Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinct Nuclear Localization and Activity of Tissue Transglutaminase*

Tissue transglutaminase is a calcium-dependent transamidating enzyme that has been postulated to play a role in the pathology of expanded CAG repeat disorders with polyglutamine expansions expressed within the affected proteins. Because intranuclear inclusions have recently been shown to be a common feature of many of these codon reiteration diseases, the nuclear localization and activity of tissue transglutaminase was examined. Subcellular fractionation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells demonstrated that 93% of tissue transglutaminase is localized to the cytosol. Of the 7% found in the nucleus, 6% copurified with the chromatin-associated proteins, and the remaining 1% was in the nuclear matrix fraction. In situ transglutaminase activity was measured in the cytosolic and nuclear compartments of control cells, as well as cells treated with the calcium-mobilizing agent maitotoxin to increase endogenous tissue transglutaminase activity. These studies revealed that tissue transglutaminase was activated in the nucleus, a finding that was further supported by cytochemical analysis. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that nuclear proteins modified by transglutaminase exhibited a discrete punctate, as well as a diffuse staining pattern. Furthermore, different proteins were modified by transglutaminase in the nucleus compared with the cytosol. The results of these experiments clearly demonstrate localization of tissue transglutaminase in the nucleus that can be activated. These findings may have important implications in the formation of the insoluble nuclear inclusions, which are characteristic of codon reiteration diseases such as Huntington’s disease and the spinocerebellar ataxias.
Influence of corneal parameters in keratoconus on IOP readings obtained with different tonometers

Accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is important but of unsure reliability in patients with keratoconus. Different types and models of tonometers are available. This study investigated the influence of corneal parameters on IOP readings obtained by a Goldmann applanation tonometer, a non‐contact tonometer and a dynamic contour tonometer.
A review of Neuropharmacology Effects of Nigella sativa and Its Main Component, Thymoquinone

Neuropharmacology is the scientific study of drug effect on nervous system. In the last few years, different natural plants and their active constituents have been used in neurological therapy. The availability, lower price, and less toxic effects of herbal medicines compared with synthetic agents make them as simple and excellent choice in the treatment of nervous diseases. Nigella sativa, which belongs to the botanical family of Ranunculaceae, is a widely used medicinal plant all over the world. In traditional and modern medicines several beneficial properties have been attributed to N. sativa and its main component, thymoquinone (TQ). In this review, various studies in scientific databases regarding the neuropharmacological aspects of N. sativa and TQ have been introduced. Results of these studies showed that N. sativa and TQ have several properties including anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti‐ischemic, analgesic, antipsychotic, and memory enhancer. Furthermore, its protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and multiple sclerosis have been discussed. Although there are many studies indicating the beneficial actions of this plant in nervous system, the number of research projects relating to the human reports is rare. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gait abnormalities in minimally impaired multiple sclerosis patients

Subclinical evidence of gait abnormalities were identified in a group of seven patients with Multiple Sclerosis, EDSS scored 0-2, without functional limitations. A movement analysis technique was used to identify gait parameters indicative of impaired motor function during walking. Abnormalities related primarily to time-distance parameters (reduced speed of progression, shorter strides, prolonged double support phase) and muscular function (premature recruitment of gastrocnemius and late relaxation of tibialis anterior during stance phase) were identified regardless the severity of the clinical score. The gait analysis procedure was able to provide the clinician with evidence of motor abnormalities prior to functional disturbance observable by a trained physician. These minimal dysfunctions may have resulted from reflex mechanisms impaired by delayed transmission through long loop pathways or else as a result of a nonspecific protective gait strategy to improve balance control. The technique described in this study may be useful to identify earlier starting points for follow-up and physiotherapy.
Time difference amplifier using closed-loop gain control

This paper demonstrates a TDA, whose input time difference is amplified into the output time difference. Cross coupled chains of variable delay cells with the same number of stages are applicable for TDA, and the gain is adjusted via DLL-like closed-loop control. The TDA was fabricated using 65nm CMOS and the measurement results shows that the time difference gain is 4.78 at a nominal power supply while the designed gain is 4.0. The gain is stable enough to be less than 1.4% gain shift under ± 10% power supply voltage fluctuation.
Sex hormone binding globulin gene polymorphisms and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal Turkish women.

BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is associated with obesity, glucose intolerance or diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Constellation of these risk factors iscalled metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is common among postmenopausal women. Low sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels associate with an increased risk of MetS in postmenopausal women. Variations in SHBG gene associate with low levels of circulating SHBG levels. We aim to study the association between SHBG gene polymorphisms - rs1799941 (A/G) and rs6257 (T/C) - with MetS among postmenopausal women. METHODS The study population consisted of 182 postmenopausal women with MetS and 119 control subjects. We analyzed the allele frequencies of SHBG gene polymorphisms in relation to the risk components of MetS. RESULTS MetS patients displayed significantly lower SHBG levels compared to the lean control subjects (p = 0.036). rs1799941 A allele was associated with high SHBG levels (p = 0.031), low blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference. The number of 'high risk' alleles (G allele of the rs1799941 and T allele of rs6257) correlated positively with waist circumference (r = 0.203, p = 0.006) and negatively with SHBG levels (r = -0.291, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS SHBG gene polymorphisms associate with SHBG levels and MetS risk components among postmenopausal women. Hence, A allele (rs1799941) may have a protective effect for MetS through its association with high SHBG levels among postmenopausal women.
orphology and Ultrastructure of Multiple Life ycle Stages of the Photosynthetic Relative of picomplexa , Chromera velia

hromera velia is a photosynthetic alga with a secondary plastid that represents the closest known hotosynthetic relative of the apicomplexan parasites. The original description of this organism was ased on brownish, immotile coccoid cells, which is the predominating stage of C. velia in the culture. ere we provide a detailed light and electron microscopy description of coccoid cells of C. velia and previously undocumented bi-flagellated stage that is highly motile and moves in a characteristic ig-zag pattern. Transformation from a coccoid into a flagellate stage occurs in exponentially growing ultures, and is accelerated by exposure to light. The C. velia cells contain a pseudoconoid, which s likely homologous to the corresponding structure in the apical complex of Apicomplexa, cortical lveoli subtended by subpellicular microtubules, mitochondrion with tubular cristae, a micropyle, and distinctive chromerosome, an apparently novel type of extrusion organelle. Ultrastructural analysis f the flagellate supports its close association with colpodellids and apicomplexans and provides mportant insight into their evolution. 2010 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
Low sex steroids, high steroid receptors: Increasing the sensitivity of the nonreproductive brain

Male aggressive behavior is generally regulated by testosterone (T). In most temperate breeding males, aggressive behavior is only expressed during the reproductive period. At this time circulating T concentrations, brain steroid receptors, and steroid metabolic enzymes are elevated in many species relative to the nonreproductive period. Many tropical birds, however, display aggressive behavior both during the breeding and the nonbreeding season, but plasma levels of T can remain low throughout the year and show little seasonal fluctuation. Studies on the year‐round territorial spotted antbird (Hylophylax n. naevioides) suggest that T nevertheless regulates aggressive behavior in both the breeding and nonbreeding season. We hypothesize that to regulate aggressive behaviors during the nonbreeding season, when T is at its minimum, male spotted antbirds increase brain sensitivity to steroids. This can be achieved by locally up‐regulating androgen receptors (ARs), estrogen receptors (ERs), or the enzyme aromatase (AROM) that converts T into estradiol. We therefore compared mRNA expression of AR, ERα, and AROM in free‐ living male spotted antbirds across reproductive and nonreproductive seasons in two brain regions known to regulate both reproductive and aggressive behaviors. mRNA expression of ERα in the preoptic area and AR in the nucleus taeniae were elevated in male spotted antbirds during the nonbreeding season when circulating T concentrations were low. This unusual seasonal receptor regulation may represent a means for the year‐round regulation of vertebrate aggressive behavior via steroids by increasing the brain's sensitivity to sex steroids during the nonbreeding season. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 67: 57–67, 2007
Clinical characterisation and molecular analysis of Wagner syndrome

Aim: To detail the clinical findings in a British family with molecularly characterised Wagner syndrome. Background: Only in the last year has the specific genetic defect in Wagner syndrome been identified, and the background literature of the molecular genetics is outlined. Clinical and laboratory findings in a second case of Wagner syndrome are included to highlight difficulties that can be encountered when identifying pathogenic mutations for disorders arising in complex genes. Methods: Mutation screening was performed using PCR and RT-PCR. Results: A heterozygous mutation was found converting the donor splice site of exon 8 of the chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan 2 (CSPG2). This is the same mutation that has been reported in the original Wagner pedigree. The main clinical features of Wagner syndrome are vitreous syneresis, thickening and incomplete separation of the posterior hyaloid membrane, chorioretinal changes accompanied by subnormal electroretinographic responses, an ectopic fovea and early-onset cataract. A clinical feature present in this family, but previously undescribed, is anterior uveitis without formation of synechiae. Wagner syndrome has a progressive course, resulting in loss of vision even in the absence of retinal detachment. Conclusion: On a background of considerable confusion regarding the distinction between Wagner syndrome and predominantly ocular Stickler syndrome, it is now apparent the that two conditions are both clinically and genetically distinct. This report summarises the clinical findings in Wagner syndrome and extends the phenotypic characteristics.
Differential Evolution-Based Optimization of Kernel Parameters in Radial Basis Function Networks for Classification

In this paper a two phases learning algorithm with a modified kernel for radial basis function neural networks is proposed for classification. In phase one a new meta-heuristic approach differential evolution is used to reveal the parameters of the modified kernel. The second phase focuses on optimization of weights for learning the networks. Further, a predefined set of basis functions is taken for empirical analysis of which basis function is better for which kind of domain. The simulation result shows that the proposed learning mechanism is evidently producing better classification accuracy vis-A -vis radial basis function neural networks (RBFNs) and genetic algorithm-radial basis function (GA-RBF) neural networks.
ON DEFINABLE SKOLEM FUNCTIONS IN WEAKLY O-MINIMAL NONVALUATIONAL STRUCTURES

Abstract We prove that all known examples of weakly o-minimal nonvaluational structures have no definable Skolem functions. We show, however, that such structures eliminate imaginaries up to definable families of cuts. Along the way we give some new examples of weakly o-minimal nonvaluational structures.
Ammoniated alkali fullerides (ND(3))(x)NaA(2)C(60): ammonia specific effects and superconductivity.

The crystal structure of the superconducting (ND(3))(x)()NaA(2)C(60) (0.7 < or = x < or = 1, A= K, Rb) fullerides (T(c)= 6-15 K) has been studied by synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. It is face-centered cubic (fcc) to low temperatures with Na(+)-ND(3) pairs residing in the octahedral interstices. These are disordered over the corners of two "interpenetrating" cubes with the Na(+) ions and the N atoms displaced by approximately 2.0 A and approximately 0.5 A from the center of the site and statically disordered over the corners of the inner and outer cube, respectively. Close contacts between the D atoms of the ND(3) molecules and electron rich 6:6 C-C bonds of neighboring C(60) units provide the signature of weak N-D.pi hydrogen-bonding interactions, which control the intermolecular packing in the crystal and may determine the unusual superconducting properties.
HistoBankVis: Detecting Language Change via Data Visualization

We present HistoBankVis, a novel visualization system designed for the interactive analysis of complex, multidimensional data to facilitate historical linguistic work. In this paper, we illustrate the vi-sualization’s efﬁcacy and power by means of a concrete case study investigating the diachronic interaction of word order and subject case in Icelandic.
MF59 and Pam3CSK4 Boost Adaptive Responses to Influenza Subunit Vaccine through an IFN Type I-Independent Mechanism of Action

The innate immune pathways induced by adjuvants required to increase adaptive responses to influenza subunit vaccines are not well characterized. We profiled different TLR-independent (MF59 and alum) and TLR-dependent (CpG, resiquimod, and Pam3CSK4) adjuvants for the ability to increase the immunogenicity to a trivalent influenza seasonal subunit vaccine and to tetanus toxoid (TT) in mouse. Although all adjuvants boosted the Ab responses to TT, only MF59 and Pam3CSK4 were able to enhance hemagglutinin Ab responses. To identify innate immune correlates of adjuvanticity to influenza subunit vaccine, we investigated the gene signatures induced by each adjuvant in vitro in splenocytes and in vivo in muscle and lymph nodes using DNA microarrays. We found that flu adjuvanticity correlates with the upregulation of proinflammatory genes and other genes involved in leukocyte transendothelial migration at the vaccine injection site. Confocal and FACS analysis confirmed that MF59 and Pam3CSK4 were the strongest inducers of blood cell recruitment in the muscle compared with the other adjuvants tested. Even though it has been proposed that IFN type I is required for adjuvanticity to influenza vaccines, we found that MF59 and Pam3CSK4 were not good inducers of IFN-related innate immunity pathways. By contrast, resiquimod failed to enhance the adaptive response to flu despite a strong activation of the IFN pathway in muscle and lymph nodes. By blocking IFN type I receptor through a mAb, we confirmed that the adjuvanticity of MF59 and Pam3CSK4 to a trivalent influenza vaccine and to TT is IFN independent.
Secure Public Verification of IP Marks in FPGA Design Through a Zero-Knowledge Protocol

In nanometer technology regime, design components mandate their reuse to meet the complex design challenges and hence comprise Intellectual Property (IP). Unauthorized reuse raises major security issues. IP mark(s) is embedded into a design for establishing the veracity of a legal IP owner/buyer. However, methods for trustworthy public verification of IP marks are not secure. For field-programmable gate-array (FPGA) designs, marks become prone to tampering, and even being overridden by an attacker's signature after public verification. In order to ensure trustworthy yet leakage-proof public verification based on the marks hidden in a FPGA design, we propose a zero-knowledge protocol Verify_ZKP. It is an interactive two-person game between the prover and the verifier. This protocol is fast, incurs no additional design overhead, and needs no centralized signature database. We establish that Verify_ZKP satisfies zero-knowledge property, and introduce statistical metrics to measure its robustness. We have simulated our protocol for IWLS'05 FPGA benchmarks. Experimental results on robustness and overhead are very encouraging.
Cortisone-Ascorbic Acid Interaction and the Pathogenesis of Amyloidosis *†

The experiments to be reported here show that under certain conditions a few injections of cortisone into animals result in the prompt appearance of amyloid in the spleen or other organs; they indicate that the mechanism whereby the hormone of the adrenal cortex maintains the structure and function of mesenchymal tissue in general is an indirect one, mediated by ascorbic acid. Well-defined structural and functional phases in the natural diseases and in the experimental disorder of the mesenchyma-which may in some way be associated with a disturbance of some enzyme system (ribonuclease, hyaluronidase)-seem to be controlled by an interaction of a hormone of the adrenal cortex of cortisone type with ascorbic acid. These findings offer an approach to the elucidation of the following points:
Power Systems Resilience Assessment: Hardening and Smart Operational Enhancement Strategies

Power systems have typically been designed to be reliable to expected, low-impact high-frequency outages. In contrast, extreme events, driven for instance by extreme weather and natural disasters, happen with low-probability, but can have a high impact. The need for power systems, possibly the most critical infrastructures in the world, to become resilient to such events is becoming compelling. However, there is still little clarity as to this relatively new concept. On these premises, this paper provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of power systems resilience and to the use of hardening and smart operational strategies to improve it. More specifically, first the resilience trapezoid is introduced as visual tool to reflect the behavior of a power system during a catastrophic event. Building on this, the key resilience features that a power system should boast are then defined, along with a discussion on different possible hardening and smart, operational resilience enhancement strategies. Further, the so-called $\Phi \Lambda {E}\Pi $ resilience assessment framework is presented, which includes a set of resilience metrics capable of modeling and quantifying the resilience performance of a power system subject to catastrophic events. A case study application with a 29-bus test version of the Great Britain transmission network is carried out to investigate the impacts of extreme windstorms. The effects of different hardening and smart resilience enhancement strategies are also explored, thus demonstrating the practicality of the different concepts presented.
Facts from a year of drought: forage competition between livestock and the Mongolian Pika (Ochotona pallasi) and its effects on livestock densities and body condition.

Burrowing small mammals in grasslands have long been regarded as pests because they compete for forage with livestock and reduce the forage availability for livestock by destroying pastures through their intensive digging activity. In order to investigate forage competition between the Mongolian Pika (Ochotona pallasi) and livestock an exclosure experiment consisting of four different treatments was set up. The treatments were: 1) accessible only for pikas, (only pika) 2) accessible only for livestock, (only livestock) 3) accessible for both herbivore groups (pika & livestock) and 4) no grazing (no grazing). During the investigation period all requirements for forage competition, namely overlap of habitat use, overlap of forage use, and forage scarcity were met. The results of the exclosure experiment show that in the year of this study pikas consume a higher percentage of the vegetation than livestock does. Therefore, pikas are competitively superior to livestock. Nevertheless, both groups can coexist as they have access to mutually exclusive forage resources. For pikas this resource probably is the forage below the biting height of livestock, whereas livestock can reach forage on pastures far away by migration.
Chronic stimulation of Nod2 mediates tolerance to bacterial products

The Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod) families of proteins are critical for bacterial recognition, and, acutely, this frequently leads to proinflammatory responses. Polymorphisms in Nod2 (CARD 15) are associated with an increased likelihood of developing Crohn's disease. However, it is not yet clear how Nod2 dysfunctions lead to defects in human intestinal immune homeostasis. Studies to date have focused on functions after acute, rather than chronic, Nod2 stimulation. However, the intestine is an environment of chronic bacterial product exposure with tolerance to luminal flora. We therefore hypothesized that long-term Nod2 stimulation contributes to down-regulation of inflammatory responses from innate immune receptors. We found that pretreatment with muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a ligand for Nod2, significantly decreased production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-1β upon Nod2, TLR4, and TLR2 restimulation in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages from a large cohort of individuals. Importantly, TNF-α-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines remained intact in these same cells. MDP-stimulated macrophages from Crohn's disease-relevant Leu1007insC Nod2 homozygote individuals were deficient in their ability to cross-tolerize to subsequent treatment with TLR2 and TLR4 ligands. We show that acute Nod2 stimulation induced IRAK-1 activation, and that chronic MDP treatment down-regulated IRAK-1 activation upon Nod2 or TLR4 restimulation. In a subset of individuals, chronic Nod2 stimulation induced expression of the IRAK-1 inhibitory protein IRAK-M. Significantly, intestinal macrophages exhibit tolerance to MDP per production of inflammatory cytokines. These results illustrate a role for chronic stimulation of Nod2 in mediating tolerance to bacterial products.