Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteomics of high light stress in the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

High light (HL) stress adversely affects growth, productivity and viability of photosynthetic organisms. The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a model system to study photosynthesis and light stress. Comparative proteomics of wild‐type and two very high light (VHL)‐resistant mutants, VHLR‐S4 and VHLR‐S9, revealed complex alterations in response to excess light. A two‐dimensional reference map of the soluble subproteome was constructed representing about 1500 proteins. A total of 83 proteins from various metabolic pathways were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. Quantitative comparisons of 444 proteins showed 105 significantly changed proteins between wild type and mutants under different light conditions. Commonly, more proteins were decreased than increased, but different proteins were affected in each genotype. Proteins uniquely altered in either VHLR mutant may be involved in VHL resistance. Such candidate proteins similarly altered without light stress, thus possibly contributing to “pre‐adaptation” of mutants to VHL, included decreased levels of a DEAD box RNA helicase (VHLR‐S4) and NAB1 and RB38 proteins (VHLR‐S9), and increased levels of an oxygen evolving enhancer 1 (OEE1) isoform and an unknown protein (VHLR‐S4). Changes from increased levels in HL to decreased levels in excess light, included OEE1 (VHLR‐S9) or the reverse change for NAB1, RB38, β‐carbonic anhydrase and an ABC transporter‐like protein (VHLR‐S4).
The Adjuvanticity of a Mannosylated Antigen Reveals TLR4 Functionality Essential for Subset Specialization and Functional Maturation of Mouse Dendritic Cells1

The evidence that dendritic cell (DC) subsets produce differential cytokines in response to specific TLR stimulation is robust. However, the role of TLR stimulation in Ag presentation and phenotypic maturation among DC subsets is not clear. Through the adjuvanticity of a novel mannosylated Ag, mannosylated dendrimer OVA (MDO), as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern Ag, we characterized the functionality of GM-CSF/IL-4-cultured bone marrow DC and Flt3 ligand (Flt3-L) DC subsets by Ag presentation and maturation assays. It was demonstrated that both bone marrow DCs and Flt3-L DCs bound, processed, and presented MDO effectively. However, while Flt3-L CD24high (conventional CD8+ equivalent) and CD11bhigh (CD8− equivalent) DCs were adept at MDO processing by MHC class I and II pathways, respectively, CD45RA+ plasmacytoid DCs presented MDO poorly to T cells. Successful MDO presentation was largely dependent on competent TLR4 for Ag localization and morphological/phenotypic maturation of DC subsets, despite the indirect interaction of MDO with TLR4. Furthermore, Toll/IL-1 receptor-domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β, but not MyD88, as a TLR4 signaling modulator was indispensable for MDO-induced DC maturation and Ag presentation. Taken together, our findings suggest that DC subsets differentially respond to a pathogen-associated molecular pattern-associated Ag depending on the intrinsic programming and TLRs expressed. Optimal functionality of DC subsets in Ag presentation necessitates concomitant TLR signaling critical for efficient Ag localization and processing.
Band structure calculation of strained graphene on hexagonal boron nitride

The band structure of the graphene on hexagonal boron nitride system are calculated with the ab-initio method, and the dependence on the stress applied to the direction perpendicular to the sheet are investigated. It is shown that there exists an optimal stress condition for widening the band gap of the graphene, which could greatly improve the transistor on/off ratio, while sacrificing the good on-current performance.
The erector spinae plane block: plane and simple

guided peripheral nerve blocks: what are the benefits? Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 2008; 52: 727–37. 4. Lewis SR, Price A, Walker KJ, McGrattan K, Smith AF. Ultrasound guidance for upper and lower limb blocks. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015; 11: CD006459. 5. Munirama S, McLeod G. A systematic review and meta-analysis of ultrasound versus electrical stimulation for peripheral nerve location and blockade. Anaesthesia 2015; 70: 1084–91. 6. Halsted WS. Practical comments on the use and abuse of cocaine. New York Medical Journal 1885; 42: 294–5. 7. Chandra A, Eisma R, Felts P, Munirama S, McLeod G. The feasibility of microultrasound as a tool to image peripheral nerves. Anaesthesia 2017; 72: 190–6. 8. Bigeleisen PE. Nerve puncture and apparent intraneural injection during ultrasound-guided axillary block does not invariably result in neurologic injury. Anesthesiology 2006; 105: 779–83. 9. Bigeleisen PE, Moayeri N, Groen GJ. Extraneural versus intraneural stimulation thresholds during ultrasoundguided supraclavicular block. Anesthesiology 2009; 110: 1235–43. 10. Robards C, Hadzic A, Somasundaram L, et al. Intraneural injection with lowcurrent stimulation during popliteal sciatic nerve block. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2009; 109: 673–7. 11. Chan VWS, Brull R, McCartney CJL, Xu D, Abbas S, Shannon P. An ultrasonographic and histological study of intraneural injection and electrical stimulation in pigs. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2007; 104: 1281–4. 12. Kirchmair L, Str€ ohle M, L€ oscher WN, Kreutziger J, Voelckel WG, Lirk P. Neurophysiological effects of needle trauma and intraneural injection in a porcine model: a pilot study. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 2016; 60: 393–9. 13. Liguori GA. Complications of regional anesthesia: nerve injury and peripheral neural blockade. Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology 2004; 16: 84–6. 14. Brull R, Hadzic A, Reina MA, Barrington MJ. Pathophysiology and etiology of nerve injury following peripheral nerve blockade. Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2015; 40: 479–90. 15. Brull R, McCartney CJL, Chan VWS, ElBeheiry H. Neurological complications after regional anesthesia: contemporary estimates of risk. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2007; 104: 965–74.
Genetic Factors for the Severity of ACPA-negative Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2 Cohorts of Early Disease: A Genome-wide Study

Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is negative for anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) is a subentity of RA, characterized by less severe disease. At the individual level, however, considerable differences in the severity of joint destruction occur. We performed a study on genetic factors underlying the differences in joint destruction in ACPA-negative patients. Methods. A genome-wide association study was done with 262 ACPA-negative patients with early RA included in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic and related to radiographic joint destruction over 7 years. Significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were evaluated for association with progression of radiographic joint destruction in 253 ACPA-negative patients with early RA included in the Better Anti-Rheumatic Farmaco Therapy (BARFOT) study. According to the Bonferroni correction of the number of tested SNP, the threshold for significance was p < 2 × 10−7 in phase 1 and 0.0045 in phase 2. In both cohorts, joint destruction was measured by Sharp/van der Heijde method with good reproducibility. Results. Thirty-three SNP associated with severity of joint destruction (p < 2 × 10−7) in phase 1. In phase 2, rs2833522 (p = 0.0049) showed borderline significance. A combined analysis of both the Leiden and BARFOT datasets of rs2833522 confirmed this association with joint destruction (p = 3.57 × 10−9); the minor allele (A) associated with more severe damage (for instance, after 7 yrs followup, patients carrying AA had 1.22 times more joint damage compared to patients carrying AG and 1.50 times more joint damage than patients carrying GG). In silico analysis using the ENCODE and Ensembl databases showed presence of H3K4me3 histone mark, transcription factors, and long noncoding RNA in the region of rs2833522, an intergenic SNP located between HUNK and SCAF4. Conclusion. Rs2833522 might be associated with the severity of joint destruction in ACPA-negative RA.
What Happened to Suicide Bombings in Israel? Insights from a Terror Stock Model

An analysis of three years of suicide bombing data in Israel reveals an increase in such attacks through March 2002 followed by a steep decline through the end of 2003. The authors propose a terror-stock model that treats the suicide bombing attack rate as a function of the number of terrorists available to plan and execute suicide bombings. The intent of Israeli tactics such as targeted killings and preemptive arrests is to reduce the capacity of terror organizations to commit attacks. When fit to the data, this model suggests that the targeted killing of terror suspects sparks estimated recruitment to the terror stock that increases rather than decreases the rate of suicide bombings. Surprisingly, only the deaths of suspected terrorists, and not Palestinian civilians, are associated with such estimated recruitment. Although Israeli actions have reduced the rate of suicide bombings over time, it is preventive arrests rather than targeted killings that seem more responsible for this outcome.
Intertrochanteric Osteotomy Using a Dynamic Hip Screw for Femoral Neck Nonunion

The dynamic hip screw, which is routinely used for intertrochanteric hip fractures, also provides a technically simple means of fixation for intertrochanteric valgus osteotomies in the treatment of femoral neck nonunions. Eight patients underwent intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy for femoral neck nonunion using a dynamic hip screw for fixation. One patient died 4 months postoperatively of causes unrelated to the procedure. The remaining 7 patients were followed for an average of 24 months postoperatively. The nonunion healed in all 7 cases. The average angle of the fracture plane decreased from 68° to 41°. All the hip fractures were classified as Pauwels type III preoperatively and Pauwels type II postoperatively. The average Harris Hip Score increased from 24 to 73. On radiographic review, no cases of osteonecrosis were identified postoperatively.
Effects of propofol on cerebral blood flow, metabolism, and cerebral autoregulation in the anesthetized pig.

We studied the effects of propofol on the cerebral circulation and flow/pressure autoregulation in eight anesthetized pigs. Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured with a cerebral venous outflow technique. Autoregulation was tested with angiotensin infusions and gradual blocks of the caval vein for hyper- and hypotensive challenges, respectively. Propofol was given in a bolus of 2.5 mg.kg-1 followed by an infusion starting at 12 mg.kg-1.h-1 and gradually reduced to 8 mg.kg-1.h-1. As expected, propofol caused a substantial reduction in cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, which was accompanied by an increase in cerebrovascular resistance and a decrease in CBF. In the control situation, i.e., during background anesthesia (low-dose isoflurane+nitrous oxide) only, the autoregulation was well preserved, and its lower limit was found at a mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) of 48 mm Hg. Propofol did not affect autoregulation in the group as a whole: the slope of the regression line of regional cerebrovascular resistance (rCVR) versus MABP during blood pressure reduction (caval test) was not significantly changed during propofol when compared to the control, neither was the lower limit of autoregulation (MABP, 54 mm Hg). All pigs but one followed this response pattern. The nonautoregulating pig had a completely pressure-dependent rCBF during propofol anesthesia, despite a perfectly intact auto-regulation in the control situation. It is concluded that propofol in clinical dosage does not affect autoregulation in this pig model, although individual animals may display a different response pattern.
Trapping of the Thioacylglyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase Intermediate from Bacillus stearothermophilus

The crystal structure of the thioacylenzyme intermediate of the phosphorylating glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) from Bacillus stearothermophilus has been solved at 1.8Å resolution. Formation of the intermediate was obtained by diffusion of the natural substrate within the crystal of the holoenzyme in the absence of inorganic phosphate. To define the soaking conditions suitable for the isolation and accumulation of the intermediate, a microspectrophotometric characterization of the reaction of GAPDH in single crystals was carried out, following NADH formation at 340 nm. When compared with the structure of the Michaelis complex ( Didierjean, C., Corbier, C., Fatih, M., Favier, F., Boschi-Muller, S., Branlant, G., and Aubry, A. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 12968-12976 ) the 206-210 loop is shifted and now forms part of the so-called “new Pi” site. The locations of both the O1 atom and the C3-phosphate group of the substrate are also changed. Altogether, the results provide evidence for the flipping of the C3-phosphate group occurring concomitantly or after the redox step.
Projections from the parvocellular vasopressin- and neurophysin-containing neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

The efferent projections of the parvocellular vasopressin- and neurophysin-containing neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) have been investigated in the mouse, rat and guinea pig, using specific antisera to vasopressin and neurophysin in the unlabelled antibody-enzyme immunoperoxidase method. In all three species, parvocellular perikarya containing vasopressin and neurophysin were found in the SCN, primarily in the medial, dorsal and rostral part of the nucleus. The fine-caliber vasopressin- and neurophysin-containing fibers arising from SCN neurons can easily be distinguished from the large-caliber vasopressin and neurophysin fibers of magnocellular neurons which pass from the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei primarily to the neural lobe of the pituitary, but also to extrahypothalamic sites. Fine-caliber fibers leave the SCN in various directions to form several pathways. The major projections run (1) rostrodorsally to the lateral septum, and (2) dorsally to the medial dorsal thalamus and lateral habenula. Smaller projections course rostrally to the nucleus of the diagonal tract (of Broca), and dorsocaudally to the posterior hypothalamus and interpeduncular nucleus. In addition, many fibers of the dorsal thalamic projection continue beyond the lateral habenulae through the central grey of the mesencephalon to the area of the nucleus of the solitary tract. In all target areas, fibers were observed only in distinct portions of the nuclei and were not distributed to the whole nucleus. None of the fine-caliber fibers from SCN neurons project to, or even towards, the median eminence and neural lobe. No oxytocin-positive SCN neurons or fine-caliber fibers could be found. In Brattleboro rats, with hereditary vasopressin deficiency, no vasopressin- or neurophysin-positive SCN neurons or fine-caliber fibers could be found. In contrast to vasopressin and neurophysin fibers from magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, fine-caliber vasopressin and neurophysin fibers from SCN neurons do not terminate at capillaries. A large number of these fibers make axo-somatic contacts with neurons in the projection areas. It is concluded that vasopressin and neurophysin from parvocellular SCN neurons are not released into the bloodstream, but may affect neurons in the projection areas described.
PROBABILITY‐BASED INFERENCE IN COGNITIVE DIAGNOSIS

Abstract : Recent developments in cognitive psychology suggest models for knowledge and learning that often fall outside the realm of standard test theory. This paper concerns probability-based inference in terms of such models. An approach utilizing Bayesian inference networks is outlined. Basic ideas of structure and computation in inference networks are discussed, and illustrated with an example from the domain of mixed-number subtraction. Bayesian inference, Belief nets, Cognitive diagnosis, Psychology, Educational measurement, Inference networks
Effect of age, education and health status on community dwelling older men’s health concerns

Introduction: A significant gap in evidence characterizes the process of establishing patient-centered health priorities for older men. Methods: A cross-sectional postal survey of 2325 Canadian community dwelling men aged 55–97 years old was conducted in 2008 to gauge older men’s level of concern for 24 different health items, to determine the impact of age, education and health status on these perceptions, and to ascertain whether men perceive that their health concerns are being attended to. Results: Health issues of greatest concern to men were mobility impairment (64% of respondents), memory loss (64%), and medication side effects (63%). Respondents with lower educational attainment expressed greater concern about their health and were almost 2-fold times more likely to report being concerned about stroke, heart disease and prostate disorders in analyses that controlled for age and health status. Physical and mental health were independently associated with various concerns about health, but old age was not a reliable predictor, with only younger men (<75 years old) differentially preoccupied by conditions such as erectile dysfunction. Health items of greatest concern to men tended to be those with the lowest screening or counseling rates: these included incontinence, osteoporosis, mobility impairment, falls, anxiety issues, memory loss and depression. Conclusion: An improved consumer-guided agenda for addressing older men’s health in the coming decade is urgently required.
Effect of pomegranate juice on Angiotensin II‐induced hypertension in diabetic wistar rats

Acute subcutaneous administration of Angiotensin II (Ang II) causes a rise in blood pressure in diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (70 mg/kg, i.v.). Chronic administration of pomegranate juice (PJ) extract (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg; p.o. for 4 weeks) obtained from Punica granatum (punicaceae) fruits reduced the mean arterial blood pressure and vascular reactivity changes to various catecholamines and also reversed the biochemical changes induced by diabetes and Ang II. PJ treatment also caused a significant decrease in levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in kidney and pancreas while activities of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GSH) showed significant elevation. The cumulative concentration response curve (CCRC) of Ang II was shifted towards right in rats treated with PJ using isolated strip of ascending colon. In histopathological examination, PJ treatment prevented the tubular degenerative changes induced by diabetes. The results suggest that the PJ extract could prevent the development of high blood pressure induced by Ang II in diabetic rats probably by combating the oxidative stress induced by diabetes and Ang II and by inhibiting ACE activity. In conclusion, PJ has antihypertensive action in Ang II diabetic model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ex Vivo Biocompatibility of a New ß2-Microglobulin Hemoperfusion Polymer

ß2-microglobulin (ß2-m) is an 11.8 kD protein that is excreted by the kidneys. In renal insufficiency, it accumulates in the body and can result in AB amyloidosis with bone and joint destruction. Four modifications of a new ß2-m adsorbent material were tested for biocompatibility with human whole blood. 500 ml of heparinized blood from healthy human donors was perfused ex vivo through minicolumns (adsorber beads: divinylbenzene with different biocompatible coatings) in the single-pass mode. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before and at the column outlet during the 50 min test runs. Red and white cell counts remained virtually constant. No signs of hemolysis could be detected. Thrombogenicity of the columns was low as shown by the insignificant platelet loss, only slight platelet activation and moderate thrombin-antithrombin formation. There was no activation of leukocytes nor monocytes. Complement and bradykinin activation was minimal. Electrolyte concentrations and pH remained essentially constant. In conclusion, this new ß2-m adsorbent material exhibited favorable biocompatibility features in our ex vivo model and is thus a promising candidate for future clinical ß2-m hemoperfusion studies in patients.
Asymmetric gene flow and constraints on adaptation caused by sex ratio distorters

Asymmetric gene flow is generally believed to oppose natural selection and potentially impede adaptation. Whilst the cause of asymmetric gene flow has been seen largely in terms of variation in population density over space, asymmetric gene flow can also result from varying sex ratios across subpopulations with similar population sizes. We model the process of adaptation in a scenario in which two adjacent subpopulations have different sex ratios, associated with different levels of infection with maternally inherited endosymbionts that selectively kill male hosts. Two models are analyzed in detail. First, we consider one host locus with two alleles, each of which possesses a selective advantage in one of the subpopulations. We found that local adaptation can strongly be impeded in the subpopulation with the more female biased population sex ratio. Second, we analyze host alleles that provide resistance against the male‐killing (MK) endosymbionts and show that asymmetric gene flow can prevent the spread of such alleles under certain conditions. These results might have important implications for the coevolution of MK bacteria and their hosts.
Neutrophilic granulocytes – promiscuous accelerators of atherosclerosis

Summary Neutrophils, as part of the innate immune system, are classically described to be main actors during the onset of inflammation enforcing rapid neutralisation and clearance of pathogens. Besides their wellstudied role in acute inflammatory processes, recent advances strongly indicate a so far underappreciated importance of neutrophils in initiation and development of atherosclerosis. This review focuses on current findings on the role of neutrophils in atherosclerosis. As pro-inflammatory mechanisms of neutrophils have primarily been studied in the microvascular environment; we here aim at translating these into the context of macrovascular inflammation in atherosclerosis. Since much of the pro-inflammatory activities of neutrophils stem from instructing neighbouring cell types, we highlight the promiscuous interplay between neutrophils and platelets, monocytes, T lymphocytes, and dendritic cells and its possible relevance to atherosclerosis.
Review on Use of Mobile Apps for Language Learning

There is a rapid increase in adoption of mobile technology for language teaching and learning. Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) provides easy access for any learner without the constraints of both place and time. In Mobile Learning, devices like smartphones, iPod, tablet, laptop, iPad are implemented to scaffold language learning. Numerous apps are developed and utilized for those who learn English as a second language. This paper focuses on the classification of mobile apps based on primary, secondary and tertiary learners. Reviewed articles and dissertations were concentrating on implementation, analysis, evaluation of the mobile apps for language learning. These studies also discussed the design, method, theory and pedagogical features that underpin the current mobile apps. Since these apps are developed to enhance the language skills of the learners, emphasis should be primarily made on the acquisition of language skills such as listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through mobile technology. Thus the finding shows that listening skills are better acquired through apps more than that of other language skills.