Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal power allocations for multichannel energy harvesting cognitive radio

In this paper, we study spectrum overlay access to share spectrum between primary users (PUs) and secondary users (SUs). Our goal is to maximize the average throughput by optimal power allocation within finite time duration. To do this, we formulate this optimization problem as a Markov Decision Process with continuous state. An approximate value method with pre-allocation mechanism is proposed, which can effectively protect the PUs by obtaining a continuous closed-form solution rather than a discrete one. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm exhibits better performance than traditional methods while guaranteeing non-interference to PUs.
Molecular regulation of embryo development in Norway spruce

Early events in embryo development are critical for the plant body formation. During this phase the apical-basal axis, the radial symmetry, and the primary meristems are specified. The shoot apical meristem (SAM) and the root apical meristem (RAM) will subsequently give rise to all above-ground and below-ground tissues. Despite the environmental and economical importance of conifers, the regulation of their embryonic development is still relatively unknown. We are using somatic embryos of Norway spruce as a model system for studying embryology in conifers. In this thesis, I show that polar auxin transport (PAT) is essential for proper patterning of both apical and basal parts of conifer embryos. Blocked PAT caused increased auxin levels, increased differentiation of early somatic embryos, a skewed balance between the embryonal mass and the suspensor cells in late embryos, and an abnormal morphology with irregular RAM, fused or aborted cotyledons and absence of a functional SAM in mature embryos. Two NAC gene family members (PaNAC01 and PaNAC02), closely related to the Arabidopsis CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON (CUC) genes, were characterized. PaNAC01 harbors previously characterized functional motifs, and could complement the cuc1cuc2 double mutant. The temporal expression of PaNAC01 was dependent on PAT, and coincided with the formation of separated cotyledons and a functional SAM. Furthermore, the expression profiles of four KNOXI genes (HBK1 to 4) showed that also the expression of HBK2 and HBK4 depend on PAT, and indicated their role in embryo differentiation and SAM formation, while HBK1 and HBK3 seemingly have a more general role during embryo development. In addition, a global gene expression analysis revealed important processes during early somatic embryogenesis in Norway spruce. Taken together the results show that central parts of the regulatory network for embryo development are still conserved between angiosperms and gymnosperms, despite their separation 300 million years ago.
Acute concussion: making the diagnosis and state of the art management

Purpose of review Concussion is an increasingly common injury in children. We aim to review the basic epidemiology and management of acute concussion and highlight recent studies that have contributed to our understanding of care for this injury. Recent findings While concussion is considered a ‘mild’ form of traumatic brain injury, recent evidence suggests that as many as 30% of children are still symptomatic 1 month after injury. Although there is increasing interest in finding objective measures of injury and recovery, emerging imaging and serum biomarkers are not ready for routine clinical use. Identification of children at risk for prolonged symptoms is vital. Prolonged rest after injury may worsen outcomes. Summary Concussion is a common injury in children. Objective measures of injury and recovery are needed, as are targeted therapies to mitigate the risk of prolonged recovery after injury.
The cumulative effect of frailty and cognition on mortality – results of a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Background: Both physical frailty and cognitive impairment predict death, but the joint effect of these two factors is uncertain. The objectives are to determine if the Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the Frailty Index (FI) predict death over a five-year interval after accounting for the effect of the other; and if there is an interaction in this effect. Methods: An analysis of an existing prospective cohort study of 1,751 community living older adults followed over a five-year time frame. Age, gender, and education were self-reported. The predictor variables were the FI – a measure of frailty based on the “Accumulation of Deficits” model of frailty; and the MMSE. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed for the outcome of time to death. Results: The unadjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) (95% CI) for mortality was 2.17 (1.69, 2.80) for those who were only cognitively impaired, 2.02 (1.53, 2.68) for those who were only frail, and 3.57 (2.75, 4.62) for those who were both frail and cognitively impaired with the reference group of those who were neither frail nor cognitively impaired. Adjusted for age, gender, and education, the HR (95% CI) was 1.49 (1.13. 1.95) for those who were only cognitively impaired, 1.81 (1.35, 2.41) for those who were only frail, and 2.28 (1.69, 3.09) for those who were both frail and cognitively impaired. Conclusions: Both frailty and cognitive impairment are predictors of mortality and the effect is cumulative. There was no interaction in this effect.
Reduced Insulin Receptor Expression Enhances Proximal Tubule Gluconeogenesis

Reduced insulin receptor protein levels have been reported in the kidney cortex from diabetic humans and animals. We recently reported that, targeted deletion of insulin receptor (IR) from proximal tubules (PT) resulted in hyperglycemia in non‐obese mice. To elucidate the mechanism, we examined human proximal tubule cells (hPTC) and C57BL/6 mice fed with high‐fat diet (HFD, 60% fat for 20 weeks). Immunoblotting revealed a significantly lower protein level of IR in HFD compare to normal chow diet (NCD). Furthermore, a blunted rise in p‐AKT308 levels in the kidney cortex of HFD mice was observed in response to acute insulin (0.75 IU/kg body weight, i.p) relative to NCD n = 8/group, P < 0.05). Moreover, we found significantly higher transcript levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK, a key gluconeogenic enzyme) in the kidney cortex from HFD, relative to mice on NCD. The higher level of PEPCK in HFD was confirmed by immunoblotting. However, no significant differences were observed in cortical glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase) or fructose‐1,6, bisphosphosphatase (FBPase) enzyme transcript levels. Furthermore, we demonstrated insulin inhibited glucose production in hPTC treated with cyclic AMP and dexamethasone (cAMP/DEXA) to stimulate gluconeogenesis. Transcript levels of the gluconeogenic enzyme PEPCK were significantly increased in cAMP/DEXA‐stimulated hPTC cells (n = 3, P < 0.05), and insulin attenuated this upregulation Furthermore, the effect of insulin on cAMP/DEXA‐induced gluconeogenesis and PEPCK induction was significantly attenuated in IR (siRNA) silenced hPTC (n = 3, P < 0.05). Overall the above data indicate a direct role for IR expression as a determinant of PT‐gluconeogenesis. Thus reduced insulin signaling of the proximal tubule may contribute to hyperglycemia in the metabolic syndrome via elevated gluconeogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 276–285, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrasound-intensified Leaching of Gold from a Refractory Ore

The effect of ultrasonic energy on the pretreatment and leaching of gold from the refractory ore was investigated. Firstly, the refractory ore was pretreated with sodium hydroxide under ultrasound. Secondly, the pretreated ore was leached under ultrasound. The leaching ratio of gold decreased with increasing of the ultrasound pretreatment time from 1 to 5 h and the NaOH concentration from 5 to 20 wt%. The ultrasound increased remarkably the leaching ratio of gold when the pretreated ore was subjected to ultrasound leaching. The results showed that the appropriate acoustic power was a requirement during the ultrasound-intensified leaching. The leaching ratio of gold increased with an increasing of NaCN concentration from 6 to 18 kg/t. The results demonstrated that the ultrasound is a viable extractive metallurgy technique in pretreatment and leaching for the refractory gold ores.
Genetic defects in ciliary genes in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

AIM To evaluate the genetic defects of ciliary genes causing the loss of primary cilium in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). METHODS We analyzed 191 structural and functional genes of the primary cilium using next-generation sequencing analysis. We analyzed the kidney samples, which were obtained from 7 patients with ADPKD who underwent nephrectomy. Each sample contained polycystic kidney tissue and matched normal kidney tissue. RESULTS In our study, we identified genetic defects in the 5 to 15 genes in each ADPKD sample. The most frequently identified defects were found in genes encoding centrosomal proteins (PCM1, ODF2, HTT and CEP89) and kinesin family member 19 (KIF19), which are important for ciliogenesis. In addition, pathogenic mutations in the PCM1 and KIF19 genes were found in all ADPKD samples. Interestingly, mutations in the genes encoding the intraflagellar transport proteins, which are the basis of animal models of ADPKD, were only rarely detected. CONCLUSION The results of our study revealed the actual state of structural ciliary genes in human ADPKD tissues and provided valuable indications for further research.
Relations of Plasma High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein to Various Cardiovascular Risk Factors

This study was performed to evaluate the relation of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) with several cardiovascular risk factors such as age, blood pressure, smoking habit and serum lipids, body mass index, blood glucose, regular exercise, alcohol drinking, white blood cell counts in a cross-sectional survey. Plasma hsCRP was measured by immunoturbidimetry in 202 subjects, aged over 50 yr, who participated in health-check survey in a rural area of Jeollanamdo, Korea. Plasma hsCRP level was 1.9±3.0 mg/dL. There were significant associations between hsCRP levels and age, white blood cell counts, blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, body mass index and smoking status. In stepwise multivariate regression analysis, white blood cell counts, age, blood glucose, smoking status and body mass index were independent correlates of hsCRP levels. In conclusion, plasma hsCRP levels were associated with several cardiovascular risk factors, and these data are compatible with the hypothesis that CRP levels may be a marker for preclinical cardiovascular disease. Further what we need now are prospective studies to evaluate the association of C-reactive protein concentrations with subsequent cardiac events.
Systems of identification authentication and encoding in maritime industry

Authentication systems of electronic data are used when it is necessary to confirm authenticity of the signature of the author of the document and integrity of the document transmitted through a network. For authentication of data the digital signature which represents rather small amount of the additional authenticating information transferred together with the signed text is used. Encryption systems of disk data are used when there is no opportunity to limit access for users to information media. Application of encryption systems of disk data does unavailable in a sense information for those users who have no key. Encryption systems of disk data can realize data transformations at the level of files or at the level of disks. The main strengths and weaknesses of the system are investigated for external and internal attacks from the perspective of reliability for the marine industry.
Structure-Based Engineering Increased the Catalytic Turnover Rate of a Novel Phenazine Prenyltransferase

Prenyltransferases (PTs) catalyze the regioselective transfer of prenyl moieties onto aromatic substrates in biosynthetic pathways of microbial secondary metabolites. Therefore, these enzymes contribute to the chemical diversity of natural products. Prenylation is frequently essential for the pharmacological properties of these metabolites, including their antibiotic and antitumor activities. Recently, the first phenazine PTs, termed EpzP and PpzP, were isolated and biochemically characterized. The two enzymes play a central role in the biosynthesis of endophenazines by catalyzing the regiospecific prenylation of 5,10-dihydrophenazine-1-carboxylic acid (dhPCA) in the secondary metabolism of two different Streptomyces strains. Here we report crystal structures of EpzP in its unliganded state as well as bound to S-thiolodiphosphate (SPP), thus defining the first three-dimensional structures for any phenazine PT. A model of a ternary complex resulted from in silico modeling of dhPCA and site-directed mutagenesis. The structural analysis provides detailed insight into the likely mechanism of phenazine prenylation. The catalytic mechanism suggested by the structure identifies amino acids that are required for catalysis. Inspection of the structures and the model of the ternary complex furthermore allowed us to rationally engineer EpzP variants with up to 14-fold higher catalytic reaction rate compared to the wild-type enzyme. This study therefore provides a solid foundation for additional enzyme modifications that should result in efficient, tailor-made biocatalysts for phenazines production.
GATAD2B loss-of-function mutations cause a recognisable syndrome with intellectual disability and are associated with learning deficits and synaptic undergrowth in Drosophila

Background GATA zinc finger domain containing 2B (GATAD2B) encodes a subunit of the MeCP1-Mi-2/nucleosome remodelling and deacetylase complex involved in chromatin modification and regulation of transcription. We recently identified two de novo loss-of-function mutations in GATAD2B by whole exome sequencing in two unrelated individuals with severe intellectual disability. Methods To identify additional individuals with GATAD2B aberrations, we searched for microdeletions overlapping with GATAD2B in inhouse and international databases, and performed targeted Sanger sequencing of the GATAD2B locus in a selected cohort of 80 individuals based on an overlap with the clinical features in the two index cases. To address whether GATAD2B is required directly in neurones for cognition and neuronal development, we investigated the role of Drosophila GATAD2B orthologue simjang (simj) in learning and synaptic connectivity. Results We identified a third individual with a 240 kb microdeletion encompassing GATAD2B and a fourth unrelated individual with GATAD2B loss-of-function mutation. Detailed clinical description showed that all four individuals with a GATAD2B aberration had a distinctive phenotype with childhood hypotonia, severe intellectual disability, limited speech, tubular shaped nose with broad nasal tip, short philtrum, sparse hair and strabismus. Neuronal knockdown of Drosophila GATAD2B orthologue, simj, resulted in impaired learning and altered synapse morphology. Conclusions We hereby define a novel clinically recognisable intellectual disability syndrome caused by loss-of-function of GATAD2B. Our results in Drosophila suggest that GATAD2B is required directly in neurones for normal cognitive performance and synapse development.
Sick sinus syndrome with HCN 4 mutations shows early onset and frequent association with atrial fi brillation and left ventricular noncompaction

Taisuke Ishikawa, DVM, PhD, Seiko Ohno, MD, PhD, Takashi Murakami, MD, PhD, Kentaro Yoshida, MD, PhD, Hiroyuki Mishima, DDS, PhD, Tetsuya Fukuoka, MD, Hiroki Kimoto, MPharm, Risa Sakamoto, Takafumi Ohkusa, Takeshi Aiba, MD, PhD, Akihiko Nogami, MD, PhD, Naokata Sumitomo, MD, PhD, Wataru Shimizu, MD, PhD, Koh-ichiro Yoshiura, MD, PhD, Hitoshi Horigome, MD, PhD, Minoru Horie, MD, PhD, Naomasa Makita, MD, PhD From the Department of Molecular Physiology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan, Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan, Department of Cardiology, Ibaraki Children's Hospital, Mito, Japan, Department of Cardiology, Ibaraki Prefectural Central Hospital, Kasama, Japan, Department of Human Genetics, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan, Department of Pediatrics, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan, Department of Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita ,Japan, Department of Cardiology, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan, Division of Cardiology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan, and Department of Pediatrics, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan.
Effects of Individual Differences and Job Characteristics on the Psychological Health of Italian Nurses

The Demand Resources and Individual Effects Model (DRIVE Model) is a transactional model that integrates Demands- Control-Support and Effort-Reward Imbalance models emphasising the role of individual (Coping Strategies; Overcommitment) and job characteristics (Job Demands, Social Support, Decision Latitude, Skill Discretion, Effort, Rewards) in the work-related stress process. The present study aimed to test the DRIVE Model in a sample of 450 Italian nurses and to compare findings with those of a study conducted in a sample of UK nurses. A questionnaire composed of Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised (WCCL-R); Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ); ERI Test; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used. Data supported the application of the DRIVE Model to the Italian context, showing significant associations of the individual characteristics of Problem-focused, Seek Advice and Wishful Thinking coping strategies and the job characteristics of Job Demands, Skill Discretion, Decision Latitude, and Effort with perceived levels of Anxiety and Depression. Effort represented the best predictor for psychological health conditions among Italian nurses, and Social Support significantly moderated the effects of Job Demands on perceived levels of Anxiety. The comparison study showed significant differences in the risk profiles of Italian and UK nurses. Findings were discussed in order to define focused interventions to promote nurses’ wellbeing.
Horizontal cells expressing melanopsin x are novel photoreceptors in the avian inner retina

Significance In the vertebrate retina, three types of photoreceptors—visual photoreceptor cones and rods and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs)—converged through evolution to detect light and regulate image- and nonimage-forming activities. ipRGCs express the photopigment melanopsin (OPN4), encoded by two genes: the Xenopus (Opn4x) and mammalian (Opn4m) orthologs. In the chicken retina, both OPN4 proteins are found in ipRGCs. Opn4x is also present in retinal horizontal cells (HCs) connecting with visual photoreceptors. We show that HCs displaying intrinsic photosensitivity constitute photoreceptors requiring Opn4x expression and retinaldehyde, acting through an invertebrate-like phototransduction cascade and GABA release. These mechanisms may enable HCs to regulate nonvisual tasks with ipRGCs and lateral interactions with visual photoreceptors. In the vertebrate retina, three types of photoreceptors—visual photoreceptor cones and rods and the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs)—converged through evolution to detect light and regulate image- and nonimage-forming activities such as photic entrainment of circadian rhythms, pupillary light reflexes, etc. ipRGCs express the nonvisual photopigment melanopsin (OPN4), encoded by two genes: the Xenopus (Opn4x) and mammalian (Opn4m) orthologs. In the chicken retina, both OPN4 proteins are found in ipRGCs, and Opn4x is also present in retinal horizontal cells (HCs), which connect with visual photoreceptors. Here we investigate the intrinsic photosensitivity and functioning of HCs from primary cultures of embryonic retinas at day 15 by using calcium fluorescent fluo4 imaging, pharmacological inhibitory treatments, and Opn4x knockdown. Results show that HCs are avian photoreceptors with a retinal-based OPN4X photopigment conferring intrinsic photosensitivity. Light responses in HCs appear to be driven through an ancient type of phototransduction cascade similar to that in rhabdomeric photoreceptors involving a G-protein q, the activation of phospholipase C, calcium mobilization, and the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Based on their intrinsic photosensitivity, HCs may have a key dual function in the retina of vertebrates, potentially regulating nonvisual tasks together with their sister cells, ipRGCs, and with visual photoreceptors, modulating lateral interactions and retinal processing.
DeepN-JPEG: A Deep Neural Network Favorable JPEG-based Image Compression Framework

As one of most fascinating machine learning techniques, deep neural network (DNN) has demonstrated excellent performance in various intelligent tasks such as image classification. DNN achieves such performance, to a large extent, by performing expensive training over huge volumes of training data. To reduce the data storage and transfer overhead in smart resource-limited Internet-of-Thing (IoT) systems, effective data compression is a “must-have” feature before transferring real-time produced dataset for training or classification. While there have been many well-known image compression approaches (such as JPEG), we for the first time find that a human-visual based image compression approach such as JPEG compression is not an optimized solution for DNN systems, especially with high compression ratios. To this end, we develop an image compression framework tailored for DNN applications, named “DeepN-JPEG”, to embrace the nature of deep cascaded information process mechanism of DNN architecture. Extensive experiments, based on “ImageNet” dataset with various state-of-the-art DNNs, show that “DeepN-JPEG” can achieve $\sim 3.5$× higher compression rate over the popular JPEG solution while maintaining the same accuracy level for image recognition, demonstrating its great potential of storage and power efficiency in DNN-based smart IoT system design.
Indications that Amorphous Calcium Carbonates Occur in Pathological Mineralisation—A Urinary Stone from a Guinea Pig

Calcium carbonate is an abundant biomineral that is of great importance in industrial or geological contexts. In recent years, many studies of the precipitation of CaCO3 have shown that amorphous precursors and intermediates are widespread in the biomineralization processes and can also be exploited in bio-inspired materials chemistry. In this work, the thorough investigation of a urinary stone of a guinea pig suggests that amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) can play a role in pathological mineralization. Importantly, certain analytical techniques that are often applied in the corresponding analyses are sensitive only to crystalline CaCO3 and can misleadingly exclude the relevance of calcium carbonate during the formation of urinary stones. Our analyses suggest that ACC is the major constituent of the particular stone studied, which possibly precipitated on struvite nuclei. Minor amounts of urea, other stable inorganics, and minor organic inclusions are observed as well.