Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heterotetrameric Complex Formation of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Subunits (*)

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) exists as a tetrameric complex to form a functional inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-gated Ca channel. Molecular cloning studies have shown that there are at least three types of IP3R subunits, designated type 1, type 2, and type 3. The levels of expression of IP3R subunits in various cell lines were investigated by Western blot analysis using type-specific antibodies against 15 C-terminal amino acids of each IP3R subunit. We found that all the three types of IP3R subunits were expressed in each cell line examined, but their levels of expression varied. To determine whether IP3Rs form heterotetramers, we employed immunoprecipitation experiments using Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1 cells), in which all three types are abundantly expressed. Each type-specific antibody immunoprecipitated not only the respective cognate type but also the other two types. This result suggests that distinct types of IP3R subunits assemble to form heterotetramers in CHO-K1 cells. We also detected heterotetramers in rat liver, in which IP3R type 1 and type 2 are expressed abundantly. Previous studies have shown some functional differences among IP3R types, suggesting the possibility that various compositions of subunits show distinct channel properties. The diversity of IP3R channels may be further increased by the co-assembly of different IP3R subunits to form homo- or heterotetramers.
The TFIID Components Human TAFII140 andDrosophila BIP2 (TAFII155) Are Novel Metazoan Homologues of Yeast TAFII47 Containing a Histone Fold and a PHD Finger

ABSTRACT The RNA polymerase II transcription factor TFIID comprises the TATA binding protein (TBP) and a set of TBP-associated factors (TAFIIs). TFIID has been extensively characterized for yeast, Drosophila, and humans, demonstrating a high degree of conservation of both the amino acid sequences of the constituent TAFIIs and overall molecular organization. In recent years, it has been assumed that all the metazoan TAFIIs have been identified, yet no metazoan homologues of yeast TAFII47 (yTAFII47) and yTAFII65 are known. Both of these yTAFIIs contain a histone fold domain (HFD) which selectively heterodimerizes with that of yTAFII25. We have cloned a novel mouse protein, TAFII140, containing an HFD and a plant homeodomain (PHD) finger, which we demonstrated by immunoprecipitation to be a mammalian TFIID component. TAFII140 shows extensive sequence similarity toDrosophila BIP2 (dBIP2) (dTAFII155), which we also show to be a component of DrosophilaTFIID. These proteins are metazoan homologues of yTAFII47 as their HFDs selectively heterodimerize with dTAFII24 and human TAFII30, metazoan homologues of yTAFII25. We further show that yTAFII65 shares two domains with theDrosophila Prodos protein, a recently described potential dTAFII. These conserved domains are critical for yTAFII65 function in vivo. Our results therefore identify metazoan homologues of yTAFII47 and yTAFII65.
P-Glycoprotein and Bioavailability-Implication of Polymorphism

Abstract P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) may have a significant impact on systemic and tissue/cellular bioavailability of drugs because it functions as an “anti-absorption” mechanism that effluxes drug molecules out of the lipid bilayer and cytoplasm. The ability to reduce bioavailability at the tissue/cellular level was first discovered during the investigation of the causes of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer chemotherapy. Initially, it was thought that MDR is only caused by P-gp. Recently, many other transporters such as multidrug resistance-related protein (MRP) have also been identified. The ability of P-gp to impact systemic drug bioavailability was only recently recognized. Dr. Alfred Schinkel's group was first to show a significant improvement in the systemic bioavailability of several drugs in the MDR1 knockout mice. The same group also discovered that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has a very high expression level of P-gp, and that this protein is necessary to restrict the entrance of various drug molecules into the central nervous system (CNS). Polymorphism in the normal human cells has not been reported, but it has been discovered in human cancer cells. Functional implication of P-gp polymorphism in changing the tissue bioavailability has been studied in rodents. These studies strongly support the role of P-gp in restricting tissue bioavailability of anticancer drugs. These studies also support the effectiveness of P-gp in limiting CNS toxicity of the cytotoxic drugs. The functional implication of P-gp on systemic bioavailability is much less well defined in humans, although it appears to be quite obvious in MDR1 knockout mice. Pharmacokinetic models clearly suggest that a change in the absorption rate will have a significant impact on systemic blood level of a drug. However, whether functionally significant polymorphisms of P-gp exist in humans has not been determined. If they do exist, they will surely impact on both systemic bioavailability and drug interaction potentials of many drugs. In the drug development process, several models may be used to select a lead compound that may or may not interact with P-gp, depending on whether the interaction is desirable. Several inhibitors of P-gp are currently on the clinical trial stage. Natural inhibitors of P-gp have also been discovered. There is no doubt that these new developments will have significant impact on the bioavailability of a variety of anticancer and CNS drugs in the next decades.
THE LAMOST SURVEY OF BACKGROUND QUASARS IN THE VICINITY OF THE ANDROMEDA AND TRIANGULUM GALAXIES. II. RESULTS FROM THE COMMISSIONING OBSERVATIONS AND THE PILOT SURVEYS

We present new quasars discovered in the vicinity of the Andromeda and Triangulum galaxies with the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope, also named the Guoshoujing Telescope, during the 2010 and 2011 observational seasons. Quasar candidates are selected based on the available Sloan Digital Sky Survey, Kitt Peak National Observatory 4 m telescope, Xuyi Schmidt Telescope Photometric Survey optical, and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer near-infrared photometric data. We present 509 new quasars discovered in a stripe of ∼135 deg2 from M31 to M33 along the Giant Stellar Stream in the 2011 pilot survey data sets, and also 17 new quasars discovered in an area of ∼100 deg2 that covers the central region and the southeastern halo of M31 in the 2010 commissioning data sets. These 526 new quasars have i magnitudes ranging from 15.5 to 20.0, redshifts from 0.1 to 3.2. They represent a significant increase of the number of identified quasars in the vicinity of M31 and M33. There are now 26, 62, and 139 known quasars in this region of the sky with i magnitudes brighter than 17.0, 17.5, and 18.0, respectively, of which 5, 20, and 75 are newly discovered. These bright quasars provide an invaluable collection with which to probe the kinematics and chemistry of the interstellar/intergalactic medium in the Local Group of galaxies. A total of 93 quasars are now known with locations within 2. °5 of M31, of which 73 are newly discovered. Tens of quasars are now known to be located behind the Giant Stellar Stream, and hundreds are behind the extended halo and its associated substructures of M31. The much enlarged sample of known quasars in the vicinity of M31 and M33 can potentially be utilized to construct a perfect astrometric reference frame to measure the minute proper motions (PMs) of M31 and M33, along with the PMs of substructures associated with the Local Group of galaxies. Those PMs are some of the most fundamental properties of the Local Group.
Human papillomavirus type 5 in primary keratinocytes from psoriatic skin

Abstract: The role of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is uncertain, and it has been postulated that the virus can act as a putative superantigen or it is activated from a latent status by inflammatory cytokines. To determine the involvement of HPV in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, primary cultures of keratinocytes from psoriatic lesions were analysed for the viral presence and for the production of inflammatory cytokines. Biopsies were taken from psoriatic lesions of 11 patients and from healthy donors undergoing plastic surgery. HPV DNA/RNAs were detected by nested polymerase chain reaction methods. The secretion of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐8 and IL‐18 was determined in the conditioned medium by commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Sixty‐four per cent of the psoriatic keratinocytes were positive to HPV type 5 (HPV5), whereas no normal samples showed the presence of viral sequences. In the corresponding paraffin‐embedded sections, multiple infection by HPV5 and HPV1 was detected. Comparable results in the production of inflammatory cytokines were obtained from HPV‐infected vs. non‐infected cell cultures. Specific HPV5 mRNAs were detected in the keratinocytes in the absence of cytokine stimulation, indicating that the expression of the viral genome may not be a consequence of the activation of the viral promoter by cytokines. The results are suggestive of an involvement of HPV5 in the psoriasis and reinforce the hypothesis that the replication of this virus in the psoriatic keratinocytes may cause the epidermal hyperproliferation as well as the antigen stimulation, which induces autoimmune phenomena.
Are rates of school suspension higher in socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods? An Australian study.

ISSUE ADDRESSED Health promotion with adolescents spans many contexts including schools. Income and its distribution, education and social exclusion are key social determinants of health. Exclusionary school policies such as school suspension contribute to exclusion, increase the likelihood of school dropout (reducing educational and subsequent employment opportunities), and negatively impact on student wellbeing. Often excluded students are from socio-economically disadvantaged areas. This paper examines associations between area level socio-economic status (SES) and school suspension in Australian students. METHODS Students (8,028) in years 6 (n = 4393) and 8 (n = 3635) completed a comprehensive social development survey administered in schools in 30 socio-economically stratified communities in 2006. RESULTS Associations between area level SES and school suspension were found. Relative to students in the lowest SES quartile communities, students in mid level and high SES had lower suspension rates. These effects remained after controlling for antisocial behaviour, gender, age and the established risk factors of poor family management, interaction with antisocial peers and academic failure. CONCLUSIONS Students living in low SES areas are exposed to higher rates of school suspension, at similar levels of adjustment problems. Assisting schools, particularly those with disadvantaged students, to foster school engagement is essential for schools committed to health promotion.
Analytical studies supplementing the Smith chart

The study of transmission lines is basic in undergraduate electrical engineering education. In relevant courses, a key subject is the Smith chart (SC), which is a graphical device providing insight. This paper develops certain formulas that can further enhance students' understanding, including an unconventional set of conductance/susceptance transformation equations, as well as simplified versions useful for highly mismatched lines, where it is sometimes difficult to use the SC. All formulas are developed from well-known facts of transmission-line theory. SC interpretations of many of the analytical results are provided. The analytical investigations thus supplement the SC. For highly mismatched lines, the formulas bring out certain resemblances to the resonant series RLC circuit, thus providing an interesting connection to the familiar subject of ordinary circuit theory. Lastly, students can also benefit from the mathematical tools used herein; these include simple ideas of asymptotic analysis.
Hyperbaric spinal for elective Cesarean section--ropivacaine vs bupivacaine.

PURPOSE To compare hyperbaric spinal ropivacaine to hyperbaric spinal bupivacaine for elective cesarean delivery in a prospective, randomized, double blinded study. METHODS With the University Ethics Committee approval, 66 parturients for elective cesarean deliveries received either 15 mg of hyperbaric ropivacaine (N = 33) or 11.25 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine (N - 33) with 0.1 mg of preservative-free morphine and 0.01 mg fentanyl. The sensory and motor blockades were assessed at 3, 6, and 9 min after injection. The APGAR scores, umbilical cord gases, intra-operative side effects and the total duration of motor and sensory blockade, were recorded. RESULTS The two groups had similar demographics, and similar times for sensory block to T6 and Bromage score 3 motor blockade. The median levels of sensory blockade were T3 and T2 for the ropivacaine and bupivacaine groups respectively. Duration of sensory block was shorter in the ropivacaine group (174 +/- 24 min vs 217 +/- 46 min; P < 0.001). Duration of motor block was shorter in the ropivacaine group (85 +/- 26 vs 159 +/- 56 min; P < 0.001). The obstetricians rated intra-operative anesthesia as excellent in both groups. None of neonates had Apgar scores less than 7. There was no difference in cord gases between the two groups. Side effects did not differ between the two groups. The ropivacaine patients expressed significantly higher satisfaction levels (P < 0.016). DISCUSSION 15 mg of hyperbaric ropivacaine with 0.1 mg morphine and 0.01 mg fentanyl provided excellent anesthesia for cesarean delivery. The advantages of hyperbaric ropivacaine consist of faster regression of the block and higher patient satisfaction.
Analysis and Comparison of L-Valley Transport in GaAs, GaSb, and Ge Ultrathin-Body Ballistic nMOSFETs

We systematically analyze the L-valley ballistic transport of (111) GaAs ultrathin-body (UTB) nMOSFETs by changing the body thickness from 5.79 to 2.86 nm. The Γ-L energy offset is 0.2 eV in a 5.79-nm-thick GaAs, and the single Γ-valley subband primarily governs the transport. This energy offset reduces to 0.054 eV for a 2.86-nm-thick GaAs, and the L-valley transport becomes prominent. For a 10-nm gate, a 0.5-nm effective oxide, and a 0.6 V VDD, we observe an order of magnitude improvement in the sheet density, a 159% improvement in the on-state current, a 15% improvement in the subthreshold slope, and a 54% improvement in the switching delay from the enhanced L-valley transport. The 3-nm (111) GaSb and Ge channels show the I-V characteristics similar to the 2.86-nm GaAs device. The subthreshold current is primarily tunneling while the on-state current is thermal. Performance comparison of GaAs, GaSb, and Ge MOSFETs against the channel thickness shows a significant improvement of on-state current in the GaAs transistor due to enhanced L-valley transport. We also benchmark the L-valley design against a silicon UTB ballistic nMOSFET of a similar dimension.
Imaging of Bernal stacked and misoriented graphene and boron nitride: experiment and simulation

Experimental atomic resolution bright and high angle dark field transmission electron microscopy images of mono‐ and few‐layer graphene and boron nitride, as well as of turbostratic arrangements in both materials, are compared to their simulated counterparts. Changes in the images according to defocus, layer number and accelerating voltage are discussed. It emerges that simulations with realistic microscope parameters accurately depict experimental graphene and boron nitride images and present a reliable tool for their interpretation.
Hierarchical modeling of F0 contours for voice conversion

Voice conversion systems deal with the conversion of a speech signal to sound as if it was uttered by another speaker. The conversion of the spectral features has attracted a lot of research attention but the conversion of pitch, modeling the speaker-dependent prosody, is often achieved by just controlling the F0 level and range. However, the detailed prosody, including different linguistic units at several distinct temporal scales, can carry a signiﬁcant amount of speaker identity related information. This paper introduces a new method for the conversion of the prosody, using wavelets to decompose the pitch contour into ten temporal scales ranging from microprosody to the ut-terance level, which allows modeling the different timings of the prosody phenomena. The prosody conversion is carried out in the wavelet domain, using regression techniques originally developed for the spectral conversion of speech. The performance of the proposed prosody conversion method is evaluated within a real voice conversion system. The results for cross-gender conversion indicate a signiﬁcant improvement in naturalness when compared to the traditional approach of shifting and scaling the F0 to match the target speaker’s mean and variance.
Recombinant Growth/Differentiation Factor-5 Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Fat-Derived Stromal Cells In Vitro

Fat-derived stromal cells can differentiate into various skeletal tissues. Currently the mechanism that determines whether stromal cells differentiate into osteoblasts is unclear and the role of growth/differentiation factor (GDF)-5 in differentiation of fat-derived stromal cells is not fully understood. It appears that the differentiation of stromal cells is greatly enhanced by GDF-5 that plays a role in a variety of musculoskeletal processes such as joint formation, tendon maintenance, and bone formation. Our study showed that GDF-5 promotes the differentiation of rat fat-derived stromal cells into osteogenic lineages in vitro. Furthermore, these findings were confirmed by histology, biochemical assay for alkaline phosphatase activity, and analysis of gene expression. The ability to preferentially stimulate fat-derived stromal cells down the osteogenic pathway holds significance in a variety of clinical scenarios.
Prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction in the general population of Spain.

PURPOSE To describe epidemiologic characteristics of asymptomatic and symptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in a general adult population in northwestern Spain. METHODS A total of 1155 subjects aged 40 years and older were selected by an age-stratified random sample procedure in O Salnés, Spain. A standardized symptoms questionnaire was administered and a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, which included ocular surface tests, was carried out. Absent, viscous, or waxy white secretion upon digital expression, lid margin telangiectasia or plugging of the meibomian gland orifices was considered evidence of MGD. The prevalence and associations of asymptomatic and symptomatic MGD, and their effects on the ocular surface, were investigated. RESULTS From 937 eligible subjects, 619 (66.1%) participated (mean age [SD], 63.4 [14.5] years; range, 40-96; 37.0% males). The prevalence of asymptomatic MGD was 21.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.8-25.3). This prevalence increased with age (P = 0.000) and was higher in males than in females (P = 0.003). The prevalence of symptomatic MGD was 8.6% (95% CI, 6.7-10.9). This prevalence also increased with age (P = 0.000) but was not associated with sex. Abnormal tear breakup time and fluorescein staining prevalence estimates were higher among asymptomatic subjects. After controlling for age and sex, asymptomatic MGD was associated with diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [OR(a)] 2.23) and cardiovascular disease (OR(a) 1.80), and symptomatic MGD with rosacea (OR(a) 3.50) and rheumatoid arthritis (OR(a) 16.50). CONCLUSIONS Asymptomatic MGD is more common than symptomatic MGD. Symptomatology is not associated with secondary damage to the ocular surface. Some systemic diseases may lower whereas others may raise the risk of developing symptoms. Symptom-based approaches do not seem appropriate for MGD estimation.
Factors associated with pregnancy among adolescents in low-income and lower middle-income countries: a systematic review

Background Pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality is much more prevalent among adolescents than adults. Adolescent pregnancy is therefore a significant public health problem. Most births to adolescents (95%) occur in resource-constrained countries. Objective The aim was to review the available evidence about the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in low-income and lower middle-income countries. Methods The review used the PRISMA procedure of identification, screening and eligibility of publications. PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, SCOPUS and CINAHL plus were searched systematically for peer-reviewed English language papers published before December 2013. Findings In total, 2005 articles were identified and 12 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Despite varied methods, there was substantial consistency in the findings. Limited education, low socioeconomic position, insufficient access to and non-use of contraception were consistently found to be risks for pregnancy among adolescents. There was some evidence that early marriage, living in a rural area, early sexual initiation, belonging to an ethnic and religious minority group also increased the risk of adolescent pregnancy. Higher education, access to income-generating work and family support were found to protect against adolescent pregnancy. Conclusions In resource-constrained countries, as in well-resourced countries, low socioeconomic position appears to increase the risk of pregnancy among adolescents. Additional risks specific to these contexts include cultural traditions such as early marriage and inaccurate beliefs about contraception. It is unlikely that strategies to reduce pregnancy among women aged less than 20 years will be effective unless these are addressed directly.
Effect of a chronic suboptimal intake of magnesium on magnesium and calcium content of bone and on bone strength of the rat.

Sprague-Dawley rats were kept at 28 degrees C from 21 to 517 days age and fed one of the two following diets: a semi-purified diet containing 502 p.p.m. of Mg (control) or the same diet containing only 120 p.p.m. (mg/kg) (low-Mg). The chronic suboptimal intake of Mg by rats fed the low-Mg diet did not result in overt signs of Mg deficiency even when Mg levels were greatly reduced in carcass, plasma, and tibia, but it significantly decreased bone strength. It is suggested that Mg deficiency in man could be a factor in the weakening of bone, commonly observed in old age, even when there are no visible signs of Mg deficiency. Studies of the human situation would be of interest.
Specificity of a Mycobacterium kansasii phenolic glycolipid (mycoside A) immunoserum

The specificity of Mycobacterium kansasii anti-mycoside A antiserum prepared in rabbits injected with purified samples of the phenolic glycolipid was evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Chloroform-methanol extracts from representative strains of 23 mycobacterial species and 50 strains of M. kansasii showed that all strains of M. kansasii and the representative strain of M. gastri formed the antigen, whereas none of the remaining species (including M. leprae) formed it. Consequently, it was found that the antiserum was highly specific and useful for diagnostic purposes.