Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NK cell regulation by SLAM family receptors and SAP‐related adapters

Summary: Signaling lymphocytic activating molecule (SLAM) family receptors and SLAM‐associated protein (SAP)‐related adapters play several important roles in the immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells express at least three members of the SLAM family. They are 2B4, NK, T‐ and B‐cell antigen (NTB‐A), and CD2‐like receptor‐activating cytotoxic cells (CRACC), which recognize their respective ligands CD48, NTB‐A, and CRACC on target cells and possibly on other NK cells. In mature human NK cells, SLAM family receptors appear to have activating functions. In mature mouse NK cells, however, the only available information is for 2B4, which reportedly has the capacity to either stimulate or inhibit NK cell activation. The ability of SLAM family receptors to regulate NK cell functions seems to be largely dependent on their capacity to associate, by way of their cytoplasmic domain, with members of the SAP family of adapters, including SAP, Ewing’s sarcoma‐activated transcript‐2 (EAT‐2), and EAT‐2‐related transducer (ERT). By binding to SAP, SLAM family receptors are coupled to the Src kinase FynT, thereby evoking protein tyrosine phosphorylation signals. In human NK cells, SAP is likely to be crucial for the activating function of 2B4 and NTB‐A but not of CRACC and also crucial for the activating function of 2B4 in mouse NK cells. EAT‐2. SAP is ERT link SLAM family receptors to distinct, albeit poorly understood, signals. These two SAP‐related adapters may be implicated in the inhibitory function of 2B4 observed in mouse NK cells. While much work remains to be carried out to fully understand the roles and mechanisms of action of the SLAM and SAP families in human and mouse NK cells, the published findings clearly establish that these molecules have important functions in NK cell biology.
Improving Outpatient Diabetes Management Through a Collaboration of Six Competing, Capitated Medicare Managed Care Plans

This report addresses diabetes care in the managed care setting and improvement in care brought about by collaboration between 6 Medicare managed care plans (MCPs) and a Peer Review Organization ( P RO). The objective was to improve the quality of care of outpatient diabetes patients provided by primary care physicians through the mutual collaboration of 6 Medicare managed care plans and a Medicare Peer Review Organization. The design involved pre-post intervention trial based on 2 random samples, a baseline sample drawn in 1995 and a remeasurement sample drawn in 1996. Medical records of patients in both samples were reviewed by the PRO to determine provision of 14 quality indicator services over a 1-year period. The setting was 6 Arizona Medicare managed care plans comprising approximately 40% of the Arizona Medicare population. Two random samples were drawn from type 2 diabetes patients continuously enrolled in the same managed care plan for at least 1 year. The intervention was comparative feedback of baseline data by the PRO, enabling each plan to compare itself to any other plan on any or all indicators. Each plan developed and implemented its own intervention in response to the 1995 baseline results. The main outcome measures were mean HbA1C, the proportion of HbA1, values below 8%, and positive change in provision of 14 quality indicator services. At postintervention remeasurement, mean HbAlc values fell from 8.9 ± 2.2 to 7.9%± 2.1, and the proportion of patients with HbAlC values below 8.0% rose from 40% to 61.6%. The proportion of the 14 indicator services provided to patients rose from 35% to 55%. The mean number of physician office visits fell 13% and the number of services provided per visit doubled. We conclude that improving the process of care improves glycemic control. Better outpatient diabetes management in competing, capitated managed care plans is an attainable goal when mediated through a neutral third party such as a PRO.
Requirement of DNA Polymerase η for Error-Free Bypass of UV-Induced CC and TC Photoproducts

ABSTRACT The yeast RAD30-encoded DNA polymerase η (Polη) bypasses a cis-syn thymine-thymine dimer efficiently and accurately. Human DNA polymerase η functions similarly in the bypass of this lesion, and mutations in human Polη result in the cancer prone syndrome, the variant form of xeroderma pigmentosum. UV light, however, also elicits the formation ofcis-syn cyclobutane dimers and (6-4) photoproducts at 5′-CC-3′ and 5′-TC-3′ sites, and in both yeast and human DNA, UV-induced mutations occur primarily by 3′ C to T transitions. Genetic studies presented here reveal a role for yeast Polη in the error-free bypass of cyclobutane dimers and (6-4) photoproducts formed at CC and TC sites. Thus, by preventing UV mutagenesis at a wide spectrum of dipyrimidine sites, Polη plays a pivotal role in minimizing the incidence of sunlight-induced skin cancers in humans.
Long-Range High Spatial Resolution Distributed Temperature and Strain Sensing Based on Optical Frequency-Domain Reflectometry

A novel approach to realize long-range distributed temperature and strain measurement with high spatial resolution, as well as high temperature and strain resolution, is proposed based on optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR). To maintain the high measurement resolution and accuracy while increasing the sensing length, an optimized nonlinearity compensation algorithm is implemented to ensure a large wavelength tuning range. The compensated OFDR trace exhibits improved sensing resolution at a short distance, and the spatial resolution gradually deteriorates at the far end due to accumulated phase noise induced by fast tuning of the laser wavelength. We demonstrated the spatial resolution of 0.3 mm over a single-mode fiber sensing length of over 300 m, and temperature and strain resolution of 0.7 °C and 2.3 με with spatial resolution of up to 7 cm, respectively.
Non Contact Heart Monitoring

Heart rate is, among the many vital signs (respiration rate, blood oxygen saturation, arterial blood pressure, etc.), one of the most commonly measured and monitored. Whatever will be the sensing principle or the monitoring method used, data referred to the heart rate can be considered the primary vital sign information which is needed on a patient approach in both emergency and clinical situations. Heart rate data are used to measure anomalous rate or irregular pulse rate (arrhythmias) or heart block. The post-processing of the data can be used to verify trends or single events, providing precious elements to the patient diagnosis. Heart-rate variability (HRV) can be performed on recorded data in order to have an objective measure of eventual cardiac abnormalities (irregular beat-to-beat time is a prognostic factor for atrial fibrillation (Gorgas, 2004). Low HRV is also a known prognostic marker for several cardiovascular diseases. Other possible use of the heart rate data are related to the analysis of the circadian rhythm (sleep), temperature regulation, cardiac sympathetic nervous activity and synchronization with respiration rate. Since the past centuries, observation of the electrophysiologic effects related to the heart beats are reported. In 1842, Carlo Matteucci, Professor of Physics at the University of Pisa, shows that an electric current accompanies each heart beat. In 1902 Einthoven publishes (Einthoven, 1902) the first electrocardiogram recorded on a string galvanometer, opening the way to the electrocardiography (ECG) era which is still, nowadays, the primary heart rate monitoring procedure. To date, an enormous series of procedures, methods and devices for ECG monitoring are available on the market (Gorgels PM, 2007; Webster, 1988). The majority of these contributions are based on the need to place some electrodes on standard positions on the body surface (i.e. Einthoven’s triangle), as depicted in fig. 1. ECG measurements can be divided into two types according to where electrodes are attached or fixed. The first type involves measurements with conventional ”fixed-on-body” electrodes such as Ag–AgCl electrodes, and the other involves measurements using electrodes installed on appliances or furniture. Even if fixed-on-body electrodes (fig. 2) are reliable and give good signal quality, they are inconvenient and inadequate for long-term, everyday measurements. Moreover the presence of cables (one for each of the electrodes placed) can considerably limit the patient mobility and comfort, forcing him to maintain the initial position (supine) for all the monitoring period of time or limiting his/her movements because of the cables length. ”
Circadian variations of portal pressure and variceal hemorrhage in patients with cirrhosis

This study was aimed at investigating whether portal pressure, which is usually measured in the morning, is subject to circadian variations in patients with cirrhosis. Furthermore, a possible circadian variation for the occurrence of variceal bleeding was also investigated. Ten patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and portal hypertension had serial measurements of portal pressure, evaluated by the hepatic venous pressure gradient (the difference between wedged and free hepatic venous pressures), during a 24‐hr period. In addition, a survey of the hour of occurrence of variceal hemorrhage was performed in 101 consecutive cirrhotic patients with hematemesis, in whom the precise moment of onset of bleeding could be determined, and the origin of bleeding was confirmed by emergency endoscopy. Statistical evaluation with the population‐mean cosinor method allowed detection of a circadian variation in portal pressure. Portal pressure progressively declined during the afternoon and evening (from 17.9 ± 5.3 mm Hg at 12 PM to a nadir of 16.8 ± 4.9 mm Hg at 7 PM (p < 0.05). Thereafter, portal pressure increased during the night, returning to baseline values at 9 AM (18.1 ± 5.1 mm Hg). The acrophase was at 8:32 AM (± 100 min) with an amplitude of 3.45 ± 1.1 (% of mean ± S.E.) (rhythm detection: p < 0.03). Similarly, the analysis of the time of occurrence of variceal hemorrhage with the use of a multiple‐components rhythmometry test disclosed two peaks in the prevalence of esophageal bleeding. The more pronounced peak (orthophase) occurred at 10:44 PM, when portal pressure started to increase, and the second peak occurred at 9:12 AM, close to the acrophase value of portal pressure. This study shows that in patients with cirrhosis, portal pressure exhibits a circadian variation. This may influence the moment of occurrence of variceal bleeding, which also showed a circadian variation. (Hepatology 1994;19:595–601).
First-Trimester Prediction of Birth Weight

Abstract Objectives To determine whether the parameters used in first-trimester screening for aneuploidies contribute significantly to the prediction of birth weight. Methods In this retrospective cohort study (n = 4110), nuchal translucency (NT), free β-chorionic gonadotropin (fβ-hCG), and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) blood concentrations were measured between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks. Multiple pregnancies, chromosomal anomalies, major fetal defects, and deliveries before 24 weeks were excluded. Results NT (0.95 versus 0.98 multiples of the expected median [MoM], p < 0.001) and PAPP-A (0.93 versus 1.06 MoM, p = 0.005) were significantly lower in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns (<10th percentile) than the unaffected group, but not fβ-hCG (0.89 versus 0.93 MoM, p = 0.113). NT was significantly higher (1.03 versus 0.98 MoM, p < 0.001) in the large-for-gestational-age (LGA) group (>90th percentile) compared with the unaffected group, and biomarkers did not differ. After controlling for gestational age, maternal weight, smoking status, ethnicity, and fetal sex, first-trimester markers contributed to the prediction of birth weight in a multiple linear model but did not significantly improved the prediction of SGA and LGA compared with maternal characteristics alone. Conclusions Parameters used in first-trimester screening for aneuploidies contribute to the prediction of birth weight but their clinical utility to detect women at risk of SGA or LGA baby is limited.
A Complete Strategy for Conducting Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurements on HV Circuit Breakers

Dynamic contact resistance measurement (DRM) is known as an effective technique for assessing the condition of power circuit-breaker (CB) main contacts and arcing contacts. In some SF6 gas CBs, the metallic fluorides (white or gray powder) produced during the arc quenching process mask the actual breaker contact resistance. In this case, the standard DRM method of injecting 100 A dc is no longer applicable. The following paper proposes a complete strategy for conducting DRM on high-voltage CBs based on three relevant parameters: breaker contact speed (low or rated), injected current values (100-2800 A dc), and the presence of metallic fluorides deposited on breaker contacts.
High-Resolution Light Microscopic Characterization of Mouse Spermatogonia1

Abstract Characteristics of spermatogonia were determined in the C57BL/6J strain mouse using high-resolution light microscopy of plastic-embedded tissues and identifying cells during stages of the spermatogenic cycle. The frequency of expecting each spermatogonial cell type was a major factor in identifying and categorizing various cell types. Although numerous characteristics were described, several major differences were noted in spermatogonial cell types. The group comprising As, Apr, and Aal spermatogonia could be differentiated based primarily on mottling of heterochromatin throughout the nucleus in the absence of heterochromatin lining the nuclear envelope. The A1 cells displayed finely granular chromatin throughout the nucleus and virtually no flakes of heterochromatin along the nuclear membrane. The A2 through A4 spermatogonia contained progressively more heterochromatin rimming the nucleus. Intermediate-type spermatogonia displayed flaky or shallow heterochromatin that completely rimmed the nucleus. Type B spermatogonia showed rounded heterochromatin periodically along the nuclear envelope. Use of gray-scale histograms allowed objective quantification of nuclear characteristics and showed a logical shift in the gray scale to a narrower and darker profile, from four cell types leading to A1 cells. The ability to differentiate spermatogonial types is a prerequisite to studying the behavior and kinetics of the earliest of the germ cell types in both normal and abnormal spermatogenesis.
Adherence of uremic erythrocytes to vascular endothelium decreases endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression.

BACKGROUND High prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events accounts for much of the mortality among patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Endothelial dysfunction as a pathogenic mechanism might contribute to increasing the cardiovascular risk of ESRD. Reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation has consistently been observed in chronic renal failure patients. Since nitric oxide (NO) is the principal endothelium-derived vasodilator, a reduction in the NO bioavailability may be envisaged in ESRD patients. METHODS To clarify whether exposure to erythrocytes from ESRD patients might modulate NO release by the endothelium, we evaluated endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein levels (Western blot), eNOS mRNA quantity (real-time PCR), and NOS activity (conversion of L-[3H] arginine in L-[3H] citruline) in endothelial cultures stimulated by erythrocytes from healthy subjects and ESRD patients. RESULTS A time-dependent decrease in eNOS protein levels was evident in cultures treated with erythrocytes from ESRD patients. This observation was consistent with the decreased eNOS mRNA quantities induced by erythrocytes from such patients. Moreover, compared to controls, NOS activity exhibited a significant reduction after incubation with erythrocytes from ESRD patients. The observed eNOS reduction induced by erytrocytes from ESRD patients was totally abolished by annexin V, able to mask red blood cell (RBC) surface-exposed phosphatidylserine. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that adhesion of erythrocytes from ESRD patients to vascular endothelium may cause a decrease in the levels of eNOS mRNA and protein, and inhibition of NOS activity. This might contribute to endothelial dysfunction, and may play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in ESRD patients.
COCONUT OIL - A REVIEW OF POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Coconut oil is an edible oil obtained from the kernel of harvested mature coconuts of the coconut palm . In recent years this oil has attained superstardom in the health food world. Celebrities are adopting its use, nutritionists advocating it, and patients acclaiming its many virtues. A number of health benefits have been attributed to this oil. These include benefits in skin care, hair care, stress relief, weight loss and cholesterol level maintenance, immunomodulatory effects, cardiovascular uses, and more recently in Alzheimer’s disease . However for several years, coconut oil was demonized and consumers were made to believe that coconut oil is deleterious to health as it would block the arteries and cause heart disease. The tide has turned and in recent times recognition of the positive health effects of coconut oils have emerged stronger. The use of coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil is in vogue, though some people still remain skeptical. This article attempts to scientifically review the therapeutic benefits of this oil.
Hexokinase and TPN‐Dependent Dehydrogenases of Leucocytes in Leukaemia and Other Haematological Disorders

IT has been known for a long time that leukaemic leucocytes undergo marked changes involving their glycolytic and oxidative metabolism; for example, their aerobic glycolysis and respiration, when studied in phosphate medium, decrease to about one-third (Beck and Valentine, 1953)’ m a d y as a result of a lower hexokinase activity (Beck, 1958a)). This enzyme seems to be the rate-limiting factor of the glycolytic pathway, both in normal and in leukaemic leucocytes. Beck (rg58b) also reported decreased leucocyte enzyme activity in chronic inyelocytic and lymphocytic leukaemia with respect to several other glycolytic enzymes and also glucose&phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, both of which require co-enzyme I1 (triphosphopyridine nucleotide, TPN, Beck, Ig58b). These results have been partially confirmed by our previous studies (Ghiotto, De Sandre and Perona, 1960). In this paper we present some data concerning the enzymic pattern of the leucocytes of 68 patients affected by different haematological disorders. Hexokinase, glucose&phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconic dehydrogenase and isocitric dehydrogenase activities have been determined in chronic myelocytic leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, acute leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease and osteosclerotic anaemia.
Genetic Etiologies of Comorbidity and Stability for Reading Difficulties and ADHD: A Replication Study

Because of recent concerns about the replication of published results in the behavioral and biomedical sciences (Ioannidis, PLoS Medicine, Vol. 2, 2005, p. e124; Open Science Collaboration, Science, Vol. 349, 2015, p. 943; Pashler & Wagenmakers, Perspectives on Psychological Science, Vol. 7, 2012, pp. 528–530), we have conducted a replication of our recently published analyses of longitudinal reading performance and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder data from twin pairs selected for reading difficulties (Wadsworth et al., Twin Research and Human Genetics, Vol. 18, 2015, pp. 755–761). Results obtained from univariate and bivariate (DeFries & Fulker, Behavior Genetics, Vol. 15, 1985, pp. 467–473; Acta Geneticae Medicae et Gemellologiae: Twin Research, Vol. 37, 1988, pp. 205–216) analyses of data from a subset of twin pairs tested in the International Longitudinal Twin Study of Early Reading Development at post-4th grade, and its continuation into high school at post-9th grade, were compared to those from our previous report. Similar measures of reading performance, the same measures of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, and similar selection criteria were used in the two studies. In general, the patterns of results obtained from these two independent studies were highly similar. Thus, these results clearly illustrate the principle that findings from studies in quantitative behavioral genetics often replicate (Plomin et al., Perspectives on Psychological Science, Vol. 11, 2016, pp. 3–23).
Netradiční formy komunikace v pivovarství a hledání jejich potenciálu.

Pivovary v silnem konkurencnim prostředi a neustale se měnicich podminkach i zvycich spotřebitelů stoji před problemem co, jak, kdy a komu komunikovat a soucasně i hledat spojence na cestě ke konecnemu spotřebiteli . Průzkum mezi tuzemskými pivovary reprezentujicimi 92 % trhu a až na výjimky vsechny významne komercni pivovary ukazal, že jednou z cest, jak podporovat jmeno pivovaru a jeho piva jsou pravě prohlidky pivovarů, exkurze do provozů, komunikace prostřednictvim navstěvnických center atd . To může být zesileno synergickým efektem spoluprace se subjekty, ktere v pivu a pivovarstvi vidi podnikatelský potencial - cestovnimi kancelařemi, přepravci vseho druhu, obcemi a městy .
Structure of UDP Complex of UDP-galactose:β-Galactoside-α-1,3-galactosyltransferase at 1.53-Å Resolution Reveals a Conformational Change in the Catalytically Important C Terminus*

UDP-galactose:β-galactosyl α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (α3GT) catalyzes the transfer of galactose from UDP-α-d-galactose into an α-1,3 linkage with β-galactosyl groups in glycoconjugates. The enzyme is expressed in many mammalian species but is absent from humans, apes, and old world monkeys as a result of the mutational inactivation of the gene; in humans, a large fraction of natural antibodies are directed against its product, the α-galactose epitope. α3GT is a member of a family of metal-dependent retaining glycosyltransferases including the histo-blood group A and B synthases. A crystal structure of the catalytic domain of α3GT was recently reported (Gastinel, L. N., Bignon, C., Misra, A. K., Hindsgaul, O., Shaper, J. H., and Joziasse, D. H. (2001) EMBO J. 20, 638–649). However, because of the limited resolution (2.3 Å) and high mobility of the atoms (as indicated by high B-factors) this structure (form I) does not provide a clear depiction of the catalytic site of the enzyme. Here we report a new, highly ordered structure for the catalytic domain of α3GT at 1.53-Å resolution (form II). This provides a more accurate picture of the details of the catalytic site that includes a bound UDP molecule and a Mn2+ cofactor. Significantly, in the new structure, the C-terminal segment (residues 358–368) adopts a very different, highly structured conformation and appears to form part of the active site. The properties of an Arg-365 to Lys mutant indicate that this region is important for catalysis, possibly reflecting its role in a donor substrate-induced conformational change.