Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex promotes cytochrome c release from mitochondria, caspase‐3 activation, and necrotic cell death

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in cell death in many neurodegenerative diseases. Diminished activity of the α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC), a key and arguably rate‐limiting enzyme of the Krebs cycle, occurs in these disorders and may underlie decreased brain metabolism. The present studies used α‐keto‐β‐methyl‐n‐valeric acid (KMV), a structural analogue of α‐ketoglutarate, to inhibit KGDHC activity to test effects of reduced KGDHC on mitochondrial function and cell death cascades in PC12 cells. KMV decreased in situ KGDHC activity by 52 ± 7% (1 hr) or 65 ± 4% (2 hr). Under the same conditions, KMV did not alter the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as assessed with a method that detects changes as small as 5%. KMV also did not alter production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, KMV increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from cells by 100 ± 4.7%, promoted translocation of mitochondrial cytochrome c to the cytosol, and activated caspase‐3. Inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) by cyclosporin A (CsA) partially blocked this KMV‐induced change in cytochrome c (−40%) and LDH (−15%) release, and prevented necrotic cell death. Thus, impairment of this key mitochondrial enzyme in PC12 cells may lead to cytochrome c release and caspase‐3 activation by partial opening of the MPTP before the loss of mitochondrial membrane potentials. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aspects Opinion Mining Based on Word Embedding and Dependency Parsing

Aspects opinion mining is one of the most important issues in the field of Natural Language Processing. This paper proposes an algorithm of aspects opinion mining by combining word embedding and dependency parsing. Firstly, training word embedding and constructing sentiment and aspect lexicon by word embedding. Secondly, using dependency parser to discover the phrases that have dependencies. Thirdly, filtering these phrases according to the sentiment and aspect lexicon, and obtaining language patterns of aspects. Lastly, using these language patterns of aspects to discover all emotion words of every aspect, and computing the sentimental orientation of every aspect. The experimental results on a reviews corpus of a video software show that the precision, recall and F-score of our algorithm achieves to 73.17%, 76.60%, and 74.85% respectively.
Integer Echo State Networks: Hyperdimensional Reservoir Computing

We propose an approximation of Echo State Networks (ESN) that can be efficiently implemented on digital hardware based on the mathematics of hyperdimensional computing. The reservoir of the proposed Integer Echo State Network (intESN) is a vector containing only n-bits integers (where n<8 is normally sufficient for a satisfactory performance). The recurrent matrix multiplication is replaced with an efficient cyclic shift operation. The intESN architecture is verified with typical tasks in reservoir computing: memorizing of a sequence of inputs; classifying time-series; learning dynamic processes. Such an architecture results in dramatic improvements in memory footprint and computational efficiency, with minimal performance loss.
Optimal Frequency, Displacement, Duration, and Recovery Patterns to Maximize Power Output Following Acute Whole-Body Vibration

Adams, JB, Edwards, D, Serviette, D, Bedient, AM, Huntsman, E, Jacobs, KA, Del Rossi, G, Roos, BA, and Signorile, JF. Optimal frequency, displacement, duration, and recovery patterns to maximize power output following acute whole-body vibration. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 237-245, 2009-Power is an important component of general health, fitness, and athletic performance. Traditional overload techniques require considerable time, intensity, and volume of training. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a potentially less time-consuming method for increasing power performance than traditional training. However, the exact protocols that can maximize power output have not yet been identified. Eleven healthy men, aged 32.3 ± 4.1 years, and 9 healthy women, aged 29.1 ± 3.5 years, performed countermovement jumps (CMJs) of maximal volition to assess peak power pre and post (immediately and at 1, 5, and 10 minutes) randomized WBV stimuli set at different frequency (30, 35, 40, and 50 Hz), displacement (2-4 vs. 4-6 mm), and duration (30, 45, and 60 seconds) combinations. Repeated-measures analysis of variance on peak power normalized to initial power (nPP) revealed no significant effects attributable to duration of stimulus. However, high frequencies were more effective when combined with high displacements, and low frequencies were more effective in conjunction with low displacements (p < 0.05). Additionally, the greatest improvements in nPP occurred at 1 minute posttreatment, with significant improvements lasting through 5 minutes posttreatment (p < 0.05). Optimal acute effects can be attained using as little as 30 seconds of WBV, and they are highest from 1 to 5 minutes posttreatment. Additionally, high frequencies were most effective when applied in conjunction with high displacements, whereas low frequencies were most effective when applied in conjunction with low displacements.
tGolgin-1 (p230, golgin-245) modulates Shiga-toxin transport to the Golgi and Golgi motility towards the microtubule-organizing centre

tGolgin-1 (trans-Golgi p230, golgin-245) is a member of a family of large peripheral membrane proteins that associate with the trans-Golgi network (TGN) via a C-terminal GRIP domain. Some GRIP-domain proteins have been implicated in endosome-to-TGN transport but no function for tGolgin-1 has been described. Here, we show that tGolgin-1 production is required for efficient retrograde distribution of Shiga toxin from endosomes to the Golgi. Surprisingly, we also found an indirect requirement for tGolgin-1 in Golgi positioning. In HeLa cells depleted of tGolgin-1, the normally centralized Golgi and TGN membranes were displaced to the periphery, forming `mini stacks'. These stacks resembled those in cells with disrupted microtubules or dynein-dynactin motor, in that they localized to endoplasmic-reticulum exit sites, maintained their secretory capacity and cis-trans polarity, and were relatively immobile by video microscopy. The mini stacks formed concomitant with a failure of pre-Golgi elements to migrate along microtubules towards the microtubule-organizing centre. The requirement for tGolgin-1 in Golgi positioning did not appear to reflect direct binding of tGolgin-1 to motile pre-Golgi membranes, because distinct Golgi and tGolgin-1-containing TGN elements that formed after recovery of HeLa cells from brefeldin-A treatment moved independently toward the microtubule-organizing centre. These data demonstrate that tGolgin-1 functions in Golgi positioning indirectly, probably by regulating retrograde movement of cargo required for recruitment or activation of dynein-dynactin complexes on newly formed Golgi elements.
A prospective longitudinal study to assess psychological changes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery

Objective: To determine whether the psychological characteristics of athletes who have undergone an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction change during rehabilitation are related to returning to competitive sport. Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Method: 87 athletes completed the Emotional Response of Athletes to Injury Questionnaire (ERAIQ) and the ACL Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) at 3, 6 and 12 months following ACL reconstruction surgery. Physical outcome measures were also taken at each time point. Results: At 12 months 44 (51%) participants had returned to competitive sport and 43 (49%) participants had not returned. There were no differences in physical recovery or scores on the ERAIQ between the two groups. Participants who had returned to competitive sport at 12 months, however, scored significantly higher on the ACL-RSI scale (reflecting a more positive psychological response about sport participation) at both 6 and 12 months than participants who had not returned to competitive sport. Conclusions: During rehabilitation there are significant psychological differences regarding sport resumption between athletes who do, and do not, resume competitive sport 12 months following ACL reconstruction. These differences occur as early as 6 months postoperatively and highlight the importance of addressing all aspects of an athlete’s recovery in order to help facilitate the athlete returning to sport.
Radiative Transfer in a Plane Stratified Dielectric

A model is developed for calculating radiative transfer in a stratified dielectric. This model is used to show that the reflectivity of a stratified dielectric is primarily determined by gradients in the real part of the refractive index over distances on the order of 1/10 wavelength in the medium. The effective temperature of the medium is determined by the thermodynamic temperature profile over distances of the order ¿T where Im (n) dx = ¿/4¿
A new coil design for enhancement in misalignment tolerance of Wireless Charging System

In this paper a new coil design has been proposed, called as Quad D Quadrature (QDQ), in order to keep the maximum flux linkage between wireless charging system (WCS) coils even with reasonable misalignment. The proposed coils use their inherent five flux linkage loops at zero misalignment and three loops when encountered 50% misalignment between coils. The careful selection of optimized parameters and coil dimensions in WCS system can help in achieving high efficiency and larger misalignment toleration. The simulation and experimental results exhibit a promising efficiency. Misalignment toleration during the operation has been analysed for lateral direction. The conclusions have been made on the basis of simulation and experimental studies of WCS system.
Minor histocompatibility antigens, defined by graft‐vs.‐host disease‐derived cytotoxic T lymphocytes, show variable expression on human skin cells

Little is known on the effector mechanisms inducing the cutaneous lesions observed during acute graft‐vs.‐host disease (aGvHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Histological findings have indicated that infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes probably play a role. We addressed the question of whether host minor histocompatibility (mH) antigen‐reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) could account for this phenomenon via direct lysis of the epidermal cell layer. Six CTL clones, obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients suffering from aGvHD, each recognizing a well‐characterized MHC class I‐restricted mH antigen epitope, were tested on cultured keratinocytes of nine MHC and mH antigen‐typed donors. Four of six mH antigen‐specific CTL clones lysed unstimulated MHC class I‐expressing, as well as recombinant interferon‐γ (rlFN‐γ)‐activated, ICAM‐1, MHC class I‐ and II‐expressing keratinocytes. Two strongly cytolytic CTL clones showed no recognition of keratinocytes of donors whose phytohemagglutinin‐activated T cell lines were readily lysed. With respect to aGvHD, the results imply that some class I‐restricted CTL obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes of aGvHD patients have the in vitro potential to destroy resting as well as IFN‐γ‐activated epidermal cells, whereas others do not. In other words, CTL‐defined human mH antigens vary with respect to their expression in the skin. It is intriguing that those minor H antigens which cannot be detected on human keratinocytes in vitro are those known to be associated with the occurrence of GvHD.
[Effect of pomegranate peel extracts on oxidative stress in restrained mice].

OBJECTIVE To observe the protective effects of pomegranate peel extracts on oxidative stress in restrained mice. METHODS The liver injury model was established under 18 h restraint stress in mice. The protective effects were evaluated by assessing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) GSH and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma and antioxidant capacities of liver were measured by using oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. RESULTS Activities of ALT and levels of MDA were observed to decrease on pomegranate peel extracts treated mice as compared with restraint stress control group and antioxidant capacity in liver homogenization and the levels of GSH in plasma significantly increased as compared with restraint stress. CONCLUSION The results indicate that pomegranate peel extracts exert protective effects on oxidative stress in mice loaded with restraint stress, which may be related to its free radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effect.
An Asp8Asn substitution results in the adenosine deaminase (ADA) genetic polymorphism (ADA 2 allozyme): occurrence on different chromosomal backgrounds and apparent intragenic crossover

We have now determined the molecular genetic basis for the common biochemical polymorphism at the adenosine deaminase (ADA) locus. The ADA*2 allele contains a G to A transition at nt22 (relative to the ATG) that results in substitution of asparagine for aspartic acid at codon 8 (Asp8Asn). Introduction of the nucleotide substitution into an ADA 1 cDNA and transfection into monkey kidney (Cos) cells confirmed that the mutation resulted in expression of an enzyme that comigrated with the naturally occurring ADA 2 allozyme. The substitution of neutral asparagine for anionic aspartic acid is consistent with the more cathodal electrophoretic migration of ADA 2 as compared with ADA 1. The nucleotide substitution was found on at least two different genetic backgrounds, suggesting independent recurrence of the mutation. Consistent with independent recurrence, the G to A transition is at a CpG dinucleotide and represents a type of mutation that occurs with high frequency. We have also unexpectedly identified a probable intragenic crossover in the very large first intron that is rich in repetitive DNA sequences.
Agricultural Communications: A National Portrait of Undergraduate Courses

Considerable research has been conducted regarding competencies needed by agricultural communication program graduates during the past four decades. However, no studies have considered actual program offerings. This study used a qualitative approach to analyze courses offered in agricultural communication programs in the United States. Using content analysis methods, researchers analyzed published course descriptions and discovered 21 categories among 172 courses. Most popular were writing courses, followed by courses introducing students to the major, internship courses, and writing for publication and graphic design courses. Categories with the fewest offerings included research, study abroad, and international focused courses. Findings from this analysis are consistent with previous literature noting the variety existing in agricultural communication programs at the national level. With the current growth of agricultural communication as an academic discipline and the fundamental role agricultural communicators play in sharing information about key societal issues at a time when agriculture has never been under greater pressure, this study is a f irst step in creating a national portrait of curricular offerings in agricultural communication programs.
Modeling the evolution of monetary policy rules in CESEE

In this paper we use a novel econometric approach to estimate time-varying monetary policy rules for four inflation-targeting economies in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE). Our results indicate that monetary policy in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania is strongly anchored to inflation stabilization, which implies that these economies follow a comparatively strict version of inflation targeting. By contrast, there is less evidence for output stabilization playing an important role in the conduct of monetary policy. Other factors that are of relevance in the monetary policy reaction function include the short-term interest rate in the euro area and – depending on the country under consideration – a measure of exchange rate movements. We find that the coefficients on domestic inflation expectations and euro area interest rates have declined since the mid-2000s, but that they still play an important role in central banks’ reaction functions. This decline in the size of estimated coefficients may mirror an international environment characterized by loose and unconventional monetary policies that cannot be appropriately captured by euro area interest rates. It may also reflect contained global and domestic price growth.
Community-Based Vocational Rehabilitation: Effectiveness and Cost Impact of a Proposed Program Model

Objective: To study the vocational, service use and relative cost impact for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder of an innovative community-based vocational rehabilitation program. Method: Participants were consecutive enrollees in a community-based vocational rehabilitation program who had remained in the program for at least 1 year. Lifetime vocational history and mental health service utilization for 2 years prior and up to 4 years subsequent to program enrolment were studied. Retrospective data were collected using a questionnaire completed by the patient and available family and case workers, patient interview and chart review. Results: Months in paid work increased after enrolment, while earned income did not (most work was low wage and/or part-time). Annual inpatient days decreased precipitously, a change which could not be explained by hospitalization trends during the same period. Average relative cost units, based on charges for mental health services used, dropped over 70% following enrolment. Conclusions: Community-based vocational rehabilitation may be cost-effective in this population, largely as a result of its impact on hospitalizations and utilization of the most costly services. Such programs represent an important alternative to supported employment that may be particularly suited to cognitively or functionally impaired patients unwilling or unable to work in a competitive environment.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa and North America: a meta-analysis.

CONTEXT Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is a powerful predictor of survival for individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS. Concerns about incomplete adherence among patients living in poverty have been an important consideration in expanding the access to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE To evaluate estimates of antiretroviral therapy adherence in sub-Saharan Africa and North America. DATA SOURCES Eleven electronic databases were searched along with major conference abstract databases (inclusion dates: inception of database up until April 18, 2006) for all English-language articles and abstracts; and researchers and treatment advocacy groups were contacted. Study Selection and Data Abstraction To best reflect the general population, studies of mixed populations in both North America and Africa were selected. Studies evaluating specific populations such as men only, homeless individuals, or drug users, were excluded. The data were abstracted in duplicate on study adherence outcomes, thresholds used to determine adherence, and characteristics of the populations. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed in which heterogeneity was examined using multivariable random-effects logistic regression. A sensitivity analysis was performed using Bayesian methods. DATA SYNTHESIS Thirty-one studies from North America (28 full-text articles and 3 abstracts) and 27 studies (9 full-text articles and 18 abstracts) from sub-Saharan Africa were included. African studies represented 12 sub-Saharan countries. Of the North American studies, 71% used patient self-report to assess adherence; this was true of 66% of the African assessments. Studies reported similar thresholds for adherence monitoring (eg, 100%, >95%, >90%, >80%). A pooled analysis of the North American studies (17,573 patients total) indicated a pooled estimate of 55% (95% confidence interval, 49%-62%; I2, 98.6%) of the populations achieving adequate levels of adherence. Our pooled analysis of African studies (12,116 patients total) indicated a pooled estimate of 77% (95% confidence interval, 68%-85%; I2, 98.4%). Study continent, adherence thresholds, and study quality were significant predictors of heterogeneity. Bayesian analysis was used as an alternative statistical method for combining adherence rates and provided similar findings. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that favorable levels of adherence, much of which was assessed via patient self-report, can be achieved in sub-Saharan African settings and that adherence remains a concern in North America.
Comparison of the outstanding design culture of Northern Europe and Japan and the construction of the Chinese modern design aesthetics

Through the comparison of the outstanding design culture of Northern Europe and Japan and the study on the environment of natural resources and the traditional Chinese aesthetics,the thesis put forward the value and meaning of constructing native design aesthetics.It was suggested that the construction of native design aesthetics should be based on respecting our natural environment and our traditional aesthetic ideas;put the traditional and the western modern in equal position;carry on the construction from the core of aesthetics to get harmonic,Chinese,modern aesthetics.
Variable speed generating unit for stand-alone microgrids

Variable speed operation has been proposed in literature as a solution to efficiency and pollution problems for diesel generating units, as well to improve efficiency and power conversion in rotating systems for renewable energy sources. In general, different topologies of prime-movers, like internal combustion engines, wind turbines and hydro turbines, etc. can be used to move an electric generator at variable speed. In variable speed generating systems, the electric output frequency is disengaged from the mover speed through a power electronic converter. This paper deals with a newly-conceived integral-resonant single-loop output voltage control arrangement for a three-phase four-leg VSI, to be used in stand-alone microgrids, for a variable speed generating units using static conversion to provide the constant electric frequency required by the loads. The control structure is discussed and experimentally verified by means of a 25 kVA rated power converter prototype. It is shown that the proposed voltage control allows simplifying the overall control configuration, achieving zero-overhead power factor regulation and fast compensation of load unbalances. Further to that, a complete current limiting strategy is described and tested under different load conditions.