Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arf activation at the Golgi is modulated by feed-forward stimulation of the exchange factor GBF1

ABSTRACT ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) play central roles in the regulation of vesicular trafficking through the Golgi. Arfs are activated at the Golgi membrane by guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs) that are recruited from cytosol. Here, we describe a novel mechanism for the regulation of recruitment and activity of the ArfGEF Golgi-specific BFA resistance factor 1 (GBF1). Conditions that alter the cellular Arf-GDP:Arf-GTP ratio result in GBF1 recruitment. This recruitment of GBF1 occurs selectively on cis-Golgi membranes in direct response to increased Arf-GDP. GBF1 recruitment requires Arf-GDP myristoylation-dependent interactions suggesting regulation of a membrane-bound factor. Once recruited, GBF1 causes increased Arf-GTP production at the Golgi, consistent with a feed-forward self-limiting mechanism of Arf activation. This mechanism is proposed to maintain steady-state levels of Arf-GTP at the cis-Golgi during cycles of Arf-dependent trafficking events.
Efficient Fault-Tolerant Clock Synchronization in Ring Topologies

Many safety-relevant real-time systems require fault-tolerant clock synchronization. For the class of bridge-connected networks with a very small amount of redundant point-topoint links, particularly ring topologies, a new clock synchronization protocol is proposed: "single initiator forward and answer", SFA for short. This solution tolerates (almost) arbitrary behavior of a single faulty bridge, although it requires only two disjoint paths between any pair of bridges.
Apractical clinical definition of epilepsy

Epilepsy was defined conceptually in 2005 as a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures. This definition is usually practically applied as having two unprovoked seizures >24 h apart. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) accepted recommendations of a task force altering the practical definition for special circumstances that do notmeet the two unprovoked seizures criteria. The task force proposed that epilepsy be considered to be a disease of the brain defined by any of the following conditions: (1) At least two unprovoked (or reflex) seizures occurring >24 h apart; (2) one unprovoked (or reflex) seizure and a probability of further seizures similar to the general recurrence risk (at least 60%) after two unprovoked seizures, occurring over the next 10 years; (3) diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome. Epilepsy is considered to be resolved for individuals who either had an agedependent epilepsy syndrome but are now past the applicable age or who have remained seizure-free for the last 10 years and off antiseizure medicines for at least the last 5 years. “Resolved” is not necessarily identical to the conventional view of “remission or “cure. ” Different practical definitions may be formed and used for various specific purposes. This revised definition of epilepsy brings the term in concordancewith common use.
Implementation of Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Quadriceps Strengthening Exercises After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

When working with athletes that have recently undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery, a common goal of athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physicians, and physical therapists is to restore quadriceps strength while protecting the reconstructed ACL and patellofemoral joint from unnecessary stresses. Quadriceps strengthening exercises are often referred to as occurring in the open kinetic chain (OKC) or closed kinetic chain (CKC). Currently, there is little agreement in the literature as to whether only CKC exercises or a combination of OKC and CKC exercise should be performed after ACL reconstruction to strengthen the quadriceps. We believe that a combination of OKC and CKC exercises can be used to effectively and safely strengthen the quadriceps after ACL reconstruction. The purposes of this review are to examine the scientific literature currently available for the effects of OKC and CKC exercise on ACL strain and patellofemoral joint stress, and to present a sound rationale for using a combination of OKC and CKC exercises for quadriceps strengthening after ACL reconstruction. On the basis of our review, both OKC and CKC exercises can be modified and implemented for quadriceps strengthening after ACL reconstruction without ausing excessive ACL strain or patellofemoral joint stress.
Activity of mesotrione on resistant weeds in maize.

Mesotrione is a new callistemone herbicide that inhibits the HPPD enzyme (p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase) and introduces a new naturally selective tool into weed-management programmes for use in maize. Mesotrione provides control of the major broad-leaved weeds, and it can be used in integrated weed-management programmes depending on the grower's preferred weed-control strategy. At post-emergence rates of 150 g AI ha-1 or less, mesotrione provides naturally selective control of key species that may show triazine resistance (TR), e.g. Chenopodium album L, Amaranthus species, Solanum nigrum L, as well as species of weed that show resistance to acetolactase synthase (ALS) inhibitors e.g. Xanthium strumarium L, Amaranthus spp and Sonchus spp. The data presented show that resistant and susceptible biotypes of these species with resistance to triazine herbicides, such as atrazine, simazine, terbutylazine and metribuzin, or ALS-inhibitor herbicides, such as imazethepyr, remain susceptible to mesotrione. These results confirm that there is no cross-resistance in biotypes with target site resistance to triazine or ALS-inhibiting herbicides. It is important that herbicide choice and rotation becomes an integral part of planning weed management, so as to minimise the risks of crop losses from weed competition, build-up of weed seed in the soil and the further development of weed resistance across a range of herbicide modes of action.
Analysis of Android Smart Watch Artifacts

Abstract— Innovations of smart phones have made this era as an era of smart devices. People are using smart phones more than any other device / tool in their day-to-day life. Since, android entered to this market, use of wearable devices became possible technically and economically. These days, wearable devices like wrist band, earring, smart watch, smart shoes, etc. have become easily available and affordable. Android based smart watch is one of such popular devices being used by many people around the world. Though the watch is dependent on android smart phone, it contains lots of useful information about user. The user information stored on the device can be important in tracing any cyber crime / traditional case. This paper discusses what information the Android Smart Watch sores and analysis of this information from forensics point of view.
Taste Sensitivity to Phenylthiourea in Glaucoma

In a series of Caucasian patients over the age of 40 years, the number of individuals unable to recognize the bitter taste of phenylthiourea (8.1 mg/100 ml) was found to be 28 percent in a "normal" eye clinic population (446 individuals), 17 percent in a series of 155 patients with angleclosure glaucoma, and 53 percent in 211 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.
Changes in forebrain serotonin at the light‐dark transition: correlation with behaviour

IN vivo microdialysis in the rat was used to determine whether changes in forebrain serotonin (5-HT) levels seen during the light-dark transition differ by area examined and whether these changes could be accounted for by complementary changes in behaviour. 5-HT levels increased significantly during the first half hour of dark phase in the hippocampus (45.9%), striatum (13.4%), amygdala (19.7%) and prefrontal cortex (18.4%), the increase in the hippocampus being significantly larger than those in the other areas. 5-HT levels co-varied significantly with changes in the levels of alert waking, a behavioural measure of the time spent in active waking, suggesting that this factor might account for the changes in 5-HT across the light-dark transition.
Resistance Training Suppresses Intra-abdominal Fatty Acid Synthesis in Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract Ovarian hormone loss is associated with a shift in fat distribution to intra-abdomin al adipose tissue (intra-AAT) depots and with lipid metabolism disorders, which predisposes individuals to developing insulin resistance. Resistance training (RT) prevents increases in intra-AAT after ovarian hormone loss. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. We investigated the effects of ovariectomy and RT on gene expression related to lipogenesis and fat oxidation in the intra-AAT of ovariectomized rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6/group) were divided into the groups: sham-sedentary, ovariectomized-sedentary, sham-RT and ovariectomized-RT. RT groups performed a 10-week climbing program on a ladder with progressive overload. Intra-AAT was subjected to morphometric and mRNA analysis. Ovariectomized-sedentary group had larger adipocytes and higher expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and lower expression of the oxidative carnitinepalmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-1). RT counteracted OVX-induced increases in PPAR-γ and SCD-1 and decreased SREBP-1c. ACC and HSL were downregulated in ovariectomized-RT compared with the ovariectomized-sedentary group. Ovariectomized-RT group had the highest CPT-1 gene expression. Adipocyte size decreased in ovariectomized-RT group. Results suggest that RT reduces intra-AAT adipocyte size in ovariectomized rats by suppressing intra-AAT fatty acid synthesis and enhancing fatty acid β-oxidation.
Gene expression alterations in Rocky Mountain elk infected with chronic wasting disease

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an invariably fatal neurologic disease that naturally infects mule deer, white tailed deer and elk. The understanding of CWD neurodegeneration at a molecular level is very limited. In this study, microarray analysis was performed to determine changes in the gene expression profiles in six different tissues including brain, midbrain, thalamus, spleen, RPLN and tonsil of CWD-infected elk in comparison to non-infected healthy elk, using 24,000 bovine specific oligo probes. In total, 329 genes were found to be differentially expressed (> 2.0-fold) between CWD negative and positive brain tissues, with 132 genes upregulated and 197 genes downregulated. There were 249 DE genes in the spleen (168 up- and 81 downregulated), 30 DE genes in the retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) (18 up- and 12 downregulated), and 55 DE genes in the tonsil (21 up- and 34 downregulated). Using Gene Ontology (GO), the DE genes were assigned to functional groups associated with cellular process, biological regulation, metabolic process, and regulation of biological process. For all brain tissues, the highest ranking networks for DE genes identified by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were associated with neurological disease, cell morphology, cellular assembly and organization. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validated the expression of DE genes primarily involved in different regulatory pathways, including neuronal signaling and synapse function, calcium signaling, apoptosis and cell death and immune cell trafficking and inflammatory response. This is the first study to evaluate altered gene expression in multiple organs including brain from orally infected elk and the results will improve our understanding of CWD neurodegeneration at the molecular level.
Ionic currents of Drosophila embryonic neurons derived from selectively cultured CNS midline precursors.

In order to investigate the electrogenesis of defined cell populations, we applied an in vitro system that allows the selective culturing of individual Drosophila CNS precursors under different conditions. CNS midline (ML) precursors prepared from gastrula stage embryos gave rise to progeny cells with neuronal and glial morphology that expressed specific markers. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, a detailed description of ionic currents present in this defined cell population is provided. Most ionic currents of cultured ML neurons were similar to other cultured Drosophila neurons, even though their embryonic origin is different. They displayed at least two voltage-gated potassium currents, a voltage-gated sodium, two voltage-gated calcium currents, and responded to the neurotransmitters ACh and GABA. They showed homogeneity in action potential firing properties, generating only a single spike even upon sustained depolarization. Interestingly, although the expression of the voltage-gated potassium currents appeared to be highly cell autonomous, for all other currents significant changes were observed in the presence of fiber contacts.
Characteristic impedance determination technique for CMOS on-wafer transmission line with large substrate loss

A characteristic impedance determination technique that can be used in the CMOS process with a large substrate loss is proposed. Furthermore, it is shown using image parameters that the propagation constant is obtained directly from Thru and Line without determining error networks. The validity of the characteristic impedance obtained by the proposed method is shown using the measurement and EM simulation results. The calibration patterns used for the validation check were fabricated using the 40 nm CMOS process.
Using Fountain Codes to Control the Peak-to-Average Power Ratio of OFDM Signals

In this paper, we apply fountain codes to control the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. The main key idea of the proposed scheme is based on the fact that the best fountain-coded OFDM packets can be generated with a low PAPR. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results prove that the proposed scheme can effectively obtain the desirable PAPR and good throughput with rateless codes. Moreover, the flexibility of controlling PAPR makes the proposed scheme more suitable for implementing random frame sizes and providing effective error detection.
Inhibition by midazolam of the adrenergic function in the isolated canine mesenteric vein

Background: Midazolam has been reported to cause hypotension or to depress sympathetic activity following intravenous injection. However, little information is available concerning the mechanism of these effects. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of midazolam on release of noradrenaline (NA) at nerve terminals and on receptors in the venous smooth muscle.
Signaling through a G Protein-coupled Receptor and Its Corresponding G Protein Follows a Stoichiometrically Limited Model*

The bradykinin receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is coupled to the Gαq family of heterotrimeric G proteins. In general, a GPCR can exert intracellular signals either by transiently associating with multiple diffusing G protein subunits or by activating a G protein that is stably bound to the receptor, thus generating a signal that is limited by the stoichiometry of the complex. Here we have distinguished between these models by monitoring the association of type 2 bradykinin receptor (B2R) and the Gαq/Gβγ heterotrimer in living human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing fluorescent-tagged proteins. Stable B2R-Gαq·Gβγ complexes are observed in resting cells by fluorescence resonance energy transfer from either Gαq-eCFP or eCFP-Gβγ to B2R-eYFP. Stimulating the cells with bradykinin causes detachment of B2R from the G protein subunits as the receptor internalizes into early endosomes, with a corresponding elimination of B2R-G protein fluorescence resonance energy transfer because Gαq and its associated Gβγ remain on the plasma membrane. Single point and scanning fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements show that a portion of B2R molecules diffuses with a mobility corresponding to dimers or small oligomers, whereas a second fraction diffuses in higher order molecular assemblies. Our studies support a model in which receptors are pre-coupled with their corresponding G proteins in the basal state of cells thereby limiting the response to an external signal to a defined stoichiometry that allows for a rapid and directed cellular response.
Synergistic inhibition of HCC and liver cancer stem cell proliferation by targeting RAS/RAF/MAPK and WNT/β-catenin pathways.

BACKGROUND/AIM The aim of this study is to find synergistic effect using FH535 and sorafenib by targeting the RAS/RAF/MAPK and WNT/β-catenin pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS 3H-Thymidine incorporation assays were performed to address Huh7 and liver cancer stem cell (LCSC) inhibition using FH535 and sorafenib, alone and in combination. Calcusyn analysis was used to calculate the combination index (CI). A western blot assay was performed to check for potential targets. RESULTS FH535 and sorafenib caused inhibition of Huh7 and LCSC. Combination therapy was significantly better than monotherapy in inhibition of HuH7. Combination with sorafenib and FH535 was found to be synergistic in inhibition of LCSC with a CI of less than 1. The western blot assay demonstrated enhanced cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and inhibition of cyclin D1, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), survivin and cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c-MYC). CONCLUSION FH535 and sorafenib combination produced synergistic effect on inhibition of HCC and LCSC. Our study demonstrated that FH535 can induce apoptosis in these two different hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines.
Conformable tactile sensing using screen printed P(VDF-TrFE) and MWCNT-PDMS composites

This work presents progress on the screen printed flexible touch sensors based on two different pressure sensitive materials. In first case, the piezoelectric polymer P(VDF-TrFE) (Polyvinylidene Fluoride Trifluoroethylene) is sandwiched between two printed Silver (Ag) metallic plates and in the second case Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) mixed with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been used in place of P(VDF-TrFE). The two sensor variants are compared on the basis of fabrication by printing on plastic substrate, ease of processing and handling of the materials, compatibility of the dissimilar materials in multilayers structure, and finally according to the response to the normal compressive forces. The sensors responses at optimum operating values for P(VDF-TrFE) and MWCNT-PDMS based sensors are 0.05 V/N and 20 kΩ/N respectively. The foldable pressure sensors arrays are completely realized using screen-printing technology and are targeted towards realizing low-cost conformable tactile sensors.
Self-Programmable PID Compensator for Digitally Controlled SMPS

This paper shows an auto-tuning system for digitally controlled switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) that automatically adjusts parameters of PID compensator based on pre-specified bandwidth requirements. The PID compensator parameters are determined from intentionally introduced limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) through two consecutive auto-tuning procedures. First, the placement of poles and zeros is defined from LCOs at the corner frequency of the power stage. Then, the gain of the PID compensator is found from the oscillations occurring at the desired crossover frequency of the system. The proposed auto-tuning procedure is verified through Matlab/Simulink simulations that show fast load transient response and short settling time
MRI-compatible spinal cord stimulator device and related changes in patient safety and imaging artifacts.

Dear Editor, In recent years, the number of examinations performed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has grown steadily. This is mainly due to the high reliability of MRI in the diagnosis of cerebral, skeletal muscle, cardiovascular, and other diseases. Although small series of problem-free cases have been reported [1], MRI compatibility of spinal cord stimulators (SCSs) is still problematic. According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (Table ⇓), SCSs are regarded as conditional-5, meaning they are acceptable for a patient undergoing an MRI procedure or an individual in the MRI environment as long as specific guidelines or recommendations are followed [2]. View this table: Table 1 Current terminology from the ASTM International and utilized by the Food and Drug Administration The main concern about performing MRI with a SCS in situ relates to one or a combination of the four main components that make up the MRI environment: the static magnetic field, the static magnetic field spatial gradient, the gradient magnetic field, and the RF field. These can result in an interaction with the medical device, that is, rotational force (torque) on an object with tearing of tissues; rotation of an object for alignment with the field; and translational force on an object resulting in (1) tearing of tissues, (2) acceleration of an object into the bore of the magnet (“missile effect”), (3) induced currents due to the rate of change of the magnetic flux density with time (T/s) causing device malfunction or failure, and (4) RF-induced currents resulting in device heating and patient burns (thermal and electrical) (Table ⇓). Less concerning but also important are the effects of the medical devices on the operation of the MRI scanner, resulting in poor-quality images due to excessive artifacts, possibly because of the RF currents induced on the surface of the lead. If …
Evidence for Nicotinic Receptors Potentially Modulating Nociceptive Transmission at the Level of the Primary Sensory Neuron: Studies with F11 Cells

Abstract: F11 cells are a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cell line used to model the function of authentic type C, peptidergic, nociceptive neurons. The cellular events underlying the antinociceptive effects of (±)‐epibatidine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligand that is 200‐fold more potent than morphine, is unknown. The present study investigated the ability of cholinergic channel activators (ChCAs) to effect nAChR‐gated ion flux and modulate the release of substance P (SP), a neuropeptide identified to play a critical role in nociception. The prototypical agonists (−)‐nicotine and (−)‐cytisine, the ganglionic stimulant 1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐phenylpiperazinium, the novel ChCA ABT‐418 [(S)‐3‐methyl‐5‐(‐1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinyl)isoxazole], and (±)‐epibatidine evoked a concentration‐dependent stimulation of rubidium (86Rb+) efflux with EC50 values of 14.2 ± 1.6, 63.4 ± 24, 3.8 ± 2.0, 29.8 ± 2.6, and 0.019 ± 0.001 µM as well as maximal intrinsic activities of 100, 97, 69, 75, and 102%, respectively. The noncompetitive nAChR antagonist mecamylamine potently antagonized (−)‐nicotine‐evoked ion flux, whereas the competitive antagonist dihydro‐β‐erythroidine was a weak antagonist, giving support to an α3β4 nAChR subtype. In addition, concentrations of (±)‐epibatidine, similar to those necessary to induce maximal 86Rb+ efflux, evoked spontaneous release of SP from these cells, which was blocked by mecamylamine. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to (±)‐epibatidine desensitized the functional response of the nAChR in this cell line (IC50 = 12 ± 9 nM). These findings in F11 cells provide a model to investigate the role nAChRs play in modulating DRG cell function, and may lead to insights into the role these receptors have in modulating nociceptive transmission.