Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DNA double‐strand breaks induce the expression of flavin‐containing monooxygenase and reduce root meristem size in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plants use various mechanisms to cope with environmental stresses, which often threaten genome integrity. In Arabidopsis, DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) reduce root meristem size in a SOG1‐dependent manner. SOG1 is a key transcription factor controlling the response to DNA damage. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that treatment with the DSB inducer zeocin increased the accumulation of H2O2 in root tips. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that SOG1 directly binds to the promoter of FMO1, which encodes a flavin‐containing monooxygenase and is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2 in particular. Indeed, zeocin induced the expression of FMO1 in a SOG1‐dependent manner, and neither the sog1 nor the fmo1 knockout mutant exhibited higher H2O2 accumulation in root tips. Consequently, both sog1 and fmo1 could tolerate exposure to zeocin, in terms of root growth and the maintenance of the meristem size. However, transgenic plants over‐expressing FMO1 also accumulated H2O2 in response to zeocin exposure, suggesting that other ROS‐synthesis genes are also involved in the regulation of ROS production. We conclude that SOG1‐mediated regulation of ROS homeostasis plays a key role in the reduction of root meristem size under DNA stress conditions.
Optimizing transcatheter therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: invited editorial regarding "Roles played by chemolipiodolization and embolization in chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: single-blind, randomized trial".

Shi et al. recently published a 3 arm randomized study comparing efficacy and safety of 3 different modes of intra-arterial chemotherapy infusion and embolization (1). This study adds to the growing, yet sometimes confusing literature regarding transcatheter therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the literature is growing, unfortunately randomized and prospective trials are relatively sparse.
What can Drosophila axonal development teach us about nerve regeneration?

Assembly, maintenance and repair of nervous systems rely on the precise coordination in the presentation of guidance signals and the correct reception and processing of these signals. During embryonic development, considerable progress has already been made in identifying the extracellular cues and the receptors mediating axonal guidance (Araujo and Tear, 2003). Axons are particularly vulnerable to injury and disease and axonal damage plays a central role in neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, full integration of axonal guidance information will help us understand how cells can combine extensive extracellular information to follow an unerring migration pathway. In addition, this understanding will yield clues on how to encourage axonal regeneration after injury or disease.
Optimized design of full-subtractor using new SRG reversible logic gates and VHDL simulation

Reversible logic has comprehensive applications in communications, quantum computing, low power VLSI design, computer graphics, cryptography, nanotechnology and optical computing. It has received significant attention in low power dissipating circuit design in the past few years. While several researchers have inspected the design of reversible logic units, there is not much reported works on reversible subtractors. In this paper we proposed the quantum equivalent circuit for SRG (SRG refers to Samiur Rahman Gate) gate and we have computed the quantum cost of SRG gate. We also showed that how SRG gate can work singly as a Full-subtractor circuit. It is being tried to design the circuit optimal in terms of number of reversible gates, number of garbage outputs, number of constant inputs and quantum cost with compared to the existing circuits. All the designs have nanometric scales.
Modeling of online social networks for automated monitoring system

Monitoring using keywords is necessary step in solving the problem of detection of users’ illegal behavior such as drug use, extremist propaganda in online social networks. Analysis of text posts is difficult because of using jargon and making mistakes in communications. In paper model of online social networks for automated monitoring system is presented. This model focuses not on communications between users but on text posts. Features of Russian text posts are given. Problem of text posts obfuscation by users involved in illicit fields of activities is discussed.
We need to talk about depot: effect of Community Treatment Order on depot antipsychotic medication compliance

Objective: The current study compares the compliance rates of patients on depot who were on Community Treatment Orders with those who were not on such Order with a view to objectively quantify the effect of Community Treatment Orders on depot antipsychotics medication compliance. Methods: “Day difference” measurements between the scheduled depot data and the administered date were collected for both voluntary and involuntary patients receiving depot medication at the same community clinic over a 6-month period. Results: The results demonstrated a trend for greater compliance to depot medications by those not on a Community Treatment Order compared with those who were, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: The current study highlighted that while Community Treatment Order may be a reasonable short-term tool to encourage patients’ compliance at an early treatment stage, ongoing effort should be put into improving patients’ attitude towards depot medications to ensure a better long-term outcome for individuals with schizophrenia.
Real-time respiratory motion correction for simultaneous PET-MR using an MR-derived motion model

Respiratory motion during PET imaging causes the resulting PET images to become corrupted by artefacts. In this paper we describe a technique for motion-correction of PET data based on MR imaging that is suitable for use in a simultaneous PET-MR imaging system. The technique is based on the formation of a subject-specific respiratory motion model from near real-time dynamic MR images and is capable of making real-time motion estimates based on a one-dimensional MR navigator, allowing additional MR imaging to take place at the same time as PET imaging. The model estimates the complex freeform deformations present in the human thorax during respiration. We validate our motion compensation approach using PET simulations based on real MR data of the thorax acquired from a healthy volunteer. Qualitative results show a clear improvement in visualisation of the myocardium and three tumours that were artificially added to the emission/attenuation map of the volunteer close to the diaphragm. Quantitative analysis was based on computing DICE coefficients between true regions of interest (myocardium and the three artificial tumours) and regions manually segmented from a ‘no motion’ PET image, an uncorrected PET image and a motion-corrected PET image. The DICE coefficients over all 4 regions were 0.8 ± 0.03 (‘no motion’), 0.24 ± 0.11 (uncorrected) and 0.6 ± 0.08 (corrected), indicating that a significant improvement in PET resolution and quantification is achievable by applying our motion-correction technique.
An assignment routing problem

ABSTRACT This paper examines a routing design problem in which the objective is to assign customer demand points to days of the week in order to solve the resulting node routing problems over the entire week most effectively. The emphasis is on obtaining approximate solutions for this type of combinatorial problem. Several heuristics are developed and tested on a large scale refuse collection problem. Computational results, as well as a discussion of expected benefits, are presented.
Yeast Lacking Cu-Zn Superoxide Dismutase Show Altered Iron Homeostasis

Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacking copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (sod1) shows a series of defects, including reduced rates of aerobic growth in synthetic glucose medium and reduced ability to grow by respiration in glycerol-rich medium. In this work, we observed that addition of iron improved the respiratory growth of the sod1 mutant and in glucose medium total intracellular iron content was higher in the sod1mutant than in wild type cells. Transcription of the high affinity iron transporter gene, FET3, was enhanced in thesod1 mutant, suggesting that iron transport systems were up-regulated. An sod1/fet3 double mutant showed increased sensitivity to oxygen and increased transcription of FET4, an alternative, low affinity, iron transporter. We propose that this increased iron demand in the sod1 mutant may be a reflection of the cells' efforts to reconstitute iron-sulfur cluster-containing enzymes that are continuously inactivated in conditions of excess superoxide.
Investigation of Imperata sp. as a Primary Feedstock for Compost Production in Ucayali region, Peru

Five compost piles with different initial C:N ratios have been investigated in this study. As a primary feedstock Imperata sp. was used. The primary feedstock was mixed with poultry litter and vegetable refuse in order to obtain different C: Nratio. The results show that during 64 days of well managed composting under tropical conditions the initial C:N ratio between 30:1 and 50:1 decreased to ratio 11:1 to 15:1, respectively. Results of bioassay tests expressed as the germination index (GI) indicate particular compost phytotoxicity. The value of GI was 51.4%, 48.6%, 47.8%, 46.7% and 40.0% for samples from the compost with initial C:N ratios of 30:1, 37:1, 40:1, 44:1 and 50:1, respectively.
The Ras-related GTPase Rac1 Binds Tubulin (*)

The Ras-related Rho family are involved in controlling actin-based changes in cell morphology. Microinjection of Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42Hs into Swiss 3T3 cells induces pinocytosis and membrane ruffling, stress fiber formation, and filopodia formation, respectively. To identify target proteins involved in these signaling pathways cell extracts immobilized on nitrocellulose have been probed with [-P]GTP-labeled Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42Hs. We have identified two 55-kDa brain proteins which bind Rac1 but not RhoA or Cdc42Hs. These 55-kDa proteins were abundant, had pI values of around 5.5, and could be purified by Q-Sepharose chromatography. The characteristics on two-dimensional gel analysis suggested the proteins comprised α- and β-tubulin. Indeed, β-tubulin specific antibodies detected one of the purified 55-kDa proteins. Rac1 bound pure tubulin (purified by cycles of polymerization and depolymerization) only in the GTP-bound state. The GTPase negative Rac1 point mutants, G12V and Q61L, did not significantly affect the ability of Rac1 to interact with tubulin while the “effector-site” mutant D38A prevented interaction. These results suggest that the Rac1-tubulin interaction may play a role in Rac1 function.
Interactions between the Class II Transactivator and CREB Binding Protein Increase Transcription of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Genes

ABSTRACT Class II major histocompatibility (class II) genes are regulated in a B-cell-specific and gamma interferon-inducible fashion. The master switch for the expression of these genes is the class II transactivator (CIITA). In this report, we demonstrate that one of the functions of CIITA is to recruit the CREB binding protein (CBP) to class II promoters. Not only functional but also specific binding interactions between CIITA and CBP were demonstrated. Moreover, a dominant negative form of CBP decreased the activity of class II promoters and levels of class II determinants on the surface of cells. Finally, the inhibition of class II gene expression by the glucocorticoid hormone could be attributed to the squelching of CBP by the glucocorticoid receptor. We conclude that CBP, a histone acetyltransferase, plays an important role in the transcription of class II genes.
Effect of telmisartan on expression of protein kinase C-alpha in kidneys of diabetic mice.

AIM To investigate the effects of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) telmisartan on the expression and distribution of protein kinase C (PKC)-alpha in the kidneys of diabetic mice. METHODS Diabetic mice were induced with streptozotocin and a group of them were randomly selected for treatment with telmisartan. After 6 weeks, the expression and localization of PKC-alpha in the renal cortex, and the outer and inner medulla were assessed by immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative Western blotting. In addition, expressions of PKC-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in glomeruli were measured by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Diabetic and normal mice showed similar distributions of PKC-alpha in the kidneys. The expression of PKC-alpha was found in glomeruli, epithelial cells of proximal tubules, and medullary-collecting duct, while not in the medullary and cortical thick ascending limb, and was different in the epithelial cells of proximal tubules of diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice, PKC-alpha was mostly translocated from the basement membrane to the apical membrane, whereas it was largely translocated from the apical membrane to the basement membrane in epithelial cells of the inner medullary-collecting duct. Western blotting detected increased expression of PKC-alpha in the renal cortex and outer medulla, but not in the inner medulla of DN mice. Enhanced expressions of PKC-alpha, TGF-beta1, and VEGF were shown in the glomeruli of DN mice, where PKC-alpha exhibited a correlation to VEGF, but no correlation to TGF-beta1. ARB telmisartan attenuated alterations of PKC-alpha as mentioned earlier in the DN mice. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that PKC-alpha may play a role in the pathogenesis of DN, and that the nephroprotective effects of ARB telmisartan may be partly associated with its influence on PKC-alpha.
Feasibility study of LTE signal as a new illuminators of opportunity for passive radar applications

Recently, there has been an evolution of mobile networks towards the fourth generation radio wireless communications (4G) as LTE (Long Term Evolution). In this paper, the feasibility of using LTE-based passive radar is investigated to take advantage of using LTE signal as illuminator of opportunity for moving object monitoring. An analysis of ambiguity function is done on a typical LTE waveform to assess the Doppler and range characteristics. The initial results and analysis show that LTE signal range and Doppler resolutions of 7.5m and 0.11m/s can be achieved, respectively.
Evaluation of NaCl Tolerance in the Physical Reduction of Jatropha Curcus L. Seedlings

﻿Jatropha curcas L. is an important bio-fuel crop however, it’s tolerance to salinity especially with reference to changes in physical characteristics has been hardly studied. This work aimed to evaluate Jatropha. curcas L. tolerance to salinity stress using physical growth patterns, leaf shedding and mineral nutrient deposition. Jatropha curcas L. seedlings were grown under four different levels of NaCl concentration: 0 (control), 25, 50 and 100 mM under greenhouse conditions. Harvesting was done when average transpiration of each treatment was less than 50% and 75% as compared to the control. Results showed a significant variation in transpiration rate among the salinity treatments and control. A gradual reduction in the biomass yield of seedlings with increasing concentration of NaCl was observed. Reference to the result of IC50, the seedlings were tolerant to NaCl irrigation up to 54 mM. Additionally, seedling stems and roots accumulated large amounts of Na and K; a large amount of K particularly accumulated in the stem part, and was likely responsible for the low Na/K ratio observed in the stem. Defoliation however occurred with even irrigation of as low NaCl concentration as 25 mM. Thus, we report that Jatropha curcas L. is highly sensitive to Na accumulation, especially in the root-zone.
No Masking between Test and Mask Components in Perceptually Different Depth Planes

2-D cues to perceived depth organization have been used to segregate test and mask stimulus components in a discrimination task. Observers made either spatial-frequency or orientation judgments on a rectangular test component by itself or in the presence of constant rectangular masks. There were two basic masking conditions: same-plane or different-plane. In the same-plane conditions, the test components and masks are perceived as existing in the same depth plane. In the different-plane conditions, the test and mask components are perceived to exist in different depth planes. The perception of different depth planes was achieved by using perceived occlusion, which could place either component closer or further from the observer. The results suggest that when test and mask components are separated into different depth planes they no longer influence one another. This effect could be observed in either depth organization, test components in front of the masks or mask components in front of the test. These results indicate that the figure – ground organization of components is not important. Only the designation as existing in the same or different depth planes affects whether or not a mask is effective.
Members of the Family Comamonadaceae as Primary Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate)-Degrading Denitrifiers in Activated Sludge as Revealed by a Polyphasic Approach

ABSTRACT The distribution and phylogenetic affiliations of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)-degrading denitrifying bacteria in activated sludge were studied by a polyphasic approach including culture-independent biomarker and molecular analyses as well as cultivation methods. A total of 23 strains of PHBV-degrading denitrifiers were isolated from activated sludges from different sewage treatment plants. 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence comparisons showed that 20 of the isolates were identified as members of the family Comamonadaceae, a major group of β-Proteobacteria. When the sludges from different plants were acclimated with PHBV under denitrifying conditions in laboratory scale reactors, the nitrate removal rate increased linearly during the first 4 weeks and reached 20 mg NO3−-N h−1 g of dry sludge−1 at the steady state. The bacterial-community change in the laboratory scale sludges during the acclimation was monitored by rRNA-targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization and quinone profiling. Both approaches showed that the population of β-Proteobacteria in the laboratory sludges increased sharply during acclimation regardless of their origins. 16S rDNA clone libraries were constructed from two different acclimated sludges, and a total of 37 clones from the libraries were phylogenetically analyzed. Most of the 16S rDNA clones were grouped with members of the family Comamonadaceae. The results of our polyphasic approach indicate that β-Proteobacteria, especially members of the family Comamonadaceae, are primary PHBV-degrading denitrifiers in activated sludge. Our data provide useful information for the development of a new nitrogen removal system with solid biopolymer as an electron donor.
Colour, Polarity, Disparity, and Texture Contributions to Motion Segregation

We measured how different cues are combined in motion-segregation processes by using motion stimuli where randomly distributed target dots were organised in global revolving motion while the remaining noise dots performed random motion. Target dots were cued with a different colour, polarity, disparity depth, or texture orientation than the noise dots, or they were the same as the noise dots. The stimuli were presented with a prolonged static cue preview which provided position cues to target dots or, briefly with static pre-target and post-target noise frames, which provided false position cues (no preview). All cues efficiently facilitated global motion segregation in cued-preview conditions. Colour completely failed to facilitate global motion segregation in no-preview conditions. Polarity and disparity facilitated segregation in no-preview conditions, although sensitivities were lower than in the preview conditions. Remarkably, texture orientation largely facilitated motion segregation by the same amount in both cued-preview and no-preview conditions. So, colour provides only position cues to the motion-segregation task whereas texture orientation, disparity, and to a lesser extent polarity are integrated with the segregation process.
Fracture strength of restored premolars.

PURPOSE To evaluate the fracture resistance (axial compressive strength) of premolars restored with different dental materials under two axial loads. METHODS Fracture strength was performed using two metal spheres with 3 mm and 9 mm diameter. Five restorative techniques were chosen for MOD cavity preparations (n = 10): (1) direct resin composite restorations (Z-250); (2) indirect resin composite restorations (Z-250 and RelyX); (3) ceramic inlays (Vitadur Alpha); (4) conventional amalgam restorations (GS-80); (5) bonded amalgam restorations. The restored teeth were compared to human caries-free premolars (Group 6/control). Enforce resin cement was used for ceramic and amalgam adhesive restorative techniques, according to the manufacturers' instructions. Whenever required, the teeth were conditioned by the total etch technique. RESULTS The ANOVA analysis pointed out a significant difference among the groups (P < 0.01) and the "site" factor (P < 0.1). The ceramic restorations presented the highest values for fracture strength and were similar to the control group. The statistical results of direct and indirect resin composite restorations were similar but inferior to the control group. The amalgam restorations (conventional and bonded) presented the lowest values, with no difference between them. All amalgam groups displayed lower strengths when the load was applied on the central fossa (3 mm 0 sphere) compared to load applied on cusps (9 mm 0 sphere).
Listeria and Shigella actin-based motility in host cells.

In nonmuscle cells, actin-based motility comprises a complex set of processes, commencing with the highly regulated assembly and disassembly of actin filaments in the cytoplasm nearest the peripheral membrane. The energetics and polarity of ATP-dependent filament assembly produce the expansive force and directionality required for peripheral membrane protrusion during lamellipod or pseudopod formation. These filamentous structures provide the scaffolding that controls the movement of intracellular organelles, and these actin structures must be dynamically reorganized when resting cells begin to move. While the signaling from outer membrane receptors to initiate cytoplasmic actin filament assembly is complex and still poorly understood, what is clear is that amoeboid movement requires focal assembly and disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton. Another level of complexity arises from the myriad of proteins known to bind to actin and regulate actin filament structures in the peripheral cytoplasm (1). Many appear to be functionally redundant, making it all the more challenging to unambiguously distinguish those proteins playing primary roles from those serving in back-up functions. A more tractable model system, one that bypasses the signal transduction cascade and is geometrically less complex, promises to facilitate the biochemical characterization of the actin-based motors that generate force. Two bacterial pathogens provide such a simplified model: (a) Listeria monocytogenes, a gram positive rod that causes severe meningitis and bacteremia in immunocompromised hosts, neonates and pregnant women; and (b) Shigella flexneri, a gram negative rod that is a leading cause of bacillary dysentary. Both pathogens usurp contractile proteins present in the host cell cytoplasm, allowing them to mimic the activated state of the peripheral membrane and to stimulate localized actin filament assembly for their own motility.