Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electromechanics and Volume Dynamics in Non-excitable Tissue Cells

Cell volume regulation is fundamentally important in phenomena such as cell growth, proliferation, tissue homeostasis and embryogenesis. How the cell size is set, maintained, and changed over a cell’s lifetime is not well understood. In this work we focus on how the volume of non-excitable tissue cells is coupled to the cell membrane electrical potential and the concentration of membrane-permeable ions in the cell environment. Specifically, we demonstrate that a sudden cell depolarization using the whole cell patch clamp results in a 30 percent increase in cell volume, while hyperpolarization results in a slight volume decrease. We find that cell volume can be partially controlled by changing the chloride or the sodium/potassium concentrations in the extracellular environment while maintaining a constant external osmotic pressure. Depletion of external chloride leads to a volume decrease in suspended HN31 cells. Introducing cells to a high potassium solution causes volume increase by up to 50%. Cell volume is also influenced by cortical tension: actin depolymerization leads to cell volume increase. We present an electrophysiology model of water dynamics driven by changes in membrane potential and in the concentration of permeable ions in the cell surrounding. The model quantitatively predicts that the cell volume is determined by the total amount of intracellular ion and protein content.
Effect of Object and Task Properties on Bimanual Transport

ABSTRACT The use of both hands simultaneously when manipulating objects is fairly commonplace, but it is not known what factors encourage people to use two hands as opposed to one during simple tasks such as transport. In particular, we are interested in three possible transport strategies: unimanual transport, handing off between hands, and symmetric bimanual transport. In this study, we investigate the effect of object size, weight, and starting and ending position (configuration) as well as the need to balance the object on the use of these three strategies in a bowl-moving task. We find that configuration and balance have a strong effect on choice of strategy, and size and weight have a weaker effect. Hand-offs are most often used when the task requires moving an object from left to right and vice versa, while the unimanual strategy was frequently used when passing front to back. The bimanual strategy is only weakly affected by configuration. The need to balance an object causes subjects to favor unimanual and bimanual strategies over the hand-off. In addition, an analysis of transport duration and body rotation suggests that strategy choice may be driven by the desire to minimize body rotation.
Further Effects of Phylogenetic Tree Style on Student Comprehension in an Introductory Biology Course

Phylogenetic trees have become increasingly important across the life sciences, and as a result, learning to interpret and reason from these diagrams is now an essential component of biology education. Unfortunately, students often struggle to understand phylogenetic trees. Style (i.e., diagonal or bracket) is one factor that has been observed to impact how students interpret phylogenetic trees, and one goal of this research was to investigate these style effects across an introductory biology course. In addition, we investigated the impact of instruction that integrated diagonal and bracket phylogenetic trees equally. Before instruction, students were significantly more accurate with the bracket style for a variety of interpretation and construction tasks. After instruction, however, students were significantly more accurate only for construction tasks and interpretations involving taxa relatedness when using the bracket style. Thus, instruction that used both styles equally mitigated some, but not all, style effects. These results inform the development of research-based instruction that best supports student understanding of phylogenetic trees.
Non-Asymptotic Achievable Rates for Gaussian Energy-Harvesting Channels: Best-Effort and Save-and-Transmit

An additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) energy-harvesting (EH) channel is considered where the transmitter is equipped with an infinite-sized battery which stores energy harvested from the environment. The energy arrival process is modeled as a sequence of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables. The capacity of this channel is known and is achievable by the so-called best-effort and save-and-transmit schemes. This paper investigates the best-effort scheme in the finite blocklength regime and establishes the first nonasymptotic achievable rate for it. The first-order term of the nonasymptotic achievable rate equals the capacity, and the second-order term is proportional to $-\sqrt{\log n/n}^{-}$ where $n$ denotes the blocklength. The proof technique involves analyzing the escape probability of a Markov process. In addition, we use this new proof technique to analyze the save-and-transmit and obtain a new non-asymptotic achievable rate for it, whose first-order and second-order terms achieve the capacity and the scaling $-1/\sqrt{n}$ respectively. For all sufficiently large signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), our new achievable rate outperforms the existing ones.
Chemistry of Singlet Oxygen (O2(a1DELTAg)) in the Upper Atmosphere

Abstract : This project completed the following objectives: - developed a method (based on technique pioneered by Dr A. Viggiano) to produce molecular oxygen in it's first electronically excited state; - produced an absolute calibration of the O2(a) concentration which showed the yield of O2(a) from the Cl2 generator ranged from 16 to 26%; - studied the reaction kinetics at 300 K of atomic Mg, Ca and Fe with O2(a) in a fast flow tube, where the metal atoms were produced either by thermal evaporation (Mg and Ca) or pulsed laser ablation (Fe), and then detected by laser induced fluorescence; - carried out high level electronic structure calculations to explore the potential energy surfaces for these metal atom + O2(a) reactions, as well as the reaction SiO + O2(a); Conclusions include: - the reaction Ca + O2(a) mostly occurs via recombination to produce CaO2(1A1), with a rate coefficient that is 80 times larger than for the reaction Ca + O2(X). There is also limited switching through a conical intersection between singlet and triplet surfaces, leading to the bimolecular products CaO + O; - the reaction Mg + O2(a) occurs exclusively by recombination on a singlet surface, producing MgO2(1A1). The rate coefficient is 4000 times larger than for the reaction Mg + O2(X). However, there are no surface crossings between the initial singlet and lower-lying triplet surfaces; - the reaction Fe + O2(a) produces FeO + O, although with a probability of only 0.1%. There is no evidence for recombination, suggesting that this reaction proceeds mostly by near-resonant electronic energy transfer, producing O2(X) and Fe(a5F) (the lowest-lying excited state of Fe); - the reaction SiO + O2(a) has a significant barrier of 55 kJ mol-1 and also requires a singlet-triplet surface crossing in order to produce SiO2 + O; - the reaction Si(cation) + O2(a) is the most important removal process for Si cations in the daytime atmosphere between 85 and 107 km.
Reliability and validity of the Turkish Nose Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to validate the Turkish Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (T-NOSE) scale. Materials and methods: The NOSE scale was translated into Turkish. A prospective study was conducted involving adult subjects with nasal obstruction and a control group. The patients were divided into three groups, namely nasal septum deviation (NSD), septoplasty, and control groups. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, validity, responsiveness, and the magnitude of the effect of surgery were all investigated. Results: In total, 253 subjects were enrolled in the study. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.938 and 0.942 upon test and retest, respectively, which proved good internal consistency. The mean kappa value was 0.82, indicating a high level of reproducibility. The difference between postoperative and control groups was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). The T-NOSE score of the NSD group was 65.67 ± 16.77, while it was 10.75 ± 12.25 for the control group (P < 0.01). The mean score improved following septoplasty (P < 0.001). The magnitude of the effect of surgery was considered high. The correlation between the visual analogue scale and NOSE scores was 0.948. Conclusion: The T-NOSE scale is a valid instrument with good internal consistency, reliability, reproducibility, validity, and responsiveness.
Automatic segmentation of hepatocellular structure from HE-stained liver tissue

The analysis of hepatic tissue structure is required for quantitative assessment of liver histology. Especially, a cord-like structure of liver cells, called trabecura, has important information in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the extraction of trabeculae is thought to be difficult because liver cells take on various colors and appearances depending on tissue conditions. In this paper, we propose an approach to extract trabeculae from images of hematoxyline and eosin stained liver tissue slide by extracting the rest of trabeculae: sinusoids and stromal area. The sinusoids are simply extracted based on the color information, where the image is corrected by an orientation selective filtering before segmentaion. The stromal area mainly consists of fiber, and often includes lymphocytes densely. Therefore, in the proposed method, fiber region and lymphocytes are extracted separately, then, stromal region is determined based on the extracted results. The determination of stroma is performed based on superpixels, to obtain precise boundaries. Once the regions of sinusoids and stroma are obtained, trabeculae can be segmented as the remaining region. The proposed method was applied to 10 test images of normal and HCC liver tissues, and the results were evaluated based on the manual segmentation. As a result, we confirmed that both sensitivity and specificity of the extraction of trabeculae reach around 90%.
Novel Xanthomonas campestris Long-Chain-Specific 3-Oxoacyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase Involved in Diffusible Signal Factor Synthesis

ABSTRACT The precursors of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family signals of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris are 3-hydroxyacyl-acyl carrier protein (3-hydroxyacyl-ACP) thioesters having acyl chains of 12 to 13 carbon atoms produced by the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. We report a novel 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase encoded by the X. campestris pv. campestris XCC0416 gene (fabG2), which is unable to participate in the initial steps of fatty acyl synthesis. This was shown by the failure of FabG2 expression to allow growth at the nonpermissive temperature of an Escherichia coli fabG temperature-sensitive strain. However, when transformed into the E. coli strain together with a plasmid bearing the Vibrio harveyi acyl-ACP synthetase gene (aasS), growth proceeded, but only when the medium contained octanoic acid. In vitro assays showed that FabG2 catalyzes the reduction of long-chain (≥C8) 3-oxoacyl-ACPs to 3-hydroxyacyl-ACPs but is only weakly active with shorter-chain (C4, C6) substrates. FabG1, the housekeeping 3-oxoacyl-ACP reductase encoded within the fatty acid synthesis gene cluster, could be deleted in a strain that overexpressed fabG2 but only in octanoic acid-supplemented media. Growth of the X. campestris pv. campestris ΔfabG1 strain overexpressing fabG2 required fabH for growth with octanoic acid, indicating that octanoyl coenzyme A is elongated by X. campestris pv. campestris fabH. Deletion of fabG2 reduced DSF family signal production, whereas overproduction of either FabG1 or FabG2 in the ΔfabG2 strain restored DSF family signal levels. IMPORTANCE Quorum sensing mediated by DSF signaling molecules regulates pathogenesis in several different phytopathogenic bacteria, including Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. DSF signaling also plays a key role in infection by the human pathogen Burkholderia cepacia. The acyl chains of the DSF molecules are diverted and remodeled from a key intermediate of the fatty acid synthesis pathway. We report a Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris fatty acid synthesis enzyme, FabG2, of novel specificity that seems tailored to provide DSF signaling molecule precursors. Quorum sensing mediated by DSF signaling molecules regulates pathogenesis in several different phytopathogenic bacteria, including Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. DSF signaling also plays a key role in infection by the human pathogen Burkholderia cepacia. The acyl chains of the DSF molecules are diverted and remodeled from a key intermediate of the fatty acid synthesis pathway. We report a Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris fatty acid synthesis enzyme, FabG2, of novel specificity that seems tailored to provide DSF signaling molecule precursors.
Cost-effectiveness of cognitive therapy as an early intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents: a trial based evaluation and model

Background Untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents is associated with a considerable economic burden on the health system, families and society. Recent research has demonstrated the potential efficacy of cognitive therapy as an early intervention for PTSD in children and adolescents. Children who experienced a single traumatic event in the previous two to six months and were randomized to cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) were significantly more likely to be PTSD-free compared to those randomized to usual care represented by waitlist control. The current study evaluated the economic impact of improvements in the treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents. Methods A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the national health service/personal social services perspective with outcomes expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Patient level costs and outcomes were collected during the 11 week clinical trial and extrapolated to a three year time horizon using economic modelling methods. Uncertainty was estimated using probabilistic sensitivity analysis and assumptions were tested using one way sensitivity analysis. Results The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at 3 years was £2,205 per QALY with a 60%–69% probability of CT-PTSD being cost-effective compared to usual care at the UK £20,000 to £30,000 per QALY decision threshold. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence for the cost-effectiveness of cognitive therapy in this treatment population. Larger pragmatic trials with longer follow-up are indicated.
Does music therapy improve executive functions after stroke, and how to check it?

Background: Stroke patients often experience executive functions disturbance. While music therapy becomes more and more popular as a form of neurorehabilitation, there is an urgent need for researches to select the most effective interventions.Objective: The goal of the research was to collect objective, quantitative data, and contribute to building strong fundamentals of evidence-based music therapy.Methods: Participants, people after stroke, were randomly assigned to experimental and control group. Neuropsychological (paper–pencil Color Trails Test) measurements were conducted in both groups: before and after 10 music therapy sessions and immediately after 5th session. Experimental music therapy sessions were organized in set of exercises adjusted to participants’ abilities, aimed to improve cognitive functioning. Control participants were listening to music in relaxation state.Discussion: The research and date analysis are still in progress. Methodological, ethical and practical issues relevant to orga.
Genome-Wide Identification of MicroRNAs in Response to Cadmium Stress in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Using High-Throughput Sequencing

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in regulating stress-response genes in plants. However, identification of miRNAs and the corresponding target genes that are induced in response to cadmium (Cd) stress in Brassica napus remains limited. In the current study, we sequenced three small-RNA libraries from B. napus after 0 days, 1 days, and 3 days of Cd treatment. In total, 44 known miRNAs (belonging to 27 families) and 103 novel miRNAs were identified. A comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression profiles found 39 differentially expressed miRNAs between control and Cd-treated plants; 13 differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Characterization of the corresponding target genes indicated functions in processes including transcription factor regulation, biotic stress response, ion homeostasis, and secondary metabolism. Furthermore, we propose a hypothetical model of the Cd-response mechanism in B. napus. Combined with qRT-PCR confirmation, our data suggested that miRNAs were involved in the regulations of TFs, biotic stress defense, ion homeostasis and secondary metabolism synthesis to respond Cd stress in B. napus.
Massive Machine-Type Communications: An Overview and Perspectives Towards 5G

This paper provides an overview of the main characteristics and development of the new generation of mobile communication systems known as Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN). As predicted, current exploitation of the fourth generation mobile communication systems (4G) will reach 50 billion connected devices by 2020. Expectations are that its successor, currently developing fifth generation (5G), is going to be operable by 2020. This new generation of mobile communication systems tends to become a technology platform that will enable the development of new applications, business models, industries, such as massive machine-type communications. This will be possible primarily through the creation of acceptable ecosystem that could provide a massive machine-type communication using a single platform based on the Internet of Things (IoT) concept. NGMN enables the integration of all so far known and used machine-type communications, creating an environment of smart cities and a fully networked society under the new concept of Internet of Everything (IoE). However, such network also poses specific performance requirements reflected through higher transmission speeds, higher data volumes, reduced energy consumption, higher quality of service, and growth in the number of services and users of currently deployed mobile generation.
Potent Potassium-competitive Acid Blockers: A New Era for the Treatment of Acid-related Diseases

Conventional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used as a first-line therapy to treat acid-related diseases worldwide. However, they have a number of limitations including slow onset of action, influence by cytochrome P450 polymorphisms, unsatisfactory effects at night, and instability in acidic conditions. Alternative formulations of conventional PPIs have been developed to overcome these problems; however, these drugs have only introduced small advantages for controlling acid secretion compared to conventional PPIs. Potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) were developed and have beneficial effects including rapid, long-lasting, and reversible inhibition of the gastric hydrogen potassium ATPase, the proton pump of the stomach. Vonoprazan was recently innovated as a novel, orally active P-CAB. It is currently indicated for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, and prevention of low-dose aspirin- or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related gastric and duodenal ulcer recurrence in Japan. Vonoprazan does not require enteric coating as it is acid-stable, and it can be taken without food because it is quickly absorbed. Vonoprazan accumulates in parietal cells under both acidic and neutral conditions. It does not require an acidic environment for activation, has long-term stability at the site of action, and has satisfactory safety and tolerability. Thus, vonoprazan may address the unmet medical need for the treatment of acid-related diseases.
Novel Botulinum Neurotoxins: Exploring Underneath the Iceberg Tip

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), the etiological agents of botulism, are the deadliest toxins known to humans. Yet, thanks to their biological and toxicological features, BoNTs have become sophisticated tools to study neuronal physiology and valuable therapeutics for an increasing number of human disorders. BoNTs are produced by multiple bacteria of the genus Clostridium and, on the basis of their different immunological properties, were classified as seven distinct types of toxin. BoNT classification remained stagnant for the last 50 years until, via bioinformatics and high-throughput sequencing techniques, dozens of BoNT variants, novel serotypes as well as BoNT-like toxins within non-clostridial species have been discovered. Here, we discuss how the now “booming field” of botulinum neurotoxin may shed light on their evolutionary origin and open exciting avenues for future therapeutic applications.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Glu298Asp Gene Polymorphism (G894T) as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Tunisian Population

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease whose global expansion gives it the characteristics of a pandemic. Diabetes risk factors are well known. In this work we proposed to study the role of genetic polymorphism of the eNOS G894T gene in the development of diabetes on the one hand and of these degenerative complications other. Methods: We conducted a prospective case-control study in which we included 200 subjects divided into 100 patients with type 2 diabetes and 100 controls in apparent good health. For each patient and control we measured lipid parameters, CRP-us and sought the G894T polymorphism of eNOS gene by PCR-RFLP. Results: The analysis of our results shows a statistically significant elevated TG values (p < 10﹣3), Lp (a) (p < 10﹣3), and CRP-us (p < 10﹣3) in type 2 diabetes compared with controls. The mutated genotypes of GT eNOS gene was significantly more frequent in diabetic patients. In our series, we did not notice any significant difference in genotype or allele frequency between diabetics with and without degenerative complications. Conclusion: The G894T polymorphism of eNOS gene appears to be a risk factor of T2DM. His role in the development of degenerative complications remains proved.
Development of the Exercise Rehabilitation Algorithm for the Children with Disabilities: With focus on the children with encephalopathy, intellectual disabilities and autism

The purpose of this study is to develop the algorithm for planning the exercise rehabilitation services for the children with encephalopathy, intellectual disabilities and autism in an effective way and provide field practitioners with the basic data required for consulting exercise rehabilitation services and establishing plans. To achieve the purpose of this study, the authors have reviewed relevant literatures and then selected 27 literatures for the study on the exercise rehabilitation for the children with disabilities. For a decision tree analysis, data was collected from 208 participants with encephalopathy, intellectual disabilities and autism in Seoul, Incheon and other areas through convenient sampling. The authors analyzed the collected data statistically using SAS Enterprise Miner 13.1 program and developed. On the basis of the results, the exercise rehabilitation algorithm for respective children with disabilities.