Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vinyl Sulfones as Antiparasitic Agents and a Structural Basis for Drug Design*

Cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily are implicated in a number of cellular processes and are important virulence factors in the pathogenesis of parasitic disease. These enzymes have therefore emerged as promising targets for antiparasitic drugs. We report the crystal structures of three major parasite cysteine proteases, cruzain, falcipain-3, and the first reported structure of rhodesain, in complex with a class of potent, small molecule, cysteine protease inhibitors, the vinyl sulfones. These data, in conjunction with comparative inhibition kinetics, provide insight into the molecular mechanisms that drive cysteine protease inhibition by vinyl sulfones, the binding specificity of these important proteases and the potential of vinyl sulfones as antiparasitic drugs.
Relationships among the theory of planned behavior, stages of change, and exercise behavior in older persons over a three year period

Abstract The present study examined the relationships among the theory of planned behavior (TPB), stages of change, and exercise behavior in 131 older persons over a three year period. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire by mail that assessed attitude, perceived control, subjective norm, intention, and stage and then received a telephone call three years later in which current exercise stage and behavior were assessed. Path analyses showed that (a) TPB constructs were significant predictors of exercise stage, (b) intention mediated the effects of TPB constructs on exercise stage, and (c) exercise behavior was best predicted by intention rather than stage. Results were interpreted as providing evidence for the long term predictive validity of TPB in the exercise domain and as questioning the necessity of combining both intention and stage in a single predictive model.
Metabolic Syndrome is Associated With Higher Wall Motion Score and Larger Infarct Size After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Infarct size is an important surrogate end point for early and late mortality after acute myocardial infarction. Despite the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with atherosclerotic diseases, adequate data are still lacking regarding the extent of myocardial necrosis after acute myocardial infarction in these patients. Objectives: In the present study we aimed to compare myocardial infarction size in patients with metabolic syndrome to those without metabolic syndrome using peak CK-MB and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. Patients and Methods: One-hundred patients with metabolic syndrome (group I) and 100 control subjects without metabolic syndrome (group II) who experienced acute myocardial infarction were included in the study. Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) guidelines Myocardial infarction size was compared between the two groups of patients using peak CK-MB and cTnI level in 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. Results: Peak CK-MB and cTnI in 72 hours were found to be significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome compared with control subjects (both P < 0.001). Patients with metabolic syndrome also had markedly higher wall motion abnormality at 72 hours after the onset of symptoms as assessed by echocardiographically-derived Wall Motion Score Index (WMSI) (P < 0.001). Moreover, statistically significant relationships were found between WMSI and peak CK-MB and also cTnI at 72 hours (Spearman’s rho = 0.56, P < 0.001 and Spearman’s rho = 0.5, P < 0.001; respectively). However, association between WMSI and left ventricular ejection fraction was insignificant (Spearman’s rho = -0.05, P = 0.46). Conclusions: We showed that patients with metabolic syndrome have larger infarct size compared to control subjects.
Vested interests, addiction research and public policy.

The label ‘vested interest’ applies both to individuals and to groups. Individuals may have a special interest in promoting a theory or distorting a finding for reasons of personal gain, as when the results of a drug trial are biased or fabricated by an investigator who stands to gain financially from the study's outcome. Vested interests can also apply to organizations that seek to control research findings for private benefit, as when the tobacco industry funds research on the measurement of second-hand smoke in order to delay tobacco control legislation, or the alcohol industry pays consulting fees to academics to write papers critical of evidence-based policy. When an individual or an organization seeks to influence research in order to advance private advantage, those with vested interests may benefit at the expense of the public good or scientific integrity. Governments can also have a vested interest in scientific research, as when science is misused to benefit a particular political agenda, ideology or favored interest group.
Prognostic factors for lung function in systemic sclerosis: prospective study of 105 cases

The aims of the present study were to identify prognostic factors for systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease and to clarify the possible causative role of manometric oesophageal involvement. Consecutive SSc patients underwent pulmonary function tests and oesophageal manometry. They were included in the study if pulmonary function tests were repeated >12 months after baseline. The primary end-point was a decrease of ≥10% of the predicted value in forced vital capacity (FVC). The secondary end-points were a decrease of ≥15% pred in lung carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DL,CO) and a decrease of ≥20% pred in FVC. Of the 105 patients (45 diffuse SSc; median disease duration 2.0 yrs), 23 (23%) had a FVC of <80% pred, 60 (59%) had a DL,CO of <80% pred and 57 (54%) showed severe oesophageal hypomotility at baseline. Over 72±46 months, 29 (28%) patients displayed a decrease of ≥10% pred in FVC, 39 (40%) of 98 patients displayed DL,CO decline and 19 (18%) patients displayed a decrease of ≥20% pred in FVC. On multivariate analysis, diffuse SSc was a significant predictor for a decrease of ≥10% pred in FVC (p = 0.01). No other predictor of a decrease in pulmonary function was identified. Only diffuse SSc was predictive of a decrease in pulmonary function in this early-SSc cohort. This does not support preliminary data suggestive of a causative role of oesophageal involvement.
Human XPA and RPA DNA repair proteins participate in specific recognition of triplex-induced helical distortions

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) plays a central role in maintaining genomic integrity by detecting and repairing a wide variety of DNA lesions. Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A protein (XPA) is an essential component of the repair machinery, and it is thought to be involved in the initial step as a DNA damage recognition and/or confirmation factor. Human replication protein A (RPA) and XPA have been reported to interact to form a DNA damage recognition complex with greater specificity for damaged DNA than XPA alone. The mechanism by which these two proteins recognize such a wide array of structures resulting from different types of DNA damage is not known. One possibility is that they recognize a common feature of the lesions, such as distortions of the helical backbone. We have tested this idea by determining whether human XPA and RPA proteins can recognize the helical distortions induced by a DNA triple helix, a noncanonical DNA structure that has been shown to induce DNA repair, mutagenesis, and recombination. We measured binding of XPA and RPA, together or separately, to substrates containing triplexes with three, two, or no strands covalently linked by psoralen conjugation and photoaddition. We found that RPA alone recognizes all covalent triplex structures, but also forms multivalent nonspecific DNA aggregates at higher concentrations. XPA by itself does not recognize the substrates, but it binds them in the presence of RPA. Addition of XPA decreases the nonspecific DNA aggregate formation. These results support the hypothesis that the NER machinery is targeted to helical distortions and demonstrate that RPA can recognize damaged DNA even without XPA.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES EXPERIENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION ONLINE COURSES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF SELF-EFFICACY, USE OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND MOBILE MEDIA

INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. ii DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this to my parents, Risheenand and Haimoutie Parasram, who have instilled in me the motivation and yearning to reach for my dreams, who have taught their children about the true power of an education, who have shown me through their own persistence and courage that you can accomplish the things you set your mind to through effort and hard work and that change begins with me. It is through the combination of your efforts and guidance, that I am who I am, and will always strive to live a meaningful and purposeful life. My own self-efficacy can be attributed to your belief in my capabilities to achieve and for always being the unconditionally loving parents you are. And for all of that, and so much more, I thank you. I would also like to dedicate this to my husband, Douglas Francis, whose love and support has carried me through this endeavor to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine. Your intelligence, witty sense of humor, drive and compassion has inspired and taught me the true meaning of the words " the journey ". Your presence in my life has brought so many new experiences, has taught me about courage, love and friendship and has empowered me to live a life rooted in purpose, hard work and service. Thank you for being there every step of the way, for encouraging me when I felt overwhelmed, for inspiring me through your own work ethic and determination and for caring for our family in such an incredible way. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the wonderful people who have supported me in my endeavors to attain this feat, and those that assisted in making this dissertation process easier. First, I wish to thank my dissertation committee members at the University of Southern California, my committee chair Dr. been a guiding light in this process, your compassion for the field of Disabilities, your enthusiasm and commitment for teaching, and your flexibility and understanding, have helped me tremendously throughout this journey. Dr. Mattie Grace, from …
AqpZ-Mediated Water Permeability in Escherichia coli Measured by Stopped-Flow Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT We report that the water permeability of wild-type Escherichia coli during exponential growth is comparable to that of an aqpZ disruption mutant. In contrast, an increase in permeability is observed for the wild type at the onset of the stationary stage with no significant corresponding change in the permeability of the mutant.
Psychometric Properties of the Scores on the Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Scales in a Sample of Norwegian Children

The primary aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the scores on a version for children of the Carver and White Behavioral Inhibition and Activation scales (the BIS—BAS scales). This involved administering the BIS—BAS scales, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised—Abbreviated, and the Achievement Motives Scale to a population of 661 Norwegian sixth graders. The findings reveal that the scores on the BIS—BAS scales for children have a theoretically meaningful factor structure as well as satisfactory convergent validity and reliability. However, the results indicate that the version for children of the BAS scale actually may consist of two subscales: one related to the experience of pleasurable affect and one to persistence in goal pursuit. To a large extent, the relationship with the other scales was as expected.
Octopamine‐like immunoreactivity in the brain and subesophageal ganglion of the honeybee

The organization of putative octopaminergic pathways in the brain and subesophageal ganglion of the honeybee was investigated with a well‐defined polyclonal antiserum against octopamine. Five prominent groups of just over 100 immunoreactive (IR) somata were found in the cerebral ganglion: Neurosecretory cells in the pars intercerebralis innervating the corpora cardiaca via NCC I, one cluster mediodorsal to the antennal lobe, one scattered on both sides of the midline of the protocerebrum, one between the lateral protocerebral lobes and the dorsal lobes, and a single soma on either side of the central body. With the exception of the pedunculi and β‐lobes of the mushroom bodies, varicose immunoreactive fibers penetrate all parts of the cerebral ganglion. Strong labelling was found in the central complex and the protocerebral bridge. Fine networks of labelled processes invade the antennal lobes, the calyces and a small part of the α‐lobes of the mushroom bodies, the protocerebrum, and all three optic ganglia.
Discrete Bat Algorithm and Application in Community Detection

With the rapid development of social media, users have more options to form spontaneously reading or watch- ing communities, and detecting such communities has significance both in technological aspects and commercial aspects. Theoretically community detecting problem is NP-hard problem and thus people inclined to choose heuristic algorithms based on objective optimization. Among these algorithms Bat-inspired Algorithm (BA) was originally proposed to solve continuous objective optimization problems. In this paper, authors explore the role of Bat-inspired Algorithm on detecting community structure in networks. This paper firstly introduces the definition of community and Bat-inspired Algorithm, then gives Discrete Bat Algorithm (hereinafter referred to as D-BA), the detailed design of detecting a classic community structure in the Karate club network and the standard of evaluation. Finally analyzes and evaluates the result.
Diversity and structure of the tree community of a fragment of tropical secondary forest of the brazilian Atlantic Forest domain 15 and 40 years after logging

Two adjacent tracts of tropical secondary forest, situated in Itambe do Mato Dentro, south-eastern Brazil, which had been regenerating for 15 and 40 years after clearing, were compared with the purpose of detecting differences in species diversity and composition, species guild composition (regeneration, stratification and dispersion), and stand structure. Four and three 1,125 m2 plots laid on the 15- and 40-year-old stands, respectively, sampled 2,430 trees with diameter at the base of the stem > 5 cm. The number of species (S = 199) was high for this forest type and significantly higher for the older stand. Tree density was significantly higher in the younger stand, particularly for smaller trees, whereas the two stands did not differ in both basal area and volume per hectare. Trees of shade-tolerant and understory species were significantly more abundant in the older stand. Though sharing a large proportion of species (49%), the two stands differed significantly in the abundance of many species. Live stumps probably contributed to the relatively quick restoration of some forest characteristics, particularly species diversity, basal area and volume.
Insulin in ischaemic heart disease: are associations explained by triglyceride concentrations? The Caerphilly prospective study.

OBJECTIVE--To investigate the predictive value of fasting insulin concentrations for subsequent fatal or non-fatal ischaemic heart disease at five year follow up and to examine the associations between insulin and other indicators of risk. DESIGN--A prospective population study among 2512 men aged 45 to 59 at recruitment. SETTING--A whole population sample of men resident in Caerphilly, South Wales. MEASUREMENTS--At recruitment fasting blood samples were taken for measurement of plasma lipids and serum insulin. Men were re-examined at a five year follow up and ischaemic heart disease events during this period were assessed from hospital notes, death certificates, and electrocardiograms. MAIN RESULTS--Diabetic men and those men with a fasting blood glucose of > or = 8 mmol/l were excluded from all analyses. In a univariate analysis the incidence of ischaemic heart disease increased with increasing concentration of fasting insulin, such that for men in the top 20% of the insulin distribution the odds of developing ischaemic heart disease were 1.87 relative to men in the bottom 20%. On multivariate analysis this relation disappeared on adjusting for plasma triglycerides, body mass index, and evidence of ischaemic heart disease at recruitment. CONCLUSION--In this population in South Wales there was no evidence that the fasting insulin concentration is an independent risk factor for ischaemic heart disease. The univariate association between insulin and incident disease was almost entirely explained by the association of both with triglycerides and body mass index.
Structure and function of the long terminal repeats of feline leukemia viruses derived from naturally occurring acute myeloid leukemias in cats

Long terminal repeats of feline leukemia viruses cloned from feline acute myeloid leukemias frequently contained direct repeats of 40 to 74 bp in the upstream region of the enhancer (URE). The repetitive URE conferred an enhancer function upon gene expression in myeloid cells, suggesting its association with tumorigenic potential in myeloid cells.
Three-factor model of Schizotypal Personality in a British Christian sample

The three-factor structure of schizotypy, as measured through the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), was assessed in a non-clinical Christian sample of 161 British adults from a wide range of denominational backgrounds. Participants were recruited through non-random purposive sampling. The trifactor model was unambiguously replicated. Furthermore, the SPQ exhibited excellent internal consistencies (range 0.73 to 0.97), while Confirmatory Factor Analysis and cross-instrument comparisons with Eysenck's Psychoticism scale indicated that elements of its convergence and discriminant validities were highly acceptable. Although this study identified some minor issues that require attention, overall, the SPQ appears to be a rather powerful and highly stable measure of schizotypy that can reliably be used in schizophrenia-related research with Christians.
Adenosine increases LPS‐induced nuclear factor kappa B activation in smooth muscle cells via an intracellular mechanism and modulates it via actions on adenosine receptors

In inflamed and damaged cardiovascular tissues, local extracellular adenosine concentrations increase coincidentally with activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). To investigate whether adenosine influences NFκB activation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and, if so, to examine the role of its receptors.
Phlebotomus orientalis Sand Flies from Two Geographically Distant Ethiopian Localities: Biology, Genetic Analyses and Susceptibility to Leishmania donovani

Background Phlebotomus orientalis Parrot (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani in East Africa. Here we report on life cycle parameters and susceptibility to L. donovani of two P. orientalis colonies originating from different sites in Ethiopia: a non-endemic site in the lowlands - Melka Werer (MW), and an endemic focus of human VL in the highlands - Addis Zemen (AZ). Methodology/Principal Findings Marked differences in life-cycle parameters between the two colonies included distinct requirements for larval food and humidity during pupation. However, analyses using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR and DNA sequencing of cytB and COI mitochondrial genes did not reveal any genetic differences. F1 hybrids developed successfully with higher fecundity than the parental colonies. Susceptibility of P. orientalis to L. donovani was studied by experimental infections. Even the lowest infective dose tested (2×103 per ml) was sufficient for successful establishment of L. donovani infections in about 50% of the P. orientalis females. Using higher infective doses, the infection rates were around 90% for both colonies. Leishmania development in P. orientalis was fast, the presence of metacyclic promastigotes in the thoracic midgut and the colonization of the stomodeal valve by haptomonads were recorded in most P. orientalis females by day five post-blood feeding. Conclusions Both MW and AZ colonies of P. orientalis were highly susceptible to Ethiopian L. donovani strains. As the average volume of blood-meals taken by P. orientalis females are about 0.7 µl, the infective dose at the lowest concentration was one or two L. donovani promastigotes per sand fly blood-meal. The development of L. donovani was similar in both P. orientalis colonies; hence, the absence of visceral leishmaniasis in non-endemic area Melka Werer cannot be attributed to different susceptibility of local P. orientalis populations to L. donovani.
Prone to Progress: Using Personality to Identify Supporters of Innovative Social Entrepreneurship

One of the main challenges in social entrepreneurship is capturing stakeholder support—from consumers, to legislators, to volunteers, to many others. Identifying likely supporters is the first step to sustainable success, but a difficult one. This research examines whether personality influences a person's tendency to support innovative social entrepreneurial (SE) ventures. Here, the possible influence of the “Big Five” personality traits (i.e., openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism [OCEAN]) is examined; however, in line with prior research, attention is focused on both openness(an OCEAN trait) and empathy(a non-OCEAN trait). Two types of SE ventures are considered: social innovations and technological innovations. Data from a survey evaluating six SE ventures (three social and three technological) reveal that participants’ personality influences support; however, observed influence differs by type of venture—openness underlies support of technological innovations, and empathy underlies support of social innovations. Further process analysis demonstrates that this influence is not direct but rather is mediated by people's perceptions of how much change the venture will make. These results offer social entrepreneurs insights into who might be prone to support SE ventures and, more important, why.
One-shot learning and behavioral eligibility traces in sequential decision making

In many daily tasks, we make multiple decisions before reaching a goal. In order to learn such sequences of decisions, a mechanism to link earlier actions to later reward is necessary. Reinforcement learning (RL) theory suggests two classes of algorithms solving this credit assignment problem: In classic temporal-difference learning, earlier actions receive reward information only after multiple repetitions of the task, whereas models with eligibility traces reinforce entire sequences of actions from a single experience (one-shot). Here, we show one-shot learning of sequences. We developed a novel paradigm to directly observe which actions and states along a multi-step sequence are reinforced after a single reward. By focusing our analysis on those states for which RL with and without eligibility trace make qualitatively distinct predictions, we find direct behavioral (choice probability) and physiological (pupil dilation) signatures of reinforcement learning with eligibility trace across multiple sensory modalities.