Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions of monovalent cations with phosphatidylserine bilayer membranes.

The interaction of divalent cations with a homologous series of diacylphosphatidylserines (diacyl-PS) has been studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. Hydrated di-C14-PS (DMPS) exhibits a gel leads to liquid-crystal bilayer transition at 39 degrees C (delta H = 7.2 kcal/mol of DMPS). With increasing MgCl2 concentration, progressive conversion to a phase exhibiting a high melting (98 degrees C), high enthalpy (delta H congruent to 11.0 kcal/mol of DMPS) transition is observed. Similar behavior is observed for DMPS with increasing CaCl2 concentration. In this case, the high-temperature transition of the Ca2+-DMPS complex occurs at approximately 155 degrees C and is immediately followed by an exothermic transition probably associated with PS decomposition. For di-C12-, di-C14-, di-C16- (DPPS), and di-C18-PS, the transition temperatures of the Ca2+-PS complexes are in the range 151-155 degrees C; only di-C10-PS exhibits a significantly lower value, 142 degrees C. A different pattern of behavior is exhibited by DPPS in the presence of Sr2+ or Ba2+, with transitions in the range 70-80 degrees C being observed. X-ray diffraction of the Ca2+-PS complexes at 20 degrees C provides evidence of structural homology. All Ca2+-PS complexes exhibit bilayer structures, the bilayer periodicity increasing linearly from 35.0 A for di-C10-PS to 52.5 A for di-C18-PS. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction data indicate that hydrocarbon chain "crystallization" occurs on Ca2+-PS complex formation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cloning of cDNAs and the differential expression of A‐type cyclins and Dmc1 during spermatogenesis in the Japanese eel, a teleost fish

We cloned A‐type cyclins (cyclins A1 and A2) and Dmc1 cDNAs from the eel testis. Cyclin A1 mRNA was predominantly expressed in the livers, ovaries, and testes of the eels. In contrast to cyclin A1 mRNA, a very high expression of cyclin A2 mRNA was observed in the brains, livers, kidneys, spleens, ovaries, and testes of the eels. Dmc1 mRNA was predominantly expressed in the testes and ovaries; expression in the brain was also detected. In the eel testis, a few type‐A spermatogonia incorporating 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) were seen before the initiation of spermatogenesis by hormonal induction. On day 1 after hormonal induction, the number of BrdU‐labeled spermatogonia increased remarkably, and after 3 and 6 days, many labeled type‐B spermatogonia were also observed. The expression of cyclin A2 increased 1 day after the induction of spermatogenesis and reached a plateau after 6 days, when many type‐B spermatogonia with high proliferative activity were found. In contrast, the expression of cyclin A1 mRNA was detected after 9 days, coincident with the first appearance of spermatocytes. Cyclin A1 mRNA was localized in germ cells of all stages, from primary spermatocytes to round spermatids, whereas cyclin A2 mRNA was specifically localized in spermatogonia, secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids, and testicular somatic cells, including Sertoli cells. Dmc1 was localized only in the earlier stages of primary spermatocytes; before this stage, cyclin A1 mRNA was not detectable. Overall, cyclin A2, Dmc1, and cyclin A1 are expressed in spermatogenic cells sequentially before and during meiosis in the eel testis. Developmental Dynamics 232:1115–1123, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Curcumin, the active constituent of turmeric, inhibits amyloid peptide‐induced cytochemokine gene expression and CCR5‐mediated chemotaxis of THP‐1 monocytes by modulating early growth response‐1 transcription factor

Epidemiological studies show reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) among patients using non‐steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAID) indicating the role of inflammation in AD. Studies have shown a chronic CNS inflammatory response associated with increased accumulation of amyloid peptide and activated microglia in AD. Our previous studies showed that interaction of Aβ1−40 or fibrilar Aβ1−42 caused activation of nuclear transcription factor, early growth response‐1 (Egr‐1), which resulted in increased expression of cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐1β) and chemokines (MIP‐1β, MCP‐1 and IL‐8) in monocytes. We determined whether curcumin, a natural product known to have anti‐inflammatory properties, suppressed Egr‐1 activation and concomitant expression of cytochemokines. We show that curcumin (12.5–25 µm) suppresses the activation of Egr‐1 DNA‐binding activity in THP‐1 monocytic cells. Curcumin abrogated Aβ1−40‐induced expression of cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐1β) and chemokines (MIP‐1β, MCP‐1 and IL‐8) in both peripheral blood monocytes and THP‐1 cells. We found that curcumin inhibited Aβ1−40‐induced MAP kinase activation and the phosphorylation of ERK‐1/2 and its downstream target Elk‐1. We observed that curcumin inhibited Aβ1−40‐induced expression of CCR5 but not of CCR2b in THP‐1 cells. This involved abrogation of Egr‐1 DNA binding in the promoter of CCR5 by curcumin as determined by: (i) electrophoretic mobility shift assay, (ii) transfection studies with truncated CCR5 gene promoter constructs, and (iii) chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. Finally, curcumin inhibited chemotaxis of THP‐1 monocytes in response to chemoattractant. The inhibition of Egr‐1 by curcumin may represent a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate the inflammation and progression of AD.
Encoding a Melody Using Only Temporal Information for Cochlear-Implant and Normal-Hearing Listeners

One way to provide pitch information to cochlear implant users is through amplitude-modulation rate. It is currently unknown whether amplitude-modulation rate can provide cochlear implant users with pitch information adequate for perceiving melodic information. In the present study, the notes of a song were encoded via amplitude-modulation rate of pulse trains on single electrodes at the apex or middle of long electrode arrays. The melody of the song was either physically correct or modified by compression or expansion. Nine cochlear implant users rated the extent to which the song was out of tune in the different conditions. Cochlear implant users on average did not show sensitivity to melody compression or expansion regardless of place of stimulation. These results were found despite the fact that three of the cochlear implant users showed the expected sensitivity to melody compression and expansion with the same task using acoustic pure tones in a contralateral acoustic ear. Normal-hearing listeners showed an inconsistent and weak effect of melody compression and expansion when the notes of the song were encoded with acoustic pulse rate. The results suggest that amplitude-modulation rate provides insufficient access to melodic information for cochlear-implant and normal-hearing listeners.
The contribution of residue ion pairs to the helical stability of a model peptide

Comparative CD measurements were made on the model helical peptides acetyl‐YEAAAKEAXAKEAAAKAamide and acety1YEAAAEKAXAKEAAAKAamide in which X represents a nonaromatic nonionic residue. The former peptide contains three potential i, i + 4 complementary ion pairs at neutral pH, while the latter peptide contains one potential complementary and two potential antagonistic i, i + 4 ion pairs. The effect of pH and ionic strength on the mean residue ellipticity of these peptides was measured at 222 nm and 0°C. These measurements were analyzed assuming a common two‐state helix/ coil transition and only i, i, + 4 ion‐pair interactions. The analyses suggest that the central ion pairs do modulate helical content while the peripheral ion pairs do not, presumably due to the location of the peripheral ion pairs in the frayed ends of the helix. The complementary central ion pair stabilizes the helix by about 0.4 kcal/mole and the antagonistic central ion pair destabilizes the helix by about 0.2 kcal/mole. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Multiple Personality: 165 Years after Mary Reynolds

The sudden surge of reports on multiple personality in the 1970s raises serious questions as to whether multiple personality is the rare phenomenon it has been believed to he, or whether it is a relatively common condition which is misdiagnosed with a high order of frequency. Recent research in ego psychology, particularly into the etiology of the borderline disorders, sheds considerable light on the origins of multiple personality which has traditionally, and probably mistakenly, been considered a wholly hysterical disorder. The author proposes a detailed theory of the genesis of multiple personality, based on the existing ease literature and on contemporary theories of ego development. The issues of authenticity, nosology, diagnosis, personality structure, neuropathy, etiology, and treatment are considered at length.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Multidrug Resistance Proteins as a Predictor of Poor Response to Chemotherapy and Prognosis in Patients with Nodal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug-resistance-related protein 1 (MRP1), and lung resistance protein (LRP) was related to the response to induction chemotherapy and prognosis in untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: We assessed immunohistochemical expression of P-gp, MRP1 and LRP, using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of lymph node in 41 patients with DLBCL. Association between expression of these three proteins and their impact on clinical outcome and prognosis was statistically evaluated. Results: P-gp was positive in 37% of subjects, MRP1 in 63%, and LRP in 68%. The complete remission rates achieved in the group expressing these multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins was significantly lower than in the group not expressing them (20 versus 58%; p = 0.025 in P-gp, 23 versus 80%; p < 0.001 in MRP1 and 32 versus 69%, p = 0.043 in LRP, respectively). Furthermore, the patients expressing LRP had a shorter overall survival rate than those that did not (median of 26 months versus median not reached; p = 0.013). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the three MDR proteins are important predictive factors for the clinical outcome and prognosis in patients with DLBCL.
FAINT COSMOS AGNs AT z ∼ 3.3. I. BLACK HOLE PROPERTIES AND CONSTRAINTS ON EARLY BLACK HOLE GROWTH

We present new Keck/MOSFIRE K-band spectroscopy for a sample of 14 faint, X-ray-selected active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the COSMOS field. The data cover the spectral region surrounding the broad Balmer emission lines, which enables the estimation of black hole masses ( ) and accretion rates (in terms of ). We focus on 10 AGNs at z ≃ 3.3, where we observe the Hβ spectral region, while for the other four z ≃ 2.4 sources we use the broad emission line. Compared with previous detailed studies of unobscured AGNs at these high redshifts, our sources are fainter by an order of magnitude, corresponding to number densities of order ∼10−6–10−5 . The lower AGN luminosities also allow for a robust identification of the host galaxy emission, necessary to obtain reliable intrinsic AGN luminosities, BH masses and accretion rates. We find the AGNs in our sample to be powered by supermassive black holes (SMBHs) with a typical mass of —significantly lower than the higher-luminosity, rarer quasars reported in earlier studies. The accretion rates are in the range ∼ 0.1–0.4, with an evident lack of sources with lower (and higher ), as found in several studies of faint AGNs at intermediate redshifts. Based on the early growth expected for the SMBHs in our sample, we argue that a significant population of faint z ∼ 5−6 AGNs, with , should be detectable in the deepest X-ray surveys available, but this is not observed. We discuss several possible explanations for the apparent absence of such a population, concluding that the most probable scenario involves an evolution in source obscuration and/or radiative efficiencies.
The motor cortex drives the muscles during walking in human subjects

Key points • It is often assumed that automatic movements such as walking require little conscious attention and it has therefore been argued that these movements require little cortical control. • In humans, however, the gait function is often heavily impaired or completely lost following cortical lesions such as stroke. • In this study we investigated synchrony between cortical signals recorded with electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyographic signals (EMG activity) recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) during walking. • We found evidence of synchrony in the frequency domain (coherence) between the primary motor cortex and the TA muscle indicating a cortical involvement in human gait function. • This finding underpins the importance of restoration of the activity and connectivity between the motor cortex and the spinal cord in the recovery of gait function in patients with damage of the central nervous system.
Being a messenger of life‐threatening conditions: Experiences of pediatric oncologists

A nationwide population‐based study with questionnaires involving 90 pediatric oncologists was performed in Sweden in 2006/2007. On the basis of this quantitative study, a qualitative study was performed. The aim of this qualitative study was to focus on the main concern of these physicians facing malignant disorders, psychosocial issues, and existential provocation. Furthermore, the strategies for handling these challenges were also studied.
Oxidative Degradation of Methyl Ketones II. Chemical Pathway for Degradation of 2-Tridecanone by Pseudomonas multivorans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A new intermediate was identified in the 2-tridecanone pathway of Pseudomonas multivorans, formerly designated pseudomonad 4G-9. This intermediate, undecyl acetate, was isolated directly from growing cultures of the organism; the structure of the intermediate was determined by infrared spectroscopy and by gas-liquid chromatographic identification of its hydrolytic products. An amended pathway is presented that accounts for the conversion of 2-tridecanone to provide carbon and energy for growth. It was shown that all early intermediates in the pathway arise biologically and sequentially from their precursors. Studies with P. aeruginosa showed that this organism also degrades 2-tridecanone by the pathway characteristic of P. multivorans. Biochemical mechanisms of the pathway are discussed. Discovery of undecyl acetate confirms our earlier contention that the primary attack on methyl ketones by bacteria can be by subterminal oxidation.
The Influence of Socio-Demographic, Health and Work-Related Factors on Health-Related Quality of Life among Iranian Industrial Workers

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has not been investigated among Iranian industrial workers. The present paper aimed to study the influence of the socio-demographic, health and work-related factors on HRQOL among Iranian industrial workers. In this cross-sectional study, participants were 280 workers of two factories. The Persian version of World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to assess the HRQOL. A questionnaire was developed to assess the socio-demographic, health and work-related factors. Results showed that the means (SD) of physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment domains of HRQOL were 13.2 (2.7), 13.3 (2.6), 14.2 (3.5) and 12.6 (2.5), respectively. A multiple linear regression showed that types of job, exercise activity, working schedule, sleep quality, smoking, and conflict between work and social life were significantly associated with physical health domain; whereas, working schedule, marital status, working demand, sleep quality, BMI, and conflict between work and individual life were significantly associated with psychological health domain. Working schedule, working demand, sleep quality, conflict between work and individual life, and having children over two years were significantly associated with social relationship domain; however, working demand, working schedule, smoking, sleep quality, working hour, job satisfaction, marital status and exercise activity were significantly associated with environment domain. Collectively, work-related factors including unhealthy working conditions, unsafe working environments, long working hours, irregular working schedules, and the lack of occupational training may negatively influence the HRQOL of workers. To improve workers’ HRQOL, intervention programs should focus on improving work environment, working schedule, occupational training and restricting working hours.
Iodothyronine deiodination reaction types in several rat tissues: effects of age, thyroid status, and glucocorticoid treatment.

Two types of iodothyronine 5'-deiodination have been characterized previously in rat tissues. They can be distinguished by inhibition of type I but not type II by 6-n-propylthiouracil, by the relative suitability of T4 and rT3 as substrates, rT3 much better than T4 for type I and T4 as good as, or better than, rT3 for type II, and by the concentration of T4 required to inhibit deiodination of rT3, 1-10 microM for type I and 1-10 nM for type II. Type I activity (6-n-propylthiouracil sensitive) is most abundant in liver and kidney. Type II activity has, to date, been identified only in the pituitary, central nervous system, and brown adipose tissue. Iodothyronine tyrosyl deiodination has also been identified in homogenates of rat brain, liver, and placenta. It is not clear how many different enzymes carry out this latter reaction. In the present studies, we have extended previous work by determining maturational patterns of the deiodinating pathways in several thyroid hormone-responsive rat tissues, possible modulation of those patterns by glucocorticoids, and the age of onset of responsivity of the deiodinases to hypothyroidism. Iodothyronine 5'-deiodinating activity was found in rat lung and eye, and the reaction was all or nearly all type I in both. Activity in the eye was virtually absent from the lens and vitreous humor. In immature rat cerebrum, pituitary, lung, and eye, between gestational day 17 and postnatal day 21, there was a uniform pattern of an increase in type I 5'-deiodination activity over time, until adult levels were attained. The ages at which adult activity levels were reached varied from tissue to tissue, however. Type II activity was present at the earliest ages tested in the cerebrum (gestational day 17), pituitary, and brown adipose tissue (day of birth). In cerebral cortex, type II activity was highest at day 21 postnatally and equal at birth and in adulthood, and in pituitary and brown adipose tissue it was higher in adulthood than at birth. T3 tyrosyl ring deiodinating activity was several times greater in homogenates of eye and placenta than in cerebral homogenates. In all three tissues, there was similar, dose-dependent inhibition of [125I]T3 tyrosyl deiodination by 5 nM and 20 nM nonradioactive T3. In the eye and brain, T3 tyrosyl deiodination rates decreased progressively with age from gestational day 17 to postnatal day 7. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Effect of visual attention on the properties of optokinetic nystagmus

It has been demonstrated that optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) gain increases through attention to peripheral motion when the central visual field is occluded. However, how the properties of OKN change when two areas containing motion in different directions are presented in the peripheral visual field is still unclear. In this study, we investigated whether OKN corresponding to the attended motion in the periphery occurred while the observer was maintaining fixation at the center. We presented two areas with different directions of motion arranged on the left and right, top and bottom, or center and surrounding (concentric) areas in the display. Observers counted targets appearing on the attended area in the stimulus to maintain their attention on it. The results indicate that attention enhances the gain and frequency of OKN corresponding to the attended motion even in the case of stimuli having several areas with different directions of motion.
Foods and food allergy: the prevalence of IgE antibodies specific for food allergens in Saudi patients.

OBJECTIVE The intent of this study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of sensitivity to food allergens in Saudi patients. SUBJECTS The subjects included in this study were 58 patients with asthma, 47 patients with rhinitis and 112 patients with urticaria. They all gave clinical history suspecting food as causing or aggravating their symptoms. METHODS Specific IgE antibodies to different food allergens were measured in the patients serum by using the Pharmacia CAP Radioaller gosorbent (RAST) Fluoroimmunoassay (FEIA) test. RESULTS IgE-antibodies specific for different foods were detected in 38 (17.5%) out of 217 patients. Most positive reactions were detected in urticaria patients (9.7%) followed by asthmatic patients (5.5%) and allergic rhinitis (2.3%). Reactions to peanut (22.6%), egg white (14.5) and cow's milk (12.9%) were very prominent. CONCLUSION The prevalence rate of food allergy seems to be high in Saudi patients when compared to studies from other regions. The pattern of food reactions, detected in this study, can be utilized in diagnosis of patients with suspected food allergy. Further studies will be required to obtain more information about the prevalence and incidence rates among different patient groups.
CLIMATIC ASSESSMENT OF A 580-YEAR CHAMAECYPARIS LAWSONIANA (PORT ORFORD CEDAR) TREE-RING CHRONOLOGY IN THE SISKIYOU MOUNTAINS, USA

ABSTRACT Tree-ring data from Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A. Murr.) Parl. (Port Orford cedar; Cupressaceae) were used to create a standardized chronology, assess the local, limiting factors on radial growth, and investigate the extent of a unique climatic event. We produced a 580-year tree-ring chronology (A.D. 1420 to 2000) from a large number of cedars (n = 1537) sampled in one 37 km2 area in the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon and northern California. This chronology represents an area with few long-term climatic studies and a species with no dendrochronological data. We found radial growth to be positively correlated with year-round soil moisture conditions, specifically with cool, wet conditions in summer and warm, wet conditions in winter. The year 1739 stood out as a climatic pointer year with the smallest ring width index for the entire chronology and anatomically distinctive damage to the latewood of 1738 and earlywood of 1739. This pointer year was consistently identified across watersheds, topographic position (e.g., streamside, hillslope), and the range of the cedar, corresponding to an extreme, single-year drought occurring throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Having the Power to Forgive: When the Experience of Power Increases Interpersonal Forgiveness

The present research examined the association between power, defined in terms of experienced control over outcomes and resources in a relationship, and interpersonal forgiveness. Based on recent findings in the literature suggesting that power is associated with goal directedness, it was hypothesized that high levels of experienced power should facilitate forgiveness, in particular in relationships of strong commitment. The results of three studies, using both correlational and experimental designs, supported this prediction: Power was positively associated with forgiveness, but this effect was stronger in relationships of strong (rather than weak) commitment. This pattern of results was observed for both the inclination to forgive hypothetical offenses and actual forgiveness regarding a past offense. Study 3 provided some preliminary evidence for the role of rumination in the link between power and forgiveness. Implications of these findings for the literature on forgiveness and the literature on social power are discussed.