Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel approach to computer modeling of seven-helical transmembrane proteins: current progress in the test case of bacteriorhodopsin.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are thought to be proteins with 7-membered transmembrane helical bundles (7TM proteins). Recently, the X-ray structures have been solved for two such proteins, namely for bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and rhodopsin (Rh), the latter being a GPCR. Despite similarities, the structures are different enough to suggest that 3D models for different GPCRs cannot be obtained directly employing 3D structures of BR or Rh as a unique template. The approach to computer modeling of 7TM proteins developed in this work was capable of reproducing the experimental X-ray structure of BR with great accuracy. A combination of helical packing and low-energy conformers for loops most close to the X-ray structure possesses the r.m.s.d. value of 3.13 A. Such a level of accuracy for the 3D-structure prediction for a 216-residue protein has not been achieved, so far, by any available ab initio procedure of protein folding. The approach may produce also other energetically consistent combinations of helical bundles and loop conformers, creating a variety of possible templates for 3D structures of 7TM proteins, including GPCRs. These templates may provide experimentalists with various plausible options for 3D structure of a given GPCR; in our view, only experiments will determine the final choice of the most reasonable 3D template.
Assessing the Value of Online Learning and Social Media in Pharmacy Education

Objective. To assess student preferences regarding online learning and technology and to evaluate student pharmacists’ social media use for educational purposes. Methods. An anonymous 36-question online survey was administered to third-year student pharmacists enrolled in the Drug Information and Clinical Literature Evaluation course. Results. Four hundred thirty-one students completed the survey, yielding a 96% response rate. The majority of students used technology for academic activities, with 90% using smart phones and 91% using laptop computers. Fifty-eight percent of students also used social networking websites to communicate with classmates. Conclusion. Pharmacy students frequently use social media and some online learning methods, which could be a valuable avenue for delivering or supplementing pharmacy curricula. The potential role of social media and online learning in pharmacy education needs to be further explored.
Organizational politics, nurses' stress, burnout levels, turnover intention and job satisfaction

AIM This is a research report examining the influence of organizational politics perceptions on nurses' work outcomes (job satisfaction, work stress, job burnout and turnover intention). BACKGROUND Organizational politics is a phenomenon common in almost all institutions and is linked with undesirable consequences in employees. INTRODUCTION Despite the plethora of research around the world on this topic, studies describing organizational politics in nursing remain underexplored. METHODS A cross-sectional research design was utilized in this study. One hundred sixty-six (166) nurses participated. Five standardized tools were used: the Job Satisfaction Index, the Job Stress Scale, the Burnout Measure Scale, the Turnover Intention Inventory Scale and the Perception of Organizational Politics Scale. RESULTS Nurses employed both in private and government-owned hospitals perceived moderate levels of organizational politics. Positive correlations were identified between perceived organizational politics and job stress, turnover intention and job burnout. Negative correlations were found between perceived organizational politics and job satisfaction. DISCUSSION Perceptions of workplace politics in Filipino nurses were lower when compared to findings in other international studies. A strong link was found between organizational politics perceptions and the four job outcomes (stress and burnout levels, turnover intention and job satisfaction). LIMITATIONS Use of a self-reporting questionnaire and exclusion of nurses from other provinces. CONCLUSION Perceived organizational politics predicted nurses' stress and burnout levels, turnover intention and job satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND/OR HEALTH POLICY The findings of this study may provide a valuable perspective of this organizational issue and could assist policymakers and nurse administrators in formulating interventions that could minimize the effect of workplace politics.
Impact of sex, age and BMI on depth and diameter of the infraclavicular axillary vein when measured by ultrasonography

Background and objective The axillary vein is another option for central venous catheterisation, with less chance of accidental arterial puncture as there is a greater distance between artery and vein, and from vein to rib cage, compared with other sites. Better success, lower complication rates and faster access can be achieved with ultrasound guidance which is becoming the established technique for central venous catheterisation. We measured two key factors for successful infraclavicular axillary venous catheterisation: depth and diameter of the infraclavicular axillary vein in its medial part using ultrasound. Methods We recruited 98 patients, classified according to sex, age and BMI. Groups were divided according to BMI as follows: group 1 (≤20 kg m−2), group 2 (20.01–25.00 kg m−2) and group 3 (>25 kg m−2); and these were further subdivided according to age: 20–39 years, 40–59 years and 60–80 years. The depth and diameter of the infraclavicular axillary vein was measured at a point between the medial third and midpoint of the clavicle. Results Vein diameter was significantly different between men and women (P = 0.005), whereas depth showed no significant difference. In the BMI subgroups, there was a significant difference in depth (P < 0.001), and a trend to significant difference in diameter (P = 0.056). However, age-specific differences in depth and diameter were not observed. Conclusion During catheterisation of infraclavicular axillary vein, real-time visualisation of the needle tip when using ultrasound to gauge vein depth and diameter may diminish major complications such as pneumothorax and artery puncture.
New Strategies in Learning Real Time Heuristic Search

In contrast to off-line search algorithms such as A ° and IDA’, in real-time heuristic search we have to commit a move within a limited search horizon or time. One well known algorithm in this class is RTA’. An algorithm is said to learn if it improves its performance over successive problem trials. In RTA" the heuristic estimation is in general not admissible. Thus RTA ° has to be modified to a variant LRTA" that is capable of learning. The aim of the strategies proposed in this paper is to improve the estimations found in LRTA’. First, we examine two new schemas forward updating and backward updating for LRTA*. Then we propose CRTA" which works similar to RTA* but terminates with admissible heuristic values. It is shown that the strategy used in CRTA* can be made efficiently. Combined with lazy evaluation updating CRTA* leads to an improved real time learning algorithm called SLRTA’. Experimentally we show that CRTA* expands significantly less nodes than LRTA" and thus converges faster to the optimal values.
PDZ Domain Binding Selectivity Is Optimized Across the Mouse Proteome

PDZ domains have long been thought to cluster into discrete functional classes defined by their peptide-binding preferences. We used protein microarrays and quantitative fluorescence polarization to characterize the binding selectivity of 157 mouse PDZ domains with respect to 217 genome-encoded peptides. We then trained a multidomain selectivity model to predict PDZ domain–peptide interactions across the mouse proteome with an accuracy that exceeds many large-scale, experimental investigations of protein-protein interactions. Contrary to the current paradigm, PDZ domains do not fall into discrete classes; instead, they are evenly distributed throughout selectivity space, which suggests that they have been optimized across the proteome to minimize cross-reactivity. We predict that focusing on families of interaction domains, which facilitates the integration of experimentation and modeling, will play an increasingly important role in future investigations of protein function.
Sol-Gel Entrapped Levonorgestrel Antibodies: Activity and Structural Changes as a Function of Different Polymer Formats

The paper describes development of a sol-gel based immunoaffinity method for the steroid hormone levonorgestrel (LNG) and the effects of changes in the sol-gel matrix format on the activity of the entrapped antibodies (Abs) and on matrix structure. The best sol-gel format for Ab entrapment was found to be a tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) based matrix at a TMOS:water ratio of 1:8, containing 10% polyethylene glycol (PEG) of MW 0.4 kDa. Addition of higher percentages of PEG or a higher MW PEG did not improve activity. No activity was obtained with a TMOS:water ratio of 1:12, most likely because of the very dense polymer that resulted from these polymerization conditions. Only minor differences in the non-specific binding were obtained with the various formats. TMOS was found to be more effective than tetrakis (2-hydroxyethyl)orthosilicate (THEOS) for entrapment of anti-levonorgestrel (LNG) Abs. However, aging the THEOS-based sol-gel for a few weeks at 4 °C stabilized the entrapped Abs and increased its binding capacity. Confocal fluorescent microscopy with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled immunoglobulines (IgGs) entrapped in the sol-gel matrix showed that the entrapped Abs were distributed homogenously within the gel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images have shown the diverse structures of the various sol-gel formats and precursors.
Principles of mass casualty management following terrorist disasters.

Interesting times, indeed. We are now living in an era of unprecedented medical advances in patient care and quality of life, but at the same time face some of the most daunting challenges to ever confront the surgical profession. The 3 papers featured in this issue of Annals of Surgery that describe the unique characteristics and management principles of mass casualties from recent terrorist violence in Israel illustrate one of the most prominent and timely of these challenges to our skills, our adaptability to adversity, and to our commitment to the care of the injured. The massive numbers of casualties that exceed the resources of most hospitals, the victimization of innocent civilians, including children, and the especially severe and extensive patterns of injury that characterize current terrorist attacks, go so far beyond the standard surgical training and experience of most of us, that a basic change in mindset is necessary in our approach to medical care of these victims to maximize the salvage of life. Almogy et al document the high ratio of dead:wounded from suicide bombings to range from 5–22, which is an order of magnitude above the 1:2 – 1:5 reported in conventional military combat experiences. Peleg et al report the inpatient mortality following terrorist bombings and shootings to be twoto 3-fold higher than that following motor vehicle crashes and other standard forms of trauma. These studies by our surgical brethren in Israel offer important lessons to surgeons around the world who rarely, if ever, experience true mass casualty disasters involving bodily injury, and yet who are increasingly likely to face such scenarios in the near future in the current political climate. Until recently, the United States, in particular, has been largely spared the horrors of terrorist bombings and shootings that Israelis experience virtually every day and, as a result, we are poorly prepared for the demands of caring for such large numbers of severe injuries. Although Americans have suffered several terrorist attacks and substantial loss of life from these causes over the past 20 years, and the threat of more attacks rises, we tend to have a short memory. The same mistakes continue to
Effect of physical activity on musculoskeletal discomforts among handicraft workers

Introduction: Handicrafts seems to be one of the high-risk jobs regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which necessitate the implementation of different corrective intervention like regular physical activities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical activity on WMSDs among craftsmen. Methods: This cross-sectional study was an analytical – descriptive study carried out on 100 craftsmen working in Isfahan, Iran, in 2013. The sampling method was census, and all workshops involved with this job were included. Information on demographic parameters and physical activity was collected by demographic forms. The data related to worker's musculoskeletal discomforts were conducted using Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using statistical tests including independent t-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18. Results: The highest percentages of complaints related to severe musculoskeletal discomfort were reported in right shoulder (%36), right wrist (%26), neck (%25), and upper right arm (%24), respectively. A significant relationship was observed between physical activity and musculoskeletal discomforts of left wrist (P = 0.012), lower back (P = 0.016), and neck (P = 0.006). Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the study results, it can be inferred that regular but not too heavy physical activity can have a positive impact on decreasing the musculoskeletal discomforts.
miRTarBase: a database curates experimentally validated microRNA–target interactions

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), i.e. small non-coding RNA molecules (∼22 nt), can bind to one or more target sites on a gene transcript to negatively regulate protein expression, subsequently controlling many cellular mechanisms. A current and curated collection of miRNA–target interactions (MTIs) with experimental support is essential to thoroughly elucidating miRNA functions under different conditions and in different species. As a database, miRTarBase has accumulated more than 3500 MTIs by manually surveying pertinent literature after data mining of the text systematically to filter research articles related to functional studies of miRNAs. Generally, the collected MTIs are validated experimentally by reporter assays, western blot, or microarray experiments with overexpression or knockdown of miRNAs. miRTarBase curates 3576 experimentally verified MTIs between 657 miRNAs and 2297 target genes among 17 species. miRTarBase contains the largest amount of validated MTIs by comparing with other similar, previously developed databases. The MTIs collected in the miRTarBase can also provide a large amount of positive samples to develop computational methods capable of identifying miRNA–target interactions. miRTarBase is now available on http://miRTarBase.mbc. nctu.edu. tw/, and is updated frequently by continuously surveying research articles.
Orthopedic injury in electric bicycle-related collisions

ABSTRACT Objective: Although electric bicycle-related injuries have become the most common reason for hospitalization due to a road crash in China, no study has comprehensively investigated electric bicycle collisions and their impact on orthopedic injuries; such a study may provide evidence to support a new road safety policy. Methods: A retrospective review of orthopedic injuries from electric bicycle collisions was performed in an urban trauma center. We collected variables including age, gender, location of fracture, presence of open or closed fractures, concomitant vascular, and neurologic injuries. Results: A total of 2,044 cases were involved in electric bicycle collisions. The orthopedic injury victims were predominantly male and middle aged. The most common orthopedic injury was a femur fracture. Open fractures frequently involved the forearm and tibia/fibula. Male patients were more likely to suffer from multiple fractures and associated injuries than female patients. Fewer patients age 60 years old or older wore helmets at the time of the accident compared to those in other age groups. Conclusions: Orthopedic injuries from electric bicycle-related accidents cause patients substantial suffering that could lead to serious social consequences. Helmet use and protective clothing or similar safety gear, especially for electric bicycle users, should be required to provide greater protection.
Orthognathic Surgeries in Patients with Congenital Craniofacial Anomalies: Profile and Hospitalization Outcomes

Objective To examine the occurrence of complications in patients with congenital facial anomalies who underwent orthognathic surgeries and to identify the role of patient-related factors in occurrence of complications. Design Retrospective analysis of hospital discharge database. Setting Nationwide inpatient sample for the years 2004 to 2010. All patients with a diagnosis of cleft lip and/or palate or congenital craniofacial anomalies and who had an orthognathic surgery were selected. Interventions Orthognathic surgery. Main Outcome Measures Occurrence of complications. Results During the study period, a total of 8340 patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies underwent orthognathic surgeries. The overall complication rate was 9.1%. Six different complications (bacterial infections, hemorrhage, postoperative pneumonia, iatrogenic-induced complications such as accidental punctures/lacerations or pneumothorax, other infections, and respiratory complications) occurred in at least 1% of all patients having orthognathic surgeries. Ninety-five percent of patients were discharged routinely after surgery. Patients with high comorbid burden are at a higher risk for developing complications (P < .05) Conclusions The current study findings indicate that orthognathic surgeries can be safely performed in patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. The present study results reflect the practice patterns and hospitalization outcomes across the country and could serve as benchmarks for future well-designed prospective controlled studies to examine risk factors associated with complications for not only orthognathic surgeries but also for a wider range of surgical procedures.
Lipidomics of familial longevity

Middle‐aged offspring of nonagenarians, as compared to their spouses (controls), show a favorable lipid metabolism marked by larger LDL particle size in men and lower total triglyceride levels in women. To investigate which specific lipids associate with familial longevity, we explore the plasma lipidome by measuring 128 lipid species using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in 1526 offspring of nonagenarians (59 years ± 6.6) and 675 (59 years ± 7.4) controls from the Leiden Longevity Study. In men, no significant differences were observed between offspring and controls. In women, however, 19 lipid species associated with familial longevity. Female offspring showed higher levels of ether phosphocholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) species (3.5–8.7%) and lower levels of phosphoethanolamine PE (38:6) and long‐chain triglycerides (TG) (9.4–12.4%). The association with familial longevity of two ether PC and four SM species was independent of total triglyceride levels. In addition, the longevity‐associated lipid profile was characterized by a higher ratio of monounsaturated (MUFA) over polyunsaturated (PUFA) lipid species, suggesting that female offspring have a plasma lipidome less prone to oxidative stress. Ether PC and SM species were identified as novel longevity markers in females, independent of total triglycerides levels. Several longevity‐associated lipids correlated with a lower risk of hypertension and diabetes in the Leiden Longevity Study cohort. This sex‐specific lipid signature marks familial longevity and may suggest a plasma lipidome with a better antioxidant capacity, lower lipid peroxidation and inflammatory precursors, and an efficient beta‐oxidation function.
If you build it, they will come: building learning communities through threaded discussions

One of the chief tenets for a successful and engaging online course is the development of an effective system that provides ongoing student interaction. In the book, Building Learning Communities in Cyberspace, authors Palloff and Pratt note, "it is the relationships and interactions among people through which knowledge is primarily generated. The learning community takes on new proportions in this environment and consequently must be nurtured and developed so as to be an effective vehicle for education (p.15). " This type of interaction allows a student to develop their own understanding of the course objectives plus facilitates how this knowledge will be applied in the "real world. "
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT DIETS OF CORCYRA CEPHALONICA ON LIFE HISTORY OF A REDUVIID PREDATOR RHYNOCORIS MARGINATUS ( FAB . )

Rhynocoris marginatus (Fab.) a predator of nearly 25 insect pests, accepting the larvae of Corcyra cephalonica Stainton as an alternative laboratory host. Influence of different diets (wheat, jower, sorghum and rice) of C. cephalonica larvae on the life history of R. marginatus was studied under laboratory conditions. Developmental period and the adult longevity were minimum and maximum respectively when R. marginatus reared on C. cephalonica larvae from jower medium. This category has minimum pre-oviposition period (62.6 ± 5 days) and maximum number of batches of eggs laid, total number of eggs laid/female and hatchability. Life table studies indicated that the net reproductive rate, mean length of a generation and corrected generation time were maximum in the above mentioned category. The geometric studies revealed that heaviour (192.12 mg / adult) and shorter total body length were noticed in wheat and jower media reared C. cephalonica fed predators respectively.
Querying the web: a multiontology disambiguation method

The lack of explicit semantics in the current Web can lead to ambiguity problems: for example, current search engines return unwanted information since they do not take into account the exact meaning given by user to the keywords used. Though disambiguation is a very well-known problem in Natural Language Processing and other domains, traditional methods are not flexible enough to work in a Web-based context.In this paper we have identified some desirable properties that a Web-oriented disambiguation method should fulfill, and make a proposal according to them. The proposed method processes a set of related keywords in order to discover and extract their implicit semantics, obtaining their most suitable senses according to their context. The possible senses are extracted from the knowledge represented by a pool of ontologies available in the Web. This method applies an iterative disambiguation algorithm that uses a semantic relatedness measure based on Google frequencies. Our proposal makes explicit the semantics of keywords by means of ontology terms; this information can be used for different purposes, such as improving the search and retrieval of underlying relevant information.
INSTANTANEOUS STARBURST OF THE MASSIVE CLUSTERS WESTERLUND 1 AND NGC 3603 YC

We present a new method to determine the age spread of resolved stellar populations in a starburst cluster. The method relies on a two-step process. In the first step, kinematic members of the cluster are identified based on multi-epoch astrometric monitoring. In the second step, a Bayesian analysis is carried out, comparing the observed photometric sequence of cluster members with sets of theoretical isochrones. When applying this methodology to optical and near-infrared high angular resolution Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and adaptive optics observations of the ∼5 Myr old starburst cluster Westerlund 1 and ∼2 Myr old starburst cluster NGC 3603 YC, we derive upper limits for the age spreads of 0.4 and 0.1 Myr, respectively. The results strongly suggest that star formation in these starburst clusters happened almost instantaneously.