Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Damage Assessment of Structures - An Air Force Office of Scientific Research Structural Mechanics Perspective

This paper presents the perspective of the Structural Mechanics program of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research on the damage assessment of structures. It is found that damage assessment of structures plays a very important role in assuring the safety and operational readiness of Air Force fleet. The current fleet has many aging aircraft, which poses a considerable challenge for the operators and maintainers. The nondestructive evaluation technology is rather mature and able to detect damage with considerable reliability during the periodic maintenance inspections. The emerging structural health monitoring methodology has great potential, because it will use on-board damage detection sensors and systems, will be able to offer on-demand structural health bulletins. Considerable fundamental and applied research is still needed to enable the development, implementation, and dissemination of structural health monitoring technology.
La técnica paleolítica del trazo fino y estriado entre los orígenes del estilo levantino de la Península Ibérica. Evidencias para una reflexión.

El reciente hallazgo de una serie de conjuntos rupestres en abrigos al aire libre, con representaciones de animales grabados de rasgos naturalistas y esquematicos, nos obliga a reflexionar sobre la pervivencia de esta tecnica y sus implicaciones en el origen del estilo levantino. Estas figuras fueron realizadas con la tecnica paleolitica del trazo fino y estriado. En su forma, tecnica y tematica se las ha asociado con el denominado estilo finipaleolitico y levantino de la Peninsula Iberica.
The functional domain of adenylate cyclase associated with entry into meiosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Diploid yeast cells that carry a part of the CYR1 gene deficient in a region coding for the N-terminal domain of adenylate cyclase were growth arrested and accumulated unbudded cells after inoculation into complete medium or nitrogen-free medium, but produced many cells which had one or more buds after incubation in sporulation medium. The cells incubated in sporulation medium had abnormal spindles which were free from the spindle pole bodies, larger in size, or frequently distributed in cytoplasm. The levels of cyclic AMP in these cells did not decrease to the wild-type level after transfer to the sporulation medium and remained at a constant level. The results suggest that the N-terminal domain of adenylate cyclase is associated with the regulatory function for sporulation. The environmental signals for sporulation may be transferred to the adenylate cyclase system through a factor that negatively interacts with the N-terminal domain of this enzyme.
Sensory Innervation to the Anterior Portion of Lumbar Intervertebral Disc

Study Design The level of dorsal root ganglia that receives sensory afferent nerves from the anterior portion of the lower lumbar intervertebral disc was investigated in rats using a retrograde transport method. Objectives Sometimes patients with lower lumbar disc lesions complain of inguinal pain that does not correspond to the dermatome of the injured nerve roots. To investigate the origin of the pain, the authors studied the sensory innervation to the anterior portion of the lumbar intervertebral disc. Summary of Background Data The innervation to the posterior portion of the lumbar disc has been extensively investigated and has been reported to be segmental. However, little is known about the nerve supply to the anterior portion of the lumbar disc. Methods The retrograde transport method was used in rats. As tracers, horseradish peroxidase and choleratoxin B subunit were used. Horseradish peroxidase crystals were placed on the anterior portion of the L5‐L6 disc, and choleratoxin B subunit was injected into the L5‐L6 disc. The bilateral dorsal root ganglia were histologically examined. Results Labeling of L1 and L2 dorsal root ganglia neurons was recognized. No neurons were labeled in dorsal root ganglia of other levels, including the segmentally corresponding L5. Conclusions Using the retrograde transport method, the authors demonstrated that the anterior portion of the L5‐L6 lumbar intervertebral disc was innervated from L1 or L2 spinal nerves in rats. These results appear to explain the reason why patients with lower lumbar disc lesions sometimes complain of inguinal pain corresponding to the L1‐L2 dermatome.
Descending pathways to the spinal cord: II. Quantitative study of the tectospinal tract in 23 mammals

To study the early evolution of the mammalian motor systems, we have collected quantitative data on the nuclear origins of tracts descending into the spinal cord in 99 individuals representing 23 species of mammals and one species of reptile. In each individual, the spinal cord was hemisected at the C1‐C2 junction and raw HRP immediately applied to the cut fibers. After a 3‐day survival period, brain and spinal cord sections were treated with conventional tetramethylbenzidine procedures.
Cloning and Characterization of Deoxymugineic Acid Synthase Genes from Graminaceous Plants*

Graminaceous plants have evolved a unique mechanism to acquire iron through the secretion of a family of small molecules, called mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs). All MAs are synthesized from l-Met, sharing the same pathway from l-Met to 2′-deoxymugineic acid (DMA). DMA is synthesized through the reduction of a 3″-keto intermediate by deoxymugineic acid synthase (DMAS). We have isolated DMAS genes from rice (OsDMAS1), barley (HvDMAS1), wheat (TaD-MAS1), and maize (ZmDMAS1). Their nucleotide sequences indicate that OsDMAS1 encodes a predicted polypeptide of 318 amino acids, whereas the other three orthologs all encode predicted polypeptides of 314 amino acids and are highly homologous (82–97.5%) to each other. The DMAS proteins belong to the aldo-keto reductase superfamily 4 (AKR4) but do not fall within the existing subfamilies of AKR4 and appear to constitute a new subfamily within the AKR4 group. All of the proteins showed DMA synthesis activity in vitro. Their enzymatic activities were highest at pH 8–9, consistent with the hypothesis that DMA is synthesized in subcellular vesicles. Northern blot analysis revealed that the expression of each of the above DMAS genes is up-regulated under iron-deficient conditions in root tissue, and that of the genes OsDMAS1 and TaDMAS1 is up-regulated in shoot tissue. OsDMAS1 promoter-GUS analysis in iron-sufficient roots showed that its expression is restricted to cells participating in long distance transport and that it is highly up-regulated in the entire root under iron-deficient conditions. In shoot tissue, OsDMAS1 promoter drove expression in vascular bundles specifically under iron-deficient conditions.
Concatenation versus coalescence versus “concatalescence”

By using coalescence analyses of published genomic data (447 genes, 36 mammals), Song et al. (1) concluded that a recent mammalian phylogeny published in Science (2) is inadequate because of “insufficient” data (26 genes, 35,603 bp, 164 mammals), and that “incongruence introduced by concatenation methods is a major cause of long-standing uncertainty in the phylogeny of eutherian mammals. ” We instead argue that Song et al.’s approach is flawed.
Human aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in diseases of the nervous system

ABSTRACT Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AaRSs) are ubiquitously expressed enzymes that ensure accurate translation of the genetic information into functional proteins. These enzymes also execute a variety of non-canonical functions that are significant for regulation of diverse cellular processes and that reside outside the realm of protein synthesis. Associations between faults in AaRS-mediated processes and human diseases have been long recognized. Most recent research findings strongly argue that 10 cytosolic and 14 mitochondrial AaRSs are implicated in some form of pathology of the human nervous system. The advent of modern whole-exome sequencing makes it all but certain that similar associations between the remaining 15 ARS genes and neurologic illnesses will be defined in future. It is not surprising that an intense scientific debate about the role of translational machinery, in general, and AaRSs, in particular, in the development and maintenance of the healthy human neural cell types and the brain is sparked. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge about causative links between mutations in human AaRSs and diseases of the nervous system and briefly discuss future directions.
The Influence of Social and Sexual Networks in the Spread of HIV and Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Shanghai, China

Objectives:To analyze characteristics of social and sexual networks and their role as risk factors for HIV and syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shanghai, China. Design:A cross-sectional study. Methods:We recruited 477 participants using a snowball sampling method. We administered a face-to-face questionnaire and provided testing and counseling for HIV and syphilis. Results:The prevalences of HIV and markers for syphilis were 1.47% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 to 3.01) and 13.47% (95% CI: 10.53 to 16.88), respectively. The independent factors associated with lower risk for syphilis infection were having a contact network, overlap of social and sexual networks, meeting other MSM at the gym or through the Internet, having 3 to 5 lifetime male anal sex partners, and having a female steady sex partner. A larger male sexual network size, having been married, being more knowledgeable about HIV, having 6 or more lifetime male anal sex partners, and having steady male or female sex partners were independently associated with having unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse. Conclusions:Significant associations were found between network characteristics and syphilis infection and unprotected sex. Network-based interventions should be developed to reduce this HIV risk among MSM in China.
Successful use of fenfluramine as an add‐on treatment for Dravet syndrome

Purpose: Despite the development of new antiepileptic drugs, Dravet syndrome frequently remains therapy resistant and is a catastrophic epilepsy syndrome. Fenfluramine is an amphetamine‐like drug that has been used in the past as a part of antiobesity treatments. Because of the possible cardiac adverse effects (valve thickening, pulmonary hypertension) associated with use of fenfluramine, it was withdrawn from the market in 2001. In Belgium, a Royal Decree permitted examination of the potential anticonvulsive effects of fenfluramine in a clinical trial consisting of a small group of patients diagnosed with Dravet syndrome.
Mechanism of Action and Structural Requirements of Constrained Peptide Inhibitors of RGS Proteins

Regulators of G‐protein signaling (RGS) accelerate guanine triphosphate hydrolysis by Gα‐subunits and profoundly inhibit signaling by G protein‐coupled receptors. The distinct expression patterns and pathophysiologic regulation of RGS proteins suggest that inhibitors may have therapeutic potential. We previously reported the design of a constrained peptide inhibitor of RGS4 (1: Ac‐Val‐Lys‐[Cys‐Thr‐Gly‐Ile‐Cys]‐Glu‐NH2, S‐S) based on the structure of the Gαi switch 1 region but its mechanism of action was not established. In the present study, we show that 1 inhibits RGS4 by mimicking and competing for binding with the switch 1 region of Gαi and that peptide 1 shows selectivity for RGS4 and RGS8 versus RGS7. Structure–activity relationships of analogs related to 1 are described that illustrate key features for RGS inhibition. Finally, we demonstrate activity of the methylene dithioether‐bridged peptide inhibitor, 2, to modulate muscarinic receptor‐regulated potassium currents in atrial myocytes. These data support the proposed mechanism of action of peptide RGS inhibitors, demonstrate their action in native cells, and provide a starting point for the design of RGS inhibitor drugs.
A 60 GHz beam-steering reconfigurable antenna

We present the design, microfabrication, and characterization of a multifunctional reconfigurable antenna (MRA) with beam steering capability operating at 60 GHz band (59-66 GHz). The MRA provides 3 different beam directions pertaining to: θ ϵ {-30<sup>°</sup>,0<sup>°</sup>,30<sup>°</sup>}; φ = 90<sup>°</sup> based on reconfigurable parasitic layer approach. The structure consists of three layers namely, feed, driven antenna and reconfigurable parasitic layers. The first two layers use RF and microfabrication process compatible quartz (ε<sub>r</sub> = 3.9, tanδ = 0.0002) substrate while parasitic layer is formed on a low-cost pyrex (ε<sub>r</sub> = 4.9, tanδ = 0.01) material with air cavities formed underneath. The upper surface of pyrex has 3×3 rectangular shaped metallic pixels, four of which are interconnected by means of switching. By judiciously controlling the switch status the beam-steering is accomplished. The simulated impedance and gain characteristics show ~ 15% bandwidth over which the maximum realized gain remains relatively flat around ~ 7.2 dB for all modes of operation.
Proteomic Analysis of the Soybean Symbiosome Identifies New Symbiotic Proteins*

Legumes form a symbiosis with rhizobia in which the plant provides an energy source to the rhizobia bacteria that it uses to fix atmospheric nitrogen. This nitrogen is provided to the legume plant, allowing it to grow without the addition of nitrogen fertilizer. As part of the symbiosis, the bacteria in the infected cells of a new root organ, the nodule, are surrounded by a plant-derived membrane, the symbiosome membrane, which becomes the interface between the symbionts. Fractions containing the symbiosome membrane (SM) and material from the lumen of the symbiosome (peribacteroid space or PBS) were isolated from soybean root nodules and analyzed using nongel proteomic techniques. Bicarbonate stripping and chloroform-methanol extraction of isolated SM were used to reduce complexity of the samples and enrich for hydrophobic integral membrane proteins. One hundred and ninety-seven proteins were identified as components of the SM, with an additional fifteen proteins identified from peripheral membrane and PBS protein fractions. Proteins involved in a range of cellular processes such as metabolism, protein folding and degradation, membrane trafficking, and solute transport were identified. These included a number of proteins previously localized to the SM, such as aquaglyceroporin nodulin 26, sulfate transporters, remorin, and Rab7 homologs. Among the proteome were a number of putative transporters for compounds such as sulfate, calcium, hydrogen ions, peptide/dicarboxylate, and nitrate, as well as transporters for which the substrate is not easy to predict. Analysis of the promoter activity for six genes encoding putative SM proteins showed nodule specific expression, with five showing expression only in infected cells. Localization of two proteins was confirmed using GFP-fusion experiments. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001132. This proteome will provide a rich resource for the study of the legume-rhizobium symbiosis.
T cells as pioneers: antigen‐specific T cells condition inflamed sites for high‐rate antigen‐non‐specific effector cell recruitment

Cellular infiltration is a classic hallmark of inflammation. Whereas the role of T cells in many types of inflammation is well established, the specific impact of antigen recognition on their migration into the site and on the accumulation of other effector cells are still matters of debate. Using a model of an inflammatory effector phase driven by T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic T cells, we found (i) that antigen‐specific T cells play a crucial role as ‘pioneer cells’ that condition the tissue for enhanced recruitment of further T effector cells and other leucocytes, and (ii) that the infiltration of T cells is not dependent on antigen specificity. We demonstrate that a small number of antigen‐specific T cells suffice to initiate a cascade of cellular immigration into the antigen‐loaded site. Although antigen drives this process, accumulation of T cells in the first few days of inflammation was not dependent on T‐cell reactivity to the antigen. Both transgenic and wild‐type T effector cells showed enhanced immigration into the site of antigen challenge after the initial arrival and activation of antigen‐specific pioneer cells. This suggests that bystander accumulation of non‐specific effector/memory T cells is a general feature in inflammation. Furthermore, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ were identified as mediators that contribute to conditioning of the inflammatory site for high‐rate accumulation of T effector cells in this T‐cell‐driven model.
TUGES, satellite power and energy simulation tool

Energy balance between electrical power demand and supply should be always under control for a safe mission. It varies with many factors. Simulation is an important study to consider these factors and to perform a reliable analysis of power subsystem. TUGES (TUSAŗ Uydu Güç ve Enerji Simülatörü) is a tool which. TUGES (TUSAŗ Uydu Güç ve Enerji Simülatörü) is a tool which is developed by TAI, based on MATLAB/Simulink software. It has been developed to have a flexible and powerful tool to perform energy balance simulations for satellites.
The natural history of CADASIL: a pooled analysis of previously published cases.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although numerous families with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) have been reported, our understanding of the disease remains incomplete. Thus, we performed this study to investigate the phenotypic range and natural history of CADASIL. METHODS We performed a pooled analysis of previously published cases. RESULTS We identified 105 symptomatic patients in 33 families. Vascular risk factors were uncommon, with hypertension reported in only 8 patients. The mean age of symptom onset was 36. 7+/-12.9 years. Stroke or transient ischemic attack was an initial symptom in 45 patients, with a mean age of onset of 41.2+/-9.2 years. Migraine was also a common initial symptom, reported by 42 patients at a younger mean age of 28.3+/-11.7 years. Other initial symptoms included depression in 9 patients, cognitive impairment in 6 patients, and seizures in 3 patients. Regarding clinical course, 71 patients experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack, and 52 of those patients had 1 or more recurrent ischemic events. Dementia was reported in 44 patients. Only 3 additional patients experienced migraine at a later time, while 13 additional patients developed depression. Six patients had seizures. Twenty-two of the 105 patients had died, with a mean age of death of 54.8+/-10.6 years. Nineteen of those 22 patients had experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack and 19 patients were demented. CONCLUSIONS CADASIL typically becomes evident in early or middle adulthood with migraine or an ischemic event, later manifests itself through recurrent subcortical ischemic strokes leading to a stepwise decline and dementia, and results in reduced survival.
A Genomic View of Lactobacilli and Pediococci Demonstrates that Phylogeny Matches Ecology and Physiology

ABSTRACT Lactobacilli are used widely in food, feed, and health applications. The taxonomy of the genus Lactobacillus, however, is confounded by the apparent lack of physiological markers for phylogenetic groups of lactobacilli and the unclear relationships between the diverse phylogenetic groups. This study used the core and pan-genomes of 174 type strains of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus to establish phylogenetic relationships and to identify metabolic properties differentiating phylogenetic groups. The core genome phylogenetic tree separated homofermentative lactobacilli and pediococci from heterofermentative lactobacilli. Aldolase and phosphofructokinase were generally present in homofermentative but not in heterofermentative lactobacilli; a two-domain alcohol dehydrogenase and mannitol dehydrogenase were present in most heterofermentative lactobacilli but absent in most homofermentative organisms. Other genes were predominantly present in homofermentative lactobacilli (pyruvate formate lyase) or heterofermentative lactobacilli (lactaldehyde dehydrogenase and glycerol dehydratase). Cluster analysis of the phylogenomic tree and the average nucleotide identity grouped the genus Lactobacillus sensu lato into 24 phylogenetic groups, including pediococci, with stable intra- and intergroup relationships. Individual groups may be differentiated by characteristic metabolic properties. The link between phylogeny and physiology that is proposed in this study facilitates future studies on the ecology, physiology, and industrial applications of lactobacilli.
A Scheme for Adaptively Countering Application Layer Security Attacks in Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, adversaries can easily launch application layer attacks, such as false data injection attacks and false vote insertion attacks. False data injection attacks may drain energy resources and waste real world response efforts. False vote insertion attacks would prevent reporting of important information on the field. In order to minimize the damage from such attacks, several prevention based solutions have been proposed by researchers, but may be inefficient in normal condition due to their overhead. Thus, they should be activated upon detection of such attacks. Existing detection based solutions, however, does not address application layer attacks. This paper presents a scheme to adaptively counter false data injection attacks and false vote insertion attacks in sensor networks. The proposed scheme consists of two sub-units: one used to detect the security attacks and the other used to select efficient countermeasures against the attacks. Countermeasures are activated upon detection of the security attacks, with the consideration of the current network status and the attacks. Such adaptive countering approach can conserve energy resources especially in normal condition and provide reliability against false vote insertion attacks.
Thermal comfort performance of sports garments with objective and subjective measurements

Subjective wear trials have been carried out to determine thermal comfort performance of knitted sports garments whose objective thermal comfort parameters are determined in a preceding study in fabric form. Physiological measurements (skin and microclimate temperature, microclimate relative humidity, heart rate and sweat amount) and psychological rating results (coolness, dampness and comfort) are recorded during subjective wear trials conducted with five types of sports garments, investigated objectively before. Relationships between objective comfort parameters and physiological-psychological measurement results have been studied to put forward a realistic comfort evaluation method. According to the results, microclimate temperature measured from chest is significantly correlated with the coolness and dampness ratings. Polyester fabrics having interlock jacquard and double face weaves show better thermal comfort performance according to their objective and subjective measurements as a result of their more open structures and higher water vapor transfer capabilities.