Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disruption of Adenosine-5′-Phosphosulfate Kinase in Arabidopsis Reduces Levels of Sulfated Secondary Metabolites[W]

Plants can metabolize sulfate by two pathways, which branch at the level of adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS). APS can be reduced to sulfide and incorporated into Cys in the primary sulfate assimilation pathway or phosphorylated by APS kinase to 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate, which is the activated sulfate form for sulfation reactions. To assess to what extent APS kinase regulates accumulation of sulfated compounds, we analyzed the corresponding gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana. Analysis of T-DNA insertion knockout lines for each of the four isoforms did not reveal any phenotypical alterations. However, when all six combinations of double mutants were compared, the apk1 apk2 plants were significantly smaller than wild-type plants. The levels of glucosinolates, a major class of sulfated secondary metabolites, and the sulfated 12-hydroxyjasmonate were reduced approximately fivefold in apk1 apk2 plants. Although auxin levels were increased in the apk1 apk2 mutants, as is the case for most plants with compromised glucosinolate synthesis, typical high auxin phenotypes were not observed. The reduction in glucosinolates resulted in increased transcript levels for genes involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis and accumulation of desulfated precursors. It also led to great alterations in sulfur metabolism: the levels of sulfate and thiols increased in the apk1 apk2 plants. The data indicate that the APK1 and APK2 isoforms of APS kinase play a major role in the synthesis of secondary sulfated metabolites and are required for normal growth rates.
On the amplitude and phase errors of quadrature LC-tank CMOS oscillators

An analytic approach for the estimation of the phase and amplitude imbalances caused by component mismatches and parasitic magnetic fields in two popular quadrature LC oscillators is presented. Very simple and closed-form equations are derived, proving that, although the two topologies share the same small signal circuit, they display very different sensitivities to the mentioned sources of imbalance. Moreover, it is shown that parasitic inductors coupling, overlooked up to date, plays a key role ultimately limiting the achievable phase accuracy. The theoretical results are verified through extensive simulations and measurements on a 1.7-GHz quadrature oscillator and frequency up-converter implemented in a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS process.
Helex Septal Occluder for Closure of Atrial Septal Defects.

The HELEX Septal Occluder (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) is a new device with many desirable characteristics. These include direct placement of the delivery catheter across the septal defect without the need for a long sheath; rounded, flexible and atraumatic shape; easy deployment while maintaining the ability to withdraw the device back into the delivery system at any time prior to release; safety cord to allow for removal of the device even after release from the formed elements of the delivery system; and highly biocompatible expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) covering. The design of the device has been thoroughly tested by computer modeling, in vitro testing, and in vivo evaluations in an animal model of atrial septal defect (ASD). Early human experience in Europe for ASD and patent foramen ovale (PFO) indications has been encouraging. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) trials in the United States are anticipated this year.
Laboratory policies on reporting secondary findings in clinical whole exome sequencing: Initial uptake of the ACMG's recommendations

Laboratory Policies on Reporting Secondary Findings in Clinical Whole Exome Sequencing: Initial Uptake of the ACMG’s Recommendations Sophia B. Hufnagel,* and Armand H. Antommaria Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio Ethics Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Addressing population health and health inequalities: the role of fundamental causes.

OBJECTIVES As a case study of the impact of universal versus targeted interventions on population health and health inequalities, we used simulations to examine (1) whether universal or targeted manipulations of collective efficacy better reduced population-level rates and racial/ethnic inequalities in violent victimization; and (2) whether experiments reduced disparities without addressing fundamental causes. METHODS We applied agent-based simulation techniques to the specific example of an intervention on neighborhood collective efficacy to reduce population-level rates and racial/ethnic inequalities in violent victimization. The agent population consisted of 4000 individuals aged 18 years and older with sociodemographic characteristics assigned to match distributions of the adult population in New York City according to the 2000 U.S. Census. RESULTS Universal experiments reduced rates of victimization more than targeted experiments. However, neither experiment reduced inequalities. To reduce inequalities, it was necessary to eliminate racial/ethnic residential segregation. CONCLUSIONS These simulations support the use of universal intervention but suggest that it is not possible to address inequalities in health without first addressing fundamental causes.
University Biology and Music Majors' Emotional Ratings of Musical Stimuli and Their Physiological Correlates of Heart, Rate, Finger Temperature, and Blood Pressure

Physiological responses associated with the ratings of musical stimuli were investigated. For 101 university music and biology students in the experimental group, heart rate, blood pressure, and finger temperature were measured before and after listening to about 10 min. of music (Venus and Jupiter from Holst's The Planets) in an anechoic chamber. They also served as their own controls by sitting in silence for about 10 min. No significant differences were found on the three measures for the two musical stimuli between the musical or control conditions or between the two majors.
Computation of Coverage Backup Set for Wireless Video Sensor Network

Use of camera sensors has increased the scope of applications visualized by Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Video sensors increases the clarity of capture and reduces false alarm rate. Continuous capture and transmission of video streams can be highly energy consuming task given the resource constrained nature of sensor nodes. Also transmission of video stream demands high bandwidth. In applications like border patrolling, in event of intrusion, the system is expected to report the event. High deployment density of nodes results in larger overlap across the area covered by various nodes. Transmission of video streams by all video sensors detecting the intrusion can result in redundant streams, thus increasing energy consumption. Video sensors can vary their capture quality as a function of their backup nodes. Given the directional coverage of video sensor nodes, it becomes a challenging task to identify the set of backup nodes covering the same area. In this paper we investigate existing techniques for backup set computation and suggest a dynamic sized backup set computation method which is efficient and computes minimum sized backup set, minimizing the number of active nodes in the network.
Vaccination with Ep-CAM Protein or Anti-Idiotypic Antibody Induces Th1-Biased Response against MHC Class I- and II-Restricted Ep-CAM Epitopes in Colorectal Carcinoma Patients

Purpose: The tumor-associated antigen Ep-CAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) is overexpressed in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant Ep-CAM protein and a human anti-idiotypic antibody (anti-Id) mimicking Ep-CAM. Experimental Design: Patients with resected American Joint Committee on Cancer stages II–IV CRC without remaining macroscopic disease received intradermal/subcutaneous injections of Ep-CAM (400 μg/dose; n = 7) or anti-Id (500 μg/dose; n = 6) at weeks 0, 2, and 6 in combination with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (75 μg/day, for 4 consecutive days). Results: Adverse reactions were mild (grade I–II). All patients immunized with the Ep-CAM protein produced Ep-CAM–specific IgG antibodies, predominantly IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses, whereas no humoral response was induced by the anti-Id vaccine. All patients, with one exception in each group, mounted an Ep-CAM–specific proliferative T-cell response. The immune response was more rapid, potent, and protracted after Ep-CAM in comparison with anti-Id vaccination. Interferon-γ-secreting cells (ELISPOT) were detected in both immunization groups against the Ep-CAM protein as well as various Ep-CAM–derived MHC class I- and II-restricted peptides. Flow cytometry analysis showed that Ep-CAM–specific interferon-γ- and perforin-producing cells predominantly resided within CD8+CD56− and CD8dimCD56+ T cells. Conclusions: Ep-CAM protein in combination with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor induced a long-lasting, Th1-biased humoral and cellular immune response compared with anti-Id. Ep-CAM–specific T cells and natural killer-like T cells responding in a MHC class I- and II-restricted manner were also induced. Vaccination with Ep-CAM protein may warrant further investigation as a novel therapeutic approach to CRC.
Transsylvian Keyhole Functional Hemispherectomy

OBJECTIVETo describe the technical steps, advantages, and limitations of a quicker, minimal-exposure, functional hemispherectomy procedure developed from a hemispherical deafferentation technique previously described. METHODSThe surgical approach using the transsylvian/transsulcal passage to the ventricular system, with the anatomic orientation points and key features for planning of the small trepanation, is described. Through a linear incision, a craniotomy (4 × 4 to 4 × 5 cm) is placed over the sylvian fissure. Transsylvian exposure of the circular sulcus allows transcortical exposure of the entire ventricular system, from the frontal horn to the temporal horn encircling the insular cortex. The frontobasal and mesial white matter is disconnected via the intraventricular approach, with a callosotomy. An amygdalohippocampectomy completes the dissection. The experience with 20 patients who were treated using the transsylvian keyhole hemispherectomy technique is summarized. RESULTSThe operation time was significantly shorter (mean, 3.6 h) than with the Rasmussen technique (mean, 6.3 h) and 25% shorter than with the transcortical perisylvian technique (mean, 4.9 h). The proportion of patients requiring blood replacements was lower (15 versus 58%), as was the mean amount of transfused blood. The mean follow-up period was 46 months; 88% of patients were in Engel Outcome Class I, 6% in Class III, and 6% in Class IV. CONCLUSIONThe transsylvian keyhole procedure has been demonstrated to further reduce operation time and the need for blood replacement. It is most easily performed in cases with enlarged ventricles or perinatal ischemic cysts and is not recommended for hemimegalencephaly. The immediate seizure relief was satisfying. This minimal-exposure approach seems to be a satisfying alternative among possible functional hemispherectomy procedures.
IL-1beta, IL-6, TNFalpha, fetal fibronectin, and endotoxin in the lower genital tract of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis.

BACKGROUND In our studies on women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) in early pregnancy a strong association has been found between BV and the levels of endotoxin or interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) in the lower genital tract. In the present study we investigated if an association could be found between BV and other cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF) or fetal fibronectin (FFN). The cytokine-inducing capacity of endotoxins present in the cervical mucus was explored in a monocytic cell assay. METHODS Cervical mucus or cervicovaginal fluid was collected from women with (BV) and without BV (nonBV) attending a family planning unit for first trimester abortion. The concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF and FFN were determined by quantitative enzyme immunoassays. TNF was determined in 63 women (BV, n=25) out of whom 37 (BV, n=11) were analyzed for IL-1beta and the remaining 26 for IL-6 (BV, n=14). FFN was determined in another 36 women (BV, n= 19). The cytokine-inducing capacity of endotoxin-containing cervical mucus and purified endotoxin of Prevotella bivia were studied by an in vitro cell assay using a human monocytic cell line (THP-1). RESULTS IL-lbeta and IL-6 were found in almost all women. The levels of IL-1beta, but not IL-6, TNF or FFN, were significantly increased in women with BV compared with the nonBV women (p<0.05). Purified endotoxin from P. bivia, and cervical mucus from BV women containing high levels of endotoxin were able to induce a cytokine response (IL-6) in monocytic cells in vitro. CONCLUSION BV is associated with increased levels of IL-1beta in the lower genital tract of pregnant women in the first trimester. The ability of BV-associated endotoxins to induce cytokine production in monocytic cells may partly explain the increased IL-1beta levels.
Genome-Wide Assessment of a Korean Composite Pig Breed, Woori-Heukdon

A Korean synthetic pig breed, Woori-Heukdon (WRH; F3), was developed by crossing parental breeds (Korean native pig [KNP] and Korean Duroc [DUC]) with their crossbred populations (F1 and F2). This study in genome-wide assessed a total of 2,074 pigs which include the crossbred and the parental populations using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. After quality control of the initial datasets, we performed population structure, genetic diversity, and runs of homozygosity (ROH) analyses. Population structure analyses showed that crossbred populations were genetically influenced by the parental breeds according to their generation stage in the crossbreeding scheme. Moreover, principal component analysis showed the dispersed cluster of WRH, which might reflect introducing a new breeding group into the previous one. Expected heterozygosity values, which were used to assess genetic diversity, were . 365, . 349, . 336, . 330, and . 211 for WRH, F2, F1, DUC, and KNP, respectively. The inbreeding coefficient based on ROH was the highest in KNP (.409), followed by WRH (.186), DUC (.178), F2 (.107), and F1 (.035). Moreover, the frequency of short ROH decreased according to the crossing stage (from F1 to WRH). Alternatively, the frequency of medium and long ROH increased, which indicated recent inbreeding in F2 and WRH. Furthermore, gene annotation of the ROH islands in WRH that might be inherited from their parental breeds revealed several interesting candidate genes that may be associated with adaptation, meat quality, production, and reproduction traits in pigs.
Biofilm formation by Pseudoalteromonas ruthenica and its removal by chlorine

Abstract The distribution of a recently described marine bacterium, SBT 033 GenBank Accession No. AY723742), Pseudoalteromonas ruthenica, at the seawater intake point, outfall and mixing point of an atomic power plant is described, and its ability to form biofilm was investigated. The effectiveness of the antifouling biocide chlorine in the inactivation of planktonic as well as biofilm cells of P. ruthenica was studied in the laboratory. The results show that the planktonic cells were more readily inactivated than the cells enclosed in a biofilm matrix. Viable counting showed that P. ruthenica cells in biofilms were up to 10 times more resistant to chlorine than those in liquid suspension. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy it was shown that significant detachment of P. ruthenica biofilm developed on a glass substratum could be accomplished by treatment with a dose of 1 mg l−1 chlorine. Chlorine-induced detachment led to a significant reduction in biofilm thickness (up to 69%) and substratum coverage (up to 61%), after 5-min contact time. The results show that P. ruthenica has a remarkable ability to form biofilms but chlorine, a common biocide, can be used to effectively kill and detach these biofilms.
BHT blocks NF-kappaB activation and ethanol-induced brain damage.

BACKGROUND Binge ethanol administration causes corticolimbic brain damage that models alcoholic neurodegeneration. The mechanism of binge ethanol-induced degeneration is unknown, but is not simple glutamate-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) excitotoxicity. To test the hypothesis that oxidative stress and inflammation are mechanisms of binge ethanol-induced brain damage, we administered 4 antioxidants, e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ebselen (Eb), vitamin E (VE), and blueberry (BB) extract, during binge ethanol treatment and assessed various measures of neurodegeneration. METHODS Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with intragastric ethanol 3 times per day (8-12 g/kg/d) alone or in combination with antioxidants or isocaloric diet for 4 days. Animals were killed, and brains were perfused and extracted for histochemical silver stain determination of brain damage, markers of neurogenesis, or other immunohistochemistry. Some animals were used for determination of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)-DNA binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) or for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). RESULTS Binge ethanol induced corticolimbic brain damage and reduced neurogenesis. Treatment with BHT reversed binge induced brain damage and blocked ethanol inhibition of neurogenesis in all regions studied. Interestingly, the other antioxidants studied, e.g., Eb, VE, and BB, did not protect against binge-induced brain damage. Binge ethanol treatment also caused microglia activation, increased NF-kappaB-DNA binding and COX2 expression. Butylated hydroxytoluene reduced binge-induced NF-kappaB-DNA binding and COX2 expression. CONCLUSIONS Binge-induced brain damage and activation of NF-kappaB-DNA binding are blocked by BHT. These studies support a neuroinflammatory mechanism of binge ethanol-induced brain damage.
[Clinical features and prognosis analysis of different breast cancer molecular subtypes].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of different breast cancer molecular subtypes. METHODS Clinicopathological and follow-up data of 1153 cases of operable breast cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Their molecular subtypes were categorized as luminal A, luminal B, Her-2 over-expressing and basal-like subtypes, based on detection of ER, PR, Her-2 expression. The correlation of prognosis of different molecular subtypes with age, tumor size, lymph node status and clinical staging was analyzed. RESULTS Among the 1153 cases, 791 cases (68.6%) were of luminal A subtype, 50 cases (4.3%) luminal B subtype, 53 cases (4.6%) Her-2(+)subtype, and 259 cases (22.5%) basal-like subtype. There were no statistically significant differences among different molecular subtypes regarding the age, tumor size, lymph node status, and clinical stage. 1006 cases had complete follow-up data and the analysis showed that distant metastasis of Her-2 over-expressing subtype was significantly higher than that in other subtypes (P = 0.005), but the differences of local recurrence rate in different molecular subtypes was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the survival prognosis of different molecular subtypes, showing both DFS rate and OS rate of Her-2 over-expressing subtype were the lowest, with a statistically significant difference (Log rank test, P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that molecular typing and lymph node status were independent prognostic factors affecting both DFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS Her-2 over-expressing subtype has the worst prognosis. Molecular subtypes may provide important information to predict the prognosis of breast cancer and might be an important basis for individualized treatment of breast cancer in future.
The glycemic/metabolic responses to meal tolerance tests at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and effects of the mitiglinide/voglibose fixed-dose combination on postprandial profiles in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Meal tolerance tests (MTTs) are usually conducted at breakfast after overnight fasting in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, but differences in postprandial glycemic responses between meals have been reported. Objective: We conducted MTTs at breakfast, lunch, and dinner to examine the effects of a fixed combination of 10 mg mitiglinide/0.2 mg voglibose (the combination) on glycemic/metabolic responses to meals during the day in T2DM patients. MTTs with unified meals were conducted in 11 T2DM patients before and after 4 weeks of treatment with the combination administered thrice daily before meals. Glycemic/metabolic profiles measured before and at 30, 60, and 120 min after each meal were compared between each meal and between the baseline and treatment periods. Results and conclusion: The combination significantly reduced postprandial hyperglycemia after each meal. Postprandial AUC0 – 120 min for insulin significantly decreased after lunch and dinner compared with after breakfast, while insulin levels significantly increased at only 30 min after breakfast and dinner. The combination also significantly increased postprandial C-peptide and active glucagon-like peptide-1 levels, and reduced free fatty acid and triglyceride levels, but did not significantly affect glucagon levels compared with baseline, confirming that treatment with the combination improves postprandial responses in Japanese T2DM patients.
Intramuscular Hemangioma of the Posterior Belly of the Digastric Muscle Mimicking a Parotid Tumor

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now the optimal imaging tool for examination of soft tissue tumor in the area of the parotid gland and parapharyngeal space. Confusion may exist between tumors of the deep lobe of the parotid gland and other tumors of this region. Magnetic resonance imaging may sometimes help differentiate between these tumors preoperatively and thus contribute to planning the surgical approach.
The future of seagrass meadows

Seagrasses cover about 0.1–0.2% of the global ocean, and develop highly productive ecosystems which fulfil a key role in the coastal ecosystem. Widespread seagrass loss results from direct human impacts, including mechanical damage (by dredging, fishing, and anchoring), eutrophication, aquaculture, siltation, effects of coastal constructions, and food web alterations; and indirect human impacts, including negative effects of climate change (erosion by rising sea level, increased storms, increased ultraviolet irradiance), as well as from natural causes, such as cyclones and floods. The present review summarizes such threats and trends and considers likely changes to the 2025 time horizon. Present losses are expected to accelerate, particularly in South-east Asia and the Caribbean, as human pressure on the coastal zone grows. Positive human effects include increased legislation to protect seagrass, increased protection of coastal ecosystems, and enhanced efforts to monitor and restore the marine ecosystem. However, these positive effects are unlikely to balance the negative impacts, which are expected to be particularly prominent in developing tropical regions, where the capacity to implement conservation policies is limited. Uncertainties as to the present loss rate, derived from the paucity of coherent monitoring programmes, and the present inability to formulate reliable predictions as to the future rate of loss, represent a major barrier to the formulation of global conservation policies. Three key actions are needed to ensure the effective conservation of seagrass ecosystems: (1) the development of a coherent worldwide monitoring network, (2) the development of quantitative models predicting the responses of seagrasses to disturbance, and (3) the education of the public on the functions of seagrass meadows and the impacts of human activity.