Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Complexes in the Archaeon Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus Analyzed by Blue Native/SDS-PAGE and Mass Spectrometry*S

Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus is a thermophilic archaeon that produces methane as the end product of its primary metabolism. The biochemistry of methane formation has been extensively studied and is catalyzed by individual enzymes and proteins that are organized in protein complexes. Although much is known of the protein complexes involved in methanogenesis, only limited information is available on the associations of proteins involved in other cell processes of M. thermautotrophicus. To visualize and identify interacting and individual proteins of M. thermautotrophicus on a proteome-wide scale, protein preparations were separated using blue native electrophoresis followed by SDS-PAGE. A total of 361 proteins, corresponding to almost 20% of the predicted proteome, was identified using peptide mass fingerprinting after MALDI-TOF MS. All previously characterized complexes involved in energy generation could be visualized. Furthermore the expression and association of the heterodisulfide reductase and methylviologen-reducing hydrogenase complexes depended on culture conditions. Also homomeric supercomplexes of the ATP synthase stalk subcomplex and the N5-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydromethanopterin:coenzyme M methyltransferase complex were separated. Chemical cross-linking experiments confirmed that the multimerization of both complexes was not experimentally induced. A considerable number of previously uncharacterized protein complexes were reproducibly visualized. These included an exosome-like complex consisting of four exosome core subunits, which associated with a tRNA-intron endonuclease, thereby expanding the constituency of archaeal exosomes. The results presented show the presence of novel complexes and demonstrate the added value of including blue native gel electrophoresis followed by SDS-PAGE in discovering protein complexes that are involved in catabolic, anabolic, and general cell processes.
NUCLEIC ACIDS AND THE PRODUCTION OF ANTIBODY BY PLASMA CELLS

A study has been made of the relationship of antibody formation and the changes in amount of the nucleic acids in rabbit lymph nodes draining areas injected with typhoid vaccine. The increase in DNA was found to parallel the increase in weight of the nodes, as might be expected from the active multiplication of cells. The peak of PNA increase occurred between the 4th and 6th days after vaccine injection when antibody formation was at its maximum. A histologic study of methyl green- and pyronine-stained sections of the nodes revealed that during the first 6 days of the experiment the cellular reaction was chiefly one of plasma cells. During the first 3 days plasmoblasts predominated; on the 5th and 6th days mature plasma cells were the prevailing cells. Most of the PNA was contained in the plasma cells. The lymphocytes began to proliferate in significant numbers on the 3rd and 4th days, and germinal centers began to appear on the 4th and 5th days. They showed their greatest activity only on the 9th day when PNA and antibody formation had passed their peaks. These results are interpreted as indicating that the plasma cell and not the lymphocyte is responsible for antibody formation.
Rapid Sequestration and Degradation of Somatostatin Analogues by Isolated Brain Microvessels

Abstract: Somatostatin (SRIF) is a putative peptide neurotransmitter that may interact with brain capillaries following neurosecretion of the peptide. The present studies investigate the binding and metabolism of SRIF analogues in isolated bovine brain microvessels. 125I [Tyr1]SRIF was rapidly degraded by capillary aminopeptidase with a half‐time of approximately 3 min at 23°C. The microvessel aminopeptidase had a low affinity and high capacity for the peptide, Km= 76 μM and Vmax= 74 nmol min−1. 125I‐[Tyr11]SRIF was converted to free iodotyrosine at a much slower rate, presumably by a lower‐activity endopeptidase. 125I‐[Tyr 11]SRIF was rapidly bound by microvessels, whereas another basic peptide, [Tyr8]bradykinin, or an acidic peptide, CCK8, or a neutral peptide, leucine enkephalin, were bound to a considerably less extent. The binding of 125I‐[Tyr11]SRIF to the capillaries was nonsaturable up to a concentration of 1 μg/ml of unlabeled peptide, and the binding reaction was extremely rapid, reaching equilibrium within 5 s at either 0°C or 37°C. Approximately 20% of the SRIF bound by the microvessels was resistant to acid wash and presumably represented internalized peptide. In addition, the 125I‐[Tyr11]SRIF bound rapidly to the endothelial cytoskeleton remaining after a 1% Triton X‐100 extraction of the microvessels. The peptide‐cytoskeletal binding reaction was nonsaturable up to 1 μg/ml of unlabeled [Tyr11]SRIF, but it was inhibited by 0.5% polylysine or 0.8 M KC1 and was stimulated by 1 mM dithiothreiotol. These studies suggest that brain microvessels rapidly sequester and degrade SRIF analogues and that this may represent one mechanism for rapid inactivation of the neuropeptides subsequent to neurosecretion.
Indefinite-Horizon Reachability in Goal-DEC-POMDPs

DEC-POMDPs extend POMDPs to a multi-agent setting, where several agents operate in an uncertain environment independently to achieve a joint objective. DEC-POMDPs have been studied with finite-horizon and infinite-horizon discounted-sum objectives, and there exist solvers both for exact and approximate solutions. In this work we consider Goal-DEC-POMDPs, where given a set of target states, the objective is to ensure that the target set is reached with minimal cost.We consider the indefinite-horizon (infinite-horizon with either discounted-sum, or undiscounted-sum, where absorbing goal states have zero-cost) problem. We present a new and novel method to solve the problem that extends methods for finite-horizon DEC-POMDPs and the RTDP-Bel approach for POMDPs. We present experimental results on several examples, and show that our approach presents promising results.
Inability To Make a Premortem Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba Species Infection in a Patient with Fatal Granulomatous Amebic Encephalitis

ABSTRACT Granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), an infection of immunocompromised hosts, is almost uniformly fatal. A case of GAE in a patient who failed to mount a serologic response to Acanthamoeba polyphaga is presented. Although Acanthamoeba polyphaga that is sensitive to multiple antimicrobials grew from brain tissue, an inability to make a premortem diagnosis precluded therapy.
Amphotropic Murine Leukemia Virus Entry Is Determined by Specific Combinations of Residues from Receptor Loops 2 and 4

ABSTRACT Pit2 is the human receptor for amphotropic murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV); the related human protein Pit1 does not support A-MuLV entry. Interestingly, chimeric proteins in which either the N-terminal or the C-terminal part of Pit2 was replaced by the Pit1 sequence all retained A-MuLV receptor function. A possible interpretation of these observations is that Pit1 harbors sequences which can specify A-MuLV receptor function when presented in a protein context other than Pit1, e.g., in Pit1-Pit2 hybrids. We reasoned that such Pit1 sequences might be identified if presented in the Neurospora crassa protein Pho-4. This protein is distantly related to Pit1 and Pit2, predicted to have a similar membrane topology with five extracellular loops, and does not support A-MuLV entry. We show here that introduction of the Pit1-specific loop 2 sequence conferred A-MuLV receptor function upon Pho-4. Therefore, we conclude that (i) a functional A-MuLV receptor can be constructed by combining sequences from two proteins each lacking A-MuLV receptor function and that (ii) a Pit1 sequence can specify A-MuLV receptor function when presented in another protein context than that provided by Pit1 itself. Previous results indicated a role of loop 4 residues in A-MuLV entry, and the presence of a Pit2-specific loop 4 sequence was found here to confer A-MuLV receptor function upon Pho-4. Moreover, the introduction of a Pit1-specific loop 4 sequence, but not of a Pit2-specific loop 4 sequence, abolished the A-MuLV receptor function of a Pho-4 chimera harboring the Pit1-specific loop 2 sequence. Together, these data suggest that residues in both loop 2 and loop 4 play a role in A-MuLV receptor function. A-MuLV is, however, not dependent on the specific Pit2 loop 2 and Pit2 loop 4 sequences for entry; rather, the role played by loops 2 and 4 in A-MuLV entry can be fulfilled by several different combinations of loop 2 and loop 4 sequences. We predict that the residues in loops 2 and 4, identified in this study as specifying A-MuLV receptor function, are to be found among those not conserved among Pho-4, Pit1, and Pit2.
B cells contribute to MS pathogenesis through antibody-dependent and antibody-independent mechanisms

For many years, central dogma defined multiple sclerosis (MS) as a T cell-driven autoimmune disorder; however, over the past decade there has been a burgeoning recognition that B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of certain MS disease subtypes. B cells may contribute to MS pathogenesis through production of autoantibodies (or antibodies directed at foreign bodies, which unfortunately cross-react with self-antigens), through promotion of T cell activation via antigen presentation, or through production of cytokines. This review highlights evidence for antibody-dependent and antibody-independent B cell involvement in MS pathogenesis.
Human Performance in a Realistic Instrument-Control Task during Short-Term Microgravity

Previous studies have documented the detrimental effects of microgravity on human sensorimotor skills. While that work dealt with simple, laboratory-type skills, we now evaluate the effects of microgravity on a complex, realistic instrument-control skill. Twelve participants controlled a simulated power plant during the short-term microgravity intervals of parabolic flight as well as during level flight. To this end they watched multiple displays, made strategic decisions and used multiple actuators to maximize their virtual earnings from the power plant. We quantified control efficiency as the participants’ net earnings (revenue minus expenses), motor performance as hand kinematics and dynamics, and stress as cortisol level, self-assessed mood and self-assessed workload. We found that compared to normal gravity, control efficiency substantially decreased in microgravity, hand velocity slowed down, and cortisol level and perceived physical strain increased, but other stress and motor scores didn’t change. Furthermore, control efficiency was not correlated with motor and stress scores. From this we conclude that realistic instrument control was degraded in short-term microgravity. This degradation can’t be explained by the motor and/or stress indicators under study, and microgravity affected motor performance differently in our complex, realistic skill than in the simple, laboratory-type skills of earlier studies.
Preliminary clinical experience of a contracture correction device

Joint contractures which do not respond to conventional physiotherapy can be difficult to treat. Serial plastering has been used effectively but is expensive, inconvenient to the patient and does not permit daily hygiene or clinical inspection. A mechanical device has been developed consisting a hinged orthosis which spans the affected joint to which is attached a gas strut to provide a corrective moment about the anatomical joint. Such an arrangement enables prescribed corrective moments to be applied accurately following clinical assessment using routine physiotherapy techniques. The inherently low spring rate of a gas strut ensures that the specified corrective torque is maintained as correction occurs. Initial treatment experience under the control of the developers had generated wider interest in the system. A geographically distant independent orthotic supply centre was trained in the techniques of application. They treated nine elbow and three knee joints in patients who had not responded to physiotherapy treatment. All of the patients experienced improvement. The average for elbow joints was a reduction in the contracture of 25.6° with a corrective moment of 6.8Nm over a period of 3.9 weeks. For the knee joints the averages were a reduction in contracture of 10.7° with a corrective moment of 12.7Nm over a period of 4 weeks. The results confirmed the practicality of transferring the system to independent clinical centres and provide evidence to support funding for a formal prospective clinical trial of the treatment approach.
Characterization of hepatic and cardiac iron deposition during standard treatment of anaemia in haemodialysis

Parenteral iron is integral in the treatment of anaemia of chronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis (HD). However, increased liver iron concentration (LIC) can result from such treatment, and this correlates poorly with serum ferritin or transferrin saturation values. It is unclear whether increased cardiac iron concentration also occurs in this setting. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of intravenous iron supplementation to hepatic and cardiac iron deposition in chronic HD subjects.
Heterogeneity in the development of proactive and reactive aggression in childhood: Common and specific genetic - environmental factors

Background Few studies are grounded in a developmental framework to study proactive and reactive aggression. Furthermore, although distinctive correlates, predictors and outcomes have been highlighted, proactive and reactive aggression are substantially correlated. To our knowledge, no empirical study has examined the communality of genetic and environmental underpinning of the development of both subtypes of aggression. The current study investigated the communality and specificity of genetic-environmental factors related to heterogeneity in proactive and reactive aggression’s development throughout childhood. Methods Participants were 223 monozygotic and 332 dizygotic pairs. Teacher reports of aggression were obtained at 6, 7, 9, 10 and 12 years of age. Joint development of both phenotypes were analyzed through a multivariate latent growth curve model. Set point, differentiation, and genetic maturation/environmental modulation hypotheses were tested using a biometric decomposition of intercepts and slopes. Results Common genetic factors accounted for 64% of the total variation of proactive and reactive aggression’s intercepts. Two other sets of uncorrelated genetic factors accounted for reactive aggression’s intercept (17%) on the one hand, and for proactive (43%) and reactive (13%) aggression’s slopes on the other. Common shared environmental factors were associated with proactive aggression’s intercept (21%) and slope (26%) and uncorrelated shared environmental factors were also associated with reactive aggression’s slope (14%). Common nonshared environmental factors explained most of the remaining variability of proactive and reactive aggression slopes. Conclusions A genetic differentiation hypothesis common to both phenotypes was supported by common genetic factors associated with the developmental heterogeneity of proactive and reactive aggression in childhood. A genetic maturation hypothesis common to both phenotypes, albeit stronger for proactive aggression, was supported by common genetic factors associated with proactive and reactive aggression slopes. A shared environment set point hypothesis for proactive aggression was supported by shared environmental factors associated with proactive aggression baseline and slope. Although there are many common features to proactive and reactive aggression, the current research underscores the advantages of differentiating them when studying aggression.
Coalition Games with Cooperative Transmission: A Cure for the Curse of Boundary Nodes in Selfish Packet-Forwarding Wireless Networks

In wireless packet-forwarding networks with selfish nodes, applications of a repeated game can induce the nodes to forward each others' packets, so that the network performance can be improved. However, the nodes on the boundary of such networks cannot benefit from this strategy, as the other nodes do not depend on them. This problem is sometimes known as the curse of the boundary nodes. To overcome this problem, an approach based on coalition games is proposed, in which the boundary nodes can use cooperative transmission to help the backbone nodes in the middle of the network. In return, the backbone nodes are willing to forward the boundary nodes' packets. The stability of the coalitions is studied using the concept of a core. Then two types of fairness, namely, the min- max fairness using nucleolus and the average fairness using the Shapley function are investigated. Finally, a protocol is designed using both repeated games and coalition games. Simulation results show how boundary nodes and backbone nodes form coalitions together according to different fairness criteria. The proposed protocol can improve the network connectivity by about 50%, compared with pure repeated game schemes.
DISULFIND: a disulfide bonding state and cysteine connectivity prediction server

DISULFIND is a server for predicting the disulfide bonding state of cysteines and their disulfide connectivity starting from sequence alone. Optionally, disulfide connectivity can be predicted from sequence and a bonding state assignment given as input. The output is a simple visualization of the assigned bonding state (with confidence degrees) and the most likely connectivity patterns. The server is available at .
Backward Euler discretization of fully nonlinear parabolic problems

This paper is concerned with the time discretization of nonlinear evolution equations. We work in an abstract Banach space setting of analytic semigroups that covers fully nonlinear parabolic initial-boundary value problems with smooth coefficients. We prove convergence of variable stepsize backward Euler discretizations under various smoothness assumptions on the exact solution. We further show that the geometric properties near a hyperbolic equilibrium are well captured by the discretization. A numerical example is given.
A Phenomenological Investigation of the Experience of Taking Part in `Extreme Sports'

This article is concerned with what it may mean to individuals to engage in practices that are physically challenging and risky. The article questions the assumptions that psychological health is commensurate with maintaining physical safety, and that risking one's health and physical safety is necessarily a sign of psychopathology. The research was based upon semi-structured interviews with eight extreme sport practitioners. The interviews were analysed using Colaizzi's version of the phenomenological method. The article explicates the themes identified in the analysis, and discusses their implications for health psychology theory and practice.
The Inhibiting Fc Receptor for IgG, FcγRIIB, Is a Modifier of Autoimmune Susceptibility

FcγRIIB-deficient mice generated in 129 background (FcγRIIB129−/−) if back-crossed into C57BL/6 background exhibit a hyperactive phenotype and develop lethal lupus. Both in mice and humans, the Fcγr2b gene is located within a genomic interval on chromosome 1 associated with lupus susceptibility. In mice, the 129-derived haplotype of this interval, named Sle16, causes loss of self-tolerance in the context of the B6 genome, hampering the analysis of the specific contribution of FcγRIIB deficiency to the development of lupus in FcγRIIB129−/− mice. Moreover, in humans genetic linkage studies revealed contradictory results regarding the association of “loss of function” mutations in the Fcγr2b gene and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosis. In this study, we demonstrate that FcγRIIB−/− mice generated by gene targeting in B6-derived ES cells (FcγRIIBB6−/−), lacking the 129-derived flanking Sle16 region, exhibit a hyperactive phenotype but fail to develop lupus indicating that in FcγRIIB129−/− mice, not FcγRIIB deficiency but epistatic interactions between the C57BL/6 genome and the 129-derived Fcγr2b flanking region cause loss of tolerance. The contribution to the development of autoimmune disease by the resulting autoreactive B cells is amplified by the absence of FcγRIIB, culminating in lethal lupus. In the presence of the Yaa lupus-susceptibility locus, FcγRIIBB6−/− mice do develop lethal lupus, confirming that FcγRIIB deficiency only amplifies spontaneous autoimmunity determined by other loci.
Evaluation of the ASAR GM soil moisture product

With the increasing number of remotely sensed soil moisture products a need for their standardized evaluation becomes necessary. This work comprises of two major parts. First, it provides a brief overview on three advanced evaluation measures commonly used to evaluate soil moisture products. Second, it investigates the performance of the triple collocation (TC) and error propagation (EP) methods when these are used to evaluate the medium resolution ASAR GM soil moisture product. The study highlights the fact that each evaluation method has limitations and presumptions that may not always be fully achievable. It further demonstrates that a combination of only two evaluation methods can shed more light on the performance quality of the methods and may lead to an improved understanding of the error structures of the product.
Zolmitriptan, a 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist for the acute oral treatment of migraine: a multicentre, dose‐range finding study

Zolmitriptan is a selective 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist for acute oral imgraine theraphy. This randomized, placebo|controlled, parallel‐grup study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of oral zolmitriptan (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg) in the tretment of single acute migraine attacks. Of 1181 patients randomized, 840 were evaluable for the primary efficacy analysis. Headache response rates (a reduction in headache intensity from severe or moderate at baseline to mild or no pain at 2 hours post‐treatment) were similaracross the zolmitriptan dose groups (66%, 71%, 69% and 77% for 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg, respectively) and were significantly higher than that for placebo (19%; all groups P < 0.001). A headache response was reponse was reposted at 1 hour by 40‐50% of zolmitriptan recipients (16% placebo). At 2 hours post dose,39‐47% of zolmitriptan‐treated patients were pain‐free, compared with 1% of placebo recipients. Headache recurrence occurred in 21‐29% (upper 95% CI 37.1) of zolmitriptan‐treated patients and in 65% (95% CI 38.3, 85.8) of placebo recipients. Zolmitriptan was well tolerated at each dose. The most commonly reported adverse events were asthenia, dizziness, paraesthesia and feelings of heaviness. Mostadverse events were of mildor moderate intensity and were efficacy and tolerability profile, the dose response data suggest that lower doses would also offer significant efficacy.