Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gαi2 Signaling Promotes Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy, Myoblast Differentiation, and Muscle Regeneration

Signaling through Gαi2 induces hypertrophy and can counterbalance pathways that promote muscle wasting. Preventing Muscle Wasting The wasting of skeletal muscle that accompanies various diseases (such as cancer, AIDS, and COPD) contributes to a poor prognosis. Thus, identifying pathways that promote muscle growth and can counteract muscle wasting can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. Minetti et al. (see also the Perspective by Guttridge) show that signaling through the G protein Gαi2 can increase growth and differentiation of muscle cells, promote regeneration after injury in mice, and counteract atrophy in vitro. Skeletal muscle atrophy results in loss of strength and an increased risk of mortality. We found that lysophosphatidic acid, which activates a G protein (heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide–binding protein)–coupled receptor, stimulated skeletal muscle hypertrophy through activation of Gαi2. Expression of a constitutively active mutant of Gαi2 stimulated myotube growth and differentiation, effects that required the transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) and protein kinase C. In addition, expression of the constitutively active Gαi2 mutant inhibited atrophy caused by the cachectic cytokine TNFα (tumor necrosis factor–α) by blocking an increase in the abundance of the mRNA encoding the E3 ubiquitin ligase MuRF1 (muscle ring finger 1). Gαi2 activation also enhanced muscle regeneration and caused a switch to oxidative fibers. Our study thus identifies a pathway that promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy and differentiation and demonstrates that Gαi2-induced signaling can act as a counterbalance to MuRF1-mediated atrophy, indicating that receptors that act through Gαi2 might represent potential targets for preventing skeletal muscle wasting.
An Iterative Uncertainty Assessment Technique for Environmental Modeling

The reliability of and confidence in predictions from model simulations are crucial—these predictions can significantly affect risk assessment decisions. For example, the fate of contaminants at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hanford Site has critical impacts on long-term waste management strategies. In the uncertainty estimation efforts for the Hanford Site-Wide Groundwater Modeling program, computational issues severely constrain both the number of uncertain parameters that can be considered and the degree of realism that can be included in the models. Substantial improvements in the overall efficiency of uncertainty analysis are needed to fully explore and quantify significant sources of uncertainty. We have combined state-of-the-art statistical and mathematical techniques in a unique iterative, limited sampling approach to efficiently quantify both local and global prediction uncertainties resulting from model input uncertainties. The approach is designed for application to widely diverse problems across multiple scientific domains. Results are presented for both an analytical model where the response surface is “known” and a simplified contaminant fate transport and groundwater flow model. The results show that our iterative method for approximating a response surface (for subsequent calculation of uncertainty estimates) of specified precision requires less computing time than traditional approaches based upon noniterative sampling methods.
Grain boundaries in bcc-Fe: a density-functional theory and tight-binding study

Grain boundaries (GBs) have a significant influence on material properties. In the present paper, we calculate the energies of eleven low-Σ ( Σ ≤ 13 ) symmetrical tilt GBs and two twist GBs in ferromagnetic bcc iron using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results demonstrate the importance of a sufficient sampling of initial rigid body translations in all three directions. We show that the relative GB energies can be explained by the miscoordination of atoms at the GB region. While the main features of the studied GB structures were captured by previous empirical interatomic potential calculations, it is shown that the absolute values of GB energies calculated were substantially underestimated. Based on DFT-calculated GB structures and energies, we construct a new d-band orthogonal tight-binding (TB) model for bcc iron. The TB model is validated by its predictive power on all the studied GBs. We apply the TB model to block boundaries in lath martensite and demonstrate that the experimentally observed GB character distribution can be explained from the viewpoint of interface energy.
Morpheme Based Factored Language Models for German LVCSR

German is a highly inflectional language, where a large number of words can be generated from the same root. It makes a liberal use of compounding leading to high Out-of-vocabulary (OOV) rates, and poor Language Model (LM) probability estimates. Therefore, the use of morphemes for language modeling is considered a better choice for Large Vocabulary Continuous Speech Recognition (LVCSR) than the full-words. Thereby, better lexical coverage and less LM perplexities are achieved. On the other side, the use of Factored Language Models (FLMs) is considered a successful approach that allows the integration of many information sources to get better LM probability estimates. In this paper, we try a combined methodology for language modeling where both morphological decomposition and factored language modeling are used in one model called morpheme based FLM. Finally, we obtain around 2.5% relative reduction in Word Error Rate (WER) with respect to a traditional full-words system. Index Terms: morpheme, factored language model, German
A user-adaptive indexing model of structured documents

In this paper we present an indexing model of multimedia documents having a hierarchical structure; this model allows users to generate personal document representations. The documents are organised into logical (thematic) sections where the index terms play a distinct role as descriptors of the documents' information contents. The indexed archive can be heterogeneous, i.e. it may contain documents with distinct logical structures. The proposed indexing model is adaptive to the user, who can indicate in the retrieval phase the preferred sections of documents, i.e. those which they estimate to bear the most interesting information, and can linguistically quantify the number of sections which determine the global potential interest of the documents. The adaptation is carried out by a flexible query language for expressing the aforementioned soft selection conditions on the structured documents.
Fully Inkjet‐Printed Organic Photodetectors with High Quantum Yield

Bulk-heterojunction based organic photodetectors are fabricated by means of drop-on-demand inkjet printing with vertical topology, inverted structure, and small footprint (about 100 μm x 100 μm). Due to optimization of the deposition technique, an external quantum efficiency in excess of 80% at 525 nm and a -3dB bandwidth of a few tens of kHz is achieved.
The acid pocket and its relevance to reflux disease

Gastric pH is one of the primary determinants of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The severity of both oesophageal mucosal damage and symptoms is directly related to the pH of the refluxate and thereby intragastric pH. The proximal stomach is particularly relevant as it is the most immediate source of the refluxate, particularly in patients with hiatus hernia. An important characteristic of gastro-oesophageal reflux is the postprandial increase in reflux episodes. Indeed, the majority of reflux episodes in most patients occur in the postprandial period. However, meals lead to transient buffering of gastric acid, particularly in the proximal stomach,1 2 yet, early in the postprandial period, acid and weakly acidic reflux episodes are often interspersed.3 Conventional intragastric pH monitoring 5 cm below the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) often reveals discrepancies between gastric pH and that of the refluxate in the oesophagus, with a lower pH in the oesophagus than in the stomach during reflux episodes. Important insights into this apparent discrepancy between gastric and oesophageal pH during reflux were obtained by Fletcher and colleagues.4 Using a stepwise pull-through of a pH electrode from the proximal stomach across the gastro-oesophageal junction, they were able to demonstrate that 15 min after a meal, there was a short zone of apparently unbuffered highly acidic gastric juice extending 2 cm below the LOS that they termed the “acid pocket”. The median pH in this zone was 1.6 compared with 4.4 in the meal-buffered region below. Subsequent studies have confirmed these findings.2 5–7 Concurrent pH monitoring in the gastric cardia and distal oesophagus during reflux episodes has also shown the pH in the cardia to be consistently lower than that in the distal oesophagus.6 Thus, reflux from this acid pocket provided a plausible explanation for acid reflux in the …
Dry sliding wear behaviour of in-situ fabricated TiC particulate reinforced AA6061 aluminium alloy

Aluminium alloy AA6061 reinforced with different mass fractions of (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 & 10 weight percentage) TiC particles was fabricated by the in-situ reaction process. The in-situ synthesized aluminium matrix composite (AMCs) were examined using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction. The results from the aforesaid tests revealed the formation of TiC particles. The in-situ formed particles were found to have a homogenous distribution, clear bonding and good interface with the aluminium alloy AA6061. The dry sliding wear test results revealed an improvement in wear performance of aluminium alloy AA6061 due to the presence of TiC particulate. Furthermore, the in-situ formed TiC particulates refined the grain structure. The in-situ formed TiC particles improved the load bearing ability of the AMCs. The wear mechanisms recorded during the wear test were ploughing and adhesion at lower load and delamination at higher load.
General Model for Infrastructure Multi-channel Wireless LANs

In this paper we develop an integrated model for request mechanism and data transmission in multi-channel wireless local area networks. We calculated the performance parameters for single and multi-channel wireless networks when the channel is noisy. The proposed model is general it can be applied to different wireless networks such as IEEE802.11x, IEEE802.16, CDMA operated networks and Hiperlan\2.
Combining spatial and temporal priors for articulated human tracking with online learning

We study articulated human tracking by combining spatial and temporal priors in an integrated online learning and inference framework, where body parts can be localized and segmented simultaneously. The temporal prior is represented by the motion trajectory in a low dimensional latent space learned from tracking history, and it predicts the configuration of each body part for the next frame. The spatial prior is encoded by a star-structured graphical model and embedded in the temporal prior, and it can be constructed “on-the-fly” from the predicted pose and used to evaluate and correct the prediction by assembling part detection results. Both temporal and spatial priors can be online learned incrementally through the Back Constrained-Gaussian Process Latent Variable Model (BC-GPLVM) that involves a temporal sliding window for online learning. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm can achieve accurate and robust tracking results for different walking subjects with significant appearance and motion variability.
Critical Mutation Rate Has an Exponential Dependence on Population Size in Haploid and Diploid Populations

Understanding the effect of population size on the key parameters of evolution is particularly important for populations nearing extinction. There are evolutionary pressures to evolve sequences that are both fit and robust. At high mutation rates, individuals with greater mutational robustness can outcompete those with higher fitness. This is survival-of-the-flattest, and has been observed in digital organisms, theoretically, in simulated RNA evolution, and in RNA viruses. We introduce an algorithmic method capable of determining the relationship between population size, the critical mutation rate at which individuals with greater robustness to mutation are favoured over individuals with greater fitness, and the error threshold. Verification for this method is provided against analytical models for the error threshold. We show that the critical mutation rate for increasing haploid population sizes can be approximated by an exponential function, with much lower mutation rates tolerated by small populations. This is in contrast to previous studies which identified that critical mutation rate was independent of population size. The algorithm is extended to diploid populations in a system modelled on the biological process of meiosis. The results confirm that the relationship remains exponential, but show that both the critical mutation rate and error threshold are lower for diploids, rather than higher as might have been expected. Analyzing the transition from critical mutation rate to error threshold provides an improved definition of critical mutation rate. Natural populations with their numbers in decline can be expected to lose genetic material in line with the exponential model, accelerating and potentially irreversibly advancing their decline, and this could potentially affect extinction, recovery and population management strategy. The effect of population size is particularly strong in small populations with 100 individuals or less; the exponential model has significant potential in aiding population management to prevent local (and global) extinction events.
Process Parameter Selection for Optimizing the Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel (SS 202 & SS 316) in the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

: Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is one of the widely used techniques for joining ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The TIG welding parameters are the most significant factors affecting the quality, productivity and cost of welding. In this study, SS 202 and SS 316 types of austenitic stainless steels were welded by GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) using SS 202 and SS 316 (ER 316L) filler metals, respectively. The present study aims to search out the optimization of process parameters for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). The process parameters like welding current, wire diameter, shielding gas, and groove angle were varied at different levels to find out the influence of parameters on Hardness and Toughness. After performing Charpy Impact Test on SS 202 steel at room temperature, the results show that toughness mainly depends on the shielding gas chosen whereas for SS 316 steel the toughness increases as well as decreases as per the changes in the process parameters. Up to the magnitude of 150 A, the Microhardness value increases and then decreases with further rise in its magnitude.
Potassium Channels in Myelinated Nerve

The permeability of K channels to various cations is studied in myelinated nerve. Ionic currents under voltage clamp are measured in Ringer solution containing tetrodotoxin and a high concentration of the test ion. Reversal potentials for current in K channels are determined and used with the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation to calculate relative permeabilities. The ratios P Tl:P K:P Rb:P NHNH4 are 2.3:1.00:0.92:0.13. No other ions are found to be measurably permeant including Li+, Na+, Cs+, methylamine, guanidine, hydrazine, or hydroxylamine. The ratio P Na/P K is less than 0.01. Potassium conductance is depressed at pH values below 5.0. Leakage conductance is higher in K, Rb, Cs, NH4, and Tl Ringer than in Na Ringer, but the selectivity sequence probably is not the same as for K channels. The hypothesis is offered that the narrowest part of the K channel is a circle of oxygen atoms about 3 Å in diameter with low electrostatic field strength.
Why mitochondria must fuse to maintain their genome integrity.

SIGNIFICANCE The maintenance of mitochondrial genome integrity is a major challenge for cells to sustain energy production by respiration. RECENT ADVANCES Recently, mitochondrial membrane dynamics emerged as a key process contributing to prevent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations. Indeed, both fundamental and clinical data suggest that disruption of mitochondrial fusion, related to mutations in the OPA1, MFN2, PINK1, and PARK2 genes, leads to the accumulation of mutations in the mitochondrial genome. CRITICAL ISSUES We discuss here the possibility that mitochondrial fusion acts as a direct mechanism to prevent the generation of altered mtDNA and to eliminate mutated deleterious genomes either by trans-complementation or by mitophagy. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Finally, we conclude this review with a short evolutionary comparison between the mechanisms involved in mitochondrial and bacterial modes of genome distribution and plasticity, highlighting possible common conserved processes required for the maintenance of their genome integrity, which should inspire our future investigations.
Development of a Battery-operated Plasma Device Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma in Ambient Air

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma in air, a kind of non-thermal plasma, can disinfect the surface of a wound and enhance blood clotting without tissue damage. The purpose of this study was to design a prototype of a new, easily portable, DBD plasma device for first aid. In our prototype, the plasma discharge could be adjusted by changing frequency and using the pulse width modulation (PWM) function from a microcontroller. An electrode, coupled with the surface micro discharge (SMD) technique, reduced current leakage passing through the body. While the Lissajous standard method was utilized to measure the energy consumption per cycle, the optical emission spectroscopy approach analyzed the elements of plasma generation in ambient air. The prototype was convenient to carry and the amount of plasma discharge (containing the activated species O, OH, O2-, O3, N2, N2+) was easily varied to affect microorganisms and tissue.
Brassinosteroid signalling

The brassinosteroid (BR) class of steroid hormones regulates plant development and physiology. The BR signal is transduced by a receptor kinase-mediated signal transduction pathway, which is distinct from animal steroid signalling systems. Recent studies have fully connected the BR signal transduction chain and have identified thousands of BR target genes, linking BR signalling to numerous cellular processes. Molecular links between BR and several other signalling pathways have also been identified. Here, we provide an overview of the highly integrated BR signalling network and explain how this steroid hormone functions as a master regulator of plant growth, development and metabolism.
Phosphoproteomics and Lung Cancer Research

Massive evidence suggests that genetic abnormalities contribute to the development of lung cancer. These molecular abnormalities may serve as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for this deadly disease. It is imperative to search these biomarkers in different tumorigenesis pathways so as to provide the most appropriate therapy for each individual patient with lung malignancy. Phosphoproteomics is a promising technology for the identification of biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for cancer. Thousands of proteins interact via physical and chemical association. Moreover, some proteins can covalently modify other proteins post-translationally. These post-translational modifications ultimately give rise to the emergent functions of cells in sequence, space and time. Phosphoproteomics clinical researches imply the comprehensive analysis of the proteins that are expressed in cells or tissues and can be employed at different stages. In addition, understanding the functions of phosphorylated proteins requires the study of proteomes as linked systems rather than collections of individual protein molecules. In fact, proteomics approaches coupled with affinity chromatography strategies followed by mass spectrometry have been used to elucidate relevant biological questions. This article will discuss the relevant clues of post-translational modifications, phosphorylated proteins, and useful proteomics approaches to identify molecular cancer signatures. The recent progress in phosphoproteomics research in lung cancer will be also discussed.
INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATION BETWEEN ANAEROBIC BACTERIA GENUS CLOSTRIDIUM AND LATE-ONSET AUTISM ETIOLOGY IN CHILDREN

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the etiology of late-onset childhood autism and anaerobic bacteria. Thirty children diagnosed with autistic disorder and control group have been included in the study. 3-(3-hydroxy phenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid (HPHPA) excretion rates which is a metabolic product of the genus Clostridium, were measured via mass spectrometry-gas chromatography (MS-GC) method from urine samples. When the assayed average HPHPA values compared with each group, a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.05). Data obtained from this study support the existence of a significant correlation between autism etiology and anaerobic bacteria.
Functional Outcome after Stroke in Patients with Aphasia and Neglect: Assessment by the Motor and Cognitive Functional Independence Measure Instrument

Background: The role of neuropsychological deficits in predicting functional outcome in patients with aphasia and neglect at the end of rehabilitation after stroke has been poorly investigated. This was the aim of this prospective study evaluated using a Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument. Methods: Patients with a primary diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident [125 patients with aphasia, 45 with neglect and 131 without either aphasia or neglect (WAN)] were enrolled. Backward multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict motor and cognitive FIM, discharge destination, and length of stay. The independent variables were age, gender, aphasia, stroke type, stroke lesion size, comorbidity, bladder catheter, stroke severity, trunk control test, initial motor FIM, and committed caregiver identified on admission to rehabilitation. Results: At the end of rehabilitation, patients with neglect had significantly lower final motor FIM scores and lower daily efficiency improvement in motor FIM scores compared with those with aphasia (both p < 0.001) and WAN (both p < 0.001). Patients with aphasia showed lower final cognitive FIM scores compared with those with neglect (p < 0.001) and those without deficits (p < 0.001). Neglect was a predictor of final motor FIM (β = –0.24) and efficiency in motor FIM (β = –0.29), while aphasia was a predictor of final cognitive FIM (β = –0.54). Neglect and aphasia did not differ and were not predictors of discharge destination and length of stay. Conclusions: Patients with neglect have lower motor FIM scores if compared with those with aphasia, while patients with aphasia have lower cognitive FIM scores. Neglect is a predictor of motor FIM, while aphasia is a predictor of cognitive FIM scores.