Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tail End of the S6 Segment

The permeation pathway in voltage-gated potassium channels has narrow constrictions at both the extracellular and intracellular ends. These constrictions might limit the flux of cations from one side of the membrane to the other. The extracellular constriction is the selectivity filter, whereas the intracellular bundle crossing is proposed to act as the activation gate that opens in response to a depolarization. This four-helix bundle crossing is composed of S6 transmembrane segments, one contributed by each subunit. Here, we explore the cytoplasmic extension of the S6 transmembrane segment of Shaker potassium channels, just downstream from the bundle crossing. We substituted cysteine for each residue from N482 to T489 and determined the amplitudes of single channel currents and maximum open probability (P o,max) at depolarized voltages using nonstationary noise analysis. One mutant, F484C, significantly reduces P o,max, whereas Y483C, F484C, and most notably Y485C, reduce single channel conductance (γ). Mutations of residue Y485 have no effect on the Rb+/K+ selectivity, suggesting a local effect on γ rather than an allosteric effect on the selectivity filter. Y485 mutations also reduce pore block by tetrabutylammonium, apparently by increasing the energy barrier for blocker movement through the open activation gate. Replacing Rb+ ions for K+ ions reduces the amplitude of single channel currents and makes γ insensitive to mutations of Y485. These results suggest that Rb+ ions increase an extracellular energy barrier, presumably at the selectivity filter, thus making it rate limiting for flux of permeant ions. These results indicate that S6T residues have an influence on the conformation of the open activation gate, reflected in both the stability of the open state and the energy barriers it presents to ions.
Research on perceptible spatial information estimation based on spatial hearing theory

With stereo audio steping into people's daily lives, spatial parametric technology comes to its broad prospects for development. Spatial parameteric technology is a method for stereo compression. In this paper, Construction of new spatial parameter perception two-dimensional model on perception spatial information estimation domain, and Optimization of calculating for the new module, to reduce computational complexity of the system. Spatial Perception Entropy was proposed to improve it. Its computation method which based on Just Noticeable Difference Model avoids separate transforming for cues representation and saves significant computation, optimizing spatial parameter selection and realizing high-efficiency spatial audio coding.
Using Micro-CT Derived Bone Microarchitecture to Analyze Bone Stiffness – A Case Study on Osteoporosis Rat Bone

Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) images can be used to quantitatively represent bone geometry through a range of computed attenuation-based parameters. Nonetheless, those parameters remain indirect indices of bone microarchitectural strength and require further computational tools to interpret bone structural stiffness and potential for mechanical failure. Finite element analysis (FEA) can be applied to measure trabecular bone stiffness and potentially predict the location of structural failure in preclinical animal models of osteoporosis, although that procedure from image segmentation of Micro-CT derived bone geometry to FEA is often challenging and computationally expensive, resulting in failure of the model to build. Notably, the selection of resolution and threshold for bone segmentation are key steps that greatly affect computational complexity and validity. In the following study, we evaluated an approach whereby Micro-CT derived grayscale attenuation and segmentation data guided the selection of trabecular bone for analysis by FEA. We further correlated those FEA results to both two- and three-dimensional bone microarchitecture from sham and ovariectomized (OVX) rats (n = 10/group). A virtual cylinder of vertebral trabecular bone 40% in length from the caudal side was selected for FEA, because Micro-CT based image analysis indicated the largest differences in microarchitecture between the two groups resided there. Bone stiffness was calculated using FEA and statistically correlated with the three-dimensional values of bone volume/tissue volume, bone mineral density, fractal dimension, trabecular separation, and trabecular bone pattern factor. Our method simplified the process for the assessment of trabecular bone stiffness by FEA from Micro-CT images and highlighted the importance of bone microarchitecture in conferring significantly increased bone quality capable of resisting failure due to increased mechanical loading.
Relation between QT and RR intervals is highly individual among healthy subjects: implications for heart rate correction of the QT interval

Objective: To compare the QT/RR relation in healthy subjects in order to investigate the differences in optimum heart rate correction of the QT interval. Methods: 50 healthy volunteers (25 women, mean age 33.6 (9.5) years, range 19–59 years) took part. Each subject underwent serial 12 lead electrocardiographic monitoring over 24 hours with a 10 second ECG obtained every two minutes. QT intervals and heart rates were measured automatically. In each subject, the QT/RR relation was modelled using six generic regressions, including a linear model (QT = β + α × RR), a hyperbolic model (QT = β + α/RR), and a parabolic model (QT = β × RRα). For each model, the parallelism and identity of the regression lines in separate subjects were statistically tested. Results: The patterns of the QT/RR relation were very different among subjects. Regardless of the generic form of the regression model, highly significant differences were found not only between the regression lines but also between their slopes. For instance, with the linear model, the individual slope (parameter α) of any subject differed highly significantly (p < 0.000001) from the linear slope of no fewer than 21 (median 32) other subjects. The linear regression line of 20 subjects differed significantly (p < 0.000001) from the linear regression lines of each other subject. Conversion of the QT/RR regressions to QTc heart rate correction also showed substantial intersubject differences. Optimisation of the formula QTc = QT/RRα led to individual values of α ranging from 0.234 to 0.486. Conclusion: The QT/RR relation exhibits a very substantial intersubject variability in healthy volunteers. The hypothesis underlying each prospective heart rate correction formula that a “physiological” QT/RR relation exists that can be mathematically described and applied to all people is incorrect. Any general heart rate correction formula can be used only for very approximate clinical assessment of the QTc interval over a narrow window of resting heart rates. For detailed precise studies of the QTc interval (for example, drug induced QT interval prolongation), the individual QT/RR relation has to be taken into account.
Motor Primitives , Force-Fields and the Equilibrium Point Theory

Introduction In this article, I discuss the relation between the equilibrium point hypothesis and a r ecent theoretical framework that has emerged from experimental studies of the organization of motor control by the spinal cord (Giszter et al. 1993). These studies have suggested the existence of motor primitives that generate nonlinear force fields acting upon the limbs. The vectorial superposition of these independent force fields generates a vast repertoire of motor behaviors. This new theoretical framework may be regarded as an extension of the equilibrium point theory.
An eye-in-hand stereo visual servoing for tracking and catching moving objects

In this paper an image-based eye-in-hand stereo visual servoing system is proposed to perform a task of tracking and catching a moving object in real time. The presented method utilizes the conventional image based visual servoing algorithm for a stereo vision system mounted on the end-effector of 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) robot. In order to estimate the object motion trajectory in two dimensional image planes and predict the future positions, a Kalman filter with a linear model of the moving object and also an extended Kalman filter (EKF) with a non-linear model are employed. The procedure of tracking and catching a moving object is simulated and implemented based on a 6 DOF DENSO 6242G robot. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The comparison with the case of a monocular image-based system is carried out.
Monoclonal antibody typing of Chlamydia psittaci strains derived from avian and mammalian species

A total of 77 Chlamydia psittaci strains of avian, human, and mammalian origin were grouped into four serovars with 11 monoclonal antibodies recognizing the lipopolysaccharide and the major outer membrane protein antigens. The avian and human strains, which were closely related to each other, were distinct from the mammalian strains. Immunological typing of C. psittaci with monoclonal antibodies seems practical.
Relationship between Secondary Metabolism and Fungal Development

SUMMARY Filamentous fungi are unique organisms—rivaled only by actinomycetes and plants—in producing a wide range of natural products called secondary metabolites. These compounds are very diverse in structure and perform functions that are not always known. However, most secondary metabolites are produced after the fungus has completed its initial growth phase and is beginning a stage of development represented by the formation of spores. In this review, we describe secondary metabolites produced by fungi that act as sporogenic factors to influence fungal development, are required for spore viability, or are produced at a time in the life cycle that coincides with development. We describe environmental and genetic factors that can influence the production of secondary metabolites. In the case of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, we review the only described work that genetically links the sporulation of this fungus to the production of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin through a shared G-protein signaling pathway.
Butanol tolerance of Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 associated with down-regulation of gldA by antisense RNA.

Strain BR54 of Clostridium beijerinckii was derived from the wild type strain, NCIMB 8052, by mutagenesis with Tn1545 and selection for butanol tolerance. It harbours a single copy of Tn 1545 in a 435 bp intergenic region separating two convergently transcribed genes, accC and gldA. The former encodes biotin carboxylase (E.C.6.3.4.14), a subunit of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and the latter encodes glycerol dehydrogenase (E.C.1.1.1.6). Since Tn1545 generates outwardly directed transcripts from its right end, we considered the possibility that the transposon inserted in strain BR54 might affect the expression of the adjacent gldA gene. RT-PCR experiments revealed that the mutant, but not the wild type, contains antisense RNA corresponding to the gldA gene. Correlated with this, the level of glycerol dehydrogenase activity in the mutant was only 25% of that in the wild type when bacteria were grown with either glucose or glycerol as the fermentable substrate. We conclude that transcripts emerging from the right end of the conjugative transposon, Tn1545, can reduce the expression of the adjacent gldA gene by the generation of antisense RNA and that this is associated with a butanol-tolerant phenotype.
Ultrafast and High Sensitive UV/IR Photodetector Based on a Single SnO 2 Nanowire

Tin oxide, SnO2 has potential applications in many research areas. Using a chemical vapor deposition CVD method, high-quality single crystalline SnO2 nanowire (NW) was synthesized on a large scale. Individual SnO2 nanowire based ultraviolet photodetector was fabricated by simply transferring individual nanowire to Pt interdigital electrodes. The photodetector exhibited excellent photoconductive performance in terms of high sensitivity to the ultraviolet 375 nm and infrared 750 nm UV illuminations, fast response and recovery time. It also has perfect stability and reliability, revealing n-type semiconducting behaviour of the tin oxide ultraviolet and infrared photodetecors as an excellent material not only for fabricating highly sensitive photodetecors but also valuable additives that provide new functionality in photodetecors, which will enable the development of high-performance photodetecors.
A closed form approximation of the sum rate upperbound of random beamforming

In this letter, a closed form expression of the sum rate upperbound is derived for random beamforming. The proposed analytic solution provides a good approximation of the 'actual' sum rate performance, for which the conventional asymptotic analysis is less meaningful. Moreover, our result leads to an implication of the asymptotic growth rate of M log log K.
Autophagy-Related Proteins Are Required for Degradation of Peroxisomes in Arabidopsis Hypocotyls during Seedling Growth[C][W]

This work reveals a function for autophagy in Arabidopsis hypocotyls after germination. By delivering peroxisomes and other cytoplasmic components to the lytic vacuole for degradation, autophagic machinery may help plant cells clean up old organelles for cell remodeling. Plant peroxisomes play a pivotal role during postgerminative growth by breaking down fatty acids to provide fixed carbons for seedlings before the onset of photosynthesis. The enzyme composition of peroxisomes changes during the transition of the seedling from a heterotrophic to an autotrophic state; however, the mechanisms for the degradation of obsolete peroxisomal proteins remain elusive. One candidate mechanism is autophagy, a bulk degradation pathway targeting cytoplasmic constituents to the lytic vacuole. We present evidence supporting the autophagy of peroxisomes in Arabidopsis thaliana hypocotyls during seedling growth. Mutants defective in autophagy appeared to accumulate excess peroxisomes in hypocotyl cells. When degradation in the vacuole was pharmacologically compromised, both autophagic bodies and peroxisomal markers were detected in the wild-type vacuole but not in that of the autophagy-incompetent mutants. On the basis of the genetic and cell biological data we obtained, we propose that autophagy is important for the maintenance of peroxisome number and cell remodeling in Arabidopsis hypocotyls.
View‐angle‐dependent AIRS cloudiness and radiance variance: Analysis and interpretation

Upper tropospheric clouds play an important role in the global energy budget and hydrological cycle. Significant view‐angle asymmetry has been observed in upper‐level tropical clouds derived from 8 years of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) 15 µm radiances. Here we find that the asymmetry also exists in the extratropics. It is larger during day than that during night, more prominent near elevated terrain, and closely associated with deep convection and wind shear. The cloud radiance variance, a proxy for cloud inhomogeneity, has consistent characteristics of the asymmetry to those in the AIRS cloudiness. The leading causes of the view‐dependent cloudiness asymmetry are the local time difference and small‐scale organized cloud structures. The local time difference (1–1.5 h) of upper‐level clouds between two AIRS outermost views can create parts of the observed asymmetry. On the other hand, small‐scale tilted and banded structures of the upper‐level clouds can induce about half of the observed view‐angle‐dependent differences in the AIRS cloud radiances and their variances. This estimate is inferred from analogous study using microwave humidity sounder radiances observed during the period of time when there were simultaneous measurements at two different view‐angles from NOAA‐18 and NOAA‐19 satellites. The existence of tilted cloud structures and asymmetric 15 µm and 6.7 µm cloud radiances implies that cloud statistics would be view‐angle‐dependent, and should be taken into account in radiative transfer calculations, measurement uncertainty evaluations and cloud climatology investigations. In addition, the momentum forcing in the upper troposphere from tilted clouds is also likely asymmetric, which can affect atmospheric circulation anisotropically.
Plasticity in GABAA Receptor Subunit mRNA Expression by Hypothalamic Magnocellular Neurons in the Adult Rat

The magnocellular hypothalamic neurons exhibit a substantial degree of structural and functional plasticity over the time of pregnancy, parturition, and lactation. This study has used in situhybridization techniques to examine whether the content of α1, α2, β2, and γ2GABAA receptor subunit mRNAs expressed by these cells fluctuates over this period. A process of regional, followed by cellular and then topographical, analyses within the supraoptic (SON) and posterior paraventricular (PVN) nuclei revealed that an increase in magnocellular α1 subunit mRNA content occurred during the course of pregnancy up to day 19, after which a decline in expression was detected on the day of parturition. Significant fluctuations of this nature were observed only in the oxytocin neuron-enriched regions of the SON and PVN. The expression of α2, β2, and γ2 subunit mRNAs in the SON and PVN and of all subunit mRNAs in the cingulate cortex did not change over this period. During lactation, γ2 subunit mRNA content within the PVN increased significantly on day 14 of lactation as compared with day 7, and topographical analysis suggested that it involved principally magnocellular vasopressin neurons. These results demonstrate the cell- and subunit-specific regulation of GABAA receptor mRNA expression within the hypothalamic magnocellular system. In particular, they suggest that fluctuations in α1 subunit expression may contribute to the marked variations in electrical activity exhibited by magnocellular oxytocin neurons at the time of parturition. More generally, they provide evidence in support of GABAA receptor plasticity within a physiological context in the adult rat brain.
Dental Prophylaxis and Periodontal Treatment Are Protective Factors to Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— A correlation has been found between periodontal disease (PD) and stroke. This study was conducted to investigate whether dental prophylaxis and periodontal treatment reduce the incidence rate (IR) of ischemic stroke. Methods— We identified 510 762 PD cases and 208 674 non-PD subjects from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010. The PD cases were divided into dental prophylaxis, intensive treatment, and no treatment groups. The stroke IRs were assessed among groups during follow-up. Cox regression analysis was used after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities to determine the relationship between periodontal treatment and incidence of ischemic stroke. Results— The stroke IR of the non-PD subjects was 0.32%/year. In the PD group, subjects who received dental prophylaxis had the lowest stroke IR (0.14%/year); subjects with intensive treatment or tooth extraction had a higher stroke IR (0.39%/year); and subjects without PD treatment had the highest stroke IR (0.48%/year; P<0.001). After adjustment for confounders, the dental prophylaxis and intensive treatment groups had a significant lower hazard ratios for stroke than the non-PD group (hazard ratio=0.78 and 0.95; 95% confidence interval=0.75–0.81 and 0.91–0.99, respectively), whereas the PD without treatment group had a significant higher hazard ratio for stroke (1.15; 95% confidence interval=1.07–1.24), especially among the youngest (20–44) age group (hazard ratio=2.17; 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.87) after stratifying for age. Conclusions— Maintaining periodontal health by receiving dental prophylaxis and PD treatment can help reduce the incidence of ischemic stroke.
Once-Daily Therapy for Streptococcal Pharyngitis With Amoxicillin

Objective. An orally administered antimicrobial regimen for the treatment of group A β-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis given once rather than multiple times each day would be more convenient and might result in improved patient compliance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of once-daily amoxicillin in the treatment of GABHS pharyngitis. Patients. Children presenting to a private pediatric office with GABHS pharyngitis. Design. Patients were randomly assigned to receive orally either amoxicillin (750 mg once daily) or penicillin V (250 mg three times a day) for 10 days. Compliance was monitored by urine antimicrobial activity. Outcomes. Outcomes were measured by impact on the clinical course, eradication of GABHS within 18 to 24 hours, and bacteriologic treatment failure rate as determined by follow-up throat cultures 4 to 6 and 14 to 21 days after completing therapy. GABHS isolates were serotyped to distinguish bacteriologic treatment failures (same serotype as initial throat culture) from new acquisitions (different serotypes). Results. During the 16 months of this study, 152 children between 4 and 18 years of age (mean, 9.9 years) were enrolled; 79 children were randomly assigned to receive once-daily amoxicillin and 73 were assigned to receive penicillin V three times a day. The children in the two treatment groups were comparable with respect to age, duration of illness before initiation of therapy, compliance, and signs and symptoms at presentation. There was no significant difference in the clinical or bacteriologic responses of the patients in the two treatment groups at the 18- to 24-hour follow-up visit. Bacteriologic treatment failures occurred in 4 (5%) of the 79 patients in the amoxicillin group and in 8 (11%) of the 73 patients in the penicillin V group. Conclusions. These data demonstrate that once-daily amoxicillin therapy is as effective as penicillin V therapy given three times a day for the treatment of GABHS pharyngitis, and if confirmed by additional investigations, once-daily amoxicillin therapy could become an alternative regimen for the treatment of this disease.
Effects of clipping and filtering on the performance of OFDM

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is an attractive technique for wireless communication applications. However, an OFDM signal has a large peak-to-mean envelope power ratio, which can result in significant distortion when passed through a nonlinear device, such as a transmitter power amplifier. We investigate, through extensive computer simulations, the effects of clipping and filtering on the performance of OFDM, including the power spectral density, the crest factor, and the bit-error rate. Our results show that clipping and filtering is a promising technique for the transmission of OFDM signals using realistic linear amplifiers.
Drinking Water Quality of Selected Tap Water Samples in Cagayan de Oro (District II), Philippines

This study was conducted to preliminarily determine present drinking water quality of selected District II communities in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Five community stations (total twenty stations) were established covering three months tap water monitoring. All samples were analyzed using portable meters determining the pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, conductivity, salinity, turbidity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) Overall, all studied tap water samples from selected stations passed the drinking water regulations except for conductivity (Risk quotient>1). Similarly, both pH and turbidity analyses showed a sampling date specific variations (p<0.05) while the analyses of temperature and salinity showed station specific variations (p<0.05). A strong correlation of studied parameters was also found between conductivity-salinity (r = 0.98); conductivity-TDS (r = 0.90); and salinity-TDS (r = 0.92). Extrapolating from this it can be concluded that the tap water samples were safe to drink. The study was preliminary and further analyses incorporating metals, pathogens, and organics may be needed.