Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serotonin differentially modulates the intrinsic properties of spinal motoneurons from the adult turtle

This report considers serotonergic (5‐HT) effects on spinal motoneurons, reviewing previous data and presenting a new study showing distinct effects of two 5‐HT receptor subtypes. We previously investigated the effects of 5‐HT on motoneurons in a slice preparation from the spinal cord of the adult turtle. In agreement with previous studies, we had found that 5‐HT applied to the extracellular medium promoted a voltage sensitive plateau potential. However, we also reported that this effect was only observed in half of the motoneurons; 5‐HT inhibited the firing of the other half of the motoneurons recorded from. To investigate the reasons for this, we applied 5‐HT focally by means of the microiontophoresis technique. Facilitation of plateau potentials was observed when 5‐HT was released at sites throughout the somatodendritic region. However, motoneurons were inhibited by 5‐HT when selectively applied in the perisomatic region. These two effects could be induced in the same motoneuron. With pharmacological tools, we demonstrate here that the facilitation of plateau potentials is mediated by 5‐HT2 receptors and the inhibitory effect is due to the activation of 5‐HT1A/7 receptors.
Exploring Curve Fitting for Fingers in Egocentric Images

For the task of gesture recognition or of an interaction system detecting when objects are picked up by the human hand, it is important to know where the fingers are and how they are oriented. Using images of human hands obtained using egocentric wearable cameras, a hand detector can help in providing the pixel-wise skin probability for all pixels in an image. Using the output of such a detector, we can approximate curves specifically ellipses to fingers for a top-down approach for hand detection or gesture recognition. Such curves can be employed as features or for ascertaining the possibility of fingers given some detection results.
NH2-terminal stabilization of small heat shock protein structure: a comparison of two NH2-terminal deletion mutants of alphaA-crystallin.

PURPOSE To assess the role of the NH2-terminal in alphaA-crystallin folding and chaperone-like activity. METHODS Two NH2-terminal deletion mutants of alphaA-crystallin were generated by standard mutagenesis methods, one with and one without a leader sequence in place of the first 50 residues. Aggregate size of each before and after thermal stress was assessed by FPLC, and chaperone-like activity was assessed using DTT-induced insulin denaturation. RESULTS Both mutants assemble primarily into tetramers, and both exhibit similar levels of chaperone-like activity, but are less protective than recombinant alphaA-crystallin. After a cycle of heat stress to 70 degrees C, tetramers of the mutant without the leader sequence dissociate into dimers and monomers and show severely reduced chaperone-like activity. In contrast, the mutant with the leader sequence retains its tetrameric form and its chaperone-like activity. CONCLUSIONS The NH2-terminal region is an important determinant of alpha-crystallin aggregate size, but is not required for folding of the alpha-crystallin domain, since the aggregate size and chaperone-like activity of the two mutants at room temperature are essentially the same. The leader sequence appears to increase the thermal stability of the alpha-crystallin domain and/or to contribute to the reformation of the active form after cooling, suggesting that the native NH2-terminal also plays a role in alpha-crystallin's resistance to environmental stress.
Multi-physics model for regenerative PEM fuel cell energy storage

Electrochemical storage (ECES) systems are expected to become increasingly important and widespread in the coming years, with the expansion of renewable energy sources, smart grids and electrical vehicles. Special advantages can be provided by those ECESs which can be independently sized in power and stored energy. Some of the most promising technologies of this type are redox flow batteries and fuel cells combined to electrolyzers. Both these technologies are under extensive R&D programs, aimed at improving their performance. As regards the latter, regenerative fuel cells (R-FCs) provide both charge and discharge functions in the same device. This paper presents a unified model able to describe both these operation modes of R-FCs of the PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) type (R-PEMFC). The model takes into account the dependence of the electrical quantities and parameters on the major physical-chemical variables and can be used to address structural and operational optimizations.
TANDEM ZINC-FINGER/PLUS3 Is a Key Component of Phytochrome A Signaling

TZP is a positive regulator of phyA signaling and is required for the formation of a phosphorylated nuclear form of phyA in far-red light. Phytochrome A (phyA) is the primary plant photoreceptor responsible for perceiving and mediating various responses to far-red (FR) light and is essential for survival in canopy shade. In this study, we identified two Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that grew longer hypocotyls in FR light. Genetic analyses showed that they were allelic and their FR phenotypes were caused by mutations in the gene named TANDEM ZINC-FINGER/PLUS3 (TZP), previously shown to encode a nuclear protein involved in blue light signaling and phyB-dependent regulation of photoperiodic flowering. We show that the expression of TZP is dramatically induced by light and that TZP proteins are differentially modified in different light conditions. Furthermore, we show that TZP interacts with both phyA and FAR-RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL1 (FHY1) and regulates the abundance of phyA, FHY1, and ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 proteins in FR light. Moreover, our data indicate that TZP is required for the formation of a phosphorylated form of phyA in the nucleus in FR light. Together, our results identify TZP as a positive regulator of phyA signaling required for phosphorylation of the phyA photoreceptor, thus suggesting an important role of phosphorylated phyA in inducing the FR light response.
Lysosomal degradation of insulin granules promotes β-cell failure in type 2 diabetes

Our team recently uncovered the importance of the targeting of insulin granules to the lysosomal compartments in pancreatic β-cells during fasting. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is characterised by insulin resistance coupled with pancreatic β-cell failure which account for both β-cells dysfunction and β-cells death. I wanted to assess the targeting of insulin granule to the lysosomes in the context of T2D. Using murine diabetic model, we found that the number Granule-containing Lysosomes was enhanced in diabetic β-cells in comparison to controls. This was accompanied by an increase in the level of the lysosomal protein CD63. Because PKD1 controls the targeting of insulin granule to the lysosomes during fasting, I wondered if PKD1 was important during T2D. PKD1 levels were decreased in our diabetic models in comparison to controls. Moreover inhibition of PKD1 led to enhanced targeting of the insulin granules to the lysosomes and accelerated apparition of diabetes in our murine model. I also tested if activation of PKD1 in pancreatic β-cells could be beneficial in the context of diabetes. Indeed using a specific compound, we showed that PKD1 activation led to an increase in insulin levels and delayed onset of diabetes in our murine model. My work thus uncovered mechanisms underlying a fundamentally new process in β-cells with potential implications for novel therapeutic directions in T2D. Finally, I started to assess lysosomes in another pancreatic islets cell type. I found that LIMP2, another lysosomal membrane protein, was specifically highly expressed in the pancreatic α-cells.
A Brief Report on the Safety Study of Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Synchronous Radiotherapy and Cetuximab in Stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): SCRATCH Study

Background: In patients with advanced (stage IIIb/IV) NSCLC, the addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy has demonstrated increased activity compared with chemotherapy alone. Furthermore, the additio of cetuximab to RT in patients with locally advanced squamous cell head & neck carcinoma significantly prolongs the duration of locoregional control and median overall survival compared to radiotherapy alone. Therefore, the SCRATCH study was designed to assess the safety of synchronous cetuximab with radical RT in patients with Stage III NSCLC. The safety results of cohort 1 from this phase I study are presented below. Methods: Twelve patients with inoperable stage III NSCLC were enrolled into cohort I. Inclusion criteria were performance status 0–1, adequate organ function, and disease encompassable within a radical RT volume. Exclusion criteria were previous malignancy, thoracic RT or treatment with EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) targeted therapy. Patients received platinum-based induction chemotherapy, followed by weekly intravenous cetuximab (initial dose 400mg/m2; maintenance dose 250mg/m2) and concomitant Rt (64Gy/32fractions/45days). The primary end-point was toxicity. NCI Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC) V3.0 assessments were preformed weekly during radiotherapy, and at regular follow-up visits. Results: 9 out of 12 patients coompleted the concomitant therapy as planned, with no dose reductions. 3 patients did not complete the full schedule. One died from bronchopneumonia mid-treatment; one experienced grade 3 lethargy following the first cetuximab dose and declined further cetuximab; one experienced a grade 2 skin reaction following the third dose of cetuximab and declined futher treatment. On follow-up only one patient has developed a grade III reaction – pneumonitis – which settled on steroids with intermittent oxygen. Three patients have died on follow-up (2 from disease progression and one from thromboembolic disease). Of the 12 patients entered ito the study, 8 have survived at least 1 year, measured from the first day of induction chemotherapy. Conclusion: The results suggest that the early and late toxicities of synchronous cetuximab and radical RT are acceptable.
Accumulation of manganese in Neisseria gonorrhoeae correlates with resistance to oxidative killing by superoxide anion and is independent of superoxide dismutase activity

As a facultative aerobe with a high iron requirement and a highly active aerobic respiratory chain, Neisseria gonorrhoeae requires defence systems to respond to toxic oxygen species such as superoxide. It has been shown that supplementation of media with 100 µM Mn(II) considerably enhanced the resistance of this bacterium to oxidative killing by superoxide. This protection was not associated with the superoxide dismutase enzymes of N. gonorrhoeae. In contrast to previous studies, which suggested that some strains of N. gonorrhoeae might not contain a superoxide dismutase, we identified a sodB gene by genome analysis and confirmed its presence in all strains examined by Southern blotting, but found no evidence for sodA or sodC. A sodB mutant showed very similar susceptibility to superoxide killing to that of wild‐type cells, indicating that the Fe‐dependent SOD B did not have a major role in resistance to oxidative killing under the conditions tested. The absence of a sodA gene indicated that the Mn‐dependent protection against oxidative killing was independent of Mn‐dependent SOD A. As a sodB mutant also showed Mn‐dependent resistance to oxidative killing, then it is concluded that this resistance is independent of superoxide dismutase enzymes. Resistance to oxidative killing was correlated with accumulation of Mn(II) by the bacterium. We hypothesize that this bacterium uses Mn(II) as a chemical quenching agent in a similar way to the already established process in Lactobacillus plantarum. A search for putative Mn(II) uptake systems identified an ABC cassette‐type system (MntABC) with a periplasmic‐binding protein (MntC). An mntC mutant was shown to have lowered accumulation of Mn(II) and was also highly susceptible to oxidative killing, even in the presence of added Mn(II). Taken together, these data show that N. gonorrhoeae possesses a Mn(II) uptake system that is critical for resistance to oxidative stress.
First zoeal stage of ?Cataleptodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) and Xanthodius denticulatus (White, 1848) (Decapoda: Brachyura): larval evidences and systematic position.

The first zoeal stages of ? Cataleptodius parvulus and Xanthodius denticulatus are described and compared with zoeae of other members of the subfamily Xanthinae. The larvae of ? C. parvulus and X. denticulatus differ mainly in: 1) spinulation of rostral and dorsal spines; 2) type of antenna; 3) setation of the basis of first maxilliped; and 4) type of telson. Features common to both species include a carapace provided with well-developed spines on the dorsal (1), rostral (1), and lateral (2) portions; and the antennal protopod and rostrum similar in length. The morphological differences between the zoea I of X. denticulatus and ? C. parvulus are nevertheless consistent enough to suggest that these species do not belong to the same genus Xanthodius Stimpson, 1859 as previously supposed. Also we presume that ? C. parvulus does not belong to the genus Cataleptodius.
Age, Gender, and Autonomic Tone Effects on Surface Electrocardiographic Indices of Ventricular Repolarization

Background: Prolonged QT offset dispersion (QToD), an index of heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization, is thought to be an independent predictor of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. However the influence of gender and autonomic tone in healthy adults on age‐related changes in measures of ventricular repolarization are not well characterized.
Aircraft and runway deicers at General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. 2. Toxicity of aircraft and runway deicers

Streams receiving runoff from General Mitchell International Airport (GMIA), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, were studied to assess toxic impacts of aircraft and runway deicers. Elevated levels of constituents related to deicing (propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and ammonia) were observed in stream samples. The LC50s of type I deicer for Ceriodaphnia dubia, Pimephelas promelas, Hyalela azteca, and Chironimus tentans and the EC50 for Microtox® were less than 5,000 mg/L of propylene glycol. Concentrations up to 39,000 mg/L were observed at airport outfall sites in samples collected during deicing events. The IC25s of type I deicer for C. dubia and P. promelas were less than 1,500 mg/L of propylene glycol. Concentrations up to 960 mg/L were observed in low‐flow samples at an airport outfall site. Measured toxicity of stream water was greatest during winter storms when deicers were applied. Chronic toxicity was observed at airport outfall samples from low‐flow periods in the winter and the summer, with the greater toxic impacts from the winter sample. All forms of toxicity in stream‐water samples decreased as downstream flows increased.
Document Clustering using Learning from Examples

Information filtering (IF) systems usually filter data items by correlating a set of terms representing the user’s interest with similar sets of terms representing the data items. Many techniques have been employed for constructing user profiles automatically, but they usually yield large sets of data. Various dimensionality-reduction techniques can be applied in order to reduce the number of terms in a user query. A new framework is described to classify large scale documents and retrieve the documents related to the user’s query based on the application of trained artificial neural network (ANN) model. Its novel feature is the identification of an optimal set of documents that are relevant to the user. As a case study the government orders issued by Tamil Nadu state government, a state in India are classified according to their semantic similarity. Various neural architectures such as back propagation neural network (BPN), radial basis function (RBF), Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) and Support vector machines (SVM) are used and their performance evaluation is analyzed. General Terms Text classification
T-Gate: Concept of partial polarization in Quantum Dot Cellular Automata

Quantum Dot Cellular Automata (QCA) plays a pivotal role in the emerging field of Nano electronics as well as in digital finite state machine design arena. Several gates and their proposals exist in this field all of which are recognized for their own characteristics. Majority voter is one of the several schemes of QCA. In this paper, a new gate termed as T-gate is proposed which is validated by thirteen standard functions and two input multiplexer circuit which reflects the reduction in the effective area as compared to the realization of the same by earlier methods. The T-gate can function as a universal logic gate and also as an inverter which can be realized by using fewer numbers of cells. T-gate implementation of 2×1 Multiplexer require no wire crossings and shows noticeable reduction in the cell count.
Acute hepatitis with severe cholestasis and prolonged clinical course due to hepatitis A virus Ia and Ib coinfection.

BACKGROUND Acute viral hepatitis due to hepatitis A virus is a self-limited illness that infrequently has a severe clinical course. METHODS We analyzed the virological characteristics of acute hepatitis A in a patient with a severe clinical presentation (peak total and conjugated bilirubin levels, 65.5 mg/dL and 40.1 mg/dL, respectively) and a course of disease that lasted 7 months. RESULTS Hepatitis A virus sequencing revealed coinfection with 2 subgenotypes of hepatitis A virus (Ia and Ib) as etiological factors of the illness. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis A virus Ia and Ib coinfection may have accounted for the prolonged and severe course of illness.
A measure that relates to elementary school children's risk of injury: the supervision attributes and risk-taking questionnaire (SARTQ)

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the supervision attributes and risk-taking questionnaire (SARTQ), which is a new measure of caregiver supervision and child risk-taking that applies to elementary school children 7–10 years of age. Methods Using a prospective design, scores on the SARTQ were related to children's recent and long-term history of injuries and to parents' supervision scores that were derived based on measuring their home supervision practices over 8 weeks. Results Subscale scores on the SARTQ related differentially to measures of supervision and child injury scores, providing support for the criterion validity of this new measure. Conclusion Results from this initial test of the SARTQ suggest that it holds promise as a measure that is relevant to understanding injury risk for elementary school children.
Stem cells for the treatment of neurological disease

Summary. Stem cells are widely believed to have significant potential in the treatment of human disease. Comments such as ‘[stem cells]…could prove the Holy Grail in finding treatments for cancer, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease, leukaemia and multiple sclerosis… transform[ing] the lives of hundreds of thousands of people' (Yvette Cooper, Public Health minister, quoted in The Times, December 16 2000, authors' italics) serve to reinforce the extraordinary expectations of stem cells, particularly in neurological disease. Stem cells, traditionally defined as clone forming, self‐renewing, pluripotent, progenitor cells, have already proved themselves to be an invaluable source of transplantation material in several clinical settings, most notably malignant haematology, and attention is now turning to a wider variety of diseases in which there may be potential for therapeutic intervention with stem cell transplantation. Neurological diseases have been highlighted as a priority and this is understandable given their unenviable reputation for relentless progression and the paucity of disease‐modifying treatments. However, it is important that the potential of stem cells to treat neurological disease is critically appraised if the hopes of patients and doctors are not to be raised without foundation.
Differential influence of BDNF and NT3 on the expression of calcium binding proteins and neuropeptide Y in vivo

Neurotrophins enhance and maintain some neuronal phenotypes and suppress others by influencing the expression of neuropeptides and calcium binding proteins, thereby affecting many different physiological functions of the brain. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) show different effects on neuronal phenotypes despite largely overlapping expression of their respective receptors, TrkB and TrkC. Using BDNF null mutant (BDNF−/−) mice and mice where the protein coding DNA sequence of BDNF has been replaced by NT3 (BDNFNT3/NT3 mice), we have analysed the roles of BDNF and NT3 in controlling neuropeptide and calcium binding protein expression in the brain. Our results show that NT3 expressed emporally and spatially in the place of BDNF is sufficient in some neuronal populations to compensate for the loss of BDNF.
Design Methodology for Biped Robots: Applications in Robotics and Prosthetics

Bipedal walk as an activity requires an excellent sensorial and movement integration to coordinate the motions of different joints, getting as a result an efficient navigation system for a changing environment. Main applications of the study of biped walking are in the field of medical technology, to diagnose gait pathologies, to take surgical decisions, to adequate prosthesis and orthesis design to supply natural deficiencies in people and for planning rehabilitation strategies for specific pathologies. The same principles can also be applied to develop biped machines; in daily situations, a biped robot would be the best configuration to interact with humans and to get through an environment difficult for navigation. If the biped robot is designed with human proportions, the robot could manage his way through spaces designed for humans, like stairs and elevators, and hopefully the interaction with the robot would be similar to interaction with a human being. The National University of Colombia has been working on the design and control of biped robots, supported by two research groups, Biomechanics and Mobile Robots. The joint effort of the groups has produced three biped robots with successful walks, based on a single idea: if an appropriate design methodology exists, the resulting hardware must have appropriate dynamical characteristics, making easier the control of the walking movements. The design process successfully merges two lines of research in bipedal walk, passive an active walks, by using gait patterns obtained thanks to the simulation of a kneed passive walker to create the trajectory followed by the control of an active biped robot. Our actual line of research in biped robots is to use biped robots reproducing the human gait pattern as engineering tools to test the behavior of below-knee prostheses, thus producing a biped robot with heterogeneous legs that allows the evaluation of how the prosthetics influence the normal gait of the robot while it is walking as a human.
A proposal of a high performance controller for a single phase inverters with internal state feedback

The purpose of this paper is to show a high performance digital control technique of single phase inverters with internal state feedback. The study proves that the high speed processor allows an excellent output signal waveform, even in critical conditions. The reduced computational effort is an attractive feature. That is obtained by using fixed-point arithmetic and proportional integral compensators.