Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization for a class of two-team zero-sum Markov games

This paper presents a novel concept of "localization" for a class of infinite horizon two-team zero-sum Markov games (MGs) with a minimizer team of multiple decision makers that competes against nature (a maximizer team) which controls the disturbances that are unknown to the minimizer team. The minimizer team is associated with a general joint cost structure but has a special decomposable state/action structure such that each pair of a minimizing agent's action and a random disturbance to the agent affects the system's state transitions independently from all of the other pairs. By localization, the original MG is decomposed into "local" MGs defined only on local state and action spaces. We discuss how to use localization to develop an efficient distributed heuristic scheme to find an "autonomous" joint policy such that each agent's action is based on only its local state.
SmgGDS-558 regulates the cell cycle in pancreatic, non-small cell lung, and breast cancers

Oncogenic mutation or misregulation of small GTPases in the Ras and Rho families can promote unregulated cell cycle progression in cancer. Post-translational modification by prenylation of these GTPases allows them to signal at the cell membrane. Splice variants of SmgGDS, named SmgGDS-607 and SmgGDS-558, promote the prenylation and membrane trafficking of multiple Ras and Rho family members, which makes SmgGDS a potentially important regulator of the cell cycle. Surprisingly little is known about how SmgGDS-607 and SmgGDS-558 affect cell cycle-regulatory proteins in cancer, even though SmgGDS is overexpressed in multiple types of cancer. To examine the roles of SmgGDS splice variants in the cell cycle, we compared the effects of the RNAi-mediated depletion of SmgGDS-558 vs. SmgGDS-607 on cell cycle progression and the expression of cyclin D1, p27, and p21 in pancreatic, lung, and breast cancer cell lines. We show for the first time that SmgGDS promotes proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells, and we demonstrate that SmgGDS-558 plays a greater role than SmgGDS-607 in cell cycle progression as well as promoting cyclin D1 and suppressing p27 expression in multiple types of cancer. Silencing both splice variants of SmgGDS in the cancer cell lines produces an alternative signaling profile compared with silencing SmgGDS-558 alone. We also show that loss of both SmgGDS-607 and SmgGDS-558 simultaneously decreases tumorigenesis of NCI-H1703 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) xenografts in mice. These findings indicate that SmgGDS promotes cell cycle progression in multiple types of cancer, making SmgGDS a valuable target for cancer therapeutics.
Short Communication: A Protective Effect of Adrenalin on the Acidotic Teleost Heart

In the teleost heart, catecholamines improve the tension development in isolated muscle strips and increase stroke volume (SVH) in perfused hearts working at subphysiological levels (see Laurent, Holmgren & Nilsson, 1983 and Farrell, 1984 for recent reviews). Adrenalin (AD) can also restore or improve tension development during acidosis and anoxia (Gesser, Andresen, Brams & Sund-Laursen, 1982). However, physiological concentrations of AD do not increase SVH in any marked or consistent fashion in either intact fish or perfused hearts working at physiological levels (see Farrell, 1984), and only restore control levels of cardiac output (Vb) in perfused hearts exposed to pH 7-4 at constant preload (Farrell, MacLeod, Driedzic & Wood, 1983). These observations pose the question: what is the role of catecholamine-mediated inotropic stimulation in fish? SVH is determined by the preload (Starling response) and by the inotropic state of the myocardium. Myocardial inotropy and the Starling response are severely curtailed by acidosis (Gesser et al. 1982; Farrell, Hart, Wood & Driedzic, 1984). It is possible, therefore, that an important action of circulating catecholamines is to protect the inotropic state of the myocardium under adverse conditions, such that changes in Vb are still possible through increases in preload. The present investigation examines the response of the perfused heart to preload during physiological levels of extracellular acidosis (pH 7-4) with and without a physiological level of AD (0-1 /zmoll") in the perfusate. Sea ravens, Hemitripterus americanus (N= 14) were caught by otter trawl in Passamaquody Bay off St Andrews, NB and transported to Mt Allison University where they were held at 10 ± 1 °C. The animals were not fed during the 1-4 weeks in captivity. The details of the in situ heart preparation have been presented previously (Farrell, McLeod & Driedzic, 1982; Farrell et al. 1983). Stainless steel tubes were inserted into the hepatic vein and ventral aorta to act as inflow and outflow cannulae, respectively. All other veins entering the sinus venosus were ligated and the nerves to the heart were cut. The fish was fully immersed in a constant temperature Cortland saline bath (10°C) and control perfusate was delivered at a constant preload
Endovascular gamma irradiation of femoropopliteal de novo stenoses immediately after PTA: interim results of prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE To report an interim analysis of whether centered endovascular irradiation with the iridium 192 ((192)Ir) source immediately after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of de novo femoropopliteal stenoses lowers the restenosis rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty patients undergoing PTA to treat femoropopliteal stenoses were randomized for prophylaxis against restenosis with centered endovascular irradiation with a (192)Ir source (a dose of 14 Gy 2 mm deep to the vessel wall, irradiation group) or no irradiation (control group). Angiographic follow-up was available for 22 patients at 6 months (irradiation group, n = 10) and 12 patients at 12 months (irradiation group, n = 6). Duplex sonography, treadmill testing, and interviews were performed the day before and the day after PTA and after 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results of angiography, duplex sonography, treadmill testing, and interviews were evaluated with a t test and multivariate analysis of variance (clinical characteristics, chi(2) test). RESULTS Baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups. Interim analysis of the 6-month follow-up data revealed a trend toward a significantly lower restenosis rate in the irradiation group. The change in the degree of stenosis compared with that after PTA was -14.7% +/- 20.8 (mean +/- SD) in the irradiation group versus 37.7% +/- 27.3 in the control group (P =.001) and became even more marked at 12 months (-9.5% +/- 34.5 vs 45.5% +/- 40.7 [P =.03], respectively). The follow-up results of treadmill testing and interviews showed a nonsignificant benefit for the irradiation group. One thromboembolic complication occurred during irradiation. No side effects were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION Endovascular irradiation with a centered (192)Ir source immediately after PTA of de novo femoropopliteal stenoses reduces the restenosis rate.
Progression of Myopic Maculopathy after Treatment of Choroidal Neovascularization

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term progression of myopic maculopathy and functional outcome after treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and/or intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR). Methods: Retrospective study with a cross-sectional evaluation. Eyes were assigned to 4 groups (PDT, IVR, PDT + IVR, dry myopic maculopathy) and evaluated with best-corrected visual acuity, color fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Chorioretinal atrophy progression was quantified. Results: Fifty-four eyes were included with a mean follow-up of 80.6 ± 28.0 months. The prevalence of diffuse, patchy and macular atrophy increased during the follow-up, in contrast with tessellated fundus, lacquer cracks and active CNV. Progression of macular atrophy was significant in the 3 treatment groups (p < 0.05) and predictive of visual acuity. It depended on age, degree of myopia and presence of staphyloma, but not on the type of treatment. Conclusions: The long-term functional outcome of eyes with myopic CNV is more dependent on the progression of macular atrophy, and not on the type of treatment.
PMP22 transgenic dorsal root ganglia cultures show myelin abnormalities similar to those of human CMT1A

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth 1A (CMT1A) neuropathy is caused by duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene, leading to protein overexpression. Although this protein has a role in regulating Schwann cell growth and peripheral myelin compaction, how altered concentrations of PMP22 impair myelination is unknown. We established dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cultures from a transgenic rat overexpressing PMP22 (PMP22tg) to study the behavior of PMP22tg Schwann cells in early stages of development and myelination. We used reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and light and electron microscopy to study PMP22 expression and myelin formation. Myelin ultrastructure was evaluated in sural nerves from CMT1A patients to compare experimental and human findings. PMP22tg DRG cultures contained a greater number of internodes devoid of myelin, in the absence of remyelination, and increased periodicity of myelin lamellae compared with normal cultures. Widening of myelin lamellae was also observed in CMT1A biopsy specimens. Our results suggest that both functions of PMP22, in regulating Schwann cell differentiation and contributing to peripheral myelin compaction, are affected by its overexpression. The presence of similar myelin abnormalities in PMP22tg cultures and human nerves emphasizes the importance of developing in vitro models of hereditary neuropathies to study their underlying pathomechanisms.
Value of whole-cell antigen extracts for serologic detection of Helicobacter pylori

Whole-cell protein extracts of Helicobacter pylori strains were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect immunoglobulin G antibody against H. pylori in 113 patients with upper gastrointestinal complaints. These antigen preparations were of value for detecting infection by H. pylori in patients with high antibody titers (> or = 12,800), whereas for patients with lower titers, the results were inconclusive.
Indirect evidence of human skeletal muscle damage and collagen breakdown after eccentric muscle actions.

Indirect markers of muscle damage and collagen breakdown were recorded for up to 9 days after a bout of concentric, followed by a bout of eccentric, muscle actions. Nine untrained participants performed two bouts of 50 maximum effort repetitions on an isokinetic dynamometer (angular velocity 1.05 rad x s(-1), range of motion 1.75 rad). An initial concentric bout of muscle actions was followed by an eccentric bout 21 days later, using the same knee extensors. Concentric actions induced no changes in maximum voluntary isometric contraction force (MVC), nor induced any changes in the serum enzyme activities of creatine kinase, a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme (LDH-1), or alkaline phosphatase. Similarly, concentric actions induced no change in markers of collagen breakdown, namely plasma hydroxyproline and serum type 1 collagen concentration. In contrast, eccentric actions induced a 23.5+/-19.0% (mean+/-s) decrease in MVC immediately post-exercise (P < 0.05), and increased the serum enzyme activities of creatine kinase and LDH-1 to 486+/-792 and 90+/-11 IU.l(-1) respectively on day 3 post-exercise, and to 189+/-159 and 96+/-13 IU x l(-1) respectively on day 7 post-exercise (all P< 0.05). Eccentric actions induced no significant changes in plasma hydroxyproline, but increased collagen concentration on days 1 and 9 post-exercise (48.6% and 44.3% increases above pre-exercise on days 1 and 9 respectively; both P < 0.05). We conclude that eccentric but not concentric actions may result in temporary muscle damage, and that collagen breakdown may also be affected by eccentric actions. With caution, indices of collagen breakdown may be used to identify exercise-induced damage to connective tissue.
Requirement of Non-T Cells That Produce Gamma Interferon for Prevention of Reactivation of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in the Brain

ABSTRACT We examined the mechanism of resistance against reactivation of infection with Toxoplasma gondii in the brain. BALB/c-background gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-knockout (IFN-γ−/−) and control mice were infected and treated with sulfadiazine beginning 4 days after infection for 3 weeks. After discontinuation of treatment, IFN-γ−/− mice succumbed to toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) and died, whereas control animals did not develop TE and survived. Adoptive transfer of immune spleen cells from infected control mice did not prevent development of TE or mortality in the IFN-γ−/− mice. To examine whether the failure of the cell transfer to protect against TE is unique to IFN-γ−/− mice, athymic nude and SCID mice that lack T cells were infected and injected with the immune spleen or T cells in the same manner as IFN-γ−/− mice. Whereas control nude and SCID mice that had not received the immune cells developed severe TE and died after discontinuation of sulfadiazine, those that had received the cells did not develop TE and survived. Before cell transfer, IFN-γ mRNA was detected in brains of infected nude and SCID but not in brains of IFN-γ−/− mice. IFN-γ mRNA was also detected in brains of infected SCID mice depleted of NK cells by treatment with anti-asialo GM1 antibody, and such animals did not develop TE after receiving immune T cells. Thus, IFN-γ production by non-T cells, in addition to T cells, is required for prevention of reactivation of T. gondii infection in the brain. The IFN-γ-producing non-T cells do not appear to be NK cells.
Bacterial classifications derived from recA protein sequence comparisons

RecA protein sequences from 62 eubacterial sources were compared with one another and relative to one archaebacterial RecA-like and a number of eukaryotic RecA-like sequences. Pairwise similarity scores were determined by a novel method based on significant segment pair alignment. The sequences of different species were grouped on the basis of mutually high similarity scores within groups and consistency of score ranges in comparison to other groups. Following this protocol, the gamma-proteobacteria can be subclassified into two major groups, those of mostly vertebrate hosts and those of mostly soil habitat. The alpha-proteobacterial sequences also divide into two distinct groups, whereas classification of the beta-proteobacteria is more complex. The gram-positive bacterial sequences split into three groups of low and three groups of high G+C genome content. However, neither the combined low-G+C-content nor the combined high-G+C-content group nor the aggregate of all gram-positive bacteria form homogeneous groups. The mycoplasma sequences score best with the Bacillus subtilis sequence, consistent with their presumed origin from a gram-positive ancestor. The eukaryotic RAD proteins generally show a single high-scoring segment pair with the proteobacterial RecA sequences around the ATP-binding domain. The bacteriophage T4 UvsX protein aligns best with RecA sequences on two segments disjoint from the ATP-binding domain. The distribution of the most highly conserved regions shared between RecA and noneubacterial RecA-like sequences suggests a mosaic character and evolution of RecA. The discussion considers some questions on the validity and consistency of bacterial classifications derived from RecA sequence comparisons.
pex5 Mutants That Differentially Disrupt PTS1 and PTS2 Peroxisomal Matrix Protein Import in Arabidopsis1[W][OA]

PEX5 and PEX7 are receptors required for the import of peroxisome-bound proteins containing one of two peroxisomal targeting signals (PTS1 or PTS2). To better understand the role of PEX5 in plant peroxisomal import, we characterized the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) pex5-10 mutant, which has a T-DNA insertion in exon 5 of the PEX5 gene. Sequencing results revealed that exon 5, along with the T-DNA, is removed in this mutant, resulting in a truncated pex5 protein. The pex5-10 mutant has germination defects and is completely dependent on exogenous Suc for early seedling establishment, based on poor utilization of seed-storage fatty acids. This mutant also has delayed development and reduced fertility, although adult pex5-10 plants appear normal. Peroxisomal metabolism of indole-3-butyric acid, propionate, and isobutyrate also is disrupted. The pex5-10 mutant has reduced import of both PTS1 and PTS2 proteins, and enzymatic processes that occur in peroxisomes are disrupted. To specifically study the import and importance of PTS1 proteins, we made a truncated PEX5 construct lacking the PTS1-binding region (PEX5454). Transformation of this construct into pex5-10 resulted in the rescue of PTS2 import, thereby creating a line with PTS1-specific import defects. The pex5-10 (PEX5454) plants still had developmental defects, although restoring PTS2 import resulted in a less severe mutant phenotype. Comparison of pex5-10 and pex5-10 (PEX5454) phenotypes can separate the import mechanisms for enzymes acting in different peroxisomal processes, including indole-3-butyric acid/2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid oxidation, isobutyrate and propionate metabolism, and photorespiration.
Thermal, mechanical and dielectric properties of nanostructured epoxy-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane composites

This paper presents the results of the thermal, mechanical and dielectric measurements conducted on polymer nanocomposites consisting of epoxy and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). The material composites were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Glass transition temperatures of the composites were measured with differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Stress, strain, modulus and impact strength of epoxy nanocomposites were tested. Ac and lightning impulse (LI) breakdown strength of the composites were measured. Relative permittivity, loss factor and volume resistivity measurements were also conducted on the material samples. Two types of POSS, glycidyl and octaglycidyldimethylsilyl, were used in different quantities. Statistical analysis was applied to the measurement results to determine the effects of the additive type and amount on the properties of epoxy. The paper discusses the possibilities and restrictions in order to achieve advantages in high voltage applications using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes.
Biodiversité et aménagements fonctionnels en verger de pommiers : Implication des prédateurs généralistes vertébrés et invertébrés dans le contrôle des ravageurs.

L'interet des predateurs generalistes dans la lutte biologique par conservation est peu etudie en verger de pommiers. Cette these visait a determiner le role de predateurs generalistes invertebres (principalement carabes et araignees) et vertebres (mesanges et chauves souris) dans le controle de trois ravageurs cles du pommier et de definir les elements paysagers qui leur sont favorables. Pour cela, nous avons effectue des suivis de populations dans des vergers en agriculture biologique et nous les avons associes a des mesures de predation des ravageurs par analyse moleculaire des contenus stomacaux et faeces des predateurs a l'aide d'amorces specifiques developpees a cet effet. Nous montrons que les ravageurs sont consommes des leur apparition dans les vergers, notamment les pucerons par les araignees de la frondaison, ce qui suggere que ces predateurs ont un potentiel de regulation important. De plus une complementarite temporelle semble exister entre araignees et carabes dans le controle des tordeuses. L'influence des elements paysagers intra et extra verger differe selon les taxa de predateurs consideres. Ce dernier resultat suggere des compromis dans les amenagements a realiser pour favoriser leur action et la necessite d'une meilleure comprehension de leur ecologie.
Degradation of Transcription Factor Nrf2 via the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway and Stabilization by Cadmium*

Nrf2 mediates inducer-dependent activation of the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene (Alam, J., Stewart, D., Touchard, C., Boinapally, S., Choi, A. M., and Cook, J. L. (1999) J. Biol. Chem.274, 26071–26078), but the mechanism by which HO-1 inducers regulate Nrf2 function is not known. Treatment of mouse hepatoma (Hepa) cells with 50 μm CdCl2 increased the amount of Nrf2 protein in a time-dependent manner; induction was observed within 30 min, prior to the accumulation of HO-1 mRNA. Cadmium did not significantly affect the steady-state level of Nrf2 mRNA or the initial rate of Nrf2 protein synthesis but increased the half-life of Nrf2 from ∼13 to 100 min. Proteasome inhibitors, but not other protease inhibitors, enhanced the expression of Nrf2, and ubiquitinylated Nrf2 was detected after proteasome inhibition. Cycloheximide inhibited cadmium-stimulated Nrf2 expression and DNA binding activity and attenuated HO-1 mRNA accumulation. Conversely, proteasome inhibitors enhanced HO-1 mRNA and protein accumulation by a Nrf2-dependent mechanism. Together, these results indicate that Nrf2 is targeted for rapid degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and that cadmium delays the rate of Nrf2 degradation leading to ho-1 gene activation.
Analysis, design and implementation for control of non-inverted zeta converter using incremental conductance MPPT algorithm for SPV applications

Solar Energy is most reliable and efficient renewable source for Electrical Power Generation. The electrical power output from the solar panel can effectively be obtained from Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) Panels. Maximum Power Point Tracking is an algorithm to obtain maximum power from the solar panel effectively. The researchers employed various methods like Perturb & Observe method [1], Incremental Conductance algorithm [2-3], Hill climbing algorithms etc., for Maximum Power Point Techniques (MPPT) to achieve the higher power output from converters employed for SPV systems. But the methods such as Perturb & Observe method, Hill climbing algorithms etc., are not considered the variation of atmospheric conditions. Due to this reason, these approaches fail to provide desired accuracy under rapidly varying atmospheric conditions. Hence, to overcome these draw backs an Incremental Conductance Algorithm has been developed and in this approach considering the variations of atmospheric conditions under different varying load conditions. In this paper, the detailed analysis of incremental conductance algorithm has been included. The modelling of Incremental Conductance algorithm is implemented by using MATLAB/SIMULINK environment included in this literature. The hardware implementation of Incremental Conductance Algorithm is carried out by using AVR Atmega 32 microcontroller.