Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Homologous recombination preferentially repairs heat-induced DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian cells

Abstract Purpose: Heat shock induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), but the precise mechanism of repairing heat-induced damage is unclear. Here, we investigated the DNA repair pathways involved in cell death induced by heat shock. Materials and methods: B02, a specific inhibitor of human RAD51 (homologous recombination; HR), and NU7026, a specific inhibitor of DNA-PK (non-homologous end-joining; NHEJ), were used for survival assays of human cancer cell lines with different p53-gene status. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking Lig4 (NHEJ) and/or Rad54 (HR) were used for survival assays and a phosphorylated histone H2AX at Ser139 (γH2AX) assay. MEFs lacking Rad51d (HR) were used for survival assays. SPD8 cells were used to measure HR frequency after heat shock. Results: Human cancer cells were more sensitive to heat shock in the presence of B02 despite their p53-gene status, and the effect of B02 on heat sensitivity was specific to the G2 phase. Rad54-deficient MEFs were sensitive to heat shock and showed prolonged γH2AX signals following heat shock. Rad51d-deficient MEFs were also sensitive to heat shock. Moreover, heat shock-stimulated cells had increased HR. Conclusions: The HR pathway plays an important role in the survival of mammalian cells against death induced by heat shock via the repair of heat-induced DNA DSBs.
Three Dimensional Localisation in Underwater Swarms through a Kalman Approach

A three dimensional localisation algorithm for a swarm of underwater vehicles is presented. The proposed approach is grounded on an extended Kalman filter (EKF) scheme used to fuse some proprioceptive data such as the vessel’s speed and some esteroceptive measurement such as the time of flight (TOF) sonar distance of the companion vessels. The results of several simulations are presented. Some considerations about the available underwater bandwidth and the communication needed by the approach are discussed.
Physical and chemical characteristics of yoghurt produced from whole milk with different levels of somatic cell counts

For yoghurts were made from milk with different levels of somatic cell count (SCC) (low 95,000 cells ml− 1, intermediate 398,000 cells ml− 1 and high 1,150,000 cells ml− 1). Yoghurt samples were analysed for the degree of proteolysis, lipolysis (free fatty acid (FFA) content), acidity, pH and apparent viscosity on days 1, 14 and 28. The SCC had no significant effect (p>0.05) on either the acidity or the pH of the yoghurt after 1 day of cold storage. However, significant effects (p < 0.05) of SCC were observed after 14 and 28 days of storage. Yoghurt samples made from intermediate and high SCC milk showed higher viscosity (p < 0.05) and lower (p < 0.05) casein content on days 14 and 28 of cold storage than yoghurt made from low SCC milk. High FFA concentrations (p < 0.05) were observed only in yoghurt made from high SCC milk. High SCC in milk increased both proteolysis and lipolysis in yoghurt during storage.
Distributed formation control for a cooperative multi-agent system using potential function and extremum seeking algorithm

The formation control and communication optimization problem of a multi-agent system is considered in this article. A classical approach for the formation control problem is potential function method. With potential function, agents are kept a given separation distance with neighbors. Since communication quality will generally change due to the physical environment during formation, a given separation distance might not always be the desired communication distance. In this paper, a distributed scheme integrating potential function and extremum seeking algorithm is proposed to obtain the desired separation distance between neighboring agents in real-time. A comprehensive performance index related to the environment is presented first, capturing a trade-off between formation tasks and communication quality. Since it is difficult to predict the gradient of the performance in physical environments, an adaptive model-free extremum seeking algorithm is developed, which calls for no knowledge of the gradient of the performance. Then the desired separation distance can be obtained dynamically by maximizing the performance with extremum seeking algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Psychological resilience: A review and critique of definitions, concepts, and theory.

The purpose of this paper is to review and critique the variety of definitions, concepts, and theories of psychological resilience. To this end, the narrative is divided into three main sections. The first considers how resilience has been defined in the psychology research literature. Despite the construct being operationalized in a variety of ways, most definitions are based around two core concepts: adversity and positive adaptation. A substantial body of evidence suggests that resilience is required in response to different adversities, ranging from ongoing daily hassles to major life events, and that positive adaptation must be conceptually appropriate to the adversity examined in terms of the domains assessed and the stringency of criteria used. The second section examines the conceptualization of resilience as either a trait or a process, and explores how it is distinct from a number of related terms. Resilience is conceptualized as the interactive influence of psychological characteristics within the context of the stress process. The final section reviews the theories of resilience and critically examines one theory in particular that is commonly cited in the resilience literature. Future theories in this area should take into account the multiple demands individuals encounter, the meta-cognitive and -emotive processes that affect the resilience-stress relationship, and the conceptual distinction between resilience and coping. The review concludes with implications for policy, practice, and research including the need to carefully manage individuals’ immediate environment, and to develop the protective and promotive factors that individuals can proactively use to build resilience.
IS6110, a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex-Specific Insertion Sequence, Is Also Present in the Genome of Mycobacterium smegmatis, Suggestive of Lateral Gene Transfer among Mycobacterial Species

ABSTRACT IS6110 is an insertion element found exclusively within the members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), and because of this exclusivity, it has become an important diagnostic tool in the identification of MTBC species. The restriction of IS6110 to the MTBC is hypothesized to arise from the inability of these bacteria to exchange DNA. We have identified an IS6110-related element in a strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis. The presence of IS6110 indicates that lateral gene transfer has occurred among mycobacterial species, suggesting that the mycobacterial gene pool is larger than previously suspected.
The future role of genetic screening to detect newborns at risk of childhood-onset hearing loss

Abstract Objective: To explore the future potential of genetic screening to detect newborns at risk of childhood-onset hearing loss. Design: An expert led discussion of current and future developments in genetic technology and the knowledge base of genetic hearing loss to determine the viability of genetic screening and the implications for screening policy. Results and Discussion: Despite increasing pressure to adopt genetic technologies, a major barrier for genetic screening in hearing loss is the uncertain clinical significance of the identified mutations and their interactions. Only when a reliable estimate of the future risk of hearing loss can be made at a reasonable cost, will genetic screening become viable. Given the speed of technological advancement this may be within the next 10 years. Decision-makers should start to consider how genetic screening could augment current screening programmes as well as the associated data processing and storage requirements. Conclusion: In the interim, we suggest that decision makers consider the benefits of (1) genetically testing all newborns and children with hearing loss, to determine aetiology and to increase knowledge of the genetic causes of hearing loss, and (2) consider screening pregnant women for the m.1555A> G mutation to reduce the risk of aminoglycoside antibiotic-associated hearing loss.
300 GHz InP/GaAs(1-x)Sb(x)/InP DHBTs

We report the implementation of 300 GHz fT and fMAX InP/GaAsSb/InP double heterojunction bipolar transistors (DHBTs) with BVCEO = 6 V in structures using a 200 Å carbon-doped base layer and a 2000 Å InP collector. The epitaxial layers are grown by MOCVD, and do not necessitate any form of compositional grading either at the E/B or the B/C heterojunction because of the non-blocking nature of the staggered band lineup at InP/GaAsSb interfaces. The absence of compositional grading between the base and the wider gap InP emitter and collector layers greatly simplifies epitaxial growth as well as device fabrication because selective wet etching can be used to expose each layer separately and reliability. The resulting structure is therefore eminently manufacturable. The measured transistor performance suggests these devices should be suitable for 80-100 Gbit/s operation.
Protein Kinase C Activation Enhances Morphine-Induced Rapid Desensitization of μ-Opioid Receptors in Mature Rat Locus Ceruleus Neurons

Recent studies have shown that morphine, in contrast to other agonists at the μ-opioid receptor, causes very little rapid μ-opioid receptor desensitization or internalization in adult rat mammalian neurons, raising important questions about how morphine tolerance is induced. Here we show that morphine can indeed cause marked rapid desensitization of μ-opioid receptors in mature rat locus ceruleus neurons when protein kinase C is also activated. Thus, activation of Gq-coupled M3 muscarinic receptors or application of a phorbol ester enhanced the desensitization of the μ-opioid receptor-evoked potassium current in rat locus ceruleus neurons. The enhancement of desensitization was reversible by the protein kinase C inhibitors chelerythrine and 2-[1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-maleimide (GF109203X) and resulted from an effect at the level of the μ-opioid receptor rather than the potassium channel. This is the first finding that morphine can induce rapid μ-opioid receptor desensitization in adult rat neurons, and because reduced protein kinase C activity in vivo attenuates morphine tolerance, we propose that G-protein coupled receptor cross-talk and the level of protein kinase C activity may play critical roles in the desensitization of the μ-opioid receptor and could underlie the development of morphine tolerance.
Differences in the cellular distributions of two microtubule-associated proteins, MAP1 and MAP2, in rat brain

The distribution of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) 1 and 2 in rat brain was studied using monoclonal antibodies. Immunochemical staining showed that both MAP1 and MAP2 are present only in neurons and both are highly concentrated in dendrites compared to axons. Otherwise, they differed in distribution in various ways. MAP1 was present at low levels in axons, whereas MAP2 was never detectable in axons with either of two different fixation methods used. In the cerebellum the two MAPs differed in relative concentration in various classes on neurons. Thus, anti-MAP1 staining was strong in Purkinje cells but very faint in granule cells, whereas anti-MAP2 staining was strong in both. There were also distributional differences within the same cell. Thus, in Purkinje cells, anti-MAP1 staining is strong in the cell body, initial axon segment and throughout the dendritic tree, but anti-MAP2 staining is present only in dendrites beyond the initial proximal portion. These results suggest that microtubules with different molecular compositions are present in the cerebellum where they are distributed differently between cells as well as within the same cell.
Role of Host Volatiles in Mate Location by the Japanese Pine Sawyer, Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Abstract We evaluated the responses of male and female Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to various terpenes commonly associated with host trees. Electroantennogram (EAG) tests were conducted with 12 plant volatile compounds and ethanol. Antennae of both sexes were highly sensitive to (R)-(+)-&agr;-pinene, (+)-3-carene, (−)-&bgr;-pinene, and terpinolene. Both sexes of M. alternatus were attracted by traps baited with (+)-&agr;-pinene, (−)-&bgr;-pinene, (+)-3-carene, or terpinolene. Our results support the first of the three-stage hypothesis posed by Ginzel and Hanks that suggests that location of stressed trees by cerambycids involves three stages: (1) both sexes locate larval hosts by using plant volatiles as kairomones; (2) males produces sex pheromones to attract females after both sexes land on the larval hosts; (3) males and female recognize each other by contract pheromones in their epicuticular wax layer. Males and females showed differences in their EAG responses to several compounds, including (R)-(+)-&agr;-pinene, (−)-&bgr;-pinene, myrcene, (+)-3-carene, (R)-(+)-limonene, terpinolene, and trans-caryophyllene. In all cases, males exhibited greater sensitivity than females. In laboratory assays, male M. alternatus showed strong preference for 1% (+)-&agr;-pinene and 1% (−)-&bgr;-pinene over other compounds. In field assays, traps baited with (+)-&agr;-pinene, (−)-&bgr;-pinene, (+)-3-carene, or terpinolene caught more beetles than control traps. We found strong male bias in beetle catches in baited traps and those captured on the stem of stressed trees despite a strong female bias in emerging beetles in 2004. We hypothesize that male M. alternatus are more responsive than females to plant volatiles and that males have more capacity than females in finding mating locations.
Energy Consumption of Always-On Applications in WCDMA Networks

Always-on applications, such as push email and voice-over-IP, are characterized by the need to be constantly reachable for incoming communications. In the presence of stateful firewalls or NATs, such applications require "keep-alive" messages to maintain up-to-date connection state in the firewall or NAT, and thus preserve reachability. In this paper, we analyze how these keep-alive messages influence battery lifetime in WCDMA networks. Using measurements in a 3G network, we show that the energy consumption is significantly influenced by the radio resource control (RRC) parameters and the frequency of keep-alive messages. The results suggest that especially UDP-based protocols, such as mobile IPv4 and IPsec NAT traversal mechanisms, require very frequent keep-alives that can lead to unacceptably short battery lifetimes.
Color Vision, Cones, and Color-Coding in the Cortex

Color processing begins with the absorption of light by cone photoreceptors, and progresses through a series of hierarchical stages: Retinal signals carrying color information are transmitted through the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (LGN) up to the primary visual cortex (V1). From V1, the signals are processed by the second visual area (V2); then by cells located in subcompartments (“globs”) within the posterior inferior temporal (PIT) cortex, a brain region that encompasses area V4 and brain regions immediately anterior to V4. Color signals are then processed by regions deep within the inferior temporal (IT) cortex including area TE. As a heuristic, one can consider each of these stages to be involved in constructing a distinct aspect of the color percept. The three cone types are the basis for trichromacy; retinal ganglion cells that respond in an opponent fashion to activation of different cone classes are the basis for color opponency (these “cone-opponent” cells increase their firing rate above baseline to activation of one cone class and decrease their firing rate below baseline to activation of a different cone class); double-opponent neurons in the V1 generate local color contrast and are the building blocks for color constancy; glob cells elaborate the perception of hue; and IT integrates color perception in the context of behavior. Finally, though nothing is known, these signals presumably interface with motor programs and emotional centers of the brain to mediate the widely acknowledged emotional salience of color.
Cystic Echinococcosis: A Rare Case of Brain Localization

Although Hydatid disease eradicated in many countries, it is still widespread in communities where agriculture is dominant. Cystic hydatidosis is significant public health problem in the regions with endemic echinococcosis. The hydatid cysts tend to form mostly in the liver or lung. Brain involvement is very rare. In the present report, we describe magnetic resonance imaging findings in an 18-yr-old male with cerebral echinococcosis, in Shahid Madani Hospital, Karaj, Iran in 2015. The patient, presented with headache, hemiparesis, impairment of speech, vomiting, and nausea. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical exploration proved a cyst in the superior portion of left temporal lobe. Pathological examination showed it to be a solitary primary cerebral hydatid cyst.
Influence of spatial statistics of spectrum use on the performance of cognitive wireless networks

We study the performance characteristics of cognitive wireless networks under different dynamic spectrum access scenarios. Our focus is especially on the influence of spatial structures of the primary and secondary user networks on the achievable performance of the secondary network. We adopt techniques from spatial statistics to develop stochastic models for the structure and interaction of these networks. The chosen models are based on Gaussian random fields and Gibbs point processes, and are firmly grounded on empirical data. We then apply extensive Monte Carlo simulations to study the behavior of these models and their related performance properties. The models and the applied techniques are applicable also to a wider variety of networking problems. Our results provide first quantitative assessments on the influence of the spatial structure, and especially correlation properties, of the involved networks on the expected performance and thus on the utility of dynamic spectrum access based systems.
Drug administration errors and their determinants in pediatric in-patients.

OBJECTIVE . To quantify the type and frequency of drug administration errors to pediatric in-patients and to identify associated factors. DESIGN Prospective direct-observation study of drug administration errors from April 2002 to March 2003. SETTING Four clinical units in a pediatric teaching hospital. STUDY PARTICIPANTS Twelve observers accompanied nurses giving medications and witnessed the preparation and administration of all drugs to all patients on all weekday mornings. INTERVENTION None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Discrepancies between physicians' orders and actual drug administration. RESULTS During the 1719 observed administrations to 336 patients by 485 nurses, 538 administration errors were detected, involving timing (36%), route (19%), dosage (15%), unordered drug (10%), or form (8% form). These errors occurred for 467 (27%) of the 1719 administrations. Intravenous drugs (OR = 0.28; CI = 0.16-0.49; versus miscellaneous) were associated with fewer errors. Error rates were higher for cardiovascular (OR = 3.38; CI = 1.24-9.27; versus miscellaneous) and central nervous system drugs (OR = 2.65; CI = 1.06-6.59; versus miscellaneous); unspecified dispensing system (OR = 2.06; CI = 1.29-3.29; versus store in the unit); non-intravenous non-oral administration (OR = 4.44; CI = 1.81-10.88; versus oral administration); preparation by the pharmacy (OR = 1.66; CI = 1.10-2.51); and administration by a hospital pool nurse, temporary staffing agency nurse, or nurse intern (OR = 1.67; CI = 1.04-2.68; versus registered full-time nurse). Each additional management procedure in the patient increased the risk of error (OR = 1.22; CI = 1.01-1.48). CONCLUSIONS The risk factors identified in our study should prove useful for designing preventive strategies, thereby improving the quality of care.
Reviews: Is the Calcium Correct? Measuring Serum Calcium in Dialysis Patients

Abnormalities in calcium concentration are frequent in patients receiving dialysis therapy. Most cases of both hypo‐ and hypercalcemia are mild and asymptomatic. There is concern, however, that, on the one hand, hypocalcemia can drive hyperparathyroidism and eventually lead to gland hypertrophy and autonomous function. Hypercalcemia, on the other hand, can be associated with increased extraosseous calcium and phosphate deposition leading to vascular calcification with an attendant mortality and morbidity. Calcium exists in three main forms in the blood: the physiologically active free or ionized fraction (terms often used interchangeably), a protein bound fraction, and a fraction complexed to other anions. Although the ionized calcium can readily be measured using ion‐specific electrodes, it is the total calcium that is most commonly measured because of sample handling and cost concerns. As it is the free or ionized form that is biologically active (and therefore of most relevance), a number of adjustment formulae have been derived to “correct” the total calcium for changes in albumin, protein, and complexing ion concentrations. These formulae show good statistical correlation with measured ionized calcium in populations studied as a whole, but are generally poor predictors of true ionized hypo‐ or hypercalcemia in individual patients. International guideline committees in nephrology recommend frequent assessment of calcium levels in dialysis patients and recommend that these levels be kept within the normal reference range. These guidelines are less clear on which measurement of calcium should be used to guide clinical decision making. This review examines the merits of making any adjustment to the total calcium measurement, and suggests when it is appropriate to measure the ionized or free calcium.
Angiogenin is up‐regulated in the nucleus and cytoplasm in human primary breast carcinoma and is associated with markers of hypoxia but not survival

Angiogenin, a 14.2 kD polypeptide that was originally noted for its angiogenic activity, is now increasingly recognized to have a multiplicity of biological roles in both physiological and pathological conditions. In breast cancer, there are conflicting studies questioning the role of angiogenin. Here, the pattern of expression of angiogenin during the transition from normal breast tissue to ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma is reported together with the correlates between the level of angiogenin in 239 invasive carcinomas and standard clinicopathological parameters, hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α and the HIF‐1α target gene DEC‐1. This study shows that angiogenin expression is up‐regulated in the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments in in situ carcinoma and invasive carcinoma compared with normal breast tissue and that angiogenin expression in invasive carcinomas is significantly positively associated with high tumour grade (p = 0.03), positive oestrogen receptor (ER) status (p = 0.01), HIF‐1α (p = 0.001) and DEC 1 (p = 0.001), but not with patient age (p = 0.8), tumour size (p = 0.25), lymph node status (p = 0.69), epidermal growth factor receptor (p = 0.56) or microvessel density (p = 0.32). No difference in relapse‐free (p = 0.26) or overall (p = 0.63) survival was observed in patients stratified by angiogenin expression. This study suggests that angiogenin may be important in breast cancer progression and that, through its relationship with ER, it may be a target for tamoxifen. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.