Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interferon- α 2b reduces phosphorylation and activity of MEK and ERK through a Ras / Raf -independent mechanism

Interferon (IFN)-α affects the growth, differentiation and function of various cell types by transducing regulatory signals through the Janus tyrosine kinase/signal transducers of activation and transcription (Jak/STAT) pathway. The signalling pathways employing the mitogen-activated ERK-activating kinase (MEK) and the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) are critical in growth factors signalling. Engagement of the receptors, and subsequent stimulation of Ras and Raf, initiates a phosphorylative cascade leading to activation of several proteins among which MEK and ERK play a central role in routing signals critical in controlling cell development, activation and proliferation. We demonstrate here that 24–48 h following treatment of transformed T- and monocytoid cell lines with recombinant human IFN-α2b both the phosphorylation and activity of MEK1 and its substrates ERK1/2 were reduced. In contrast, the activities of the upstream molecules Ras and Raf -1 were not affected. No effect on MEK/ERK activity was observed upon short-term exposure (1–30 min) to IFN. The anti-proliferative effect of IFN-α was increased by the addition in the culture medium of a specific inhibitor of MEK, namely PD98059. In conclusion, our results indicate that IFN-α regulates the activity of the MEK/ERK pathway and consequently modulates cellular proliferation through a Ras/Raf-independent mechanism. Targeting the MEK/ERK pathway may strengthen the IFN-mediated anti-cancer effect. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
The application and optimization of SDRAM controller in multicore multithreaded SoC

An integrated SDRAM controller with asynchronous access architecture is proposed. The controller takes charge of data transfer between off-chip SDRAM memory and the multicore multithreaded processors. The interleaving optimization for opposite bank is incorporated into the SDRAM controller, which can reduce memory latency and improve the memory bus performance. FPGA results show that the proposed controller reduces execution time by up to 48% than the original structure and improves the throughput of SDRAM data bus by 29%.
The integrator complex is required for integrity of Cajal bodies

The nucleus in eukaryotic cells is a highly organized and dynamic structure containing numerous subnuclear bodies. The morphological appearance of nuclear bodies seems to be a reflection of ongoing functions, such as DNA replication, transcription, repair, RNA processing and RNA transport. The integrator complex mediates processing of small nuclear RNA (snRNA), so it might play a role in nuclear body formation. Here, we show that the integrator complex is essential for integrity of the Cajal body. Depletion of INTS4, an integrator complex subunit, abrogated 3′-end processing of snRNA. A defect in this activity caused a significant accumulation of the Cajal body marker protein coilin in nucleoli. Some fractions of coilin still formed nucleoplasmic foci; however, they were free of other Cajal body components, such as survival of motor neuron protein (SMN), Sm proteins and snRNAs. SMN and Sm proteins formed striking cytoplasmic granules. These findings demonstrate that the integrator complex is essential for snRNA maturation and Cajal body homeostasis.
Prediction of potentially unstable electrical activity during embryonic development of rodent ventricular myocytes

In order to evaluate developmental changes in embryonic ventricular cells at early embryonic (EE) and late embryonic (LE) stage, we aimed to predict potentially unstable action potentials (APs) that could be lethal to developing ventricular cells. Two models of the Kyoto and the Luo-Rudy model were used for simulation of 512 representative combinations by switching the relative activities of 9 ionic components whose activities vary between the EE and LE stages. Out of these 512 combinations in Kyoto model, 144 combinations were predicted potentially unstable resulting from combinations of funny current (I<sub>f</sub>), inward rectifier current (I<sub>K1</sub>), sustained inward current (I<sub>st</sub>), L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> current (I<sub>CaL</sub>), and Na<sup>+</sup> current (I<sub>Na</sub>). Other 208 and 160 combinations were predicted quiescent membrane potentials and regular spontaneous APs. Based on these results, we suggest that sequential switches of the relative activities of I<sub>Na</sub>, I<sub>f</sub>, and I<sub>K1</sub> enable cells to avoid unstable patterns.
A novel marker for estimating the pose of a CT-guided robotic device using a single slice

Automatic robot / Computed Tomography (CT) scanner registration is an important feature for robot-assisted percutaneous needle placement under CT-scanner. This registration can be done using 3D images, but for fast, low X-ray radiation it is interesting to be able to perform the registration with a single slice. In this paper, a new marker is proposed, which allows to estimate the pose of a device using a single slice. This marker, called ZCM, consists of three circles or ellipses arranged in a Z-shape configuration. It is shown that it provides a larger workspace (i.e. a larger set of visible configurations) for pose measurement than the standard Brown-Roberts-Wells, while maintaining a good accuracy. A closed-form method is proposed for solving the pose estimation with this marker. Simulations and experimental tests using a mock-up patient-mounted robot are presented and confirm the theoretical analysis.
On the Topical Structure of the Relevance Feedback Set

A foot-supporting body in a motor vehicle is provided which is capable of supporting both feet of a passenger while reducing the intrusion depth, reducing the change in intrusion speed and performing deformation work. The foot-supporting body is made as a pure hard-foam moulded body which-arranged on the passenger/driver side of the end wall-extends beyond the left-hand foot-placement area at least as far as the area covered by the brake pedal. The inherent rigidity of the foot-supporting body, as viewed in the loading direction, which can be permanently deformed, is below that of the allocated area of the end wall. Polystyrene-or polyurethane-foamed plastic, with a lower volumetric-weight limit of about 20 g/dm3 is preferably used as the moulded body material in certain exemplary embodiments.
Reduced lead system selection methodology for reliable standard 12-lead reconstruction targeting personalised remote health monitoring applications

Advanced wireless technology, high speed internet facility and availability of other communication systems can be used to provide the accessibility of state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to the patients in remote and rural areas for monitoring and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, one of the prime causes of human mortality today. Telemonitoring applications encounter technological constraints viz. bandwidth, storage and data transmission time due to which reduced lead (RL) ECG systems (containing three to four leads) are used. From the medical science perspective, cardiologists are accustomed to the standard 12-lead (S12) ECG system owing to its wide-spread acceptability and decades-long usage and these RL systems may prove to be insufficient for diagnosis. In this paper, we attempt to provide for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a technical methodology to the medical practitioners for selection of such RL systems suitable for personalised remote health monitoring applications. Subsequ.
A Semantic-based Approach for Resource Discovery and Allocation in Distributed Middleware

This paper presents a knowledge-based approach for resource discovery, allotment and sharing in distributed pervasive scenarios. The proposed framework enables semantic-based resource retrieval exploiting non-standard inferences and a novel method for ontology dissemination and rebuilding. The approach can enhance any publish/subscribe message-oriented middleware. A prototype was implemented and tested to prove correctness of the approach and get early performance evaluation.
Aberrant Brain Regional Homogeneity and Functional Connectivity in Middle-Aged T2DM Patients: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with cognitive impairment. However, its neurological mechanism remains elusive. Combining regional homogeneity (ReHo) and functional connectivity (FC) analyses, the present study aimed to investigate brain functional alterations in middle-aged T2DM patients, which could provide complementary information for the neural substrates underlying T2DM-associated brain dysfunction. Twenty-five T2DM patients and 25 healthy controls were involved in neuropsychological testing and structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data acquisition. ReHo analysis was conducted to determine the peak coordinates of brain regions with abnormal local brain activity synchronization. Then, the identified brain regions were considered as seeds, and FC between these brain regions and global voxels was computed. Finally, the potential correlations between the imaging indices and neuropsychological data were also explored. Compared with healthy controls, T2DM patients exhibited higher ReHo values in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) and lower ReHo in the right fusiform gyrus (FFG), right precentral gyrus (PreCG) and right medial orbit of the superior frontal gyrus (SFG). Considering these areas as seed regions, T2DM patients displayed aberrant FC, mainly in the frontal and parietal lobes. The pattern of FC alterations in T2DM patients was characterized by decreased connectivity and positive to negative or negative to positive converted connectivity. Digital Span Test (DST) forward scores revealed significant correlations with the ReHo values of the right PreCG (ρ = 0.527, p = 0.014) and FC between the right FFG and middle temporal gyrus (MTG; ρ = −0.437, p = 0.048). Our findings suggest that T2DM patients suffer from cognitive dysfunction related to spatially local and remote brain activity synchronization impairment. The patterns of ReHo and FC alterations shed light on the mechanisms underlying T2DM-associated brain dysfunction and might serve as imaging biomarkers for diagnosis and evaluation.
Availability of essential trace elements in ayurvedic Indian medicinal herbs using instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy

Elemental analysis of these medicinal plants was performed by employing Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The samples were irradiated with thermal neutrons in a nuclear reactor and the induced radio activity was counted by gamma ray spectrometry using an efficiency calibrated high resolution High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. Most of the medicinal plants were found to be rich in one or more of the elements under study. The variation in elemental concentration in same medicinal plant samples collected from different regions was studied and the biological effects of these elements on human beings are discussed. The study was also extended further to estimate the level of toxic elements like Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb and Hg in medicinal plants which arises due to environmental pollution. The results were discussed with careful reference to established role of essential and rare elements to the physiology and pathology of plant and human life.
Optimal design of a thick-walled sandwich pipe

This paper presents a procedure for obtaining an optimal design for sandwich composite pipes. Two designs are considered, namely the optimal design of flexural stiffness and bending strength with regard to certain weight or cost and that of minimum weight and minimum cost with regard to certain flexural stiffness or bending strength. There are many design variables to consider when structuring a sandwich composite pipe. To simplify the design parameters, therefore, a set of non-dimensional variables is presented as design parameters for the optimization of sandwich pipe structures. In this paper, the influence of the design parameters on the flexural rigidity and bending strength of sandwich pipes is discussed with reference to such non-dimensional design parameters. Reduced weight and cost can be achieved by carefully selecting the parameters and geometry of a sandwich pipe.
Volatile Organic Compounds and Pulmonary Function in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994

Background Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in much higher concentrations indoors, where people spend most of their time, than outdoors and may have adverse health effects. VOCs have been associated with respiratory symptoms, but few studies address objective respiratory end points such as pulmonary function. Blood levels of VOCs may be more indicative of personal exposures than are air concentrations; no studies have addressed their relationship with respiratory outcomes. Objective We examined whether concentrations of 11 VOCs that were commonly identified in blood from a sample of the U.S. population were associated with pulmonary function. Methods We used data from 953 adult participants (20–59 years of age) in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994) who had VOC blood measures as well as pulmonary function measures. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between 11 VOCs and measures of pulmonary function. Results After adjustment for smoking, only 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) was associated with reduced pulmonary function. Participants in the highest decile of 1,4-DCB concentration had decrements of −153 mL [95% confidence interval (CI), −297 to −8] in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and −346 mL/sec (95% CI, −667 to −24) in maximum mid-expiratory flow rate, compared with participants in the lowest decile. Conclusions Exposure to 1,4-DCB, a VOC related to the use of air fresheners, toilet bowl deodorants, and mothballs, at levels found in the U.S. general population, may result in reduced pulmonary function. This common exposure may have long-term adverse effects on respiratory health.
The effect of K101 Nail Solution on Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans growth and ultrastructure

K101 Nail Solution (trademarks Emtrix®, Nalox™, Naloc™) is a combination of propylene glycol, urea and lactic acid in a topical formulation for the treatment of nails affected by onychomycosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the Minimal Cidal Concentration (MCC) of K101 Nail Solution against Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans as well as the effect of K101 Nail Solution on the micromorphology of these fungi. The MCC of K101 Nail Solution against T. rubrum and C. albicans was 50% after 60‐min exposure time. A MCC of 50% for K101 Nail Solution means that K101 Nail Solution diluted with e.g. water to 50% will totally kill the fungi tested. In the scanning electron microscope C. albicans cells, treated with 50% K101 Nail Solution, showed a shrunken surface. T. rubrum cells were severely damaged shown as collapse and degradation of the cells. In the transmission electron microscope most C. albicans cells, treated with 50% K101 Nail Solution exhibited destroyed organelles and many necrotic cells were found. The cell wall was clearly degraded and the contact between the cell wall and the inner membrane was punctured. In T. rubrum most cells were necrotic. Some cells were clearly collapsed and the content in the cytoplasm was degraded shown as small membrane vesicles and many big vacuoles. The cell wall was clearly degraded and the membrane was punctured. In conclusion, this in vitro study documents the efficacy of K101 Nail Solution against T. rubrum and C. albicans.
Identifying the provenance of correlated anomalies

Identifying when anomalous activity is correlated in a distributed system is useful for a range of applications from intrusion detection to tracking quality of service. The more specific the logs, the more precise the analysis they allow. However, collecting detailed logs from across a distributed system can deluge the network fabric. We present an architecture that allows fine-grained auditing on individual hosts, space-efficient representation of anomalous activity that can be centrally correlated, and tracing anomalies back to individual files and processes in the system. A key contribution is the design of an anomaly-provenance bridge that allows opaque digests of anomalies to be mapped back to their associated provenance.
The Impact of Positive and Negative Spiritual Experiences on Distress and the Moderating Role of Mindfulness

Both spiritual experiences and mindfulness as a psychological variable have been identified as components of wellbeing and health. As there is uncertainty about their relationship, we have investigated the impact of spiritual experiences and mindfulness as well as their interaction on distress in chronically ill patients. The unidimensional Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (DSES), the multidimensional Exceptional Experiences Questionnaire (EEQ), the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) were administered to 109 chronically ill patients. Fifty-eight patients (53%) reported regular and frequent spiritual or contemplative practice from different traditions over an average of 14.7 years (SD = 13.7). Patients with regular spiritual practice reported more positive spiritual experiences, were more mindful and less distressed (p < .001). A stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that the EEQ subscale “negative spiritual experiences” (NSE) was the most important single predictor for psychological distress (R2=.38; β=.63). In contrast, both the EEQ subscale “positive spiritual experiences” as well as the DSES that also captures positives daily encounters with a transcendental realm or entity did not account for a significant amount of variance in distress. Further analysis of the regression model (R2=.57), confirmed that NSE was still the largest predictor for distress (β=.61) and that mindfulness (β=–.38) and the interaction between mindfulness and NSE (β=–.23) were the most important buffers protecting individuals from distress. Thus, mindfulness seems not only to be a clinically important protective factor for buffering generic distress, but particularly for distress derived from NSEs. This suggests that in addition to directly facilitating well-being and health by means of positive spiritual experiences, at least some form of regular spiritual or meditative techniques seem to endow an individual with a certain degree of resilience against negative spiritual experiences that is likely a consequence of increased mindfulness. If these findings are vindicated by further studies, spiritual experiences should not be conceived and measured as univariate but rather multivariate constructs.
Title : Costs for integrating wind into the future ERCOT system with related costs for savings in CO 2 emissions

Wind power can make an important contribution to the goal of reducing emissions of CO2. The major problem relates to the intrinsic variability of the source and the difficulty of reconciling the supply of electricity with demand particularly at high levels of wind penetration. This challenge is explored for the case of the ERCOT system in Texas. Demand for electricity in Texas is projected to increase by approximately 60% by 2030. Considering hourly load data reported for 2006 assuming that the pattern of demand in 2030 should be similar to 2006 and adopting as a business as usual (BAU) reference an assumption that the anticipated additional electricity should be supplied by a combination of coal and gas with prices, discounted to 2007 dollars of $2 and $6 per MMBTU respectively, we conclude that the bus-bar price for electricity would increase by about 1.1c/kWh at a wind penetration level of 30%, by about 3.4c/kWh at a penetration level of 80%. Corresponding costs for reductions in CO2 range from $20/ton to $60/ton. A number of possibilities are discussed that could contribute to a reduction in these costs including the impact of an expanded future fleet of electrically driven vehicles.
Growth Dynamics During Dropwise Condensation on Nanostructured Superhydrophobic Surfaces

Condensation on superhydrophobic nanostructured surfaces offers new opportunities for enhanced energy conversion, efficient water harvesting, and high performance thermal management. Such surfaces are designed to be Cassie stable, which minimize contact line pinning and allow for passive shedding of condensed water droplets at sizes smaller than the capillary length. In this work, we investigated in situ water condensation on superhydrophobic nanostructured surfaces using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The “Cassie stable” surfaces consisted of silane coated silicon nanopillars with diameters of 300 nm, heights of 6.1 μm, and spacings of 2 μm, but allowed droplets of distinct suspended (S) and partially wetting (PW) morphologies to coexist. With these experiments combined with thermal modeling of droplet behavior, the importance of initial growth rates and droplet morphology on heat transfer is elucidated. The effect of wetting morphology on heat transfer enhancement is highlighted with observed 6× higher initial growth rate of PW droplets compared to S droplets. Consequently, the heat transfer of the PW droplet is 4–6× higher than that of the S droplet. To compare the heat transfer enhancement, PW and S droplet heat transfer rates are compared to that of a flat superhydrophobic silane coated surface, showing a 56% enhancement for the PW morphology, and 71% degradation for the S morphology. This study provides insight into importance of local wetting morphology on droplet growth rate during superhydrophobic condensation, as well as the importance of designing CB stable surfaces with PW droplet morphologies to achieve enhanced heat transfer during dropwise condensation.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Preparation and characterization of zein and zein/poly‐L‐lactide nanofiber yarns

Zein and zein/poly-L-lactide (PLLA) nanofiber yarns were prepared by conjugate electrospinning using coupled spinnerets applied with two high electrical voltages of opposite polarities in this article. Structure and morphology of zein yarns were investigated by SEM and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that zein yarn consisted of large quantity of fibers with diameters ranging from several hundreds nanometers to a few microns, and zein concentration played a significant role on the diameter of nanofibers in yarns. To improve mechanical property of nanofiber yarns, PLLA was then incorporated with zein. Zein/PLLA composite nanofiber yarns conjugate electrospun from solution with concentration of 7.5% (zein, w/v)/7.5% (PLLA, w/v) exhibited tensile strength of 0.305 ± 0.014 cN/dtex. The composite yarns showed better nanofiber alignment along the longitudinal axis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009