Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of endomorphin‐1 and ‐2 on amphetamine sensitization: Neurochemical and behavioral aspects

Mu‐opioid receptors are known to modulate mesolimbic dopaminergic activity in the ventral tegmental area via disinhibition of GABA‐containing neurons. Recently, two novel tetrapeptides, endomorphin‐1 and endomorphin‐2, were identified in the mammalian brain and reported to have high binding affinities toward μ‐opioid receptors. To determine if endomorphins would modulate the development of amphetamine sensitization, we administered endomorphins locally into the rat brain followed by behavioral and neurochemical examinations. The results indicate that rats pretreated with endomorphin‐1 or ‐2 (5 μg per side for 7 days) in the ventral tegmental area developed locomotor sensitization to the challenge injection of amphetamine (1 mg/kg). On the other hand, when endomorphins were given in the lateral ventricle (20 μg for 5 days) of amphetamine‐sensitized rats (5 mg/kg × 14 days) during the withdrawal period (w5–w9), neither peptide had a modulatory effect on locomotor sensitization. Biochemical analyses revealed that treatment with endomorphins in the ventral tegmental area significantly increased the levels of glutamate in the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral and dorsal striatum to levels comparable to those observed in the amphetamine‐sensitized rats. In the same animals, endomorphins also caused decreases in the levels of serotonin and its metabolite, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, in the medial prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, although there was no behavioral significance, endomorphin‐1 treatment in the lateral ventricle of control and amphetamine‐sensitized rats during withdrawal resulted in decreases of GABA, aspartate, dopamine, and its metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the ventral striatum. We conclude that endomorphins, by stimulating the μ‐opioid receptors in the ventral tegmental area, could sensitize the behavioral response to amphetamine. The results also demonstrate that there are differential responses between endomorphin‐1 and ‐2 on behavioral amphetamine sensitization and the underlying neurochemical substrates. Synapse 39:239–248, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drift Compensation for Electronic Nose by Semi-Supervised Domain Adaption

Drift compensation is an important issue for electronic nose systems. Traditional methods are costly and laborious because they need to frequently recalibrate referred gases or continually provide data labeling. In this paper, a new drift compensation method is proposed. The inspiration of our method is originated from semi-supervised domain adaption that can effectively tackle the mismatches between source domain and target domain. In our approach, a weighted geodesic flow kernel is initially constructed, then the combination of such kind of kernels is proposed considering that there are intermediate unlabeled data between the source and target domains. We will discuss how unlabeled data is selected from the target domain. The selected unlabeled data is used to provide incremental knowledge in order to dynamically adapt classifier to the target domain. Based on the kernel combination and selected unlabeled data, manifold regularization is used to train the classifier. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to apply domain adaption to deal with the sensor drift problem. The advantages of our method include degrading recalibration rate, requiring few labeled data, and the robustness in handling the drift. Our experiments show that the proposed method significantly outperforms the baseline methods.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Reveals Similar White Matter Biochemical Changes in Patients with Chronic Hypertension and Early Alzheimer's Disease

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is a risk factor for dementia and is associated with some of the brain changes that are found in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as atrophy and neurofibrillary tangles. We evaluated the cerebral white matter biochemical pattern in healthy older subjects, older patients with chronic hypertension, and patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS).
Microbial fuel cells – Applications for generation of electrical power and beyond

Abstract A Microbial Fuel Cell is a bioelectrochemical device that exploits metabolic activities of living microorganisms for generation of electric current. The usefulness and unique and exclusive architecture of this device has received wide attention recently of engineers and researchers of various disciplines such as microbiologists, chemical engineers, biotechnologists, environment engineers and mechanical engineers, and the subject of MFCs has thereby progressed as a well-developed technology. Sustained innovations and continuous development efforts have established the usefulness of MFCs towards many specialized and value-added applications beyond electricity generation, such as wastewater treatment and implantable body devices. This review is an attempt to provide an update on this rapidly growing technology.
Fitness of Canadian children and youth: results from the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey.

BACKGROUND The fitness of Canadian children and youth has not been measured in more than two decades, a period during which childhood obesity and sedentary behaviours have increased. This paper provides up-to-date estimates of the fitness of Canadians aged 6 to 19 years. DATA AND METHODS Data are from the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), the most comprehensive direct health measures survey ever conducted on a nationally representative sample of Canadians. Descriptive statistics for indicators of body composition, aerobic fitness and musculoskeletal fitness are provided by sex and age group, and comparisons are made with the 1981 Canada Fitness Survey (CFS). RESULTS Fitness levels of children and youth have declined significantly and meaningfully since 1981, regardless of age or sex. Significant sex differences exist for most fitness measures. Fitness levels change substantially between ages 6 and 19 years. Youth aged 15 to 19 years generally have better aerobic fitness and body composition indicators than 20- to 39-year-olds. INTERPRETATION This decline in fitness may result in accelerated chronic disease development, higher health care costs, and loss of future productivity.
Molecular Heterogeneity and Response to Neoadjuvant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Targeting in CALGB 40601, a Randomized Phase III Trial of Paclitaxel Plus Trastuzumab With or Without Lapatinib.

PURPOSE Dual human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeting can increase pathologic complete response rates (pCRs) to neoadjuvant therapy and improve progression-free survival in metastatic disease. CALGB 40601 examined the impact of dual HER2 blockade consisting of trastuzumab and lapatinib added to paclitaxel, considering tumor and microenvironment molecular features. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stage II to III HER2-positive breast cancer underwent tumor biopsy followed by random assignment to paclitaxel plus trastuzumab alone (TH) or with the addition of lapatinib (THL) for 16 weeks before surgery. An investigational arm of paclitaxel plus lapatinib (TL) was closed early. The primary end point was pCR in the breast; correlative end points focused on molecular features identified by gene expression-based assays. RESULTS Among 305 randomly assigned patients (THL, n = 118; TH, n = 120; TL, n = 67), the pCR rate was 56% (95% CI, 47% to 65%) with THL and 46% (95% CI, 37% to 55%) with TH (P = .13), with no effect of dual therapy in the hormone receptor-positive subset but a significant increase in pCR with dual therapy in those with hormone receptor-negative disease (P = .01). The tumors were molecularly heterogeneous by gene expression analysis using mRNA sequencing (mRNAseq). pCR rates significantly differed by intrinsic subtype (HER2 enriched, 70%; luminal A, 34%; luminal B, 36%; P < .001). In multivariable analysis treatment arm, intrinsic subtype, HER2 amplicon gene expression, p53 mutation signature, and immune cell signatures were independently associated with pCR. Post-treatment residual disease was largely luminal A (69%). CONCLUSION pCR to dual HER2-targeted therapy was not significantly higher than single HER2 targeting. Tissue analysis demonstrated a high degree of intertumoral heterogeneity with respect to both tumor genomics and tumor microenvironment that significantly affected pCR rates. These factors should be considered when interpreting and designing trials in HER2-positive disease.
Advanced Glycation End Product (AGE)-Receptor for AGE (RAGE) Signaling and Up-regulation of Egr-1 in Hypoxic Macrophages*

Receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE)-dependent signaling has been implicated in ischemia/reperfusion injury in the heart, lung, liver, and brain. Because macrophages contribute to vascular perturbation and tissue injury in hypoxic settings, we tested the hypothesis that RAGE regulates early growth response-1 (Egr-1) expression in hypoxia-exposed macrophages. Molecular analysis, including silencing of RAGE, or blockade of RAGE with sRAGE (the extracellular ligand-binding domain of RAGE), anti-RAGE IgG, or anti-AGE IgG in THP-1 cells, and genetic deletion of RAGE in peritoneal macrophages, revealed that hypoxia-induced up-regulation of Egr-1 is mediated by RAGE signaling. In addition, the observation of increased cellular release of RAGE ligand AGEs in hypoxic THP-1 cells suggests that recruitment of RAGE in hypoxia is stimulated by rapid production of RAGE ligands in this setting. Finally, we show that mDia-1, previously shown to interact with the RAGE cytoplasmic domain, is essential for hypoxia-stimulated regulation of Egr-1, at least in part through protein kinase C βII, ERK1/2, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase signaling triggered by RAGE ligands. Our findings highlight a novel mechanism by which an extracellular signal initiated by RAGE ligand AGEs regulates Egr-1 in a manner requiring mDia-1.
Implementation of Wireless Sensor Network for Real Time Overhead Tank Water Quality Monitoring

Water is a precious source vital for healthy living. Most of the infectious diseases are due to contaminated water which leads to millions of deaths every year. There is a need to establish Water quality monitoring system to verify whether the determined water quality is suitable for intended use. This paper presents the application of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology for real time online Water quality monitoring. In this paper, the details of system design and implementation of WSN are presented. Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for a water quality monitoring is composed of number of sensor nodes with networking capability which are deployed at different overhead tanks and water bodies in an area. Each sensor node consists of an Arduino microcontroller, Xbee module and water quality sensors, the sensor probes shall continuously measure the different water quality parameters like pH, Temperature, Conductivity. The parameters are measured in real time by the sensors and send the data to the data center. Solar panel is used to power the system for each node. Data collected from remote nodes are displayed in the user PC. This developed system will demonstrate online sensor data analysis and has the advantages of power optimization, portability and easy installation.
Subtle visuomotor difficulties in preclinical Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND Individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease (Pre-AD) present nonimpaired cognition, as measured by standard neuropsychological tests. However, detecting subtle difficulties in cognitive functions may be necessary for an early diagnosis and intervention. OBJECTIVES A new computer-based visuomotor coordination task (VMC) was developed to investigate the possible presence of early visuomotor difficulties in Pre-AD individuals. Associations between VMC task performance and AD biomarkers were studied. The influence of ApoE status on participants' performance was addressed, as well as the relationship between performance and subjective cognitive decline (SCD). METHODS Sixty-six cognitively normal (CN) elders (19 Pre-AD and 47 control participants [CTR]) and 15 patients with AD performed the VMC task, which consisted in executing visually guided goal-directed movements that required the coordination of the visual and motor systems. All participants underwent ApoE analysis and lumbar puncture. CN participants also completed an extensive standard neuropsychological battery. RESULTS Despite presenting normal cognition in standard tests, Pre-AD participants exhibited higher response times (RTs) to complete the VMC task than CTR (p < .01). Besides, patients with AD showed higher RTs than CTR (p < .001) and Pre-AD (p < .05), and more errors than CTR (p < .005). RTs in ApoE4 carriers were higher than that observed in ApoE4 noncarriers (p < .01). In CN individuals, RTs were related to amyloid β-protein 42 (AB42) biomarker (p < .01) and informant-rated SCD (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS The VMC task is able to discriminate Pre-AD from CTR individuals. Moreover, VMC results are associated with AB42 levels in CN individuals, suggesting that visuomotor dysfunction may be a sensitive marker of Pre-AD.
Sequential Elution Interactome Analysis of the Mind Bomb 1 Ubiquitin Ligase Reveals a Novel Role in Dendritic Spine Outgrowth*

The mind bomb 1 (Mib1) ubiquitin ligase is essential for controlling metazoan development by Notch signaling and possibly the Wnt pathway. It is also expressed in postmitotic neurons and regulates neuronal morphogenesis and synaptic activity by mechanisms that are largely unknown. We sought to comprehensively characterize the Mib1 interactome and study its potential function in neuron development utilizing a novel sequential elution strategy for affinity purification, in which Mib1 binding proteins were eluted under different stringency and then quantified by the isobaric labeling method. The strategy identified the Mib1 interactome with both deep coverage and the ability to distinguish high-affinity partners from low-affinity partners. A total of 817 proteins were identified during the Mib1 affinity purification, including 56 high-affinity partners and 335 low-affinity partners, whereas the remaining 426 proteins are likely copurified contaminants or extremely weak binding proteins. The analysis detected all previously known Mib1-interacting proteins and revealed a large number of novel components involved in Notch and Wnt pathways, endocytosis and vesicle transport, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, cellular morphogenesis, and synaptic activities. Immunofluorescence studies further showed colocalization of Mib1 with five selected proteins: the Usp9x (FAM) deubiquitinating enzyme, alpha-, beta-, and delta-catenins, and CDKL5. Mutations of CDKL5 are associated with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy-2 (EIEE2), a severe form of mental retardation. We found that the expression of Mib1 down-regulated the protein level of CDKL5 by ubiquitination, and antagonized CDKL5 function during the formation of dendritic spines. Thus, the sequential elution strategy enables biochemical characterization of protein interactomes; and Mib1 analysis provides a comprehensive interactome for investigating its role in signaling networks and neuronal development.
Comparison of key worker and patient assessment of needs in schizophrenic patients living in the community:a Nordic multicentre study

Objective: The present study is part of a Nordic multicentre study investigating the life and care situation of community samples of schizophrenic patients. The specific aim of the present part of the study was to examine the agreement between patients and their key worker concerning the presence of met and unmet needs in a number of life domains, and help or support given in these domains.
Ancient DNA and conservation: lessons from the endangered kiwi of New Zealand

Conservation genetics typically seeks to map the distribution of contemporary genetic variation across space, and to use the resulting genetic parameters to infer any likely short‐term evolutionary consequences for rare and endangered species. Recent developments in the study of ancient DNA now enable the extension of genetic variation studies backwards in time and provide a context by which to interpret contemporary levels of genetic variation, in addition to any patterns of genetic change over time. Ancient DNA research can also help to determine past levels of genetic diversity, identify species’ boundaries and reveal former ranges among morphologically cryptic taxa. Ancient DNA sequence data for the New Zealand kiwi (Apteryx spp.) are presented and we show that most ancient populations of rowi and tokoeka exhibited private mitochondrial DNA haplotypes. Moreover, we illustrate that the extinction of these populations has led to the loss of considerable genetic variation. We also use ancient DNA methodology to determine past species distributions for brown kiwi and great spotted kiwi whose bones are morphologically indistinguishable.
CHRONIC RETINAL NECROSIS: Cytomegalovirus Necrotizing Retinitis Associated With Panretinal Vasculopathy in Non-HIV Patients

Purpose: To characterize a unique cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated retinopathy in patients with limited immune dysfunction. Methods: Retrospective observational case series. CMV was confirmed as the pathogenic agent via polymerase chain reaction analysis of aqueous or vitreous humor samples or via immunohistochemical analysis of retinal biopsy specimens. Results: Five non-HIV patients with granular necrotizing retinitis, vitritis, and severe occlusive vasculopathy were identified. Patient histories all suggested a basis for limited immune dysfunction including advanced age (n = 4), diabetes mellitus (n = 4), and noncytotoxic immunotherapy (n = 3). Diagnosis of CMV retinitis was delayed in all cases and patients received either no antiviral therapy (n = 2) or incorrect antiviral therapy (n = 3) for presumed herpes simplex/varicella zoster-related acute retinal necrosis. Retinitis subsequently regressed in all cases with introduction of systemic ganciclovir/valganciclovir (n = 5) and/or intravitreal foscarnet (n = 2). Four of five patients developed neovascularization because of extensive retinal ischemia. Conclusion: The clinical expression of CMV-associated retinopathy is strongly related to immune status. In patients with limited immune dysfunction, a mixed clinical picture of intraocular inflammation with panretinal occlusive vasculopathy, more characteristic of acute retinal necrosis, and peripheral slowly progressive granular retinitis, more characteristic of classic CMV retinitis, is observed. Recognition of this atypical clinical presentation, which the authors term chronic retinal necrosis, should prompt molecular testing for CMV to determine the appropriate antiviral therapy. Consideration should also be given to prophylactic panretinal photocoagulation in such eyes, given the high risk of neovascular complications.
The automatic implementation of Software Implemented Hardware Fault Tolerance algorithms as a radiation-induced soft errors mitigation technique

The radiation-induced soft errors significantly increase the failure rate for advanced electronic components and systems. Rad-sensitive microprocessor-based devices working in the radiation environment are one of the most sensitive parts of the machine. This paper is focusing mainly on the strict software mitigation technique, called Software Implemented Hardware Fault Tolerance (SIHFT). SIHFT methods are based on the redundancy of variables or procedures implemented in compiled project. Sophisticated algorithms are used to check the correctness of control flow in the application. Several articles describe in details theoretical information about software protection algorithms but problem of efficient and error-proof implementation of these methods has always been omitted. Unfortunately, manual implementation of presented algorithms is difficult and can introduce additional problems with program functionality caused by human errors. Presented solution is based on the automatic implementation of SIHFT algorithms during the compilation process. Several modifications of software methods were proposed to make theoretical algorithms possible to the automatic installation.
Rituximab as a new therapeutic option in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a report of two cases

Findings of several reports suggest that rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody causing B-lymphocyte depletion, might represent a treatment option for people with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (former Wegener’s granulomatosis). This study presents the results of rituximab treatment in two patients with treatment-refractory GPA. First patient received rituximab for a granulomatous posterior orbital mass lesion, and eye symptoms were resolved after three courses of treatment. The second patient had eye and paranasal sinus involvement and benefited from two courses of rituximab treatment, with significant clinical improvement. Rituximab may represent an effective novel treatment for remission induction in GPA.
Estimation of the Single Obstacle Attenuation in MF Band from Field Data

Emerging digital technologies for MF and HF bands need revision of the propagation and prediction methods. In particular, MF digital radio services are affected by field strength attenuation due to terrain irregularities and specific features of urban areas. The aim of this study is to analyze the signal attenuation caused by terrain obstruction of path profiles. The terrain irregularities will be modelled as triangular wedge shaped obstacles. Two parameters are considered on this study: the distance between the obstacle and the receiver, and the height of the obstacle over the line of sight that links transmitter and receiver. The relation between these two parameters and the signal level attenuation behaviour has been modelled, and assessed by representative curves. Field data used in the analysis were collected from a digital MF band experimental transmission.
Factor Loadings as Proxies for Equity Characteristics, Round 3

I provide a comprehensive analysis that indicates characteristic-based factor loadings provide reasonable proxies for equity fundamentals. My methodology relies on the equilibrium relationships between cross-sectional expected return regressions and time-series empirical asset pricing models. I compare the performance of portfolios formed by observed equity fundamentals and pre-formation factor loadings. My analysis shows that the portfolios formed by book-to-market factor loadings closely matches the empirical return distribution of portfolios formed by the book-to-market characteristic. However, for market equity, gross-profitability, and investment, only the top performing portfolios are well approximated by factor loadings. My results are enhanced when conducting the same analyses on portfolios of equities, meant to reduce estimation risk. Finally, a portfolio formed from aggregating the signals from multiple pre-formation factor loadings beat an equally-weighed benchmark by nearly 400 basis points a year, and earned a Sharpe ratio that was 20% larger.