Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON LABILE DEOXYCYTIDYLATE HYDROXYMETHYLASES FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI B INFECTED WITH TEMPERATURE-SENSITIVE MUTANTS OF BACTERIOPHAGE T4.

The present studies were undertaken as an attempt to demonstrate altered properties in the enzyme, dCMP1 hydroxymethylase, formed on infection of E. coli B by genetically altered bacteriophage T4. An earlier report from this laboratory2 that this enzyme is undetectable in extracts of E. coli B infected with a T4 mutant, am N122;2 the site of mutation of this strain has been located by genetic mapping in gene 42.4 Among the temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of T4 isolated by Edgar and Lielausis5 are some that map in this same gene. The results demonstrate that each of the two mutant enzymes is more temperature-sensitive than the wild type, and that the sensitivity of one differs qualitatively from that of the other. then in a 30'C waterbath for 2 min, after which vigorous aeration was begun through sin-tered glass tubes. After another 2 min, 9.3 phage per bacterium were added. After 25 min an aliquot of 100 ml was chilled by admixture with frozen medium, and was centrifuged at 8000 X g for 20 min. All subsequent steps were carried out between 0WC and 20C. The pellet was re-suspended in 4 ml of 0.1 M Tris chloride, pH 8.2, in 0.01 M Mg acetate. The suspension was frozen in liquid nitrogen and later forced through a Hughes press18 at -200C to break the cells. The thawed extract was then centrifuged at 100,000 X g for 1 hr. The supernatant solution was dialyzed twice for 5 hr in Dexstar tubing (7-mm diameter) against 50 volumes of a solution 0.025 M in respect to sodium phosphate, pH 7.0, and 0.005 M in respect to EDTA. The dialyzed ex- tracts were stored at -20'C. No significant losses of enzyme activity occurred during the cen-trifugations or the dialysis, nor during subsequent storage for several months at -200C, even though the extracts were frequently thawed to 00C and refrozen.
Angle-specific impairment of elbow flexors strength after isometric exercise at long muscle length

Abstract In this study, we examined the long-term reductions in maximal isometric force (MIF) caused by a protocol of repeated maximal isometric contractions at long muscle length. Furthermore, we wished to ascertain whether the reductions in MIF are dependent on muscle length — that is, are the reductions in MIF more pronounced when the muscle contracts at a short length. The MIF of the elbow flexors of seven young male volunteers was measured at five different elbow angles between 50° and 160°. On a separate day, the participants performed 50 maximal voluntary isometric muscle contractions with the elbow flexors at a lengthened positions that is, with the shoulder hyperextended at 45° and the elbow joint fixed at 140°. Following this exercise, the MIF at the five elbow angles, range of motion, muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity were measured at 24 h intervals for 4 days. On day 1, the decline in MIF was higher at the more acute elbow angles of 50° (42±8%) and 70° (39±8%; both P<0.01) than at 90° (26±4%) and 140° (16±3%; both P<0.01). No significant reduction in MIF was evident at an elbow angle of 160°. Maximal isometric force at an elbow angle of 140° was fully restored on day 3, whereas at an angle of 50° it remained depressed for the 4 day observation period. Restoration of MIF was a function of the elbow angle, with force recovery being less at the smaller angles. The range of motion was decreased by 14±2° on day 1 (P<0.01) and did not return to baseline values by day 4. Muscle soreness ratings remained significantly elevated for the 4 day period. Serum creatine kinase peaked on day 1 (522±129 IU, P<0.01) and decreased thereafter. We conclude that the disproportionate decrease in MIF at the small elbow angles and the length-specific recovery in MIF after repeated maximal isometric contractions at long muscle length may be explained by the presence of overstretched sarcomeres that increased in series compliance of the muscle, therefore causing a rightward shift of the force-length relationship.
Program Evaluation of Group-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: a Focus on Treatment Adherence and Outcomes in Older Adults with Co-morbidities

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe a program evaluation of the interrelationship of adherence and treatment outcomes in a sample of veteran older adults with co-morbidities who participated in group-based cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Methods: Retrospective data extraction was performed for 14 older adults. Adherence measures and sleep outcomes were measured with sleep diaries and Insomnia Severity Index. Demographic and clinical information was extracted through chart review. Results: Adherence with prescribed time in bed, daily sleep diaries, and maintaining consistent time out of bed and time in bed was generally high. There were moderate, though not significant, improvements in consistency of time in bed and time out of bed over time. Adherence was not significantly associated with sleep outcomes despite improvements in most sleep outcomes. Conclusions: The non-significant relationship between sleep outcomes and adherence may reflect the moderating influence of co-morbidities or may suggest a threshold effect beyond which stricter adherence has a limited impact on outcomes. Clinical Implications: Development of multi-method adherence measures across all treatment components will be important to understand the influence of adherence on treatment outcomes as monitoring adherence to time in bed and time out of bed had limited utility for understanding treatment outcomes in our sample.
Cryptosporidium parvum (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) oocyst and sporozoite antigens recognized by bovine colostral antibodies

Colostral whey from seven hyperimmunized and two control cows (hyperimmune bovine colostrum) was examined by Western immunoblotting for the presence of antibody against oocysts and sporozoites of Cryptosporidium parvum, using rabbit anti-bovine immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG1, IgG2, and IgM antibodies, followed by a horseradish peroxidase goat anti-rabbit polyvalent antibody. Although considerable variation was found in binding activity between cows on different immunization protocols, IgA and IgG1 in whey recognized a greater variety of C. parvum antigens than did IgG2 and IgM. A band at 9 to 10 kilodaltons appeared unique in that it was recognized only by IgA.
A millennial-scale chronicle of evolutionary responses to cultural eutrophication in Daphnia.

For an accurate assessment of the anthropogenic impacts on evolutionary change in natural populations, we need long-term environmental, genetic and phenotypic data that predate human disturbances. Analysis of c. 1600 years of history chronicled in the sediments of South Center Lake, Minnesota, USA, revealed major environmental changes beginning c. 120 years ago coinciding with the initiation of industrialised agriculture in the catchment area. Population genetic structure, analysed using DNA from dormant eggs of the keystone aquatic herbivore, Daphnia pulicaria, suggested no change for c. 1500 years prior to striking shifts associated with anthropogenic environmental alterations. Furthermore, phenotypic assays on the oldest resurrected metazoan genotypes (potentially as old as c. 700 years) indicate significant shifts in phosphorus utilisation rates compared to younger genotypes. Younger genotypes show steeper reaction norms with high growth under high phosphorus (P), and low growth under low P, while 'ancient' genotypes show flat reaction norms, yet higher growth efficiency under low P. Using this resurrection ecology approach, environmental, genetic and phenotypic data spanning pre- and post-industrialised agricultural eras clearly reveal the evolutionary consequences of anthropogenic environmental change.
Guinier peak analysis for visual and automated inspection of small-angle X-ray scattering data

Guinier peak analysis (GPA), derived from the Guinier approximation, transforms the Guinier region of small-angle X-ray scattering data into a characteristic peak that verifies the existence of the Guinier region in the data. Deviation of the Guinier peak position in dimensionless GPA plots can be a useful addition to sample characterization and parameter validation protocols.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome: pathophysiology, molecular aspects and clinical implications

Abstract Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is universally recognised as the commonest endocrinopathy of women. The definition and the aetiological hypotheses of PCOS are continuously evolving to accommodate expanding knowledge on the syndrome, which is now known to be more complex than purely a reproductive disorder. Increased androgen synthesis, disrupted folliculogenesis and insulin resistance lie at the pathophysiological core of PCOS. An intriguing concept involves the perpetuation of a vicious circle with endocrine/reproductive and metabolic components. An unfavourable metabolic environment may unmask genetic traits of ovarian dysfunction, and the unfolding endocrine derangement could further aggravate the metabolic disarray. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms known to underlie the ovarian and metabolic abnormalities characterising PCOS. The putative interdependence between reproductive and metabolic aspects of PCOS, and therapeutic implications for the management of PCOS, are also discussed.
Supernovae in the Subaru Deep Field: the rate and delay-time distribution of Type Ia supernovae out to redshift 2

The Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) rate, when compared to the cosmic star formation history (SFH), can be used to derive the delay-time distribution (DTD; the hypothetical SN Ia rate versus time following a brief burst of star formation) of SNe Ia, which can distinguish among progenitor models. We present the results of a supernova (SN) survey in the Subaru Deep Field (SDF). Over a period of 3 years, we have observed the SDF on four independent epochs with Suprime-Cam on the Subaru 8.2-m telescope, with two nights of exposure per epoch, in the R, i′and z′ bands. We have discovered 150 SNe out to redshift z≈ 2. Using 11 photometric bands from the observer-frame far-ultraviolet to the near-infrared, we derive photometric redshifts for the SN host galaxies (for 24 we also have spectroscopic redshifts). This information is combined with the SN photometry to determine the type and redshift distribution of the SN sample. Our final sample includes 28 SNe Ia in the range 1.0 1, most of the events found in this range are likely SNe Ia. Our SN Ia rate measurements are consistent with those derived from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS) sample, but the overall uncertainty of our 1.5 2.
b-Blocker Dialyzability and Mortality in Older Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Some b-blockers are efficiently removed from the circulation by hemodialysis (“high dialyzability”) whereas others are not (“low dialyzability”). This characteristic may influence the effectiveness of the b-blockers among patients receiving long-term hemodialysis. To determine whether new use of a highdialyzabilityb-blocker comparedwith a low-dialyzabilityb-blocker associates with a higher rate ofmortality in patients older than age 66 years receiving long-term hemodialysis, we conducted a propensity-matched population-based retrospective cohort study using the linked healthcare databases of Ontario, Canada. The high-dialyzability group (n=3294) included patients initiating atenolol, acebutolol, or metoprolol. The low-dialyzability group (n=3294) included patients initiating bisoprolol or propranolol. Initiation of a highversus low-dialyzabilityb-blocker was associatedwith a higher risk of death in the following 180 days (relative risk, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 1.8; P,0.01). Supporting this finding, we repeated the primary analysis in a cohort of patients not receiving hemodialysis and found no significant association between dialyzability and the risk of death (relative risk, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 1.3; P=0.71). b-Blocker exposurewas not randomly allocated in this study, so a causal relationship betweendialyzability andmortality cannot be determined. However, our findings should raise awareness of this potentially important drug characteristic and prompt further study. J Am Soc Nephrol 26: ccc–ccc, 2014. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2014040324 Nearly half of all deaths among patients receiving hemodialysis are causedby cardiovascular disease.1 In the general population, b-adrenergic receptor antagonists (b-blockers) reduce cardiovascularmortality,1,2 so by extension, these drugs are recommended for the same indications among patients receiving hemodialysis.3 However, the extent to which individual b-blockers are removed from the circulation by hemodialysis, referred to as “dialyzability,” varies considerably within this class. Acebutolol, atenolol, andmetoprolol have high dialyzablility,4–9 whereas bisoprolol and propranolol have low dialyzablility.10–14 This characteristic could theoretically affect patient outcomes by lowering the average plasma concentration achieved in patients receiving high-dialyzability agents. We conducted this study to test the hypothesis that among patients receiving long-term hemodialysis, Received April 2, 2014. Accepted July 4, 2014. Published online ahead of print. Publication date available at www.jasn. org. Correspondence: Dr. Matthew A. Weir, ALL-139A University Hospital, 339 Windermere Road, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada. Email: matthew.weir@lhsc.on. ca Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Nephrology J Am Soc Nephrol 26: ccc–ccc, 2014 ISSN : 1046-6673/2604-ccc 1 initiation of high-dialyzability b-blockers was associated with higher risks of death and cardiovascular events compared with low-dialyzability b-blockers.
Supervised Fitness Walking in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a program of supervised fitness walking and patient education on functional status, pain, and use of medication in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. DESIGN An 8-week randomized, controlled trial. SETTING Inpatient and outpatient services of an orthopedic hospital in an academic medical center. PATIENTS A total of 102 patients with a documented diagnosis of primary osteoarthritis of one or both knees participated in the study. Data were obtained on 47 of 51 intervention patients and 45 of 51 control patients. INTERVENTIONS An 8-week program of supervised fitness walking and patient education or standard routine medical care. MEASUREMENTS Patients were evaluated and outcomes assessed before and after the intervention using a 6-minute test of walking distance and scores on the physical activity, arthritis impact, pain, and medication subscales of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS). RESULTS Patients randomly assigned to the walking program had a 70-meter increase in walking distance relative to their baseline assessment, which represents an improvement of 18.4% (95% Cl, 9.8% to 27.0%). In contrast, controls showed a 17-meter decrease in walking distance relative to their baseline assessment (P less than 0.001). Improvements in functional status as measured by the AIMS physical activity subscale were also observed in the walking group but not in the control group (P less than 0.001); patients assigned to the walking program improved 39% (Cl, 15.6% to 60.4%). Although changes in scores on the arthritis impact subscale were similar in the two groups (P = 0.093), the walking group experienced a decrease in arthritis pain of 27% (Cl, 9.6% to 41.4%) (P = 0.003). Medication use was less frequent in the walking group than in the control group at the post-test (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS A program of supervised fitness walking and patient education can improve functional status without worsening pain or exacerbating arthritis-related symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
A placozoan affinity for Dickinsonia and the evolution of late Proterozoic metazoan feeding modes

SUMMARY Dickinsonia is one of the most recognizable forms in the Ediacaran fauna, but its phylogenetic position has been contentious, and it has been placed in almost every kingdom of life. Here, it is hypothesized that the affinities of Dickinsonia lie with the Placozoa (Metazoa), an understudied phylum that is widespread in tropical seas worldwide. Modern placozoans show obvious differences in size and axial organization compared with Dickinsonia, but these differences can be accounted for by the stem‐group/crown‐group distinction. The affinity with placozoans is evidenced primarily by the unique feeding mode of Dickinsonia, which is demonstrated by a series of feeding traces. These traces indicate that Dickinsonia moved over the Ediacaran matgrounds, and digested the mat using its entire lower sole. The ability of Dickinsonia to move negates an algal, fungal, or sponge affinity, while the feeding mode, external digestion with a ventral sole, rules out placement within any sponge or eumetazoan lineage. The only organisms that both move and feed in this manner are placozoans. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that placozoans lie above sponges but below Eumetazoa. We hypothesize that Dickinsonia and other externally digesting Ediacaran forms are either stem‐placozoans, or a series of extinct lineages above sponges and below eumetazoans on the metazoan tree. We discuss the potential evolutionary transitions between the main metazoan feeding modes in the context of the emerging molecular phylogeny, and suggest that aspects of the sponge and placozoan feeding strategies are relicts of nonuniformitarian Proterozoic ocean conditions.
Selection Effects in Producer-Price Setting

We use micro data on product prices linked to information on the firms that set them to test for selection effects (state dependence) in micro-level producer pricing. In contrast to using synthetic data from a canonical Menu-Cost model, we find very weak, if any, micro-level selection effects when running price change probability regressions on actual data. Also, fitting a model that nests both time- and state-dependent elements (the CalvoPlus model of Nakamura and Steinsson, 2010), the parameters mimic the standard Calvo (1983) model. Thus, upstream in the supply chain, price setting is best characterized by a very low degree of self-selection.
Evaluation of the occurrence of work‐related musculoskeletal pain among anesthesiology, intensive care, and surgical nurses: An observational and descriptive study

Abstract Clinical nurses can encounter musculoskeletal pain episodes stemming from regular exposure to workplace risk factors that contribute to overloads. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence and location of work‐related musculoskeletal pain among Polish nurses. An observational and descriptive survey study was conducted among 136 nurses working in the anesthesiology, intensive care, and surgery units. An extended version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to investigate musculoskeletal pain. Only 8% of the participating nurses experienced no musculoskeletal pain, while 85% suffered from pain in more than one location. The lower back (67%), upper back (59%), and neck (66%) were the most common pain locations. In summary, nurses experienced multiple musculoskeletal pain episodes, occurring most frequently in the spinal region (lower and upper back and neck). It is crucial to determine the real causes of musculoskeletal pain and to take appropriate preventive measures to improve workplace ergonomics.
An insight into the high temperature performance of SiC bipolar junction transistor

In last few years, a lot of effort has been made to improve the material properties of SiC and its power devices. In devices, SiC BJT is very important as it is capable in providing higher current with relatively low on-state[1] resistance. Despite all efforts, there are some fundamental issues, which still need to be resolved, e.g., surface recombination on the SiC surface, which is a critical limiting factor of the current gain at elevated temperatures or non-passivated surfaces. Hence an insight into the performance of the device is very important in order to understand the operation and optimize the device parameters.
Experimental comparison of WDM system capacity in conventional and nonzero dispersion shifted fiber

A primary consideration in designing new backbone optical network segments is the total data capacity of each fiber span. We compare the wavelength-division-multiplexed capacity of conventional single-mode fiber (SMF) and nonzero dispersion shifted fiber by measuring performance versus channel spacing in 4/spl times/80 km transmission of five 10 Gb/s channels at the nominal commercial erbium-doped fiber amplifier power specification of 9 dBm/ch. The achievable capacity is found to be more than four times greater in conventional SMF.
Effect of Q-switched alexandrite laser irradiation on dermal melanocytes of nevus of Ota.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Q-switched alexandrite laser irradiation on dermal melanocytes of nevus of Ota. METHODS Multiple biopsies were carried out on 4 patients with nevus of Ota before and after laser irradiation. Altogether 11 samples were examined under light microscope and 14 under transmission electron microscope. RESULTS Immediately after laser irradiation, the dermal melanocytes were destroyed, the melanosomes were degenerated with central vesicle formation within most of them, and intradermal round vacuoles appeared. The epidermis remained intact. Three months to 1 year after irradiation, the degenerated melanosomes and cell debris were scavenged mainly by macrophages. Dermal melanocytes gradually decreased. No fibrosis was found. CONCLUSION Q-switched alexandrite laser can selectively destroy dermal melanocytes of nevus of Ota and treat the disease safely.
Endogenous Retroviral Insertions Indicate a Secondary Introduction of Domestic Sheep Lineages to the Caucasus and Central Asia between the Bronze and Iron Age

Sheep were one of the first livestock species domesticated by humans. After initial domestication in the Middle East they were spread across Eurasia. The modern distribution of endogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus insertions in domestic sheep breeds suggests that over the course of millennia, successive introductions of improved lineages and selection for wool quality occurred in the Mediterranean region and most of Asia. Here we present a novel ancient DNA approach using data of endogenous retroviral insertions in Bronze and Iron Age domestic sheep from the Caucasus and Pamir mountain areas. Our findings support a secondary introduction of wool sheep from the Middle East between the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age into most areas of Eurasia.