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This paper investigates the estimation of three unknown parameters for the [0, 1] Truncated Nadarajah Haghighi Rayleigh distribution, denoted as ([0, 1] TNHR). It explores eight different estimation methods, namely the maximum likelihood, maximum product spacing, Anderson-Darling, Right Anderson-Darling, ordinary least squares, weighted least squares, Cramer-von Mises, and percentiles for point estimation. Detailed analyses were conducted to compare the effectiveness of these estimators in terms of bias and mean squared errors through extensive simulation experiments. The simulation results indicate that all the estimators perform well according to these criteria and exhibit similar values when the sample size is large. Some statistical properties of the new distribution are also derived. Additionally, the estimators were applied to two real life datasets, and the results of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics were reported for each of them. Finally, the [0, 1] Truncated Nadarajah Haghighi Rayleigh distribution was applied to two real world datasets, its performance was compared to other famous extensions of Rayleigh distribution using four different selection criteria.

Measuring efficiency and determining factors that may influence it are very important steps to improve the businesses' competitive position, growth, and sustainability. This paper aims to investigate the efficiency of small accommodation businesses located in Greek non-coastal areas and to determine a set of factors that may affect it, from the perspective of the three dimensions of family businesses (family, business, ownership). The method adopted, in order for the research objective aim to be fulfilled, is the two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis model. In the first stage, the efficiency was estimated from a sample of 150 businesses. In the second stage, the influence of various factors on the examined efficiency was investigated by implementing a Bootstrap Truncated regression. The results showed that the majority of the examined businesses presented a low level of efficiency. Regarding the determination of the factors, it occurred that the manager's age, ownership form, and business type influenced the relative efficiency level in contrast to the factors of the business's age, the manager's sex and education level, the state of succession, as well as the manager's agricultural employment. By fulfilling the aim of this study, a significant contribution to the relative literature and especially to the hospitality field is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave imaging has become a popular research issue in recent decades as a result of its several benefits over traditional imaging technologies. To analyze biological tissues in depth, a microwave imaging instrument is employed. The test determines the presence and location of morphological alterations in specific biological tissues. Ultrawideband (UWB) microwave imaging is a new technique that produces improved results while avoiding the use of ionizing radiation. Antennas play a critical part in these systems, and as a result, antenna optimization has become a hot topic due to the device's proximity to the human body. Recent research has revealed a number of initiatives to improve the electromagnetic sensors employed in these systems, whether as single or array components. In this article, the development of a compact ultrawideband (UWB) antenna functioning in the frequency range of 3.25–14.63 GHz is proposed. The reported antenna comprises of a rectangular patch and a modified ground plane "etched on an FR4" substrate excited by a 50 Ω feed line. The overall dimension of the antenna is 0.44 λ 0 × 0.38 λ 0 × 0.02 λ 0 . The proposed antenna has been fabricated on FR-4 substrate. Measured and simulated results are in good agreement. The proposed antenna is compact and displays good radiation characteristics along with good gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dengue infection, a global threat, necessitates prompt action. An early diagnosis based on the dengue antigenic target is preferable. The current method of dengue diagnosis is based on antibodies, which have many disadvantages such as expensive production process and non-uniform batch synthesis. Aptamers are able to address shortcomings of antibodies, and with this in mind, we set out to isolate RNA aptamers against the NS1 protein of dengue virus serotype 2. In this study, we isolated two aptamers known as DENV-3 and DENV-6. Upon truncation to TDENV-3 and TDENV-6a, their performance in the direct ELASA improved. Using these aptamers, a sandwich ELASA was successfully developed for the detection of dengue NS1. The sensitivity of the sandwich ELASA was further improved by stabilization of the truncated aptamers and our repeated incubation strategy, attaining a LOD of 2 nM using NS1 spiked into human serum prepared using a dilution factor of 1:2000. Dengue infection, caused by the dengue virus, is a global threat which requires immediate attention and appropriate disease management. The current diagnosis of dengue infection is largely based on viral isolation, RT-PCR and serology-based detection, which are time-consuming and expensive, and require trained personnel. For early diagnosis of dengue, the direct detection of a dengue antigenic target is efficacious, and one such target is NS1. NS1-based detection is primarily antibody-centric and is beset by drawbacks pertaining to antibodies such as the high cost of synthesis and large batch-to-batch variation. Aptamers are potential surrogates of antibodies and are much cheaper, without exhibiting batch-to-batch variation. Given these advantages, we sought to isolate RNA aptamers against the NS1 protein of dengue virus serotype 2. A total of 11 cycles of SELEX were carried out, resulting in two potent aptamers, DENV-3 and DENV-6, with dissociation constant values estimated at 37.57 ± 10.34 nM and 41.40 ± 9.29 nM, respectively. These aptamers can be further miniaturized to TDENV-3 and TDENV-6a with an increased LOD upon their usage in direct ELASA. Moreover, these truncated aptamers are highly specific against the dengue NS1 while showing no cross-reactivity against the NS1 of the Zika virus, the E2 protein of the Chikungunya virus or the LipL32 protein of Leptospira, with target selectivity retained even in human serum. The usage of TDENV-3 as the capturing probe and TDENV-6a as the detection probe underpinned the development of an aptamer-based sandwich ELASA for the detection of dengue NS1. The sensitivity of the sandwich ELASA was further improved with the stabilization of the truncated aptamers and the repeated incubation strategy, which enabled a LOD of 2 nM when used with the target NS1 spiked in human serum diluted at 1:2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truncated tangent polynomials associated with generalised Pascal snail defined by subordination are investigated. Coefficient inequalities describing the univalency of the defined classes is established. Graphs are used to present some consequences of the parameter involved. Furthermore, bounds for the first coefficients are derived and their relevance to classical Fekete Szego inequality is established. To the best of our knowledge the results presented are new. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies showed that mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a protein can influence viral pathogenesis. Therefore, it is necessary to observe mutations, especially in the functional domain of the protein. We observed the presence of mutations in the ORF3a protein by analyzing 5,131 samples from the GISAID database since it was first discovered in March 2020 until November 2021. The sequence was aligned using Clustal Omega Multiple Sequence Alignment from EMBL-EBI and analyzed using BioEdit version 7.2.5 software using reference sequences NC045512. Samples having the letter N were omitted from the analysis. The effect of point mutations on proteins was analyzed using the Protein Variation Effect Analyzer (PROVEAN) v1.1.3 software. The functional domains of the ORF3a protein were visualized using RasWin software. We identified 312 mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a protein. In addition, from 5,131 samples, 915 samples were found to be truncated in the C-terminal region of the protein. These non-synonymous mutations data in functional domains and truncated sequences indicate that amino acid changes in the ORF3a protein require further studies to determine the effect of viral pathogenicity in humans.

Dengue infection, caused by the dengue virus, is a global threat which requires immediate attention and appropriate disease management. The current diagnosis of dengue infection is largely based on viral isolation, RT-PCR and serology-based detection, which are time-consuming and expensive, and require trained personnel. For early diagnosis of dengue, the direct detection of a dengue antigenic target is efficacious, and one such target is NS1. NS1-based detection is primarily antibody-centric and is beset by drawbacks pertaining to antibodies such as the high cost of synthesis and large batch-to-batch variation. Aptamers are potential surrogates of antibodies and are much cheaper, without exhibiting batch-to-batch variation. Given these advantages, we sought to isolate RNA aptamers against the NS1 protein of dengue virus serotype 2. A total of 11 cycles of SELEX were carried out, resulting in two potent aptamers, DENV-3 and DENV-6, with dissociation constant values estimated at 37.57 ± 10.34 nM and 41.40 ± 9.29 nM, respectively. These aptamers can be further miniaturized to TDENV-3 and TDENV-6a with an increased LOD upon their usage in direct ELASA. Moreover, these truncated aptamers are highly specific against the dengue NS1 while showing no cross-reactivity against the NS1 of the Zika virus, the E2 protein of the Chikungunya virus or the LipL32 protein of Leptospira, with target selectivity retained even in human serum. The usage of TDENV-3 as the capturing probe and TDENV-6a as the detection probe underpinned the development of an aptamer-based sandwich ELASA for the detection of dengue NS1. The sensitivity of the sandwich ELASA was further improved with the stabilization of the truncated aptamers and the repeated incubation strategy, which enabled a LOD of 2 nM when used with the target NS1 spiked in human serum diluted at 1:2000.

Open reading frame 8 (ORF8) shows one of the highest levels of variability among accessory proteins in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It was previously reported that the ORF8 protein inhibits the presentation of viral antigens by the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), which interacts with host factors involved in pulmonary inflammation. The ORF8 protein assists SARS-CoV-2 in evading immunity and plays a role in SARS-CoV-2 replication. Among many contributing mutations, Q27STOP, a mutation in the ORF8 protein, defines the B.1.1.7 lineage of SARS-CoV-2, engendering the second wave of COVID-19. In the present study, 47 unique truncated ORF8 proteins (T-ORF8) with the Q27STOP mutations were identified among 49,055 available B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 sequences. The results show that only one of the 47 T-ORF8 variants spread to over 57 geo-locations in North America, and other continents, which include Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Based on various quantitative features, such as amino acid homology, polar/non-polar sequence homology, Shannon entropy conservation, and other physicochemical properties of all specific 47 T-ORF8 protein variants, nine possible T-ORF8 unique variants were defined. The question as to whether T-ORF8 variants function similarly to the wild type ORF8 is yet to be investigated. A positive response to the question could exacerbate future COVID-19 waves, necessitating severe containment measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open reading frame 8 (ORF8) shows one of the highest levels of variability among accessory proteins in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It was previously reported that the ORF8 protein inhibits the presentation of viral antigens by the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), which interacts with host factors involved in pulmonary inflammation. The ORF8 protein assists SARS-CoV-2 in evading immunity and plays a role in SARS-CoV-2 replication. Among many contributing mutations, Q27STOP, a mutation in the ORF8 protein, defines the B.1.1.7 lineage of SARS-CoV-2, engendering the second wave of COVID-19. In the present study, 47 unique truncated ORF8 proteins (T-ORF8) with the Q27STOP mutations were identified among 49,055 available B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 sequences. The results show that only one of the 47 T-ORF8 variants spread to over 57 geo-locations in North America, and other continents, which include Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Based on various quantitative features, such as amino acid homology, polar/non-polar sequence homology, Shannon entropy conservation, and other physicochemical properties of all specific 47 T-ORF8 protein variants, nine possible T-ORF8 unique variants were defined. The question as to whether T-ORF8 variants function similarly to the wild type ORF8 is yet to be investigated. A positive response to the question could exacerbate future COVID-19 waves, necessitating severe containment measures.

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In this paper, we propose a novel classifier termed as twin-parametric margin support vector machine with truncated pinball loss (TPin-TSVM), which is motivated by the twin-parametric margin support vector machine (TPMSVM). The proposed TPin-TSVM has the following characteristics. Firstly, it can preserve both sparsity and feature noise insensitivity simultaneously, because it deals with the quantile distance which makes it less sensitive to noises, and most of the correctly classified samples are given equal penalties which makes it have the precious sparsity. Secondly, it is a non-differentiable non-convex optimization problem, we adopt the popular and effective concave–convex procedure (CCCP) to solve it. In each iteration of CCCP, the TPMSVM is utilized as a core of our TPin-TSVM, because it determines two nonparallel hyperplanes by solving two smaller sized quadratic programming problems, which greatly improves the computational speed. Thirdly, we investigate its theoretical properties of noise insensitivity and sparsity, and the proposed TPin-TSVM realizes the between-class distance maximization, within-class scatter and misclassification error minimization together. The experiments on two artificial datasets also verify the properties. We perform numerical experiments on thirty-five benchmark datasets to investigate the validity of our proposed algorithm. Experimental results indicate that our algorithm yields the comparable generalization performance compared with three state-of-the-art algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In digital signal processing (DSP), the most valuable elements of processing architecture are multiplier. The conventional partial products array is to create extra rows and columns. Generally, the fixed multiplication products are truncated to m bits. In this paper, we introduced an adaptive booth multiplier concept, which is based on truncated multiplication procedure. The extra partial product array is to create the complexities. In the higher order of partial product array, the deletion of LSB and the nongeneration of initial products are achieved. We added compensation bits at the appropriate retained bit position to minimize the error due to nongeneration and omission. Here, our proposed work is used to reduce the overhead and the complexity of partial product array. The proposed concept architecture is implemented in Verilog HDL software; also the design of RTL is manufactured. For experimental work, the bit multiplication of 8 × 8 with 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 bits is used. The proposed method of truncated based adaptive booth encoding has shown the lower value results of area, delay and power consumption. The error performances are executed by various error normalizations. Finally, the proposed concept performance is checked with various state-of-art multiplier methodologies such as carry width multiplier, Vedic multiplier, voltage-mode multiplier and Wallace multiplier. In every bit value, the proposed booth encoding multiplier delivers better and optimal performance result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The truncated distributions have been widely studied, mainly in life-testing and reliability analysis. In this paper, we introduce a new right truncated generator related to power Lomax distribution, referred to right truncated power Lomax--G family. The proposed family is a generalization of recently [0, 1] truncated Lomax-G family. Statistical properties like; moments, moment generating function, probability weighted moments, quantile function, mean deviation, order statistics and Rényi entropy are derived. Five new sub-models from the truncated family are presented. Maximum likelihood estimation is investigated and simulation issues are discussed for truncated power Lomax Weibull model as particular case from the family. The flexibility of the truncated power Lomax Weibull is assessed by applying it to a real data set. The application indicates that the truncated power Lomax Weibull distribution model can give better fits than other well-known lifetime distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, two parameter truncated Pranav distribution has been proposed. Some statistical properties including moments, coefficient of variation, skewness and index of dispersion have been derived and presented graphically. Survival and Hazard functions are derived and its behaviors are presented graphically. Maximum likelihood method of estimation has been used to estimate the parameters of proposed model. Simulation study has also been carried out. A proposed distribution has been applied on two data sets and compares its superiority over two parameter and one parameter classical distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a fractional-N digital phase-locked loop (DPLL) that achieves a 265- $\mu \text{W}$ ultra-low-power operation. The proposed switching feedback can seamlessly change the DPLL from sampling operation to sub-sampling operation without disturbing the phase-locked state of the DPLL to reduce the number of building blocks that works at the oscillator frequency, leading to significant power reduction. With the reduced number of high-frequency circuits, scaling the reference frequency is fully used to reduce the power consumption of the DPLL. Together with an out-of-dead-zone detector and a duty-cycled frequency-locked loop running in the background, the switching feedback achieves robust frequency and phase acquisition at start-up and helps the sub-sampling PLL recover when large phase and frequency disturbances occur. A transformer-based stacked- $g_{m}$ oscillator is proposed to minimize the power consumption while providing the sufficient swing to drive the subsequent stages. A truncated constant-slope digital-to-time converter is proposed to improve the power efficiency while retaining good linearity. The proposed fractional- ${N}$ DPLL consumes only 265 $\mu \text{W}$ while achieving an integrated jitter of 2.8 ps and a worst case fractional spur of −52 dBc, which corresponds to a figure of merit (FOM) of −237 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymes are indispensable biocatalysts required in various steps of textile processing to minimize various chemical-induced hazards. The present work focuses on the applications of the truncated a-amylase in textile industry for desizing of fabrics by starch hydrolysis. The multiple sequence alignment was performed to find homology and the possible truncation region in Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121 a-amylase with same bacilli family a-amylase. Two constructs were generated for a-amylase gene of Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121 (Amy_F, full-length and Amy_T, C-terminal truncated) were cloned, overexpressed, purified, and characterized. Results revealed that activity of Amy_T was found to be 2.87-fold better than Amy_F. Further, the optimum temperature of Amy_F and Amy_T was obtained at 45 °C and 55°C, respectively, whereas optimum pH was recorded at pH 7 and pH 8, respectively. Improved thermostability of Amy_T was further confirmed through thermal shift assay. Subsequently, starch-coated fabrics were tested for starch removal using the a-amylases. Comparative analysis revealed that Amy_T performed better in starch removal from polystyrene (85%), silk (75%), and cotton (70%) fabrics. The removal of starch from the fabrics was further confirmed by FESEM. Conclusively, this work presents one truncated a-amylase as an improved candidate over its full-length counterpart for textile desizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study we deal with random vibrations of uniform Bresse–Timoshenko beams. In contrast with the original version of the Bresse–Timoshenkobeam theory, we utilize two truncated theories which do not contain the fourth order derivative with respect to time. It is shown that in some cases of damping, the mean square responses produced by these two theories coincide, whereas in other cases these quantities differ from each other. Different assumptions are made: - The beam is governed by different proportional damping. - It is subjected to a white noise as external excitation. - Is simply supported at both ends. It is advocated that it is preferable to employ the truncated version that is associated with additional effect of slope inertia, obtainable variationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-sulfur proteins are important components of the photosynthetic electron transport complex in thylakoid membrane of cyanobacteria. The aim of this study was to enhance the expression of a putative iron-sulfur protein Slr0351 in E. coli by truncating the transmembrane region and to explore the iron-sulfur cluster binding properties of Slr0351. We truncated the N-terminal transmembrane region of Slr0351 (sample Slr0351_tr), which resulted in higher yield and higher solubility of Slr0351_tr expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) without supplementation of Fe2+ and S2- in LB media, compared with the full-length Slr0351. Using affinity chromatography under anaerobic conditions, we obtained purified Slr0351 and Slr0351_tr. Unlike full-length Slr0351, Slr0351_tr was of brown color and showed distinct absorption peak at 460 nm, which is characteristic of Fe/S cluster. To identify the binding cysteine site of Fe/S cluster in Slr0351_tr, we obtained four mutants of Slr0351_tr via site-directed mutagenesis. The binding sites were identified as C140, C141, and C288 based on disappearance of the absorbance at 460 nm characteristic of the mutants. These results confirm that Slr0351 is an iron-sulfur protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical model tests of floating facilities in deep and ultra-deep water with full-depth mooring system present obstacles because no wave basin is sufficiently large to perform model testing in reasonable scale. The truncated mooring system needs to be designed to reproduce the statics and mooring-induced damping exerted by the full-depth mooring system. Numerical simulation is developed in this paper to analyse the applicability of an innovative approach which designs truncated mooring system based on static and damping equivalence. Considering the catenary, semi-taut and taut mooring systems used for a semi-submersible platform of 1500 m water depths, equivalent truncated mooring systems are designed by using the innovative approach, respectively. The motion responses of the platform with full-depth and truncated mooring systems are calculated. The applicability of this innovative approach for deepwater model test is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical model experiments of floating facilities in deep and ultra-deepwater with full-depth mooring system present obstacles because no wave basin is sufficiently large to perform model testing in reasonable scale. Truncation of full-depth mooring system is required for model test. Based on both statics and mooring-induced damping equivalence, truncated mooring lines are designed. A model test of a semi-submersible platform with full-depth and truncated mooring system is presented in this paper. In general, good agreements between the motion responses of semi-submersible platform with full-depth and truncated mooring system are found based on the model test results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: Omp31 is animmunodominant and protective antigen conserved in Brucella species and a good candidate for vaccine design. Material & methods: The present study aimed at in silico design of the truncated Omp31 (TOmp31) using bioinformatic tools and to express the selected form in Escherichia coli (E. coli) Results and conclusion: Various bioinformatically calculated scores for the model showed that the structure conformation of the truncated Omp31 is in the range of the native protein with the C-score, Z-score, TM-score and Ramachandran Z-score of the truncated form model being -0.53, -0.72 and -0.98 respectively. Amplification of TOmp31 produced a single fragment of approximately 345 bp which was cloned in the pET28a expression vector. The integrity of the constructed vector (pET28- TOmp31) was confirmed by PCR and restriction digestion analysis and the rTOmp31 was successfully expressed in E. coli BL21. SDS-PAGE analysis of the lysate from the induced E. coli carrying the TOmp31 construct and the purified protein showed the expected molecular mass of approximately 12 kDa. The yield of the purified protein was estimated at approximately 250 μg/ml. Anti-His antibody reacted with the purified protein in Western blot confirming its expression in the prokaryotic system. Future studies exploring the immunogenicity and cross-protection of the protein against Brucella spp. are underway. Vac Res , 2014, 1 (1): 16-21

Truncated hemoglobins (trHbs) form a widely distributed family of proteins found in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Accumulating evidence suggests that trHbs may be implicated in functions other than oxygen delivery, but these roles are largely unknown. Characterization of the conditions that affect trHb expression and investigation of their regulatory mechanisms will provide a framework for elucidating the functions of these globins. Here, the transcription of Chlamydomonas trHb genes (THB1−12) under conditions of phosphorus (P) deprivation was analyzed. Three THB genes, THB1, THB2, and THB12 were expressed at the highest level. For the first time, we demonstrate the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) under P-limiting conditions and the production of NO by cells via a nitrate reductase-independent pathway. To clarify the functions of THB1 and THB2, we generated and analyzed strains in which these THBs were strongly under-expressed by using an artificial microRNA approach. Similar to THB1 knockdown, the depletion of THB2 led to a decrease in cell size and chlorophyll levels. We provide evidence that the knockdown of THB1 or THB2 enhanced NO production under P deprivation. Overall, these results demonstrate that THB1 and THB2 are likely to contribute, at least in part, to acclimation responses in P-deprived Chlamydomonas.

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a heme-containing protein found in the red blood cells of vertebrates. For many years, the only known Hb-like molecule in plants was leghemoglobin (Lb). The discovery that other Hb-like proteins existed in plants led to the term “nonsymbiotic Hbs (nsHbs)” to differentiate them from the Lbs. While this terminology was adequate in the early stages of research on the protein, the complexity of the research in this area necessitates a change in the definition of these proteins to delineate them from red blood cell Hb. At the 2014 XVIII Conference on Oxygen-Binding and Sensing Proteins, the group devoted to the study of heme-containing proteins, this issue was discussed and a consensus was reached on a proposed name change. We propose Phytoglobin (Phytogb) as a logical, descriptive name to describe a heme-containing (Hb-like) protein found in plants. It will be readily recognized by the research community without a prolonged explanation of the origin of the term. The classification system that has been established can essentially remain unchanged substituting Phytogb in place of nsHb. Here, we present a guide to the new nomenclature, with reference to the existing terminology and a phylogenetic scheme, placing the known Phytogbs in the new nomenclature.

Rationale: Morphine is the prototypic mu opioid, producing its analgesic actions through traditional 7 transmembrane domain (7TM) G-protein-coupled receptors generated by the mu opioid receptor gene ( Oprm1). However, the Oprm1 gene undergoes extensive alternative splicing to yield three structurally distinct sets of splice variants. In addition to the full-length 7TM receptors, it produces a set of truncated variants comprised of only 6 transmembrane domains (6TM). Objectives: This study explored the relative contributions of 7TM and 6TM variants in a range of morphine actions. Methods: Groups of male and mixed-gender wild-type and exon 11 Oprm1 knockout mice were examined in a series of behavioral assays measuring analgesia, hyperalgesia, respiration, and reward in conditioned place preference assays. Results: Loss of the 6TM variants in an exon 11 knockout (E11 KO) mouse did not affect morphine analgesia, reward, or respiratory depression. However, E11 KO mice lacking 6TM variants failed to show morphine-induced hyperalgesia, developed tolerance more slowly than wild-type mice, and did not display hyperlocomotion. Conclusions: Together, our findings confirm the established role of 7TM mu receptor variants in morphine analgesia, reward, and respiratory depression, but reveal an unexpected obligatory role for 6TM variants in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and a modulatory role in morphine tolerance and dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoglobins (Hbs) corresponding to non-symbiotic (nsHb) and truncated (tHb) Hbs have been identified in rice ( Oryza). This review discusses the major findings from the current studies on rice Hbs. At the molecular level, a family of the nshb genes, consisting of hb1, hb2, hb3, hb4 and hb5, and a single copy of the thb gene exist in Oryza sativa var. indica and O. sativa var. japonica, Hb transcripts coexist in rice organs and Hb polypeptides exist in rice embryonic and vegetative organs and in the cytoplasm of differentiating cells. At the structural level, the crystal structure of rice Hb1 has been elucidated, and the structures of the other rice Hbs have been modeled. Kinetic analysis indicated that rice Hb1 and 2, and possibly rice Hb3 and 4, exhibit a very high affinity for O 2, whereas rice Hb5 and tHb possibly exhibit a low to moderate affinity for O 2. Based on the accumulated information on the properties of rice Hbs and data from the analysis of other plant and non-plant Hbs, it is likely that Hbs play a variety of roles in rice organs, including O 2-transport, O 2-sensing, NO-scavenging and redox-signaling. From an evolutionary perspective, an outline for the evolution of rice Hbs is available. Rice nshb and thb genes vertically evolved through different lineages, rice nsHbs evolved into clade I and clade II lineages and rice nshbs and thbs evolved under the effect of neutral selection. This review also reveals lacunae in our ability to completely understand rice Hbs. Primary lacunae are the absence of experimental information about the precise functions of rice Hbs, the properties of modeled rice Hbs and the cis-elements and trans-acting factors that regulate the expression of rice hb genes, and the partial understanding of the evolution of rice Hbs.

We investigate the quantum phase fluctuations of input coherent light involving two quartic anharmonic oscillators coupled through a linear one. The analytical expressions for various phase fluctuation parameters due to Carruthers and Nieto are expressed as functions of coupling constant, anharmonic constant, initial excitation numbers, and the initial phase of the input coherent field. By using some numerical estimates of the analytical expressions, the effects of anharmonic and coupling constants are clearly indicated. In one of the two anharmonic modes (say mode a 1 ), it is found that the presence of coupling causes the reduction of phase fluctuation parameters U 1 , and S 1 , compared to their counterparts at t =0. In sharp contrast to these results, the increase and the decrease (at least in the axis range of kt ) of the phase fluctuation parameters U 1 , S 1 and Q 1 compared to their initial value counterpart are attributed by the strong field and hence the nonlinearity. We establish that the signature of anharmonicity ( β ≠ 0 ) is realized only for intense field situations. It corroborates the fact that the nonlinearity of the medium is invoked only if the field strength is quite strong. Interestingly, for significantly strong field situation, the reduction of the phase fluctuation parameters compared to their initial values is exhibited for the harmonic mode. These reductions are attributed partly by the strong field and partly by the coupling between the oscillators. In spite of the modes corresponding to two anharmonic oscillators which are in vacuum, we report the generation of excitation for nonzero coupling constant with β =0. It may be attributed by the quantum state transfer through the chain of harmonic oscillators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemoglobins (Hbs) corresponding to non-symbiotic (nsHb) and truncated (tHb) Hbs have been identified in rice ( Oryza). This review discusses the major findings from the current studies on rice Hbs. At the molecular level, a family of the nshb genes, consisting of hb1, hb2, hb3, hb4 and hb5, and a single copy of the thb gene exist in Oryza sativa var. indica and O. sativa var. japonica, Hb transcripts coexist in rice organs and Hb polypeptides exist in rice embryonic and vegetative organs and in the cytoplasm of differentiating cells. At the structural level, the crystal structure of rice Hb1 has been elucidated, and the structures of the other rice Hbs have been modeled. Kinetic analysis indicated that rice Hb1 and 2, and possibly rice Hb3 and 4, exhibit an extremely high affinity for O 2, whereas rice Hb5 and tHb possibly exhibit a low to moderate affinity for O 2. Based on the accumulated information on the properties of rice Hbs and data from the analysis of other plant and non-plant Hbs, it is likely that Hbs play a variety of roles in rice organs, including O 2-transport, O 2-sensing, NO-scavenging and redox-signaling. From an evolutionary perspective, an outline for the evolution of rice Hbs is available. Rice nshb and thb genes vertically evolved through different lineages, rice nsHbs evolved into clade I and clade II lineages and rice nshbs and thbs evolved under the effect of neutral selection. This review also reveals lacunae in our ability to completely understand rice Hbs. Primary lacunae are the absence of experimental information about the precise functions of rice Hbs, the properties of modeled rice Hbs and the cis-elements and trans-acting factors that regulate the expression of rice hb genes, and the partial understanding of the evolution of rice Hbs.

Digital truncated and obstructed Hamming apertures are used in confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) to improve the resolution. The resultant point spread function (RPSF) and the coherent transfer function of the defined microscope, using the modified Hamming apertures, are computed. The mammographic images are used in the CLSM to test resolution of the investigated apertures. The image is computed from the modulus square of the convolution product of the RPSF and the complex amplitude of the object. A comparison with the images obtained in case of circular uniform apertures is investigated. Another application on holography allows the recognition of the modulated Hamming apertures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical model tests of floater with full-depth mooring system present obstacles because no tank is sufficiently large to perform model testing in reasonable scale. This paper presents numerical simulation on design method of equivalent truncated mooring systems for model testing of offshore platforms in wave basin. Based on static and dynamic equivalent, two approaches are used to design the truncated mooring systems, respectively. Considering a semi-submersible platform with full-depth and corresponding two equivalent truncated mooring systems, the floater responses and mooring line tensions are compared. The feasibility of model test with equivalent truncated mooring systems is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study uses surveyed data on 134 public and private universities operating in Vietnam during 2013–2020 and applies the Malmquist Index method to examine performance of the universities. Although performance of the universities in Vietnam make progress during the study period, it can be further improved by improving the managerial and technological performance. In addition, private universities perform better than their public counterparts; universities located in urban areas perform better than those located in suburban areas; universities in the South and North regions perform better than their counterparts in the Central region. Results from the truncated regression model show that the number of enrolments and economic growth really help improve performance of the universities. Policy and practical recommendations are made based on the findings. • Although performance of the universities in Vietnam makes progress during 2013-2020, it can be further improved. • Private universities in Vietnam perform better than their public counterparts during the study period. • Urban universities in Vietnam performed better than suburban universities during the study period. • During the study period, universities in Vietnam that are located the North and South perform better than those located in the Central. • The enrolments and economic growth really helped improve performance of the universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some recent commentaries doubt the originality of Šesták-Berggren equation even though it received until today almost eight hundred citation responses. The worth of SB equation is examined in terms of general logistic equation showing its divergent philosophical strategy from dissimilar orthodox geometrical modeling in kinetics. The use of appended terms 'truncated' and 'extended' is questioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potent mediator of cell survival and differentiation and can reverse neuronal injury associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (trkB) is the high affinity receptor for BDNF. There are two major trkB isoforms, the full-length receptor (trkB.tk) and the truncated receptor (trkB.t1), that mediate the diverse, region specific functions of BDNF. Both trkB isoforms are widely distributed throughout the brain, but the isoform specific distribution of trkB.t1 and trkB.tk to human neurons is not well characterized. Therefore, we report the regional and neuronal distribution of trkB.tk and trkB.t1 in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of human autopsy tissues from control and PD cases. In both PD and control tissues, we found abundant, punctate distribution of trkB.tk and trkB.t1 proteins in striatum and SNpc neurons. In PD, trkB.tk is decreased in striatal neurites, increased in striatal somata, decreased in SNpc somata and dendrites, and increased in SNpc axons. TrkB.t1 is increased in striatal somata, decreased in striatal axons, and increased in SNpc distal dendrites. We believe changes in trkB isoform distribution and expression levels may be markers of pathology and affect the neuronal response to BDNF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioids have an important place in pharmacology. While their clinical use as analgesics is fundamental in medicine, their use is constrained by their side-effects and abuse potential. Pharmacologists have sought analgesics lacking side-effects and the abuse liability of the current agents. The identification of the opioid receptors in 1973 marked the beginning of our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of these agents. The isolation of the opioid peptides quickly followed, along with the classification of three families of opioid receptors. Clinicians have long been aware of subtle differences among the mu opioids that were not easily reconciled with a single receptor and selective antagonists implied two subdivisions of mu receptors. However, the cloning of the mu opioid receptor MOR-1 has led to the realization of the extensive complexity of the mu opioid receptor gene and its vast array of splice variants. Many of these splice variants are truncated and do not conform to the structure of traditional G-protein coupled receptors. Yet, evidence now shows that they are quite important and may prove valuable targets in the development of potent analgesics lacking the undesirable properties of current opioids. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘NIDA 40th Anniversary Issue’ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deterioration in cast iron mains manifests itself in the form of corrosion. External corrosion is typically found to occur in pipes buried in corrosive soils while internal corrosion is dependent on water chemistry and flow characteristics. In the literature, corrosion of cast iron pipes (external and internal) is typically characterized by corrosion pit depth even though corroded area and corroded pit volume as well as pit location may enhance this characterization. Knowledge of these corrosion pit properties permits the assessment of its structural integrity. Typically, internal and external corrosion pits and corroded areas are observed to occur in many irregular shapes and sizes, which make their characterization a challenge. This paper describes extreme value statistical models that can be used to estimate external and internal corrosion pit depths in cast iron pipes using indirect properties or parameters. The goal of these corrosion models is to be able to predict corrosion pit depth based on available data with an acceptable degree of confidence. The external corrosion model is calibrated using external corrosion data collected by Thames Water Utilities Ltd (TWUL) and subsequently validated with data obtained from the inspection of four cast iron pipe lengths. The internal corrosion model was calibrated using internal corrosion data but sufficient appropriate data was not available for its validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost for increasing the accuracy of cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio requires a long time for collecting sensing data. Sequential fusion, in which the sensing data reports are sequentially collected, combined, and tested with two thresholds for deciding to wait for the next data report or concluding the presence or absence of the primary signal, is considered to reduce the collecting time. A further reduction in the average sequential report number (ASN) can be achieved by arranging the reports in descending order of data quality where the better sensing data is reported earlier. In this paper, the ASN and the error probability of the ordered sequential fusion are analytically calculated based on the direct method. The results are then adopted to design an optimal method for obtaining the optimal sequential thresholds and truncated point. The optimal truncated point enables one to minimize the ASN by discarding the sensing data with low quality, while the optimal sequential thresholds ensure the maintaining of the sensing performance of sequential fusion be the same level to that of the conventional parallel fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Previous studies have highlighted the potential physiopathological and diagnostic role of N- and C-terminally truncated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides in Alzheimer''s disease. However, our knowledge about their production remains incomplete, in part due to the lack of very specific and sensitive tools for their detection. We thus developed specific monoclonal antibodies that target either Aβ11-x or Aβ17-x species, which result from the combined cleavages by β/γ- or α/γ-secretases, respectively. The presence of Aβ peptides truncated at residue 11 and 17 peptides was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed, using surface enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and xMAP (Multi-Analyte Profiling) immunoassays, in the supernatant of HEK293 cells that overexpress wild type or mutant Aβ protein precursor or in which α- and β-secretase activities had been modulated. Our results show a differential secretion of Aβ11–40 and Aβ17–40 species by these HEK293 cell lines. Finally, Aβ11–40 concentration in human cerebrospinal fluid (measured with the new xMAP immunoassays) from a first pilot study was higher in cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with Alzheimer''s disease than in samples from patients with other types of dementia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This review discusses the evolution of land plant hemoglobins within the broader context of eukaryote hemoglobins and the three families of bacterial globins. Most eukaryote hemoglobins, including metazoan globins and the symbiotic and non-symbiotic plant hemoglobins, are homologous to the bacterial 3/3-fold flavohemoglobins. The remaining plant hemoglobins are homologous to the bacterial 2/2-fold group 2 hemoglobins. We have proposed that all eukaryote globins were acquired via horizontal gene transfer concomitant with the endosymbiotic events responsible for the origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts. Although the 3/3 hemoglobins originated in the ancestor of green algae and plants prior to the emergence of embryophytes at about 450mya, the 2/2 hemoglobins appear to have originated via horizontal gene transfer from a bacterium ancestral to present day Chloroflexi. Unlike the 2/2 hemoglobins, the evolution of the 3/3 hemoglobins was accompanied by duplication, diversification, and functional adaptations. Duplication of the ancestral plant nshb gene into the nshb-1 and nshb-2 lineages occurred prior to the monocot−dicot divergence at ca. 140mya. It was followed by the emergence of symbiotic hemoglobins from a non-symbiotic hemoglobin precursor and further specialization, leading to leghemoglobins in N2-fixing legume nodules concomitant with the origin of nodulation at ca. 60mya. The transition of non-symbiotic to symbiotic hemoglobins (including to leghemoglobins) was accompanied by the alteration of heme-Fe coordination from hexa- to penta-coordination. Additional genomic information about Charophyte algae, the sister group to land plants, is required for the further clarification of plant globin phylogeny. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previously, we proposed a two-stage model for an in vitro neural correlate of eyeblink classical conditioning involving the initial synaptic incorporation of glutamate receptor A1 (GluA1)-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid type receptors (AMPARs) followed by delivery of GluA4-containing AMPARs that support acquisition of conditioned responses. To test specific elements of our model for conditioning, selective knockdown of GluA4 AMPAR subunits was used using small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Recently, we sequenced and characterized the GluA4 subunit and its splice variants from pond turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans (tGluA4). Analysis of the relative abundance of mRNA expression by real-time RT-PCR showed that the flip/flop variants of tGluA4, tGluA4c, and a novel truncated variant tGluA4trc1 are major isoforms in the turtle brain. Here, transfection of in vitro brain stem preparations with anti-tGluA4 siRNA suppressed conditioning, tGluA4 mRNA and protein expression, and synaptic delivery of tGluA4-containing AMPARs but not tGluA1 subunits. Significantly, transfection of abducens motor neurons by nerve injections of tGluA4 flop rescue plasmid prior to anti-tGluA4 siRNA application restored conditioning and synaptic incorporation of tGluA4-containing AMPARs. In contrast, treatment with rescue plasmids for tGluA4 flip or tGluA4trc1 failed to rescue conditioning. Finally, treatment with a siRNA directed against GluA1 subunits inhibited conditioning and synaptic delivery of tGluA1-containing AMPARs and importantly, those containing tGluA4. These data strongly support our two-stage model of conditioning and our hypothesis that synaptic incorporation of tGluA4-containing AMPARs underlies the acquisition of in vitro classical conditioning. Furthermore, they suggest that tGluA4 flop may have a critical role in conditioning mechanisms compared with the other tGluA4 splice variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]