Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serotonin regulation of subthalamic neurons

Abstract The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a key component of the basal ganglia. As the only basal ganglia nucleus comprised of mostly glutamatergic neurons, STN neurons provide a key driving force to their target neurons. Thus, regulation of STN neuron activity is important. One STN regulator is the serotonin (5-HT) system. The STN receives a dense 5-HT innervation. 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT4 receptors are expressed in the STN. 5-HT may regulate the STN via several mechanisms. First, 5-HT may affect STN neuron excitability directly by either inhibiting a subpopulation of STN neurons via activation of 5-HT1A receptors or exciting STN neurons through activation of 5-HT2C and 5-HT4 receptors. Second, 5-HT may affect synaptic inputs to the STN. Via activation of 5-HT1B receptors on the afferent terminals, 5-HT inhibits glutamatergic input to the STN, but the inhibitory effect on GABAergic input is smaller. Third, 5-HT may regulate the STN glutamatergic output by activating presynaptic 5-HT1B receptors, thus reducing burst firing in target neurons. Last, 5-HT may affect glutamate release at the intra-STN axon collaterals and regulate the recurrent excitation. These mechanisms may work in concert to fine-tune the intensity and pattern of STN activity and reduce STN output bursts.
Analysis of Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans Strains Revealing Potential for False-Negative Real-Time PCR Results

ABSTRACT Diphtheria surveillance depends on the rapid and reliable recognition of the toxin gene in Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Real-time PCR is a rapid tool to confirm the presence of the diphtheria toxin gene (tox) in an isolate or specimen. We report that some toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans strains show atypical results in a real-time PCR for tox.
Beneficial and adverse side effects of vaccination: perception in developing countries

From the time that vaccination first came into existence, the mere evaluation of a specific effect (i.e., vaccine efficacy), which would appear to be relatively straightforward, has been, and remains, a matter of much debate [1]. A noteworthy example was the controversy between Pearson and Wright in the British Medical Journal in the early 20th century [2]. Current controversy has now generally centered around the adverse side effects that might result from a temporal association between vaccination and a disease [3]. Beyond the evident beneficial effects of vaccines, however, some favorable side effects are also known [4,5]. Reported adverse effects are more numerous than favorable effects, but the question is, why? Good health is the normal condition of humans, whereas illness is less easily accepted, leading us to tend to search for a ‘supernatural’ scientific explanation when there is no clear-cut etiology. It should be noted that adverse effects associated with vaccination principally concern illnesses with unexplained etiology (multiple sclerosis, autism, sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes mellitus, paralytic poliomyelitis, simian virus 40 infection, Gulf war syndrome, chronic inflammatory arthritis) [6]. Moreover, the initial adverse effects reported following hepatitis B vaccination did not mention multiple sclerosis [7]. The refuting of falsely reported adverse effects requires a great deal of time and a number of studies: examples include those linking hepatitis B vaccine to multiple sclerosis [8,9] and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to autism [10,11], among others. Beliefs differ in developing countries. Among those living in sub-Saharan Africa, a particular vaccination is not necessarily associated with the prevention of a specific disease; for example, polio vaccine might be assumed to protect against malaria, diarrhea or pneumonia [12]. In general, vaccination is well accepted in developing countries. For example, in Burkina Faso, vaccination resembles a local incision technique practiced by herbalists, which infuses health into children’s bodies [13]. Conversely, in 1997 in Uganda, a national vaccination campaign was followed 4 months later by a malaria epidemic characterized by very high mortality; the following year, immunization coverage dropped from 98 to 67% because the epidemic was believed to be linked to the vaccinations [12]. In 2003, the belief that the polio vaccine caused infertility and transmitted HIV stopped the polio eradication campaign in Nigeria and spread the virus to countries previously free of the disease [14].
Phosphorylation-regulated binding of Ctp1 to Nbs1 is critical for repair of DNA double-strand breaks

Repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is critical for cell survival and for maintaining genome stability in eukaryotes. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex and Ctp1 cooperate to perform the initial steps that process and repair these DNA lesions via homologous recombination (HR). While Ctp1 is recruited to DSBs in an MRN-dependent manner, the specific mechanism of this process remained unclear. We recently found that Ctp1 is phosphorylated on a domain rich in putative Casein kinase 2 (CK2) phosphoacceptor sites that resembles the SDTD repeats of Mdc1. Furthermore, phosphorylation of this motif is required for interaction with the FHA domain of Nbs1 that localizes Ctp1 to DSB sites. Here, we review and discuss these findings, and we present new data that further characterize the cellular consequences of mutating CK2 phosphorylation motifs of Ctp1, including data showing that these sites are critical for meiosis.
Synchronization between two chaotic memristor circuits via the flux-charge analysis method

Recent articles introduced a new method, named flux-charge analysis method (FCAM), for studying nonlinear dynamics and bifurcations of a large class of memristor circuits. FCAM is based on Kirchhoff flux and charge Laws, and constitutive relations of basic circuits elements, expressed in the flux-charge domain. As such, FCAM is in contrast with other traditional methods for studying the dynamics of memristor circuits, that are instead based on the analysis in the standard voltage-current domain. So far, FCAM has been used to study saddle-node bifurcations of equilibrium points in the simplest memristor circuit composed of an ideal flux-controlled memristor and a capacitor, and more complex Hopf and period doubling bifurcations in certain classes of second- and third-order oscillatory memristor circuits. These bifurcations may be induced by varying initial conditions for a fixed set of circuit parameters (bifurcations without parameters). A peculiar property proved via FCAM is that the state space of a memristor circuit can be decomposed in infinitely many invariant manifolds, where each manifold is characterized by a different reduced-order dynamics and attractors. In this paper, FCAM is used for studying synchronization phenomena that can be observed in resistively-coupled arrays of chaotic memristor circuits. In particular, the paper considers two coupled memristor circuits such that each uncoupled circuit displays a double-scroll chaotic attractor on a certain invariant manifold. It is demonstrated via simulations how phase-synchronization of the two coupled attractors can be achieved depending on the choice of the coupling strength.
Quantified Cost-Balanced Overlay Multicast Routing for Multimedia Network

This paper analyzes the quantitative control issue to the metrics tradeoff problem in overlay multicast routing, and presents a quantified cost-balanced overlay multicast routing scheme (QCost-Balanced) to the metric tradeoff problem between overlay path delay and access bandwidth at multicast server nodes (MSN) for Internet multimedia applications. QCost- Balanced tradeoffs these two metrics by using a unified tradeoff metric based on quantitative analysis. Simulation experiments demonstrate the scheme achieves a better tradeoff gain in both two metrics, and effective performance in dynamic metric quantitative control.
Development of a self-adapting intelligent system for building energy saving and context-aware smart services

Recent advances in ubiquitous technologies facilitate context-aware systems which can offer situation-based services. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have become increasingly important in recent years due to their ability to monitor and manage situational information for various intelligent services in ubiquitous environments. However, existing energy management systems are not effectively implemented in home and building environments due to their architectural limitations, such as static system architecture and a finite battery lifetime. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a Self-adapting intelligent system used for providing building control and energy saving services in buildings. Our system consists of a gateway (selfadapting intelligent gateway) and a sensor (self-adapting intelligent sensor). In addition, we also propose an energy-efficiency self-clustering sensor network (ESSN) and a node type indicator based routing (NTIR) protocol that considers the requirements of WSNs, such as network lifetime and system resource management. In order to verify the efficiency of our system, we implemented our system in real test bed and conducted experiments. The results show that autonomous power saving using our system is approximately 16-24% depending on the number of SIS.
Application of an mRNA‐Based Molecular Viability Assay to Oropharyngeal Washes for the Diagnosis of Pneurnocystis Pneumonia in HIV‐Infected Patients. A Pilot Study

LAURENCE HUANG, KRISTINA CROTHERS, ANA DeOLIVEIRA, SHARY EISER, PATRIZIA ZUCCHI, CHARLES B. BEARD and THOMAS R. UNNASCH Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Positive Health Program, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, and Division of Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, and Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
Renewable Energy for Newfoundland and Labrador: Policy Formulation and Decision Making

Newfoundland and Labrador province is blessed with many natural resources. The province heavily depends on nonrenewable petroleum products for its domestic need and export. Considering the limited nature of this nonrenewable resources, the provincial government has taken many policy initiatives to develop its renewable energy sector. It has been found that the concentration was mainly on hydroelectric generation where the government is now implementing the formulated policies. But, policymakers are in policy formulation stage for wind energy development. Overall, the province has set its long term vision of sustainable energy supply and moving towards development of clean and environment friendly energy.
A Model for B2B IT Security: Multilayer Defense Facing Interdependent Cyber Risk

B2B firms couple their business processes for better efficiency. Integrated Business processes require that the firms’ networks be interconnected. This practice enables breach incidence to travel from one firm to another, making the IT security risks of the firms strategically interdependent. The present practice of multilayered defense against IT breaches resembles stage-gates, bringing operational interdependency between the successive layers of defense in a B2B firm. Such inter-firm and inter-layer interdependences in B2B relationship ultimately results in complex decision scenarios in the IT security regime. We propose a comprehensive game theoretic model to capture the above complex, intertwined interdependencies of IT security risk in B2B firms. We also provide some initial results to explain the B2B firms’ incentive to invest in IT security.
Establishment and plasticity of neuronal polarity

A fundamental feature of neurons is that they possess a polarized morphology, typified by a single long axon and several short dendrites. This cellular polarity forms the basis for directionalized rapid signaling, and for bi‐directional trophic signaling, in neuronal circuits. While a catalog of structural, molecular, and functional differences between axons and dendrites is accumulating, the mechanisms involved in the establishment of neuronal polarity (also referred to as axogenesis) are not well understood. Cytoskeletal components, including microtubules and actin filaments, and cytoskeleton‐regulating proteins such as microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs), actin‐binding proteins, and “motor” proteins, likely play important roles in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal polarity. Polarized sorting of membranes and proteins occurs in neurons, and a better understanding of such sorting mechanisms will likely provide insight into the process of axogenesis. Calcium plays a pivotal role in the regulation of neurite elongation and growth cone motility. Studies in which intracellular calcium levels are measured and manipulated in embryonic neurons during the process of axogenesis suggest a necessary role for calcium gradients in the establishment of neuronal polarity. Experimental models in which developing neurons are induced to switch their polarity support central roles for calcium‐regulated cytoskeletal reorganization and protein sorting in the process of axogenesis. Finally, recent findings suggest that mitochondria play an important role in organizing neuronal polarity, possibly by controlling local calcium and/or energy gradients. While considerable progress is being made in elucidating mechanisms that regulate neuronal polarity, the seminal event(s) underlying this process remain a mystery. J. Neurosci. Res. 57:577–589. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A sensitive flow cytometric assay for circulating platelet–leucocyte aggregates

A whole blood flow cytometric method for studies of platelet–leucocyte aggregates (PLAs) in vivo, involving neither fixation nor centrifugation, is described. With this method, PLAs in the total leucocyte population (PLA/L) were 15.3 ± 8.5% in 36 healthy volunteers. Blocking antibodies had little effect on PLAs in the absence of in vitro stimulation, suggesting that the aggregates were preformed in vivo. Fixation with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde increased PLA/L significantly. Similarly, prefixation of the blood or red blood cell lysis, with repeated washing and centrifugation, caused artefactual 3–5‐fold increases in PLAs (P < 0.05). ADP, thrombin, platelet activating factor (PAF) or N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP) each increased PLA formation in unfixed whole blood dose‐dependently; additive effects were found when they were combined. Experiments with blocking MAbs suggested that different ligand–receptor systems mediate PLA formation by different agonists. PLA formation by the platelet agonist ADP was inhibited by P‐selectin blockade, but enhanced by GPIIb/IIIa blockade (which inhibits platelet–platelet interactions). PLA formation by the leucocyte agonist fMLP was inhibited by GPIIb/IIIa blockade, suggesting linking via fibrinogen. Platelet–leucocyte aggregate analysis by this whole blood method appears to reflect in vivo conditions, and enables investigations of the mechanisms involved in their formation.
Empirical Assessment of Effective E-Commerce Audit Judgment

This global survey of 203 B2B E-Commerce auditors examined a model of E-Commerce audit effectiveness using the methods drawn from the information technology auditing and information systems research domain. The findings support the positive and significant relationship of information technology audit expertise and information and communication technology expertise on E-Commerce audit judgment while the system change management impact was indirect via information technology audit expertise. The results of this empirical study furthers our understanding of the role of an accountant in e-commerce audit engagement and the importance of auditor expertise in systems and network change management which has been an under researched area in E-Commerce auditing. The highly technology-centric nature of E-Commerce requires various expertise areas for the E-Commerce auditor to develop a higher level of audit judgment expertise. The most significant contribution made by this study to the accounting literature is the empirical validation of the theoretical observations and the professional opinions on the need of boundary spanning role played by accountants in the e-commerce audit engagements. E-Commerce audit judgment expertise model presented here uses global sampling of forty six countries with financial, information systems and operational auditor respondents. Further, this study provides measurement scales for future empirical studies to not only confirm these scales on independent samples but also to extend the theory developed and tested in this paper. It is hoped that the results of this study can provide a sound theoretical and operational basis for research focused on differentiating the efficacy of varying E-Commerce audit judgment expertise configurations and for future accounting studies that determine the paths of audit expertise system design and redesign for our fast changing technological milieu.
Otto refrigerator based on a superconducting qubit: Classical and quantum performance

We analyse a quantum Otto refrigerator based on a superconducting qubit coupled to two LC-resonators each including a resistor acting as a reservoir. We find various operation regimes: nearly adiabatic (low driving frequency), ideal Otto cycle (intermediate frequency), and non-adiabatic coherent regime (high frequency). In the nearly adiabatic regime, the cooling power is quadratic in frequency, and we find substantially enhanced coefficient of performance $\epsilon$, as compared to that of an ideal Otto cycle. Quantum coherent effects lead invariably to decrease in both cooling power and $\epsilon$ as compared to purely classical dynamics. In the non-adiabatic regime we observe strong coherent oscillations of the cooling power as a function of frequency. We investigate various driving waveforms: compared to the standard sinusoidal drive, truncated trapezoidal drive with optimized rise and dwell times yields higher cooling power and efficiency.
Pressure-induced expression of vascular neuronal nitric oxide synthase: adaptive or maladaptive response in arteries?

Nitric oxide (NO), a major free radical, is an important signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system. It influences vascular function through its vasodilatory, anti-growth and anti-inflammatory properties [1]. In addition, NO modulates other important aspects of vascular function, including leukocyte activation, platelet aggregation and interactions between the endothelium and circulating cells [2,3]. Thus, NO, which signals through cGMP-dependent and cGMP-independent pathways [4], plays a major role in maintaining vascular integrity and homeostasis. Because of its importance in the vasculature, NO production and metabolism must be tightly regulated. Three genes encoding three different nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are responsible for enzymatic generation of NO from Larginine, including endothelial NOS (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) [5,6]. eNOS, found mainly in the endothelium, and nNOS, located primarily in vascular smooth muscle cells, are Ca2þ/ calmodulin-dependent and are constitutively expressed [7,8]. iNOS is ubiquitous, Ca2þ/calmodulin-independent and induced by cytokines, vasoactive agents and endotoxin [9]. Fluid shear stress and pulsatile stretch are major stimuli for eNOS activity, and have been implicated to play an important role in basal production of vascular NO [6–8,10]. Until recently, the role of nNOS and factors regulating its expression and activity in arteries were unclear.
Nutritional Management of Short Bowel Syndrome in Adults

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) comprises the sequelae of nutrient, fluid, and weight loss that occurs subsequent to greatly reduced functional surface area of the small intestine. Signs and symptoms of SBS include electrolyte disturbances; deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, or fat-soluble vitamin deficiency; malabsorption of carbohydrates, lactose, and protein; metabolic acidosis, gastric acid hypersecretion; formation of cholesterol biliary calculi and renal oxalate calculi; and dehydration, steatorrhea, diarrhea, and weight loss. Thorough nutritional management is the key factor in achieving an optimal outcome in SBS. Total parenteral nutrition is necessary in the early stages, as is replacement of excess fluid and electrolyte losses. Nutritional management of SBS has traditionally been divided into three phases: an acute phase when total parenteral nutrition is usually begun, an adaptation phase, and a maintenance phase. Recommendations regarding the need for parenteral nutrition vary depending on the presence or absence of certain factors: the ileocecal valve, jejunum, and functional colon. Patients with residual small bowel length of 100 cm or less usually require the administration of parenteral nutrition at home with good results. The total parenteral nutrition diet should consist of a majority of calories from fat, followed by protein, and the remaining as carbohydrates. Vitamins, minerals, and trace elements should also be added accordingly. Although total parenteral nutrition is initially necessary, treatment goals should focus on early transition to enteral nutrition followed by oral feeds. Other recent advances in the medical management of SBS include pharmacologic treatment and the use of specific nutrients and growth factors to stimulate intestinal absorption and adaptation. Both animal studies and clinical trials in humans have shown much promise in supplementation with growth factors and hormones. This strategy is likely to play a greater role in the treatment of SBS in the future.
Code Versioning and Extremely Lazy Compilation of Scheme

Dynamically typed languages ensure safety through the use of type checks performed at run time. Static type inference has been used to remove type checks but this approach is limited in the absence of code duplication. This paper describes an alternate approach that generates multiple versions of the code to specialize it to the types that are observed at execution time by using an extremely lazy compiler. The laziness is important to limit the number of versions (limit code bloat) and to generate more specialized code (increase performance). We describe LC, a Scheme compiler which implements this code generation approach. The compiler is currently a prototype that cannot run large benchmarks, but an examination of the generated code shows that many dynamic type tests can be removed.
Delay Based Robust H∞ Control Algorithm for TCP Networks Congestion Control to Disturbance Attenuation

Many real-time applications use Internet as a media to transmit their data and need guarantee for correct data transmission and limited transmission delay. It requires efficient network traffic protocols to avoid or limit the level of congestion. In this paper we propose, design and analyze a Robust Delay Based Controller (RDBC) for traffic management on transmission control protocol (TCP). This controller is based on an output feedback controller for decreasing effect of delay and disturbance on performance of network. Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) is used for optimize design objectives. The simulation results illustrate that the queue length in router reaches to desired value quickly with proposed RDBC. We use network simulator (NS2) to compare performance of RDBC with other AQM mechanisms Like RED, PI and PID. Queue length average and variance, bandwidth utilization, throughput and end-to-end delay are performance metrics that used for comparison.