Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Drosophila Gene Required for Ribosome Biogenesis

We report here the genetic, molecular, and functional characterization of the Drosophila melanogaster minifly ( mfl ) gene. Genetic analysis shows that mfl is essential for Drosophila viability and fertility. While P-element induced total loss-of-function mutations cause lethality, mfl partial loss-of-function mutations cause pleiotropic defects, such as extreme reduction of body size, developmental delay, hatched abdominal cuticle, and reduced female fertility. Morphological abnormalities characteristic of apoptosis are found in the ovaries, and a proportion of eggs laid by mfl mutant females degenerates during embryogenesis. We show that mfl encodes an ubiquitous nucleolar protein that plays a central role in ribosomal RNA processing and pseudouridylation, whose known eukaryotic homologues are yeast Cfb5p, rat NAP57 and human dyskerin, encoded by the gene responsible for the X-linked dyskeratosis congenita disease. mfl genetic analysis represents the first in vivo functional characterization of a member of this highly conserved gene family from higher eukaryotes. In addition, we report that mfl hosts an intron encoded box H/ACA snoRNA gene, the first member of this class of snoRNAs identified so far from Drosophila .
Effect of stretching program in an industrial workplace on hamstring flexibility and sagittal spinal posture of adult women workers: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of a stretching program performed in the workplace on the hamstring muscle extensibility and sagittal spinal posture of adult women. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty-eight adult women volunteers (mean age of 44.23 ± 8.87 years) from a private fruit and vegetable company were randomly assigned to experimental (n=27) or control (n=31) groups. The experimental group performed three exercises of hamstrings stretching of 20 seconds per exercise, three sessions a week for a period of 12 weeks. The control group did not participate in any hamstring stretching program. Hamstring flexibility was evaluated through the passive straight leg raise test and toe-touch test, performed both before and after the stretching program. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures and pelvic inclination were measured in relaxed standing and toe-touch test with a Spinal Mouse. RESULTS Significant increases (p < 0.01) in toe-touch score and straight leg raise angle (in both legs) were found in the experimental group during post-test, while the control group showed a non-significant decrease for both toe-touch score and straight leg raise test. A significant decrease in thoracic curve and significant increase in pelvic inclination were found in the toe-touch test for the experimental group (p <0.05). However, no significant changes were found in standing posture for any group. CONCLUSIONS Hamstring stretching exercises performed in the working place are effective for increasing hamstring muscle extensibility. This increase generates a more aligned thoracic curve and more anterior pelvic inclination when maximal trunk flexion is performed.
The amygdala

The amygdala consists of a group of heterogeneous nuclei located in the medial portion of the temporal lobe and is involved in multimodal information processing important for emotional recognition and behavior. Its complex structure includes basolateral, centromedial, and cortical nuclear complexes that have extensive connections with several cortical and subcortical structures. Pioneering studies on rodents established that the amygdala is critical for the acquisition and expression of conditioned (Pavlovian) fear responses and yielded important insights into its intrinsic connectivity and synaptic plasticity. More recent studies indicate that neurons of the amygdala differentially respond to the valence (positive or negative affective significance) of stimuli and that the amygdala, via its interconnections with the prefrontal cortex, is necessary for representation of value that is required for reward-based decision-making. Functional neuroimaging and electrophysiologic and psychometric approaches both in healthy persons and in patients with selective damage of the amygdala in genetic disorders such as lipoid proteinosis (Urbach-Wiethe disease) support its role in many aspects of emotional processing, including recognition of emotional expression in faces. The amygdala is affected in several neurologic disorders and psychiatric disorders including Alzheimer disease (AD), temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and anxiety, and depression. The anatomy and physiology of the amygdala and its role in emotion and behavior has been reviewed.1–14
Studies on a gross‐virus‐induced lymphoma in the rat. III. Optimisation, specificity and applications of the in vitro immune response

Conditions are described for optimal stimulation in vitro of lymphocytes from rats primed in vivo with syngeneic MuLV‐G leukaemia cells. Cultures generate effector cells which show high cytotoxic activity against leukaemic cells. Specific stimulation can be obtained with leukaemic cells and with disrupted MuLV. Leukaemic cells, normal spleen cells and the viron internal protein p30 competitively inhibit effector cells, but purified virus exerts nonspecific inhibition. These findings are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that virion antigens constitute a major target of anti‐tumour cytotoxic immunity.
Nails as biomarkers of fluoride in children of fluoridated communities.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to verify the use of nails as biomarkers of chronic fluoride (F) exposure from the diets of children living in communities with negligibly or optimally fluoridated water. METHODS Fifteen 2- to 6-year-old children living in Bauru-São Paulo (fluoridated) and 15 lifelong residents of Itápolis-São Paulo (nonfluoridated) participated in the study. Fluoride concentrations in nails and duplicate diet were analyzed with the electrode, following hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS)-facilitated diffusion. Data were analyzed by student's t-test and linear regression (P < .05). RESULTS Mean fluoride concentrations ([microg/g) in fingernails and toenails of Bauru children were 3.56 +/- 1.3 and 2.81 +/- 1.29, respectively, and for Itápolis children 2.29 +/- 1.25 and 1.58 +/- 0.59, respectively. The differences between Bauru and Itápolis children, as well as between fluoride concentrations in fingernails and toenails, were statistically significant. The estimated fluoride intake from the diet was significantly higher for Bauru children (0.55 +/- 0.61 mg) when compared to Itápolis children (0.09 +/- 0.06 mg). A significant positive correlation was found between the mean of fingernail and toenail fluoride concentrations and estimated fluoride intake from the diet (r = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS This study's preliminary data suggests that fingernails and toenails may be used as biomarkers of chronic fluoride exposure from the diet. Additional studies are necessary to determine the predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity of this biomarker so that nails are used to differentiate children at the age of dental fluorosis risk and who live in communities with negligibly or optimally fluoridated water.
Precipitation measurements from space

Measuring precipitation from space is a long standing issue of meteorology, hydrology and climatology. Since the launch of the first meteorological satellites in the 60s several visible/infrared/microwave techniques for "inferring", rather than "measuring" rainfall intensity from space were conceived, but seldom reached operational application. Algorithms have greatly evolved and now offer an acceptable quality level when products are averaged over suitable time and space scales. Daily, monthly and yearly products have become important inputs for climate studies, but their quality significantly lowers when the algorithms are applied to estimate instantaneous rainrates. More recent methods go back to the basic physical principles of precipitation formation and evolution. The re-examination of the physical content of the algorithms is driven by new insights on precipitation formation mechanisms now available together with new observational tools from space and from the ground. The current status of precipitation measurements from space will be addressed with an eye on what is available for applications such as those of telecommunications. The focus will be on advanced algorithms, satellite missions, activities and efforts of international organizations, including generation of high resolution precipitation products for propagation applications.
Potentiation of Astrogliogenesis by STAT 3-Mediated Activation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-Smad Signaling in Neural Stem Cells †

Potentiation of Astrogliogenesis by STAT3-Mediated Activation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-Smad Signaling in Neural Stem Cells † Shinji Fukuda, Masahiko Abematsu, Hiroyuki Mori, Makoto Yanagisawa,‡ Tetsushi Kagawa, Kinichi Nakashima, Akihiko Yoshimura, and Tetsuya Taga* Department of Cell Fate Modulation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, and The 21st Century COE Program “Cell Fate Regulation Research and Education Unit,” Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma 630-0101, and Division of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
Cerebral blood flow and metabolism during and after prolonged hypercapnia in newborn lambs

ObjectiveTo study the effects of prolonged (6 hrs) hypercapnia on cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolism in newborn lambs and to evaluate the effects on cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolism on return to normocapnia after prolonged hypercapnia. DesignAnimal studies, using the newborn lamb, with comparison to control group. SubjectsNewborn lambs of mixed breed, 1–7 days of age, were used for the study. Two groups of animals were studied: a hypercapnic group (n = 10) and a normocapnic control group (n = 5). SettingWork was conducted in the research laboratories at Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC. InterventionsAnimals were anesthetized with pentobarbital, intubated, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated. After baseline measurements were made, CO2 was blended into the ventilator gas until a Paco2 of 75–80 torr (10–10.6 kPa) was obtained. Measurements were made 1 hr after the desired Paco2 was achieved and after 6 hrs of hypercapnia. After 6 hrs of hypercapnia, the ventilator gas was returned to the baseline value, that is, normocapnia. Measurements were made 30, 60, and 90 mins after Paco2 returned to baseline. MeasurementsSix measurements were made during the study. For each measurement, blood samples were drawn from the sagittal sinus and brachiocephalic artery catheters and were analyzed for pH, hemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation, and blood gas values. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured by using the radiolabeled microsphere technique. Cerebral oxygen consumption, fractional oxygen extraction, and oxygen transport values were calculated at each study period. Main ResultsIncreasing Paco2 from 37 ± 3 torr to 78 ± 6 torr (4.9 ± 0.4 kPa to 10.3 ± 0.8 kPa) for 1 hr increased CBF by 355%. After 6 hrs of PaCO2 at 78 ± 3 torr (10.3 ± 0.4 kPa), CBF remained 195% above baseline. At 30 mins of normocapnia, CBF had returned to baseline and remained at baseline until the conclusion of the study, a total of 90 mins of normocapnia. Cerebral oxygen consumption did not change during hypercapnia or with return to normocapnia. Oxygen transport increased 331% above baseline after 1 hr of hypercapnia and stayed 180% above baseline after 6 hrs of hypercapnia. Fractional oxygen extraction decreased by 55% at 1 hr of hypercapnia and stayed 39% below baseline at 6 hrs of hypercapnia. ConclusionsHealthy lambs seem to tolerate undergoing hypercapnia for 6 hrs with a return to normocapnia. The return to baseline of CBF and cerebral metabolism at normocapnia seen in our study with lambs may explain why prolonged hypercapnia appears to be well tolerated in mechanically ventilated patients. If these results can be extrapolated to human subjects, our study in lambs supports evidence that patients who have undergone permissive hypercapnia seem to be neurologically unaffected.
Cross‐seeding of wild‐type and hereditary variant‐type amyloid β‐proteins in the presence of gangliosides

We investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the ganglioside‐induced initiation of the assembly of wild and hereditary variant‐type amyloid β‐proteins, including Arctic‐, Dutch‐, and Flemish‐type amyloid β‐proteins. We monitored the assembly of amyloid β‐protein by thioflavin‐T assay, western blotting and electron microscopy. We also examined how externally added amyloid β‐protein assembles in a cell culture. The assembly of wild‐, Arctic‐, Dutch‐, and Flemish‐type amyloid β‐proteins were accelerated in the presence of GM1, GM1, GM3 and GD3 gangliosides. Notably, all of these amyloid β‐proteins accelerated the assembly of different type of amyloid β‐protein, following prior binding to a specific ganglioside. A specific‐ganglioside‐bound form of variant‐type amyloid β‐protein was recognized by the antibody (4396C) specific to the GM1‐ganglioside‐induced altered conformation of wild‐type amyloid β‐protein. Moreover, the assembly of these amyloid β‐proteins in the presence of a specific ganglioside was markedly suppressed by coincubation with 4396C. This study suggests that cross‐seeding can occur between wild and hereditary variant‐type amyloid β‐proteins despite differences in their amino acid sequences.
Robotic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision: the key against the Achilles' heel of rectal cancer?

R. J. Heald1 wrote in the Editorial of Tech Coloproctology 2013, “I predict that 2013 will be the year of endoscopic transanal approaches to radical low rectal dissection and anastomosis. ” He made reference to some authors as Leroy et al,2 Lacy et al,3 and Atallah et al,4 who concluded that the rectal dissection from below was much easier than either minimal invasive or open surgery from above. Preliminary published results on this approach suggest oncologic equivalence relative to conventional or laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME). Although neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has become the standard of care for locally advanced mid and low rectal cancer resulting in improved oncological outcome, it is demonstrated that optimal surgery with TME is the mainstay of curative treatment but is a demanding technique that may influence outcomes.5 The macroscopic quality of TME is an important factor related to postoperative local and overall recurrences.6 Damage to the mesorectal cylinder is an indication of incomplete excision of the tumor and consequently increases the risk of local recurrence. But, even in experienced hands, TME can be challenging, particularly in an obese male patient with visceral obesity, increasing the risk of incomplete mesorectal excision. In contrast, Heald1 noted that the combination of the transanal approach, the use of a gastight seal for anus or anorectum, and direct “holy plane” dissection around the mesorectum from below revolutionized the practice of rectal cancer surgery. Atallah et al4 highlighted that distal rectal dissection was simplified and this had significant potential for improving the quality of surgical resection in the setting of the difficult pelvis. The same authors7 presented their data of 20 patients with rectal cancer who underwent transanal TME, with a median follow-up of 6 months. The minimum threshold of 12 nodes was achieved in 80% of cases, and macrocopic assessment of mesorectal excision was considered as complete in 89% of cases. Leroy et al2 pushed the limits of minimally invasive surgery, recently publishing the first case of pure transanal NOTES TME with retroperitoneal sigmoid mobilization called PROGRESS (Peri-Rectal Oncologic Gateway for Retroperitoneal Endoscopic Single Site Surgery). The authors concluded that it could pave the way for a new era in pure transanal NOTES for rectal surgery. We aimed to perform this procedure using the robotic procedure to assess the feasibility and the operative results. From January to April 2014, 7 patients (4 women and 3 men) with rectal cancer underwent a hybrid technique combining robotic transanal TME and laparoscopic abdominal procedure (vessels division and colon mobilization). The mean (range) age was 63.2 ± 9.7 (48–74) years and the body mass index was 29.9 ± 6.1 (21.5–37.5) kg/m2. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, the
Explorer Promoter architecture of mouse olfactory receptor genes

Citation for published version: Plessy, C, Pascarella, G, Bertin, N, Akalin, A, Carrieri, C, Vassalli, A, Lazarevic, D, Severin, J, Vlachouli, C, Simone, R, Faulkner, GJ, Kawai, J, Daub, CO, Zucchelli, S, Hayashizaki, Y, Mombaerts, P, Lenhard, B, Gustincich, S & Carninci, P 2012, 'Promoter architecture of mouse olfactory receptor genes' Genome Research, vol 22, no. 3, pp. 486-497. DOI: 10.1101/gr.126201. 111
Effects of aging and caloric restriction on the gene expression of Foxo1, 3, and 4 (FKHR, FKHRL1, and AFX) in the rat skeletal muscles

In C. elegans, insulin‐like hormone signal pathway plays a significant role in longevity. In particular, daf‐16 gene product is indispensable factor for this lifespan‐extension. This signal pathway is critical for dauer formation, which is a similar state to hibernation in mammals. We examined the expression level of mammalian daf‐16 homologues, Foxo 1,3, and 4 (FKHR, FKHRL1, and AFX) mRNAs in the rat skeletal muscles during aging and in 30% caloric restricted of ad libitum fed. The expression level of AFX mRNA was significantly higher at 6 and 12 months than at 3 and 26 months, and FKHRL1 expression was significantly higher at 6 months than at 3 and 26 months but FKHR expression showed no significant change with age. We observed a characteristic expression of AFX and FKHR mRNAs to be significantly higher in the second day in caloric restriction by every‐other‐day feeding than in ad libitum fed. This suggests that caloric restriction may increase the expression of FKHR‐family genes and prevent the aging process in the skeletal muscles. Microsc. Res. Tech. 59:331–334, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Triggering Hardware Trojans in EPC C1G2 RFID Tags

This paper addresses the Hardware Trojan issues in passive EPC C1G2 RFID Tags. We propose in this paper to study the insertion of malicious circuit in EPC GEN2 RFID tags. The description and the implementation of several different Hardware Trojans are first discussed. Then they are all evaluated in an EPC GEN2 environment using a dedicated FPGA based tag emulator. The evaluation focuses on criteria such as Trojan detection, design cost and EPC gen2 compliance.
Referral bias in defining the phenotype and prevalence of obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND The described phenotype of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been primarily based on findings in a referred (self or otherwise) population. It is possible that the phenotype of PCOS would be different if the disorder were to be detected and studied in its natural (unbiased) state. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to compare the phenotype of PCOS detected in an unselected population with that identified in a referral population. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 292 PCOS patients identified at a tertiary care outpatient facility (referral PCOS) and 64 PCOS women (unselected PCOS) identified through the screening of a population of 668 seeking a pre-employment physical. Among the women undergoing a pre-employment physical, 563 did not demonstrate features of the disorder (unselected controls). All PCOS subjects met the National Institutes of Health 1990 criteria for the disorder. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We estimated prevalence of obesity and severity of disease burden. RESULTS Referral PCOS subjects had greater mean body mass index and hirsutism score and higher degrees of hyperandrogenemia, were more likely to be non-Hispanic White (83.90%), and demonstrated a more severe PCOS subphenotype than unselected PCOS or unselected controls. The prevalence of obesity and severe obesity in referral PCOS was 2.3 and 2.5 times greater than estimates of the same in unselected PCOS and 2.2 and 3.8 times greater than estimates in unselected controls, respectively. Alternatively, unselected PCOS subjects had a prevalence of obesity and severe obesity and a mean body mass index similar to those of the general population from which they were derived. CONCLUSION The phenotype of PCOS, including the racial/ethnic mix, severity of presentation, and rate of obesity, is affected significantly by whether the PCOS subject arises from a referral population or through unselected screening, likely reflecting the degree of patient concern and awareness and access to healthcare.
Thermal re-emission effects on the LAGEOS I satellite versus spin axis orientation

Desde 1976, quando o satelite LAGEOS I foi lancado, efeitos de re-emissao termica tem sido observados e modelados. Os efeitos de aquecimento devidos ao Sol e a Terra tem sido analisados separadamente e os modelos termicos existentes tem revelado-se aptos a explicar, quase completamente, a maioria dos residuos observados. No entanto, apos mais de quinze anos de razoavel concordância entre a teoria e as observacoes surgem picos inesperados nas perturbacoes transversais despertando renovada atencao ao problema da modelagem de forcas termicas. Os esforcos para explicar esses efeitos residuais inesperados tem resultado em trabalhos interessantes assim como a redefinicao do coeficiente de refletividade medio (pressao da radiacao solar direta), o efeito Yarkovsky-Schach (re-emissao termica devida ao aquecimento solar), e o efeito da reflexao assimetrica na superficie do satelite. Apesar da falta de informacao detalhada sobre a evolucao do eixo de rotacao, mudancas na orientacao do eixo de rotacao tem sido, tambem, analisadas, no entanto, nenhum desses efeitos ou correcoes parece estar apto a explicar as observacoes. O presente trabalho vem propor um modelo termico unificado que trata, simultaneamente, os efeitos termicos devidos ao Sol e a Terra. A conexao estreita entre as coordenadas da fonte de energia (Sol e Terra) e a periodicidade dos movimentos de rotacao e translacao do satelite resulta em funcoes senoidais complexas capazes de explicar como esses picos de maximo e minimo surgem inesperadamente. Mostra-se que os residuos observados para o satelite LAGEOS I podem ser preditos e explicados pelo modelo termico apresentado e ainda estende-se a analise a um grupo de satelites-teste com diferentes inclinacoes do eixo de rotacao concluindo que a configuracao mais estavel para o eixo de rotacao e 90°-03° : eixo de rotacao perpendicular ao plano orbital do satelite em relacao a terra (90°) e eixo de rotacao orientado ao longo do plano orbital em relacao ao sol (03°). Esta configuracao e desejavel do ponto de vista da estabilidade da orbita porque minimiza os efeitos de re-emissao termica e nao apresenta grandes picos de maximo apos alguns anos.