Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular profiles of drinking alcohol to intoxication in C57BL/6J mice.

BACKGROUND Alcohol addiction develops through a series of stages, and mechanistic studies are needed to understand the transition from initial drug use to sustained controlled alcohol consumption followed by abuse and physical dependence. The focus of this study was to examine the effects of voluntary alcohol consumption on brain gene expression profiles using a mouse model of binge drinking. The main goal was to identify alcohol-responsive genes and functional categories after a single episode of drinking to intoxication. METHODS We used a modification of a "Drinking In the Dark" (DID) procedure (Rhodes et al., 2005) that allows mice to experience physiologically relevant amounts of alcohol in a non-stressful environment and also allows for detection of alcohol-sensitive molecular changes in a dose-dependent manner. C57BL/6J male mice were exposed to either 20% ethanol solution or water (single bottle) starting 3 hours after lights off for 4 hours and brains were harvested immediately after the drinking session. cDNA microarrays were used to assess the effects of voluntary drinking on global gene expression in 6 brain regions. We employed three statistical approaches to analyze microarray data. RESULTS A commonly used approach that applies a strict statistical threshold identified the eight top statistically significant genes whose expression was significantly correlated with blood ethanol concentration (BEC) in one of the brain regions. We then used a systems network approach to examine brain region-specific transcriptomes and identify modules of co-expressed (correlated) genes. In each brain region, we identified alcohol-responsive modules, i.e., modules significantly enriched for genes whose expression was correlated with BEC. A functional over-representation analysis was then applied to examine the organizing principles of alcohol-responsive modules. Genes were clustered into modules according to their roles in different physiological processes, functional groups, and cell types, including blood circulation, signal transduction, cell-cell communication, and striatal neurons. Finally, a meta-analysis across all brain regions suggested a global role of increasing alcohol dose in coordination of brain blood circulation and reaction of astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that acute drinking resulted in small but consistent changes in brain gene expression which occurred in a dose-dependent manner. We identified both general and region-specific changes, some of which represent adaptive changes in response to increasing alcohol dose, which may play a role in alcohol-related behaviours, such as tolerance and consumption. Our systems approach allowed us to estimate the functional values of individual genes in the context of their genetic networks and formulate new refined hypotheses. An integrative analysis including other alcohol studies suggested several top candidates for functional validation, including Mt2, Gstm1, Scn4b, Prkcz, and Park7.
Competition Between Marine Mammals and Fisheries: Food for Thought

Marine mammals and humans have co-existed on this planet for several hundred thousand years. Both rely heavily on the exploitation of marine resources, though whales, dolphins, and pinnipeds have been doing so for much longer, roaming the oceans for millions of years, long before the emergence of modern humans (Hoelzel 2002). It is not surprising that, when there is a “new kid on the block,” co-existence is not always very peaceful, and many of the encounters between humans and marine mammals result in a variety of conflicts.
Inward-Rectifying Potassium (Kir) Channels Regulate Pacemaker Activity in Spinal Nociceptive Circuits during Early Life

Pacemaker neurons in neonatal spinal nociceptive circuits generate intrinsic burst firing and are distinguished by a lower “leak” membrane conductance compared with adjacent nonbursting neurons. However, little is known about which subtypes of leak channels regulate the level of pacemaker activity within the developing rat superficial dorsal horn (SDH). Here we demonstrate that a hallmark feature of lamina I pacemaker neurons is a reduced conductance through inward-rectifying potassium (Kir) channels at physiological membrane potentials. Differences in the strength of inward rectification between pacemakers and nonpacemakers indicate the presence of functionally distinct Kir currents in these two populations at room temperature. However, Kir currents in both groups showed high sensitivity to block by extracellular Ba2+ (IC50 ∼ 10 μm), which suggests the presence of “classical” Kir (Kir2.x) channels in the neonatal SDH. The reduced Kir conductance within pacemakers is unlikely to be explained by an absence of particular Kir2.x isoforms, as immunohistochemical analysis revealed the expression of Kir2.1, Kir2.2, and Kir2.3 within spontaneously bursting neurons. Importantly, Ba2+ application unmasked rhythmic burst firing in ∼42% of nonbursting lamina I neurons, suggesting that pacemaker activity is a latent property of a sizeable population of SDH cells during early life. In addition, the prevalence of spontaneous burst firing within lamina I was enhanced in the presence of high internal concentrations of free Mg2+, consistent with its documented ability to block Kir channels from the intracellular side. Collectively, the results indicate that Kir channels are key modulators of pacemaker activity in newborn central pain networks.
The Impact of Combined Equalization on the Performance of MC-CDMA Systems

In this work the performance of a combined equalization for multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) systems is analytically evaluated. Combined equalization consists in performing both pre-equalization at the transmitter and post-equalization at the receiver in order to counteract fading and multi user interference. In this paper we consider partial combining (PC) at the transmitter and threshold orthogonality restoring combining (TORC) at the receiver in the downlink of a MC-CDMA system affected by fading. The analytical framework here proposed allows the derivation of the bit error probability (BEP) and the bit error outage (BEO) and their dependence on the number of subcarriers, the number of active users, the mean signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) averaged over smallscale fading, the partial combining parameter and the threshold of the detector. Moreover, the dependence of the TORC threshold on the other system parameters is derived, providing a thereshold adaptive variation tracking slow processes fluctuations.
Toward gravitational wave detection

An overview of some tools and techniques being developed for data conditioning (regression of instrumental and environmental artifacts from the data channel), detector design evaluation (modeling the science “reach” of alternative detector designs and configurations), noise simulations for mock data challenges and analysis system validation, and analyses for the detection of gravitational radiation from gamma-ray burst sources.
Two distinct modes of RecA action are required for DNA polymerase V-catalyzed translesion synthesis

SOS mutagenesis in Escherichia coli requires DNA polymerase V (pol V) and RecA protein to copy damaged DNA templates. Here we show that two distinct biochemical modes for RecA protein are necessary for pol V-catalyzed translesion synthesis. One RecA mode is characterized by a strong stimulation in nucleotide incorporation either directly opposite a lesion or at undamaged template sites, but by the absence of lesion bypass. A separate RecA mode is necessary for translesion synthesis. The RecA1730 mutant protein, which was identified on the basis of its inability to promote pol V (UmuD′2C)-dependent UV-mutagenesis, appears proficient for the first mode of RecA action but is deficient in the second mode. Data are presented suggesting that the two RecA modes are “nonfilamentous”. That is, contrary to current models for SOS mutagenesis, formation of a RecA nucleoprotein filament may not be required for copying damaged DNA templates. Instead, SOS mutagenesis occurs when pol V interacts with two RecA molecules, first at a 3′ primer end, upstream of a template lesion, where RecA mode 1 stimulates pol V activity, and subsequently at a site immediately downstream of the lesion, where RecA mode 2 cocatalyzes lesion bypass. We posit that in vivo assembly of a RecA nucleoprotein filament may be required principally to target pol V to a site of DNA damage and to stabilize the pol V-RecA interaction at the lesion. However, it is only a RecA molecule located at the 3′ filament tip, proximal to a damaged template base, that is directly responsible for translesion synthesis.
Decentralised Fault Diagnosis of Large-Scale Systems: Application to Water Transport Networks

In this paper, a decentralised fault diagnosis approach for large-scale systems is proposed. This approach is based on obtaining a set of local diagnosers using the analytical redundancy relation (ARRs) approach. The proposed approach starts with obtaining the set of ARRs of the system yielding into an equivalent graph. From that graph, the graph partitioning problem is solved obtaining a set of ARRs for each local diagnoser. Finally, a decentralised fault diagnosis strategy is proposed and applied over the resultant set of partitions and ARRs. In order to illustrate the application of the proposed approach, a case study based on the Barcelona drinking water network (DWN) is used.
Comparative study on different feeding techniques of rectangular patch antenna

A microstrip patch antenna is a planar directional antenna in which a metal patch is placed on top of a dielectric substrate which in turn is placed on top of a metal ground plane. The power transfer between a source and antenna is done through a feed line. In general, the characteristic impedance of a transmission line is 50 ohms. By maximum power transfer theorem, the patch antenna should be fed at a point where input impedance is 50 ohms for maximum input power. There are several feeding techniques for patch antenna to match this condition. In this paper, a comparative study between inset feed, co-axial feed, aperture feed and proximity feed of a rectangular micro-strip patch antenna is done on the basis of S11 parameter, VSWR, directivity, beamwidth, bandwidth and radiation pattern. Design for each feeding technique is simulated and studied using the CST microwave studio software. The resonant frequency of the four antennas studied in this paper is 2 GHz. The fabricated inset fed patch antenna has been tested. It has acceptable return loss and comparable radiation performance with that of the simulated antenna.
Importance of Salmonella Typhi-Responsive CD8+ T Cell Immunity in a Human Typhoid Fever Challenge Model

Typhoid fever, caused by the human-restricted organism Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), constitutes a major global health problem. The development of improved attenuated vaccines is pressing, but delayed by the lack of appropriate preclinical models. Herein, we report that high levels of S. Typhi-responsive CD8+ T cells at baseline significantly correlate with an increased risk of disease in humans challenged with a high dose (~104 CFU) wild-type S. Typhi. Typhoid fever development was associated with higher multifunctional S. Typhi-responsive CD8+ T effector memory cells at baseline. Early decreases of these cells in circulation following challenge were observed in both S. Typhi-responsive integrin α4β7− and integrin α4β7+ CD8+ T effector memory (TEM) cells, suggesting their potential to home to both mucosal and extra-intestinal sites. Participants with higher baseline levels of S. Typhi-responsive CD8+ T memory cells had a higher risk of acquiring disease, but among those who acquired disease, those with a higher baseline responses took longer to develop disease. In contrast, protection against disease was associated with low or absent S. Typhi-responsive T cells at baseline and no changes in circulation following challenge. These data highlight the importance of pre-existing S. Typhi-responsive immunity in predicting clinical outcome following infection with wild-type S. Typhi and provide novel insights into the complex mechanisms involved in protective immunity to natural infection in a stringent human model with a high challenge dose. They also contribute important information on the immunological responses to be assessed in the appraisal and selection of new generation typhoid vaccines.
Arginine-Restricted Therapy Resistant Bilateral Macular Edema Associated with Gyrate Atrophy

Introduction. Gyrate atrophy is a rare genetical metabolic disorder affecting vision. Here, we report a 9-year-old boy with gyrate atrophy associated with bilateral macular edema at the time of diagnosis and the effect of long term metabolic control on macular edema. Case Presentation. A 9-year-old boy presented with a complaint of low visual acuity (best corrected visual acuity: 20/80 in both eyes, refractive error: −12.00 D). Dilated fundus examination revealed multiple bilateral, sharply defined, and scalloped chorioretinal atrophy areas in the midperipheral and peripheral zone. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed bilateral cystoid macular edema in both eyes. Serum ornithine level was high (622 μmol/L). An arginine-restricted diet reduced serum ornithine level (55 μmol/L). However, visual findings including macular edema remained unchanged in 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion. Arginine-restricted diet did not improve macular edema in our patient with gyrate atrophy. A more comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors for macular edema will lead to the development of effective therapies.
Undertreatment of obese women receiving breast cancer chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND Systematic undertreatment of breast cancer in overweight and obese women may contribute to the poorer prognosis in these women. The objective of this study was to investigate treatment patterns in overweight and obese women undergoing breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 9672 women treated with doxorubicin hydrochloride and cyclophosphamide between 1990 and 2001. The main outcome measure was the quality of chemotherapy as measured by the use of reduced doses for the first treatment (compared with standard doses), the overall dose proportion (actual-expected dose ratio), and relative dose intensity. RESULTS First-cycle dose reductions (defined as a dose proportion of <0.9 compared with standard published doses) were administered to 9% of the healthy weight, 11% of the overweight, 20% of the obese, and 37% of the severely obese women (P<.001). First-cycle reduction was independently associated with being overweight (P = .03), obese (P<.001), severely obese (P<.001), older than 60 years (P<.001), and having a serious comorbid condition (P = .03). Practices varied greatly in the use of dose reductions in overweight and obese patients. Severe obesity was independently associated with a lower likelihood of admission for febrile neutropenia, even among those subjects given full weight-based doses (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.97). CONCLUSIONS Overweight and obese women with breast cancer often receive intentionally reduced doses of adjuvant chemotherapy. Administration of initial and overall full weight-based doses of adjuvant chemotherapy in overweight and obese women is likely to improve outcomes in this group of patients.
Exploitation selection of alpha parameter in Gravitational Search Algorithm of PID controller for computational time analysis

In this paper, a modification is done in Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) where an alpha parameter (α) is modified. This modification is done in order to provide different gravitational constant, G(t) and acceleration (a) to each agent as trying to improve its performance. Then this modified GSA algorithm is tested to see the effectiveness of PID controller in finding the value of KP, KI and KD of an activated sludge process (ASP) system in terms of computational time. These results are then compared with the computational time of original GSA approach and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to see the effectiveness of the new approach.
Functional significance of voltage-dependent conductances in Limulus ventral photoreceptors

The influence of voltage-dependent conductances on the receptor potential of Limulus ventral photoreceptors was investigated. During prolonged, bright illumination, the receptor potential consists of an initial transient phase followed by a smaller plateau phase. Generally, a spike appears on the rising edge of the transient phase, and often a dip occurs between the transient and plateau. Block of the rapidly inactivating outward current, iA, by 4-aminopyridine eliminates the dip under some conditions. Block of maintained outward current by internal tetraethylammonium increases the height of the plateau phase, but does not eliminate the dip. Block of the voltage-dependent Na+ and Ca2+ current by external Ni2+ eliminates the spike. The voltage-dependent Ca2+ conductance also influences the sensitivity of the photoreceptor to light as indicated by the following evidence: depolarizing voltage- clamp pulses reduce sensitivity to light. This reduction is blocked by removal of external Ca2+ or by block of inward Ca2+ current with Ni2+. The reduction of sensitivity depends on the amplitude of the pulse, reaching a maximum at or approximately +15 mV. The voltage dependence is consistent with the hypothesis that the desensitization results from passive Ca2+ entry through a voltage-dependent conductance.
Interaction of Bacteriophage λ with Its E. coli Receptor, LamB

The initial step of viral infection is the binding of a virus onto the host cell surface. This first viral-host interaction would determine subsequent infection steps and the fate of the entire infection process. A basic understating of the underlining mechanism of initial virus-host binding is a prerequisite for establishing the nature of viral infection. Bacteriophage λ and its host Escherichia coli serve as an excellent paradigm for this purpose. λ phages bind to specific receptors, LamB, on the host cell surface during the infection process. The interaction of bacteriophage λ with the LamB receptor has been the topic of many studies, resulting in wealth of information on the structure, biochemical properties and molecular biology of this system. Recently, imaging studies using fluorescently labeled phages and its receptor unveil the role of spatiotemporal dynamics and divulge the importance of stochasticity from hidden variables in the infection outcomes. The scope of this article is to review the present state of research on the interaction of bacteriophage λ and its E. coli receptor, LamB.
The Migraine–Stroke Connection

Migraine and stroke are common neurovascular disorders which share underlying physiological processes. Increased risks of ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and subclinical ischemic lesions have been consistently found in migraineurs. Three possible associations are suggested. One is that underlying pathophysiology of migraine can lead to ischemic stroke. Second, common comorbidities between migraine and stroke can be present. Lastly, some syndromes can manifest with both migraine-like headache and cerebrovascular disease. Future studies should be targeted on bidirectional influence of migraine on different stroke mechanisms and optimal prevention of stroke in migraine patients.
Users' views of facial expressions and body gestures in e-learning interfaces: an empirical evaluation

This paper introduces an experimental study performed to investigate the usability aspects of e-learning interfaces that incorporate the use of avatar as a virtual lecturer. A within-subject experiment has been conducted using three different e-learning interfaces which were developed from scratch and tested by a group of 48 users. Each of these three interfaces involved the use of a human-like avatar as a virtual lecturer to present one of three different lessons about class diagram notation usually used in the software engineering process. The scope of this paper is to report and discuss the experimental results related to users' satisfaction and views in regard to a set of facial expressions and body gestures when used by a virtual lecturer in the presence and absence of interactive context in e-learning interfaces. These results highlighted that some facial expressions as well as some body gestures were perceived by the users more positively than other expressions and gestures. Consequently, it could be used to improve the attractiveness of virtual lecturers which in turn will be reflected in increasing users' motivation and interest about the presented learning material.
0.13/spl mu/m CMOS SOI SP6T antenna switch for multi-standard handsets

This paper presents the design of a single pole 6 throw antenna switch able to manage all the four GSM standards, i.e. 850-900-1800-1900 MHz. The switch has been integrated in a 0.13mum CMOS SOI process with high resistivity substrate and a thick oxide (50Aring) option. The use of high resistivity substrate allows a good loss (IL)-isolation trade-off: IL is kept in the range of 0.55-0.8 dB for the RXs and at 0.7 dB for the TXs, while isolation varies from 40 dB at 900 MHz to 30 dB at 1900 MHz. Power handling capability is well compatible with GSM standards since an ICP0.1dB of 36 dBm has been measured and harmonics distortion is below -39 dBm for an input power of 34 dBm. Robustness to antenna mismatching condition has been successfully demonstrated up to a VSWR of 10:1. The chip size is of 1.23 mm2 and the power consumption is below 10muA and 0.5 mA respectively in stand by mode and during switching, under 2.5 voltage supply
Structure in plant–animal interaction assemblages

We present a comprehensive approach to detect pattern in assemblages of plant and animal species linked by interactions such as pollination, frugivory or herbivory. Simple structural models produce gradient, compartmented or nested patterns of interaction; intermediate patterns between a gradient and compartments are possible, and nesting within compartments produces a combined model. Interaction patterns can be visualized and analyzed either as matrices, as bipartite networks or as multivariate sets through correspondence analysis. We argue that differences among patterns represent outcomes of distinct evolutionary and ecological processes in these highly diversified assemblages. Instead of choosing one model a priori, assemblages should be probed for a suite of patterns. A plant-pollinator assemblage exemplifies a simple nested pattern, whereas a plant-herbivore assemblage illustrates a compound pattern with nested structures within compartments. Compartmentation should reflect coevolutionary histories and constraints, whereas differences in species abundance or dispersal may generate nestedness.
A model based comparison of BiFeO3 device applicability in neuromorphic hardware

Two terminal devices with switchable resistance have been of interest to electrical engineers for a long time, but only in the last few years has this attracted widespread attention. Recently a BiFeOe (BFO) capacitor-like metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure was proposed as a synthetic synapse in neuromorphic systems, implementing voltage waveform driven spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP). Using a new device model that faithfully reproduces measurements of BFO-MIM structures we analyze how the switching characteristic affects the STDP learning window. Our simulations indicate that the gradual increase in the resistance change of BFO MIM structures result in a robust STDP with a biologically realistic learning window, whereas a distinct threshold followed by a steep hysteresis curve produce a narrow learning window and inflict strict operating conditions. Therefore we conclude that the steepness of the current voltage hysteresis curve is a fundamental characteristic to consider when designing synthetic synapses for neuromorphic hardware.