Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Group B Streptococcal Capsular Sialic Acids Interact with Siglecs (Immunoglobulin-Like Lectins) on Human Leukocytes

ABSTRACT Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is classified into nine serotypes that vary in capsular polysaccharide (CPS) architecture but share in common the presence of a terminal sialic acid (Sia) residue. This position and linkage of GBS Sia closely resembles that of cell surface glycans found abundantly on human cells. CD33-related Siglecs (CD33rSiglecs) are a family of Sia-binding lectins expressed on host leukocytes that engage host Sia-capped glycans and send signals that dampen inflammatory gene activation. We hypothesized that GBS evolved to display CPS Sia as a form of molecular mimicry limiting the activation of an effective innate immune response. In this study, we applied a panel of immunologic and cell-based assays to demonstrate that GBS of several serotypes interacts in a Sia- and serotype-specific manner with certain human CD33rSiglecs, including hSiglec-9 and hSiglec-5 expressed on neutrophils and monocytes. Modification of GBS CPS Sia by O acetylation has recently been recognized, and we further show that the degree of O acetylation can markedly affect the interaction between GBS and hSiglec-5, -7, and -9. Thus, production of Sia-capped bacterial polysaccharide capsules that mimic human cell surface glycans in order to engage CD33rSiglecs may be an example of a previously unrecognized bacterial mechanism of leukocyte manipulation.
Chronic renin inhibition lowers blood pressure and reduces upright muscle sympathetic nerve activity in hypertensive seniors

• Cardiovascular risk remains high in elderly patients with hypertension even with adequate blood pressure control; one possible mechanism may be sympathetic activation via the baroreflex in response to blood pressure reduction. • We found that chronic diuresis increased vasomotor sympathetic activity in both the supine and the upright positions, while chronic renin inhibition did not affect sympathetic activity in the supine position but attenuated its response to head‐up tilt in elderly hypertensive patients. • The change of sympathetic activity by anti‐hypertensive drug treatment was correlated with the change of aldosterone level in all patients. • Upright sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity remained unchanged after diuresis or renin inhibition. • These results suggest that chronic renin inhibition lowers blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients without sympathetic activation, in contrast to diuresis which increases sympathetic activity through the augmented renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.
Off-forward parton distributions

Recently, there have been some interesting developments involving off-forward parton distributions of the nucleon, deeply virtual Compton scattering, and hard diffractive vector-meson production. These developments are triggered by the realization that the off-forward distributions contain information about the internal spin structure of the nucleon and that diffractive electroproduction of vector mesons depends on these unconventional distributions. This paper gives a brief overview of the recent developments.
Protected areas facilitate species’ range expansions

The benefits of protected areas (PAs) for biodiversity have been questioned in the context of climate change because PAs are static, whereas the distributions of species are dynamic. Current PAs may, however, continue to be important if they provide suitable locations for species to colonize at their leading-edge range boundaries, thereby enabling spread into new regions. Here, we present an empirical assessment of the role of PAs as targets for colonization during recent range expansions. Records from intensive surveys revealed that seven bird and butterfly species have colonized PAs 4.2 (median) times more frequently than expected from the availability of PAs in the landscapes colonized. Records of an additional 256 invertebrate species with less-intensive surveys supported these findings and showed that 98% of species are disproportionately associated with PAs in newly colonized parts of their ranges. Although colonizing species favor PAs in general, species vary greatly in their reliance on PAs, reflecting differences in the dependence of individual species on particular habitats and other conditions that are available only in PAs. These findings highlight the importance of current PAs for facilitating range expansions and show that a small subset of the landscape receives a high proportion of colonizations by range-expanding species.
Light-Mediated Kinetic Control Reveals the Temporal Effect of the Raf/MEK/ERK Pathway in PC12 Cell Neurite Outgrowth

It has been proposed that differential activation kinetics allows cells to use a common set of signaling pathways to specify distinct cellular outcomes. For example, nerve growth factor (NGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) induce different activation kinetics of the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and result in differentiation and proliferation, respectively. However, a direct and quantitative linkage between the temporal profile of Raf/MEK/ERK activation and the cellular outputs has not been established due to a lack of means to precisely perturb its signaling kinetics. Here, we construct a light-gated protein-protein interaction system to regulate the activation pattern of the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Light-induced activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade leads to significant neurite outgrowth in rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cell lines in the absence of growth factors. Compared with NGF stimulation, light stimulation induces longer but fewer neurites. Intermittent on/off illumination reveals that cells achieve maximum neurite outgrowth if the off-time duration per cycle is shorter than 45 min. Overall, light-mediated kinetic control enables precise dissection of the temporal dimension within the intracellular signal transduction network.
Hypothermia: Respiratory and Blood Ph Changes in Relation to Cardiac Function

PT' EMPORARY whole-body hypothermia in theory offers an ideal way of greatly 1, reducing metabolism, and seems to hold great promise in clinical surgery. Yet, although the reptile or the hibernating mammal can withstand very low body temperatures without distress, body temperatures much below 28°C produce severe and often fatal physiological stress in the non-hibernating mammal. In the course of a series of studies of the physiology of experimental hypothermia in the dog, we have observed profound changes in the auto-regulation of respiration and of blood PH. These changes appear to be important components body temperatures of in the stress effect of low higher mammals. Prevention or control of these changes appears to greatly increase vive extremely the ability of the dog to low body temperatures. sur-MATERIALS AND METHODS Dogs weighing between 8 and 15 kg were anesthe-tized with intravenous Nembutal and cooled by immersion in a water-bath maintained at a temperature between 9O and IoOC. Rewarming was carried out by raising the bath temperature to 40°C. Heparin was administered intravenously, 3 mg/kg body weight, to prevent clotting in the PH electrode chambers. Body temperatures were measured with a recording thermometer by rectum on the basis of Bigelow's (I) finding that rectal and cardiac temperatures usually differ by less than I degree. Arterial PH was continuously recorded by a Cambridge PH recorder using shielded glass and calomel electrodes in a small chamber through which blood was passed from the femoral artery to the femoral vein. Arterial blood pressure was recorded on a kymograph, using a mercury manometer connected to the opposite femoral artery. In the first series of animals , changes in apparent respiratory volume were estimated on an arbitrary scale as the product of chest excursion (recorded from a Manning Pneumograph) and respiratory rate. In subsequent animals respiratory Received for publication April 6, 1953. 1 This work was done during the tenure of a Research Fellowship and Grant-in-Aid of the American Heart Association. volume was measured directly in several ways, eventually by passage through a recording dry-type gas-meter. The expired air was collected, and in earlier dogs was passed continuously through a modified Marriott bicar-bonate buffer solution (2) with indicator dye to provide an estimation of CO2 concentration. In later experiments , CO2 concentration of expired air was measured by thermal conductivity in an appropriate pair of cells and gas-train (3). Positive pressure respiration in con-trollable amount was administered …
Neurotoxicity of amphetamines and their metabolites.

When amphetamine or an analog is administered in repeated high doses, neurochemical deficits in both the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems of selected areas of the brain are observed. Methamphetamine (10 to 15 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)), administered every 6 hours for 5 doses, decreases rat tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and dopamine (DA) content in the neostriatum within 18 hours after the first dose (Koda and Gibb 1973). Interestingly, these neurochemical deficits persist in rats and nonhuman primates for extended periods of time after the drug is discontinued (Ellison et al. 1978; Bakhit et al. 1981; Woolverton et al. 1989).
The Acoustics of the Double Elliptical Vault of the Royal Palace of Caserta (Italy)

This work investigates the acoustic characteristics of the double elliptical vault, which overlooks the Grand Staircase of the Royal Palace of Caserta (Italy). The Royal Palace was built by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli in the Seventeenth Century and it is the largest royal building in Italy. The double elliptical vault presents a great scenography effect. Inside the vault, on the planking level, musicians used to play for the king and his guests when the royal procession, going up the grand staircase, entered the royal apartments, creating astonishment among the guests who heard the music without understanding from where it was coming. Since the musicians were inside the vault, the long reverberation made the listeners perceive the vault to be enveloped by the music. To investigate this effect, the acoustic characteristics of the double vault were measured, putting the sound source on the planking level of the vault, while the microphones were put along the staircase and in the vestibule towards the royal apartments. Finally, the spatial distribution of several acoustic parameters is evaluated also using architectural acoustic simulations.
Parallel differential evolutionary algorithms for physique states characterization in bioengineering

This paper presents a methodology to detect online the physiological state of strains in a bioreactor. The biologic reactions means that one of the pathways of the metabolism is activated and in this case the microorganisms will produce or will consummate the discrete-event system (DES) is synthesized applying the maximum of modulus of the wavelet transform on measured signals constrained to the biotechnologist expert validation. The determination of holder coefficient by differential evolutionary algorithms allows to make the difference between different discontinuities and to obtain the segmentation of the signals. All these evaluations lead to associate the signals variations during the time to physiological states.
Phototaxis during the slug stage of Dictyostelium discoideum: a model study

During the slug stage, the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum moves towards light sources. We have modelled this phototactic behaviour using a hybrid cellular automata/partial differential equation model. In our model, individual amoebae are not able to measure the direction from which the light comes, and differences in light intensity do not lead to differentiation in motion velocity among the amoebae. Nevertheless, the whole slug orientates itself towards the light. This behaviour is mediated by a modification of the cyclic AMP (cAMP) waves. As an explanation for phototaxis, we propose the following mechanism, which is basically characterized by four processes: (i) light is focused on the distal side of the slug as a result of the so-called ‘lens-effect’; (ii) differences in luminous intensity cause differences in NH3 concentration; (iii) NH3 alters the excitablity of the cell, and thereby the shape of the cAMP wave; and (iv) chemotaxis towards cAMP causes the slug to turn. We show that this mechanism can account for a number of other behaviours that have been observed in experiments, such as bidirectional phototaxis and the cancellation of bidirectionality by a decrease in the light intensity or the addition of charcoal to the medium.
The Role of Citicoline in Neuroprotection and Neurorepair in Ischemic Stroke

Advances in acute stroke therapy resulting from thrombolytic treatment, endovascular procedures, and stroke units have improved significantly stroke survival and prognosis; however, for the large majority of patients lacking access to advanced therapies stroke mortality and residual morbidity remain high and many patients become incapacitated by motor and cognitive deficits, with loss of independence in activities of daily living. Therefore, over the past several years, research has been directed to limit the brain lesions produced by acute ischemia (neuroprotection) and to increase the recovery, plasticity and neuroregenerative processes that complement rehabilitation and enhance the possibility of recovery and return to normal functions (neurorepair). Citicoline has therapeutic effects at several stages of the ischemic cascade in acute ischemic stroke and has demonstrated efficiency in a multiplicity of animal models of acute stroke. Long-term treatment with citicoline is safe and effective, improving post-stroke cognitive decline and enhancing patients’ functional recovery. Prolonged citicoline administration at optimal doses has been demonstrated to be remarkably well tolerated and to enhance endogenous mechanisms of neurogenesis and neurorepair contributing to physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Cyberloafing: Does workplace internet leisure affect employee satisfaction?

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among workplace Internet leisure, workplace Internet leisure policy, workplace autonomy orientation, and employee satisfaction. Data were collected from 5 banks located in Kuala Lumpur. Out of 500 questionnaires were distributed, a total number of 282 completed questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 21.0. The result suggests that there is a significant and positive relationship between the workplace Internet leisure and employee satisfaction. However, it is found that workplace autonomy orientation does not influence employee satisfaction. On the other hand, and workplace Internet leisure policy significantly affect employee satisfaction. The research also suggests there are implications practically where WIL can become a platform for additional knowledge, connection and collaboration and improve the quality of life where the ultimate goal is a balance in work-life of the employees.
Assessment of anthropometric indices, iron and zinc status of preschoolers in a peri-urban community in south east Nigeria

Background: Malnutrition among preschoolers is a major public health problem in Nigeria; with resultant morbidity, poor psychological and intellectual development and mortality. Objective: To assess the anthropometric indices, iron and zinc status of preschoolers in Ozubulu, Anambra State. Methods: Two hundred and forty (240) preschoolers were randomly selected from eight nursery schools. Data were collected using questionnaire, anthropometry, biochemical analysis and a 3-day weighed food intake study. A sub set of 30 children were selected for biochemical analysis and a 3-day weighed food intake study. Serum iron, total iron binding capacity, percentage transferrin saturation and serum zinc were assessed using standard methods. Data from the questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics. The anthropometric data was compared with reference standards. The dietary data were analysed with Food Finder version 3. Results: The prevalence of underweight, wasting and stunting were 1.7%, 11.9%, and 0.8%, respectively. About 66% of the children had low transferrinemia level (percentage transferring saturation 65μg/dl) zinc status while 63% were deficient (<65 μg/dl). More males (63.6%) had normal serum zinc status than the females (36.4%). The 3 and 5 year olds consumed ≥143.29% and ≥ 155.54% of their FAO/WHO iron and zinc requirements, respectively. Conclusion: Children's dietary iron and zinc intake were high but probably not bio available. Nutrition education on improving food processing and handling techniques and diversification of diet would help improve zinc and iron status of the preschoolers.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Exposed Prenatally to Dexamethasone Versus Betamethasone

OBJECTIVE. We compared the development of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at corrected ages of 18 to 22 months for extremely low birth weight infants exposed prenatally to dexamethasone, betamethasone, or no steroid. METHODS. Study infants were extremely low birth weight (401–1000 g) infants who were in the care of National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network centers between January 1, 2002, and April 30, 2003; they were assessed neurodevelopmentally at corrected ages of 18 to 22 months. Outcomes were defined as Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II Mental Development Index of <70, Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II Psychomotor Development Index of <70, bilateral blindness, bilateral hearing aid use, cerebral palsy, and neurodevelopmental impairment. Neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as ≥1 of the aforementioned outcomes. RESULTS. A total of 1124 infants met entry criteria. There were no statistically significant associations between prenatal dexamethasone exposure and any follow-up outcome, compared with no prenatal steroid exposure. Prenatal betamethasone exposure was associated with reduced risks of hearing impairment and neurodevelopmental impairment and with increased likelihood of unimpaired status, compared with no prenatal steroid exposure. Compared with betamethasone, dexamethasone was associated with a trend for increased risk of Psychomotor Development Index of <70, increased risk of hearing impairment, and decreased likelihood of unimpaired status. CONCLUSIONS. Prenatal betamethasone exposure was associated with increased likelihood of unimpaired neurodevelopmental status and reduced risk of hearing impairment at corrected ages of 18 to 22 months among extremely low birth weight infants, compared with prenatal dexamethasone exposure or no prenatal steroid exposure. Pending a randomized, clinical trial, it may be in the best interests of infants to receive betamethasone, rather than dexamethasone, when possible.
Partially coherent constellations for multiple-antenna systems

We consider the problem of digital communication in a Rayleigh flat fading environment using a multiple antenna system. We assume that the transmitter doesn't know the channel coefficients, and that the receiver has only an estimate of them. We further assume that the transmitter and receiver know the statistics of the estimation error. We will refer to this system as a partially coherent system. In an earlier work, we had derived a design criterion for the partially coherent constellations based on maximizing the minimum KL distance between conditional distributions. We had also designed single transmit antenna constellations using this criterion, which showed substantial improvement in the performance over existing and widely-used constellations. In this work, using the KL-based design criterion, we design partially coherent constellations for multiple antenna systems, and evaluate their performance through simulation. We show that, even with only a few percent channel estimation error, the new constellations achieve significant performance gains over the conventional constellations and existing multiple antenna techniques. The proposed constellations are multi-level, with multi-dimensional spherical constellations at each level. We also propose a recursive construction for the constituent spherical subsets of the multiple-antenna partially coherent constellations.
Cogging Torque Reduction of Single-Phase Brushless DC Motor With a Tapered Air-Gap Using Optimizing Notch Size and Position

This paper reports a stator shape optimization design for reducing the cogging torque of single-phase brushless dc (BLDC) motors by adopting an asymmetric air-gap to make them self-starting. A time step 2-D finite-element analysis (FEA) was carried out to analyze the characteristics of the single-phase BLDC motor. The Kriging model combined with Latin hypercube sampling and a genetic algorithm were used to reduce the cogging torque and maintain the efficiency and torque. As an optimal design result, the cogging torque of the optimal model was reduced. Finally, the analysis and optimal design results were confirmed by FEA as well as by experimental results.
Optimal dosing of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with chronic heart failure: a cross-sectional study in Palestine

Background and Objective: Because high-dose angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy is desirable in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), we sought to determine the usage and dosing patterns of ACE inhibitors in CHF patients at a governmental hospital in Palestine. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2006 and August 2007. All patients admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of CHF and an ejection fraction < 40% were evaluated. After excluding patients with a caution/contraindication to ACE inhibitor use or not taking an ACE inhibitor, we determined the number of patients receiving optimal (captopril 150-300 mg/day, enalapril 20-40 mg/day, ramipril 5-10 mg/day) and suboptimal doses. We then conducted statistical analyses to evaluate associations between ACE inhibitor use and dosing and various demographic and clinical factors. Results: Of the 165 patients initially evaluated, 69 (41.8%) had a caution/contraindication (n=28, 40.6%) or were not using an ACE inhibitor (n=41, 59.4%). Of the remaining 96 patients (70.1%), 49/96 (51%) were given an optimal dose while 47/96 (49%) were given a suboptimal dose. Of all patients with CHF and no contraindi--cation (n=137), 88 (64.2%) were either receiving no ACE inhibitor or a suboptimal dose. Only the presence of hypertension was significantly associated with the use of an ACE inhibitor (P=.009, odds ratio=2.7). The use of an optimal dose was not significantly associated with any of the tested factors (age, gender, presence of hyper--tension, diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction, ischemic heart disease or number of diagnosis) . Conclusion: Underutilization and suboptimal dosing of ACE inhibitors was common. Since there is an abun--dance of evidence in favor of using high-dose ACE inhibitor therapy in patients with CHF, physicians need to be educated about proper dosing of these agents.