Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria in Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress

In recent years it has been suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the damage to muscle and other tissues induced by acute exercise. Despite the small availability of direct evidence for ROS production during exercise, there is an abundance of literature providing indirect support that oxidative stress occurs during exercise. The electron transport associated with the mitochondrial respiratory chain is considered the major process leading to ROS production at rest and during exercise. It is widely assumed that during exercise the increased electron flow through the mitochondrial electron transport chain leads to an increased rate of ROS production. On the other hand, results obtained by in vitro experiments indicate that mitochondrial ROS production is lower in state 3 (ADP-stimulated) than in state 4 (basal) respiration. It is possible, however, that factors, such as temperature, that are modified in vivo during intense physical activity induce changes (uncoupling associated with loss of cytochrome oxidase activity) leading to increased ROS production. The mitochondrial respiratory chain could also be a potential source of ROS in tissues, such as liver, kidney and nonworking muscles, that during exercise undergo partial ischemia because of reduced blood supply. Sufficient oxygen is available to interact with the increasingly reduced respiratory chain and enhance the ROS generation. At the cessation of exercise, blood flow to hypoxic tissues resumes leading to their reoxygenation. This mimics the ischemia-reperfusion phenomenon, which is known to cause excessive production of free radicals. Apart from a theoretical rise in ROS, there is little evidence that exercise-induced oxidative stress is due to its increased mitochondrial generation. On the other hand, if mitochondrial production of ROS supplies a remarkable contribution to exercise-induced oxidative stress, mitochondria should be a primary target of oxidative damage. Unfortunately, there are controversial reports concerning the exercise effects on structural and functional characteristics of mitochondria. However, the isolation of mitochondrial fractions by differential centrifugation has shown that the amount of damaged mitochondria, recovered in the lightest fraction, is remarkably increased by long-lasting exercise.
Exponential approximation for the nearly critical Galton-Watson process and occupation times of Markov chains

In this article we provide new applications for exponential approximation using the framework of Peköz and Röllin (in press), which is based on Stein’s method. We give error bounds for the nearly critical Galton-Watson process conditioned on non-extinction, and for the occupation times of Markov chains; for the latter, in particular, we give a new exponential approximation rate for the number of revisits to the origin for general two dimensional random walk, also known as the Erdős-Taylor theorem.
Evaluating Performance of Symmetric Encryption Algorithms

The security of information being stored and transmitted is paramount in today's world. Many efficient encryption standards exist for securing classified data from cyber threats. Two common types of encryption algorithms are classified as Symmetric and Asymmetric. With Symmetric encryption, the same key/password is used to cipher and decipher data whereas with Asymmetric algorithms, we have different key/passwords for encryption and decryption. Symmetric algorithms tend to be less complicated than Asymmetric and hence are more widely used. In this paper, we evaluate and compare the performance between the universally used Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Blowfish algorithms. The execution time is measured for different types of data string values. The length of the string as well as ASCII value range is also varied.
Phenological niches and the future of invaded ecosystems with climate change

We review recent evidence that non-native and invasive plant species may have distinct timings of their seasonal life history characteristics (such as date of leaf out or flowering, that is, their phenology) that allow them to establish in new communities. In particular we examine how invasions may be bolstered by the longer growing seasons associated with climate change. Based on our current of plant phenology and growth strategies—especially rapid growing, early-flowering species versus later-flowering species that make slower-return investments in growth—we project optimal periods for invasions across three distinct systems under current climate change scenarios.
Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical characterization of an immortalized human breast epithelial cell line, MCF-10.

The human breast epithelial cell line MCF-10 was derived from s.c. mastectomy tissue from a 36-year-old, parous, premenopausal woman with fibrocystic disease. It was initiated as a mortal cell line (MCF-10M), which senesces when transferred serially in 1.05 mM calcium. These cells spontaneously gave origin to two immortal sublines, MCF-10A, or attached cells, and MCF-10F, or floating cells, which have proliferated for more than 4 years in Dulbecco's modified essential medium and Ham's F-12 either with the customary calcium concentration of 1.05 mM (DMEM-H) or in medium containing 0.04 mM calcium or low calcium. Studies reported here indicate that MCF-10 is a mammary epithelial cell line. Electron microscopy showed that both MCF-10A and MCF-10F have characteristics of luminal ductal cells, but not of myoepithelial cells. When grown for more than 1200 days in Dulbecco's modified essential medium-Ham's F-12 and low calcium media, respectively, they maintained their epithelial characteristics, although the concentration of calcium exerted a powerful influence on cell morphology. Cells grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium-Ham's F12 medium are low cuboidal with numerous desmosomes and short microvilli, whereas those grown in low calcium medium have significantly reduced number of desmosomes, are more spherical, and have greater numbers of microvilli which are longer than those of cells grown in DMEM-H. The breast epithelial orgin of these cells was confirmed by immunocytochemical detection of epithelial sialomucins and keratins. The monoclonal antibodies MFA-breast and MC5 and the polyclonal antibody epithelial membrane antigen were used to detect the epithelial sialomucins. Keratins were characterized by using KA-4, K-14, AE1/AE3, and K-19 specific antibodies. It was concluded that MCF-10A and MCF-10F cells are breast epithelial cells and that they represent an important tool for studies of the basic processes of growth and carcinogenesis.
Toxic effects of repeated oral exposure of silver nanoparticles on small intestine mucosa of mice

Abstract As the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is increasing fast in industry, food, medicines, etc., exposure to AgNPs is increasing in quantity day by day. So, it is imperative to know the adverse effects of AgNPs in man. In this study, we selected mice as an animal model and observed the effect of AgNPs on small intestinal mucosa. AgNPs ranging from 3 to 20 nm were administered orally at a dose of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg body weight to the Swiss-albino male mice for 21 d. There was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the body weight of mice in all the AgNPs-treated groups. Mice treated at a dose of 10 mg/kg showed the maximum weight loss. Effects were noted by using light microscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy. It was found that AgNPs damage the epithelial cell microvilli as well as intestinal glands. It may be hypothesized that loss of microvilli reduced absorptive capacity of intestinal epithelium and hence weight loss.
A Subset of NKT Cells That Lacks the NK1.1 Marker, Expresses CD1d Molecules, and Autopresents the α-Galactosylceramide Antigen1

In the present report, we characterize a novel T cell subset that shares with the NKT cell lineage both CD1d-restriction and high reactivity in vivo and in vitro to the α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) glycolipid. These cells preferentially use the canonical Vα14-Jα281 TCR-α-chain and Vβ8 TCR-β segments, and are stimulated by α-GalCer in a CD1d-dependent fashion. However, in contrast to classical NKT cells, they lack the NK1.1 marker and express high surface levels of CD1d molecules. In addition, this NK1.1− CD1dhigh T subset, further referred to as CD1dhigh NKT cells, can be distinguished by its unique functional features. Although NK1.1+ NKT cells require exogenous CD1d-presenting cells to make them responsive to α-GalCer, CD1dhigh NKT cells can engage their own surface CD1d in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner. Furthermore, in response to α-GalCer, CD1dhigh NKT cells produce high amounts of IL-4 and moderate amounts of IFN-γ, a cytokine profile more consistent with a Th2-like phenotype rather than the Th0-like phenotype typical of NK1.1+ NKT cells. Our work reveals a far greater level of complexity within the NKT cell population than previously recognized and provides the first evidence for T cells that can be activated upon TCR ligation by CD1d-restricted recognition of their ligand in the absence of conventional APCs.
Decoding algorithms for binary Raptor codes over nonbinary channels

In this paper, we introduce a class of decoding algorithms for binary Raptor codes used for transmission over q-ary channels, where q = 2m. The algorithms provide a tradeoff between complexity and decoding capability. Whereas the running time of the q-ary belief-propagation algorithms is m2m times that of its binary counterpart, in our case the complexity factor can be chosen between m and 2m, depending on the error-correction capability required. As such, the running time can be much better than the q-ary belief-propagation algorithm. The main idea behind our algorithm is to apply an appropriate set of GF(2)-linear forms of GF(q) to the Raptor code to obtain a set of binary codes which can be decoded independently in parallel. After a prescribed number of iterations, for each of the input symbols of the Raptor code and each of the linear forms an estimate is obtained on the probability that this linear form applied to the input symbol is zero. By gathering these probabilities and performing a maximum-likelihood decoding on a suitable code of very small blocklength, we are able to obtain a good estimate of the value of the input symbol. Simulations results are provided for a families of q-ary symmetric channels and non-symmetric channels which show the performance of our decoding algorithms.
MalAvi: a public database of malaria parasites and related haemosporidians in avian hosts based on mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages

Research in avian blood parasites has seen a remarkable increase since the introduction of polymerase chain reaction‐based methods for parasite identification. New data are revealing complex multihost–multiparasite systems which are difficult to understand without good knowledge of the host range and geographical distribution of the parasite lineages. However, such information is currently difficult to obtain from the literature, or from general repositories such as GenBank, mainly because (i) different research groups use different parasite lineage names, (ii) GenBank entries frequently refer only to the first host and locality at which each parasite was sampled, and (iii) different researchers use different gene fragments to identify parasite lineages. We propose a unified database of avian blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon identified by a partial region of their cytochrome b sequences. The database uses a standardized nomenclature to remove synonymy, and concentrates all available information about each parasite in a public reference site, thereby facilitating access to all researchers. Initial data include a list of host species and localities, as well as genetic markers that can be used for phylogenetical analyses. The database is free to download and will be regularly updated by the authors. Prior to publication of new lineages, we encourage researchers to assign names to match the existing database. We anticipate that the value of the database as a source for determining host range and geographical distribution of the parasites will grow with its size and substantially enhance the understanding of this remarkably diverse group of parasites.
Presence of the myelin-associated glycoprotein correlates with alterations in the periodicity of peripheral myelin

The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is an integral membrane protein (congruent to 100,000 mol wt) which is a minor component of purified peripheral nervus system (PNS) myelin. In the present study, MAG was localized immunocytochemically in 1-micrometer thick Epon sections of 7-d and adult rat peripheral nerves, and its localization was compared to that of the major structural protein (Po) of PNS myelin. To determine more precisely the localization of MAG, immunostained areas in 1 micrometer sections were traced on electron micrographs of identical areas from adjacently cut thin sections.l MAG was localized in periaxonal membranes. Schmidt-Lantermann incisures, paranodal membranes, and the outer mesaxon of PNS myelin sheaths. Compact regions of PNS myelin did not react with MAG antiserum. The results demonstrate MAG's presence in "'semi-compact" Schwann cell or myelin membranes that have a gap of 12-14 nm between extracellular leaflets and a spacing of 5 nm or more between cytoplasmic leaflets. In compact regions of the myelin sheath which do not contain MAG, the cytoplasmic leaflets are "fused" and form the major dense line, whereas the extracellular leaflets are separated by a 2.0 nm gap appearing as paired minor dense lines. Thus, it is proposed that MAG plays a role in maintaining the periaxonal space, Schmidt-Lantermann incisures, paranodal myelin loops, and outer mesaxon by preventing "complete" compaction of Schwann cell and myelin membranes. The presence of MAG in these locations also suggests that MAG may serve a function in regulating myelination in the PNS.
A user-perceived availability evaluation of a web based travel agency

A hierarchical modeling framework for the dependability evaluation of Internet-based applications is presented and illustrated on a travel agency example. Modeling is carried out considering four levels, namely: user, function, service and resource levels. The first level describes how the users invoke the application and the three remaining levels detail how the user requests are handled by the application a t distinct abstraction layers. The user perceived availability measure considered in this paper takes into account the combined impact of performance-related failures and traditional software and hardware failures. For illustration purposes, several sensitivity analysis results are presented to show the impact on this measure of various assumptions concerning, e.g. the users operational profile, the travel agency architecture and the fault coverage.
Effects of tryptophan deprivation on L1210 cells in culture.

Summary When murine L1210 leukemia cells growing in suspension culture are deprived of tryptophan, there is a rapid fall in DNA and histone synthesis and a less rapid fall in whole cellular protein and non-histone nuclear protein synthesis. Initially, the S phase of the cell cycle becomes prolonged, but subsequently the cells become defective in their ability to reinitiate S phase. By 24 hr complete growth arrest has occurred, at which point about 60% of the cells have a G1 DNA content and 32% have a late-S-phase DNA content. Growth arrest occurs at a cell density about 1.8 times the starting density. Readdition of tryptophan at this time produces resumed incorporation of thymidine-3H followed by a restoration of asynchronous cell growth after about 14 hr. When tryptophan deprivation is extended beyond 24 hr, the viability of the culture falls rapidly.
Bone marrow stromal cells and their use in regenerating bone tissue

We have used autologous BMSC/bioceramic composites to treat full-thickness gaps of long bones, first in a large animal model (tibia diaphysis in adult sheep) and than in few selected patients. A complete integration of ceramic with bone was observed by X-ray, histology, microradiography and SEM studies. In addition a good functional recovery was obtained. The healing process involved four main steps: 1) bone formation on the outer surface of the implant; 2) bone formation in the inner cylinder canal; 3) formation of fissures and cracks in the implant body (integration and disintegration mechanisms); 4) bone formation in the bioceramics pores. The results obtained are very promising and could represent a real and significant improvement in the repair of critical size long bone defects.
Medical Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes: A Consensus Algorithm for the Initiation and Adjustment of Therapy: A Consensus Statement of the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes

We appreciate Dr. Woo's response to our study (1) and his comparison (2) of the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) clinical practice guidelines and the American Diabetes Association (ADA)/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) consensus algorithm and welcome the opportunity to address the differences he has identified. The original ADA/EASD consensus algorithm and the subsequent revisions were developed independently by the consensus group and were then presented to the two major diabetes organizations for their review and approval of the process. Dr. Woo notes the CDA's process of data review with a “standardized evidence-based approach” and the participation of “over 90 authors and a steering committee of 18” and concludes that the process removed “as much bias as possible,” implying that this approach was superior to our consensus algorithm process. He further notes …
A dog tail for communicating robotic states

We present a dog-tail interface for communicating abstract affective robotic states. We believe that people have a passing knowledge to understand basic dog tail language (e.g., tail wagging means happy). This knowledge can be leveraged to understand affective states of a robot. For example, by appearing energetic, it can suggest that it has a full battery and does not need charging. To investigate this, we built a robotic tail interface to communicate affective states of a robot. We conducted an exploratory user study to explore how low-level tail parameters such as speed influence people's perceptions of affect. In this paper, we briefly describe our study design and the results obtained.
Ontologies for the study of neurological disease

We have begun work on two separate but related ontologies for the study of neurological diseases. The first, the Neurological Disease Ontology (ND), is intended to provide a set of controlled, logically con-­‐ nected classes to describe the range of neurological diseases and their associated signs and symptoms, assessments, diagnoses, and interven-­‐ tions that are encountered in the course of clinical practice. ND is built as an extension of the Ontology for General Medical Sciences — a high-­‐ level candidate OBO Foundry ontology that provides a set of general classes that can be used to describe general aspects of medical science. ND is being built with classes utilizing both textual and axiomatized definitions that describe and formalize the relations between instances of other classes within the ontology itself as well as to external ontolo-­‐ gies such as the Gene Ontology, Cell Ontology, Protein Ontology, and Chemical Entities of Biological Interest. In addition, references to simi-­‐ lar or associated terms in external ontologies, vocabularies and termi-­‐ nologies are included when possible. Initial work on ND is focused on the areas of Alzheimer’s and other diseases associated with dementia, multiple sclerosis, and stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Extensions to additional groups of neurological diseases are planned. The second ontology, the NeuroPsychological Testing Ontology (NPT), is intended to provide a set of classes for the annotation of neu-­‐ ropsychological testing data. The intention of this ontology is to allow for the integration of results from a variety of neuropsychological tests that assay similar measures of cognitive functioning. Neuro-­‐ psychological testing is an important component in developing the clinical picture used in the diagnosis of patients with a range of neuro-­‐ logical diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis, and following stroke or traumatic brain injury. NPT is being developed as an extension to the Ontology for Biomedical Investigations.
Position Location Techniques in Wireless Communication Systems

Development of wireless communication technology and widely use of wireless networks have made location-aware applications possible and necessary. Object positioning location is an essential element in many applications such as navigation, tracking, emergency service, location based services (LBS) and security. Position location refers to the functionality and events to estimate the location of a node of interest. Position location involve the coordinates of the node that may be in two or three dimensions, and contain information such as the latitude and longitude where the node is located. The positioning location ideally to be available everywhere, inside buildings, outside in the street, in the sea, etc. The positioning location of objects as well as of people is important. To keep track of objects positioning location can to assist improve safety and control logistics efficiently. As climate changes and irregular weather becomes more common, there will be an increased need to sense and monitor the environment. This thesis presents an overview of existing positioning location solutions of nodes in different wireless communication systems. Applications of positioning of nodes are discussed and few examples are reviewed. The methods used to determine the positioning location of nodes with the aid of mathematical concepts are also explained.
Interfacial Spring Element Model with Random Defects for 3D Simulation of Concrete Strength under Uniaxial Tension

In this study, an interfacial spring element model with random defects was constructed based on the four-phase material model of concrete, which consists of aggregate, matrix, interfacial transition zone (ITZ), and initial defects distributing randomly within the ITZ. The ITZ is modeled by linear spring element of zero length. Simulation of concrete strength under uniaxial tension yielded numerical results that are consistent with reliable experimental data, thus proving that the model is reasonable and applicable. Then, the model was employed to analyze the influence of random initial defects on concrete strength. Results showed that increased initial defects in ITZ leads to a linear decrease in tensile strength of the concrete. Compared with the strength of concrete without initial defects, that of concrete with initial defects equal to 60 % of ITZ elements decreased by about 40%. Based on these results, this study recommends that the fraction of initial defects should be 30 % when using the proposed model to predict uniaxial tensile strength of normal-strength concrete.