 0.48), KTQ-uncertainty/fear (r = 0.33), KTQ-emotional (r = 0.47), and KTQ-appearance (r = 0.28). Conclusion The findings support the concurrent validity of the KTQ in US renal transplant recipients. Future studies should continue exploring the validity of the KTQ, as well as its practical and research utility in HQoL measurement in the renal transplant population.
Study of the cell activity in three-dimensional cell culture by using Raman spectroscopy

The purpose of this study is to develop a estimation technique of local cell activity in cultured 3D cell aggregate with gelatin hydrogel microspheres by using Raman spectroscopy. It is an invaluable technique allowing real-time, nondestructive, and invasive measurement. Cells in body generally exist in 3D structure, which physiological cell-cell interaction enhances cell survival and biological functions. Although a 3D cell aggregate is a good model of the cells in living tissues, it was difficult to estimate their physiological conditions because there is no effective technique to make observation of intact cells in the 3D structure. In this study, cell aggregates were formed by MC3T-E1 (pre-osteoblast) cells and gelatin hydrogel microspheres. In appropriate condition MC3T-E1 cells can differentiate into osteoblast. We assume that the activity of the cell would be different according to the location in the aggregate because the cells near the surface of the aggregate have more access to oxygen and nutrient. Raman imaging technique was applied to measure 3D image of the aggregate. The concentration of the hydroxyapatite (HA) is generated by osteoblast was estimated with a strong band at 950-970 cm-1 which assigned to PO43- in HA. It reflects an activity of the specific site in the cell aggregate. The cell density in this specific site was analyzed by multivariate analysis of the 3D Raman image. Hence, the ratio between intensity and cell density in the site represents the cell activity.
Real Time Adaptive Obstacle Avoidance in Dynamic Environments with Different DS

In this paper a real-time obstacle avoidance approach for both autonomous and non-autonomous dynamical systems (DS) is presented. In this approach the original dynamics of the controller which allow us to determine safety margin can be modulated. Different common types of DS increase the robot’s reactiveness in the face of uncertainty in the localization of the obstacle especially when robot moves very fast in changeable complex environments. The method is validated by simulation and influence of different autonomous and non-autonomous DS such as important characteristics of limit cycles and unstable DS. Furthermore, the position of different obstacles in complex environment is explained. Finally, the verification of avoidance trajectories is described through different parameters such as safety factor. Keywords—Limit cycles, Nonlinear dynamical system, Real time obstacle avoidance.
Identification of four serum microRNAs from a genome-wide serum microRNA expression profile as potential non-invasive biomarkers for endometrioid endometrial cancer

Serum microRNAs (miRNAs), with their remarkable stability and unique concentration profiles in patients with various diseases, are promising non-invasive biomarkers for tumor detection. The present study investigated the altered profiles of serum microRNAs in patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) in order to predict the malignancy of the disease at a relatively early stage. TaqMan® low-density arrays (TDLAs) were used to perform an analysis in the initial screening phase using serum samples pooled from seven EEC patients and 20 controls. The differential expression was validated using a hydrolysis probe-based stem-loop quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in samples taken from 26 EEC patients and 22 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The data obtained from the TLDAs demonstrated that 22 serum miRNAs were markedly upregulated in the EEC patients compared with the controls. The qRT-PCR analysis further identified a profile of four serum miRNAs (miR-222, miR-223, miR-186 and miR-204) as a fingerprint for EEC detection. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of this four-serum miRNA signature was 0.927, which was markedly higher than that of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125; 0.673). The four-miRNA signature identified by genome-wide serum miRNA expression profiling analysis provides a novel, non-invasive approach for EEC diagnosis.
Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulations for Phospholipid Membranes Based on a Four-To-One Coarse-Grained Mapping Scheme

In this article, a new set of parameters compatible with the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) force field is developed for phospholipids. The coarse-grained (CG) models of these molecules are constructed by mapping four heavy atoms and their attached hydrogen atoms to one bead. The beads are divided into types distinguished by charge type, polarizability, and hydrogen-bonding capacity. First, we derive the relationship between the DPD repulsive force and Flory-Huggins χ-parameters based on this four-to-one CG mapping scheme. Then, we optimize the DPD force parameters for phospholipids. The feasibility of this model is demonstrated by simulating the structural and thermodynamic properties of lipid bilayer membranes, including the membrane thickness, the area per lipid, the lipid tail orientation, the bending rigidity, the rupture behavior, and the potential of mean force for lipid flip-flop.
Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism—Risk of Fractures, Psychiatric Diseases, Cancer, Cataract, and Infections

Data on co‐morbidity in patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) are sparse. We aimed to assess risk of fractures, spinal stenosis, cataract, neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer, and infections within the historic cohort of patients with postsurgical HypoPT due to non‐malignant causes that we previously have characterized. Patients were identified through the Danish National Patient Registry and regional prescription databases, with subsequent validation of their individual hospital records. Identified cases were matched with three age‐ (± 2 yr) and gender‐matched controls from the general background population. Compared with controls, patients did not have an increased risk of cataract (p = 0.52), spinal stenosis (p = 0.59), or any fracture (p = 0.98). However, the risk of fractures at the upper extremities was significantly decreased in patients (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49–0.97). Compared with controls, patients had a significantly increased risk of hospitalization due to infections (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.20–1.67) and depression/bipolar affective disorders (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.14–3.46). The risk of malignant diseases did not differ between groups although the risk of gastrointestinal cancers was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44–0.93). In conclusion, HypoPT is associated with an increased risk of depression and other types of neuropsychiatric diseases as well as infections, whereas patients seem to be protected against fractures at the upper extremities and gastrointestinal malignancies. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Strain monitoring in masonry structures using smart bricks

Monitoring a building’s structural performance is critical for the identification of incipient damages and the optimization of maintenance programs. The characteristics and spatial deployment of any sensing system plays an essential role in the reliability of the monitored data and, therefore, on the actual capability of the monitoring system to reveal early-stage structural damage. A promising strategy for enhancing the quality of a structural health monitoring system is the use of sensors fabricated using materials exhibiting similar mechanical properties and durability as those of the construction materials. Based on this philosophy, the authors have recently proposed the concept of "smart-bricks" that are nanocomposite clay bricks capable of transducing a change in volumetric strain into a change in a selected electrical property. Such brick-like sensors could be easily placed at critical locations within masonry walls, being an integral part of the structure itself. The sensing is enabled through the dispersion of fillers into the constitutive material. Examples of fillers include titania, carbon-based particles, and metallic microfibers. In this paper, experimental tests are conducted on bricks doped with different types of carbon-based fillers, tested both as standalone sensors and within small wall systems. Results show that mechanical properties as well as the smart brick’s strain sensitivity depend on the type of filler used. The capability of the bricks to work as strain monitoring sensors within small masonry specimens is also demonstrated.
Scattering, absorption and transmittance of experimental graphene dental nanocomposites

Optical properties of experimental graphene dental nanocomposites were studied. Spectral reflectance was measured and S and K coefficients as well as transmittance of samples were calculated using Kubelka-Munk’s equations. The spectral behavior of S, K and T experimental graphene exhibited different trends compared with the commercial nanocomposites and they were statistically different. Experimental nanocomposites show higher scattering and lower transmittance when compared with commercial nanocomposite, probably, due to the shape, type and size of the filler. K for short wavelength of the pre-polymerized experimental nancomposites was very low. According to our results, hidroxypatite with graphene oxide used in dental nanocomposites needs to be improved to reproduce esthetic properties of natural dental tissues and to have potentially clinical applications.
The Generation of Successive Unmarked Mutations and Chromosomal Insertion of Heterologous Genes in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Using Natural Transformation

We have developed a simple method of generating scarless, unmarked mutations in Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae by exploiting the ability of this bacterium to undergo natural transformation, and with no need to introduce plasmids encoding recombinases or resolvases. This method involves two successive rounds of natural transformation using linear DNA: the first introduces a cassette carrying cat (which allows selection by chloramphenicol) and sacB (which allows counter-selection using sucrose) flanked by sequences to either side of the target gene; the second transformation utilises the flanking sequences ligated directly to each other in order to remove the cat-sacB cassette. In order to ensure efficient uptake of the target DNA during transformation, A. pleuropneumoniae uptake sequences are added into the constructs used in both rounds of transformation. This method can be used to generate multiple successive deletions and can also be used to introduce targeted point mutations or insertions of heterologous genes into the A. pleuropneumoniae chromosome for development of live attenuated vaccine strains. So far, we have applied this method to highly transformable isolates of serovars 8 (MIDG2331), which is the most prevalent in the UK, and 15 (HS143). By screening clinical isolates of other serovars, it should be possible to identify other amenable strains.
Plexus: An Interactive Visualization Tool for Analyzing Public Emotions from Twitter Data

Social media is often used by researchers as an approach to obtaining real-time data on people's activities and thoughts. Twitter, as one of the most popular social networking services nowadays, provides copious information streams on various topics and events. Mining and analyzing Tweets enable us to find public reactions and emotions to activities or objects. This paper presents an interactive visualization tool that identifies and visualizes people's emotions on any two related topics by streaming and processing data from Twitter. The effectiveness of this visualization was evaluated and demonstrated by a feasibility study with 14 participants.
Proceedings of Symposia in Pure Mathematics Volume 68 , 2000

Harish Chandra's formal education and initial scientific papers were in the field of theoretical physics. With hindsight it seems that in his thinking he was always closer to mathematics; yet throughout his life he admired "the physicists intuition" and although he himself claimed not to have this sixth sense as he called it, on can argue that a physicists background sometimes shows through in his papers. In any case it was an important turning point in his career when he came here to the Institute in 1947 and his scientific activity shifted to mathematics.
Evaluating the Role of Environmental Stressors and Sensitive Parenting on the Emergence of Behavior Problems during Early Childhood

This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by ScholarWorks@UNO with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rightsholder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/or on the work itself.
The Molecular Genetics of Sex Determination and Sex Reversal in Mammals

Abstract The process of sex determination in mammals normally unfolds in three distinct stages: (1) establishment of chromosomal sex at fertilization (XX or XY); (2) commitment to the appropriate pathway of gonadal differentiation with respect to chromosomal sex, through the action (or absence) of the Y chromosome gene SRY; and (3) correct development of secondary sexual characteristics, including internal and external genitalia, in accordance with gonadal sex. At any of these three steps, the process of sex determination can go awry, leading to disorders of sexual development. In this article, we review the typical mechanism and process of mammalian sex determination, with an emphasis on the well-characterized mouse and human models. We also consider aberrant mammalian sex determination, focusing on examples of sex reversal stemming from gene defects.