Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antioxidative and Apoptotic Properties of Polyphenolic Extracts from Edible Part of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) on Cultured Rat Hepatocytes and on Human Hepatoma Cells

Cultured rat hepatocytes and human hepatoma HepG2 cells were used to evaluate the hepatoprotective properties of polyphenolic extracts from the edible part of artichoke (AE). The hepatocytes were exposed to H2O2generated in situ by glucose oxidase and were treated with either AE, or pure chlorogenic acid (ChA) or with the well known antioxidant, N, N′-diphenyl-p-phenilenediamine (DPPD). Addition of glucose oxidase to the culture medium caused depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH) content, accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cultures, as a lipid peroxidation indicator, and cell death. These results demonstrated that AE protected cells from the oxidative stress caused by glucose oxidase, comparable to DPPD. Furthermore, AE, as well as ChA, prevented the loss of total GSH and the accumulation of MDA. Treatment of HepG2 cells for 24 h with AE reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, however, ChA had no prominent effects on the cell death rate. Similarly, AE rather than ChA induced apoptosis, measured by flow cytometric analysis of annexin and by activation of caspase-3, in HepG2 cells. Our findings indicate that AE had a marked antioxidative potential that protects hepatocytes from an oxidative stress. Furthermore, AE reduced cell viability and had an apoptotic activity on a human liver cancer cell line.
Rates of overbank sedimentation on the flood plains of several British rivers during the past 100 years

The flood plains of lowland rivers frequently represent important sinks for suspended sediment transported through the river system. However, little is currently known about rates of overbank deposition by British rivers and, more particularly, whether such rates have increased in recent years in response to land use change. The fallout radionuclides 137Cs and 210Pb off ;r considerable potential for estimating flood plain sedimentation rates over the past 30-35 years and 100 years respectively. Caesium-137 and 210Pb measurements have been employed by the authors to investigate sedimentation rates during the past 100 years at five sites on the flood plains of British rivers. At one site a detailed study of the spatial pattern of deposition within a meander bend was undertaken. The results obtained suggest that no significant changes in sedimentation rates have occurred at these sites during the past 100 years. Further work is, however, required to confirm the general applicability of the findings reported.
Distraction Histiogenesis: Principles and Indications

&NA; Distraction histiogenesis is a biologic phenomenon that can be utilized to induce the formation of new bone and soft tissue. This technique has been used after corticotomy or osteotomy of bone to treat patients with limb‐length inequality, angular deformities, segmental bone loss, nonunions, and contractures. A distraction force is applied with an external fixator, such as the Ilizarov circular fixator or a uniplanar fixator. The authors review the extensive preoperative planning required, the performance of osteotomy, the application of external fixators, and the timing between the osteotomy and the initiation of correction (the latency phase). The subsequent distraction phase involves active lengthening, transport, or angular correction through frequent small steps (e.g., 0.25 mm every 6 hours). This results in the formation of new bone, or regenerate, in longitudinal columns along the plane of distraction. The consolidation phase begins after the desired correction has been achieved; this period allows for maturation of the regenerate and corticalization before fixator removal.
An efficient semi-supervised SVM for anomaly detection

Semi-Supervised Support Vector Machines (S3VMs) have been proposed to deal with the proliferation of partially labelled data available in many large-scale complex systems. Since most existing S3VMs do not correspond to convex problems nor have practical solutions especially on large imbalanced data, this limits their utility in practice. In this work, we propose an efficient approach to the semi-supervised problem especially for anomaly detection, termed S3VMAD. We formulate S3VMAD in unsupervised paradigm for anomaly detection. It is a convex objective function which is guaranteed to have a global optimum solution. The proposed approach is compatible with both supervised Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and unsupervised One-Class SVM (OCSVM). In addition, it exploits efficient optimisation techniques in an online fashion as well as in batch mode, which enables the solution to be scalable and therefore practical in the case of large datasets. In order to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed S3VMAD, experiments on various sample datasets compare with supervised SVM learning, Semi-Supervised Anomaly Detection (SSAD), and unsupervised learning.
Informed proposal Monte Carlo

Any search or sampling algorithm for solution of inverse problems needs guidance to be efficient. Many algorithms collect and apply information about the problem on the fly, and much improvement has been made in this way. However, as a consequence of the No-Free-Lunch Theorem, the only way we can ensure a significantly better performance of search and sampling algorithms is to build in as much external information about the problem as possible. In the special case of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling we review how this is done through the choice of proposal distribution, and we show how this way of adding more information about the problem can be made particularly efficient when based on an approximate physics model of the problem. A highly non-linear inverse scattering problem with a high-dimensional model space serves as an illustration of the gain of efficiency through this approach.
Analysis of advanced circuits for SET measurement

Single Event Transients (SETs) are a growing concern in advanced integrated circuits yet techniques to accurately characterize the cross-section and pulse width of SETs are less mature than those for measuring SEUs. We present four circuits for measuring SETs, an analysis of their capabilities and the subtleties in their implementation. Post-layout circuit simulation results are presented for a test-chip implemented in 28 nm FSDOI technology and integrating these detectors.
The Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Osteocyte Capacity to Modulate Dendritic Cell Functions Is Strictly Dependent on the Culture System

In vitro differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) into osteocytes (human differentiated osteogenic cells, hDOC) before implantation has been proposed to optimize bone regeneration. However, a deep characterization of the immunological properties of DOC, including their effect on dendritic cell (DC) function, is not available. DOC can be used either as cellular suspension (detached, Det-DOC) or as adherent cells implanted on scaffolds (adherent, Adh-DOC). By mimicking in vitro these two different routes of administration, we show that both Det-DOC and Adh-DOC can modulate DC functions. Specifically, the weak downregulation of CD80 and CD86 caused by Det-DOC on DC surface results in a weak modulation of DC functions, which indeed retain a high capacity to induce T-cell proliferation and to generate CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells. Moreover, Det-DOC enhance the DC capacity to differentiate CD4+CD161+CD196+ Th17-cells by upregulating IL-6 secretion. Conversely, Adh-DOC strongly suppress DC functions by a profound downregulation of CD80 and CD86 on DC as well as by the inhibition of TGF-β production. In conclusion, we demonstrate that different types of DOC cell preparation may have a different impact on the modulation of the host immune system. This finding may have relevant implications for the design of cell-based tissue-engineering strategies.
Thrombin Inactivates Myosin Light Chain Phosphatase via Rho and Its Target Rho Kinase in Human Endothelial Cells*

The role of Rho GTPase and its downstream targets Rho kinase and myosin light chain phosphatase in thrombin-induced endothelial cell contraction was investigated. The specific Rho inactivator C3-transferase from Clostridium botulinum as well as microinjection of the isolated Rho-binding domain of Rho kinase or active myosin light chain phosphatase abolished thrombin-stimulated endothelial cell contraction. Conversely, microinjection of constitutively active V14Rho, constitutively active catalytic domain of Rho kinase, or treatment with the phosphatase inhibitor tautomycin caused contraction. These data are consistent with the notion that thrombin activates Rho/Rho kinase to inactivate myosin light chain phosphatase in endothelial cells. In fact, we demonstrate that thrombin transiently inactivated myosin light chain phosphatase, and this correlated with a peak in myosin light chain phosphorylation. C3-transferase abolished the decrease in myosin light chain phosphatase activity as well as the subsequent increase in myosin light chain phosphorylation and cell contraction. These data suggest that thrombin activates the Rho/Rho kinase pathway to inactivate myosin light chain phosphatase as part of a signaling network that controls myosin light chain phosphorylation/contraction in human endothelial cells.
Modular small-CHP plants optimized design as a way to reduce CO2 emissions

This paper proposes the analysis of two case studies about the optimized design of modular small-CHP plants. The analysis were carried out using DiOGene, an algorithm designed to simulate the operation of such plants also considering the integral constraints imposed by Italian regulations. Two hospitals were the subject of case studies: in fact such kind of public building is usually an ideal site for a CHP plant, due to its peculiar energetic loads. Results show that, carefully choosing the plant configuration, it is possible to achieve significant economic and fuel savings, consequently reducing CO2 emissions. The analysis also points out how the modular approach, due to its intrinsic flexibility that increases the number the degrees of freedom, is the most suitable one for an effective matching between site characteristics and the machines.
University of Michigan North Campus long-term vision and lidar dataset

This paper documents a large scale, long-term autonomy dataset for robotics research collected on the University of Michigan’s North Campus. The dataset consists of omnidirectional imagery, 3D lidar, planar lidar, GPS, and proprioceptive sensors for odometry collected using a Segway robot. The dataset was collected to facilitate research focusing on long-term autonomous operation in changing environments. The dataset is composed of 27 sessions spaced approximately biweekly over the course of 15 months. The sessions repeatedly explore the campus, both indoors and outdoors, on varying trajectories, and at different times of the day across all four seasons. This allows the dataset to capture many challenging elements including: moving obstacles (e.g. pedestrians, bicyclists and cars), changing lighting, varying viewpoint, seasonal and weather changes (e.g. falling leaves and snow), and long-term structural changes caused by construction projects. To further facilitate research, we also provide ground-truth pose for all sessions in a single frame of reference.
Cyclic AMP‐Dependent Modulation of Vesicular Monoamine Transport in Pheochromocytoma Cells

Abstract: Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is well known to enhance tyrosine hydroxylase activity in PC12 cells. We were able to demonstrate, however, that the cellular dopamine level in PC12 was lowered by dibutyryl cAMP. Furthermore, the decrease in the cellular level of dopamine was accompanied by about a 10‐fold increase in the medium. The aim of this work was to elucidate the effect of cAMP on catecholamine transport. Dibutyryl cAMP did not induce exocytotic release of norepinephrine but rather inhibited its uptake. As with forskolin and cholera toxin, physiological signaling molecules such as vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and AMP, for which PC12 cells are known to have receptors linked to activation of adenylate cyclase, also inhibited norepinephrine uptake. The inhibitory effects of dibutyryl cAMP, VIP, and AMP were dose dependent, and EC50 values were estimated to be 100 µM, 10 nM, and 1.0 µM, respectively. The inhibition profile of dibutyryl cAMP over the time course of norepinephrine uptake was biphasic: Inhibition became clearly detectable after the cytosolic pool of norepinephrine had been saturated. This profile is similar to that of reserpine. Nomifensine, however, inhibited uptake at a rather constant rate throughout the entire time course. The ATP‐dependent serotonin uptake by digitonin‐permeabilized cells was lowered to ∼50% that of the control by dibutyryl cAMP treatment before permeabilization, indicating inhibition of vesicular monoamine transport. This effect was also dependent on a dibutyryl cAMP concentration with an EC50 of ≤100 µM. These results suggest that cAMP may be capable of elevating extracellular dopamine levels in the nervous system by inhibiting its translocation into storage vesicles while enhancing its synthesis in the cytosol. Moreover, endogenous neurotransmitters such as VIP, AMP, and adenosine may act as intrinsic antidepressants via the cAMP pathway.
On the design of stochastic RST controllers based on the generalized minimum variance

This paper presents a general framework based on the RST structure for performing fair comparisons between deterministic and stochastic digital linear controllers. Due to the chosen RST formulation, it can be shown that any linear Single-Input Single-Output controller may be designed as a Generalized Minimum Variance Controller, i.e. as a stochastic controller. This in particular reduces the variance of the control signal and in turn leads to a better output characteristic. The method is applied to the controllers of an exemplary Single-Machine Infinite Bus system, namely the AVR and governor, where it is shown that the voltage and power regulation for the non-stochastic and the GMVC are similar whereas the control signal given by the latter is much smother than for the former, even using the same set of gains for both.
Embryonic origin of the mouse macrophage.

Progenitor cells capable of giving rise to functional macrophages in in vitro culture were first detectable in the fetal yolk sac of the mouse between day 7 and 8 of gestation. Macrophage progenitors were not detectable outside the yolk sac until day 11. Although the early yolk sac contained macrophage precursors, no cells with the morphologic or functional characteristics of mouse promonocytes or more mature macrophages were observed. Promonocytes and macrophages were first identified in the 10-day yolk sac and 11-day fetal liver. These cells were characterized by surface receptors for lgG immunoglobulin, peroxidase activity (promonocytes), glass adherence, and phagocytosis of a large yeast particle (macrophages). From these observations, we conclude that the early fetal yolk sac is the embryonic site of origin of the macrophage precursor and that this precursor is “proximal” to the promonocyte on the pathway of sequential macrophage maturation. T HE BLOOD ISLANDS of the yolk sac are the first sites of hematopoiesis in both birds and mammals. ’3 Hematopoietic stem cells, originating in these blood islands, migrate from the yolk sac into the circulation and subsequently colonize and proliferate within the hematopoietic organs of the developing embryo. ”4 The hemopoietic stem cell content of yolk sac is demonstrable in experiments in which chick or mouse embryo yolk sac cells are used to repopulate both the myeloid and lymphoid tissues of irradiated recipients.2’5 Furthermore, multipotential stem cells detected by the in vivo spleen colony assay and progenitor cells of granulocytes and macrophages detected by the in vitro agar colony-forming assay have been demonstrated within the mouse yolk sac and subsequently within developing fetal liver.2 Recently, a bone marrow precursor of the monocyte-macrophage cell line has been identified in adult mice.6 This promonocyte has been characterized by its morphology, glass adhesiveness, limited phagocytic ability, DNAsynthetic capacity, and kinetic analysis of its relationship to more mature cells of this line.6’7 We have also recently observed that very primitive cells of the monocyte-macrophage line also possess the surface IgG-receptor that is characteristic of the monocyte and mature macrophage.8’3 On the basis of this series of observations, we undertook a study with the dual objectives of identifying the embryonic site of origin of the macrophage precursor and of determining whether this precursor was similar to the adult promonocyte.
Andrology: Effects of multiple ejaculations after extended periods of sexual abstinence on total, motile and normal sperm numbers, as well as accessory gland secretions, from healthy normal and oligozoospermic men

: Four healthy donors provided three ejaculates on one day to deplete their sperm reserves and also after abstention periods of 1, 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 days. The percentage of spermatozoa that were normally formed, progressively motile and which swelled in hypotonic medium remained unchanged throughout this period and the increase in total numbers of viable spermatozoa for 10 days prompted a comparison of seven donors and six oligozoospermic men. Multiple ejaculations after 10 days of abstinence for the patients with low normal, motile sperm numbers increased the total number, number of normal and number of motile spermatozoa by a mean of 230, 370 and 520%, respectively.
Intention-Mediated Selective Helping in Infancy

One way to maintain cooperation between unrelated individuals and decrease the chance of providing costly aid to those who will not reciprocate is by selectively helping on the basis of the content of previous interactions. In the present study, we sought to determine whether the earliest instances of human helping behavior show specificity. In three experiments, we found that infants preferred to help an individual who, in a previous interaction, intended to provide a toy over one who did not (Experiment 1) and that infants consider this positive intention even without a positive outcome (Experiment 2). Experiment 3 provided a more detailed examination of the basis of selection, suggesting that infants are not solely avoiding unwilling individuals, but also selectively helping those who have shown a willingness to provide. Taken together, these experiments indicate that early helping behaviors show characteristics of the rich reciprocal relationships observed in adult prosocial behavior.
Endocytosis of peptide hormones and other ligands.

ENDOCYTOSIS refers to the uptake of materials into cells from the external environment by means of vesicles derived from invaginations of the cell surface. Several types of endocytosis have been distinguished (1). Phagocytosis (cell eating) describes the uptake of large particulate matter; whereas pinocytosis (cell drinking) refers to the internalization of fluid and small particles. Although the term endocytosis in its general sense subsumes phagocytototic behavior, it has frequently been used interchangeably with pinocytosis, a universal activity of living cells. The terms adsorptive and fluid phase endocytosis (pinocytosis) distinguish between the uptake of macromolecules bound to the cell surface (and eventually the inner membrane of vesicles) and the uptake of solute in the extracellular fluid. The former is a device for both selecting and concentrating specific solutes for internalization by virtue of their binding to cell surface receptors. Receptor-mediated endocytosis has now been described for a.
Chemical characterization of leptin‐activated neurons in the rat brain

Leptin has profound effects on food intake, body weight, and neuroendocrine status. The lack of leptin results in hormonal and metabolic alterations and a dramatic increase in body weight. Leptin acts in the brain, especially in the hypothalamus; however, the central nervous system sites that respond to leptin have not been examined comprehensively. In this study, we explored systematically the distribution of leptin‐activated neurons throughout the rat brain. Furthermore, we investigated the chemical identity of subsets of these leptin‐activated cells. Fos‐like immunoreactivity (Fos‐IR) was investigated in the rat brain after two different doses of leptin (1.0 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg) at 2 hours and 6 hours after injections. The induction of Fos‐IR was observed in hypothalamic nuclei, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVH), the retrochiasmatic area (RCA), the ventromedial nucleus (VMH), the dorsomedial nucleus (DMH), the arcuate nucleus (Arc), and the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMV). In addition, leptin‐induced Fos‐IR was found in several nuclei of the brainstem, including the superior lateral and external lateral subdivisions of the parabrachial nucleus (slPB and elPB, respectively), the supragenual nucleus, and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). By using double‐labeling immunohistochemistry or immunohistochemistry coupled with in situ hybridization, leptin‐activated neurons were found that contained cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript mRNA in several hypothalamic nuclei, including the RCA, Arc, DMH, and PMV. In the Arc and DMH, leptin‐induced Fos‐IR was observed in neurons that expressed neurotensin mRNA. Dynorphin neurons in the VMH and in the Arc also expressed Fos‐IR. In the brainstem, we found that cholecystokinin neurons in the slPB and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 neurons in the NTS were activated by leptin. We also investigated the coexpression of Fos‐IR and the long form of the leptin receptor (OBRb) mRNA. We found double‐labeled neurons surrounding the median eminence and in the RCA, Arc, VMH, DMH, and PMV. However, in brainstem sites, very little OBRb mRNA was found; thus, there were very few double‐labeled cells. These results suggest that leptin stimulates brain pathways containing neuropeptides that are involved in the regulation of energy balance, autonomic homeostasis, and neuroendocrine status. J. Comp. Neurol. 423:261–281, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An electrostatic charge sensor based on micro resonator with sensing scheme of effective stiffness perturbation

A resonant electrostatic charge sensor with high sensitivity based on micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology is proposed to measure electric charge. Input charge produces lateral electrostatic force to change effective stiffness of double-ended tuning forks resonator, and leads to a resonant frequency shift. The sensitivity of the charge sensor is 4.4 × 10−4 Hz fC−2. The proposed sensing scheme of effective stiffness perturbation has higher sensitivity than the traditional axial strain sensing methods. Experimental results show that the frequency modulation has better resolution and stability than the amplitude modulation. The proposed sensing scheme also creates additional energy transmission paths inside the device to improve quality factor and stabilize frequency fluctuation. The instability of resonant frequency induced by mechanical nonlinearity are investigated.