Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health-related quality of life and risk of composite coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular events in the Moli-sani study cohort

Background To assess the association between health-related quality of life (HRQL) and a composite outcome including incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular events in a large general population-based cohort. Design Prospective analysis on 17,102 men and women (mean age 53 ± 11) free from cardiovascular disease at time of enrolment in the Moli-sani cohort (2005–2010). Methods HRQL was assessed by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using multivariable Cox-proportional hazard models. Results At the end of follow-up (median 4.2 years), 237 new events occurred (coronary heart disease n = 197, cerebrovascular disease n = 42). In a multivariable model adjusted for socioeconomic factors, chronic disease and health-related behaviours, both mental and physical HRQL were inversely associated with the risk of the composite outcome (hazard ratio = 0.57; 0.39–0.84 and hazard ratio = 0.62; 0.40–0.94, respectively; highest vs. lowest quartile). Further adjustment for C-reactive protein marginally modified the association with physical HRQL (hazard ratio = 0.67; 0.43–1.02). Similar findings were obtained when only CHD events were analysed (hazard ratio = 0.63; 0.41–0.96 for highest versus lowest mental HRQL) although results with physical HRQL were no longer significant (hazard ratio = 0.65; 0.40–1.04 for highest versus lowest quartile). Associations with incident cerebrovascular disease showed a trend toward protection (hazard ratio = 0.50; 0.22–1.17 and hazard ratio = 0.51; 0.22–1.23 for highest versus lowest tertile of mental and physical HRQL, respectively). Conclusions HRQL is an independent predictor of composite CHD/cerebrovascular outcomes in an adult population. The magnitude of the association was not affected either by socioeconomic factors, health conditions or health-related behaviours. Improvement of quality of life may be a major factor in targeting appropriate prevention strategies for cardiovascular health.
Purification of wheat germ amylase by precipitation.

alpha-Amylase from various sources was found to bind alginate in free solution. The alginate-enzyme complex could be precipitated with Ca(2+). The enzyme activity could be recovered by dissolving the precipitate in 1 M maltose and precipitating alginate alone by addition of Ca(2+). Based upon these observations, alpha-amylase from wheat germ was purified with 68-fold purification and 72% recovery. The molecular weight estimated by SDS-PAGE was 18 kDa. The method also worked equally well with alpha-amylase for the whole wheat seed. The latter enzyme could be purified 54-fold with 70% activity recovery. The molecular weight of this second enzyme was estimated to be 45 kDa by SDS-PAGE.
Tirofiban Administration Attenuates Platelet and Platelet-Neutrophil Conjugation but not Neutrophil Degranulation during In Vitro VAD Circulation

Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) have been used as bridges to heart transplantation. However, VAD circulation is complicated by the incidence of thromboembolism, prolonged bleeding, and activation of the inflammatory cascade. We hypothesize that platelet and neutrophil activation are inter-related and linked to the activation of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa platelet receptor. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Tirofiban, a platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor, on platelet and neutrophil activation during simulated VAD circulation. Two groups of five in vitro VAD circuits were simulated with and without Tirofiban using 450 cc of human blood. Blood samples were drawn at specific time intervals up to 72 hours, measuring leukotriene C4 (LTC4), platelet factor four (PF4), and neutrophil elastase. Tirofiban decreased serum levels of PF4 and LTC4 during VAD circulation. Neutrophil elastase secretion was not affected by Tirofiban administration. Preconditioning of VAD circulation with Tirofiban attenuated platelet activation as demonstrated by a decrease in serum PF4 levels. Tirofiban administration ameliorates the inflammatory response by altering platelet-neutrophil interaction as demonstrated by a decrease in LTC4 production. Continued elastase secretion indicates that the inflammatory response is not completely inhibited by Tirofiban administration. These results suggest that neutrophils may be activated by alternative mechanisms. Early complement activation has been demonstrated during in vivo and in vitro VAD circulation and may play a role in mediating inflammatory and thromboembolic reactions during VAD use.
Ethylene Signaling Influences Light-Regulated Development in Pea1[OPEN]

A mutation that impairs ethylene response in pea reveals an interaction of light and ethylene signaling in the control of leaf expansion during deetiolation. Plant responses to light involve a complex network of interactions among multiple plant hormones. In a screen for mutants showing altered photomorphogenesis under red light, we identified a mutant with dramatically enhanced leaf expansion and delayed petal senescence. We show that this mutant exhibits reduced sensitivity to ethylene and carries a nonsense mutation in the single pea (Pisum sativum) ortholog of the ethylene signaling gene ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 (EIN2). Consistent with this observation, the ein2 mutation rescues the previously described effects of ethylene overproduction in mature phytochrome-deficient plants. In seedlings, ein2 confers a marked increase in leaf expansion under monochromatic red, far-red, or blue light, and interaction with phytochromeA, phytochromeB, and long1 mutants confirms that ein2 enhances both phytochrome- and cryptochrome-dependent responses in a LONG1-dependent manner. In contrast, minimal effects of ein2 on seedling development in darkness or high-irradiance white light show that ethylene is not limiting for development under these conditions. These results indicate that ethylene signaling constrains leaf expansion during deetiolation in pea and provide further evidence that down-regulation of ethylene production may be an important component mechanism in the broader control of photomorphogenic development by phytochrome and cryptochrome.
The subunit structure of the aliphatic amidase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The molecular weight of Pseudomonas aeruginosa amidase was found to be 200000 by sedimentation equilibrium analysis; the sedimentation coefficient was 10.6 S. The subunit molecular weight determined by electrophoresis in dodecylsulphate-acrylamide gels and gel filtration on Sephadex G-200 in dodecylsulphate-p-chloromercuribenzoate solution was 33000—35000. The amino acid composition of the enzyme was determined. Only one N-terminal amino acid, methionine, and one C-terminal amino acid, alanine, were found indicating that the subunits were identical. Further evidence for a structure comprising 6 identical subunits came from both tryptic fingerprints and reaction of the enzyme with the cross-linking reagent dimethyl suberimidate.
The development of thought problems: A longitudinal family risk study of offspring of bipolar, unipolar, and well parents

Abstract There is growing evidence that many offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (BD) will develop moderate to severe forms of psychopathology during childhood and adolescence, including thought problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the developmental progression of thought problems within the context of a family risk study. Repeated assessments of thought problems, spanning approximately 15 years, were conducted in offspring (N = 192 from 98 families) of parents diagnosed with BD (O-BD), unipolar depression (O-UNI), or no significant psychiatric or medical problems (O-WELL). Survival analysis showed that the O-BD group had the greatest estimated probability of developing thought problems over time, followed by O-UNI, and then O-WELL and O-BD exhibiting higher levels of persistence than O-WELL. Parent-reported thought problems in childhood and adolescence predicted a range of problems in young adulthood. Disturbances in reality testing and other atypical behaviors are likely to disrupt progression through important developmental periods and to associate with poor outcomes. These findings are likely relevant to preventing the occurrence or progression of problems in offspring of bipolar parents. The study of thought problems across development represents an important area of continued research in children at risk for development of affective disorders.
High-Temperature Single Photon Detection Performance of 4H-SiC Avalanche Photodiodes

In this letter, the high-temperature performance of 4H-SiC avalanche photodiodes (APDs) working in Geiger mode is studied for the first time. At unity gain bias, the maximum quantum efficiency of the APD increases from 53.4% at 290 nm to 63.3% at 295 nm as temperature rises from room temperature to 150 °C. Meanwhile, the dark current of the APD before breakdown increases by more than two to three orders of magnitude. At a fixed gain of 1.3 × 106, the single photon counting efficiency at 280 nm only slightly drops from 6.17% to 6% in the same temperature range, whereas the dark count rate increases from 22 to 80 KHz. This letter indicates that SiC APDs have the potential to work in a high-temperature harsh environment with single photon counting capability.
Strategies for Community-Based Organization Capacity Building: Planning on a Shoestring Budget

Community-based organizations often capacity build to successfully enable themselves to be adaptable and responsive to constantly changing environments. However, community-based organizations are stretched for time, staffing, and funding, and the added obligation of regularly performing management planning tools, such as strategic planning, needs assessments, program evaluations, or market demand forecasting, strain limited resources. Through case studies, this article illustrates how collaborations between universities and community-based organizations can result in the development of successful management planning tools through the use of geographic information systems and secondary resources. Such collaborations produced maximization of production and effectiveness in an environment characterized by limited resources.
La reacción en cadena de la polimerasa a dos décadas de su invención

La PCR, tEcnica inventada por Kary B. Mullis en 1983, emplea un par de oligonucleUtidos para de- limitar una regiUn de interEs y una polimerasa para extenderlos, utilizando ambas hebras del gen en cuestiUn como plantilla. Al repetir este ciclo dece- nas de veces, se duplica cada vez el fragmento de ADN en cuestiUn. AsI se logra copiar millones de veces la secuencia de interEs, aunque se encuentre entre millones de otras secuencias de ADN. A 20 aOos de su invenciUn, la PCR se cataloga como la estrella de las herramientas de la biologIa mole- cular. En la actualidad son innumerables las aplica- ciones de su utilizaciUn en m ltiples campos de las ciencias biolUgicas, agropecuarias y de la salud.
Dynamics of microparticles inside lipid vesicles: movement in confined spaces

Microparticles and nanoparticles used in drug delivery frequently depend on their movement in confined spaces such as cells. Liposomes containing small numbers of 1-µm diameter polystyrene particles were used to study the dynamics of their movement within the confined space of the liposome interior. The analysis of the trajectories of single and multiple entrapped particles revealed that the particles were largely localized toward the periphery of the liposome with a rare presence in the centre. Interparticle interactions were studied by calculating interparticle distances, ranging from close to zero to around 8 µm with a mean of ∼4 µm. The diffusion coefficient of a single entrapped particle was D = 0.27 × 10−9 cm2 s−1 when compared with 5.1 × 10−9 cm2 s−1 free in water. When more than one particle was entrapped, the calculated diffusion coefficients were D = 0.61 × 10−9 cm2 s−1 for two particles, D = 1.26 × 10−9 cm2 s−1 for three particles, and D = 1.3 × 10−9 cm2 s−1 for multiple particles). Particle movement was found to be distinctly faster at the periphery (average velocity 21.4 μm s−1) than at the centre of the vesicle (average velocity 14.2 μm s−1). These results demonstrate the significance of particle–particle interactions as well as particle–surface interactions, which is evident here in some systems by particle aggregation close to the liposome membrane.
Structural Basis for the Interaction between the Golgi Reassembly-stacking Protein GRASP65 and the Golgi Matrix Protein GM130*

Background: GRASP65 and GM130 play a key role in Golgi stacking. Results: The crystal structure of the GRASP65-GM130 complex reveals an unexpected binding mode. Conclusion: Both PDZ domains of GRASP65 interact with GM130. A novel mechanism for Golgi stacking is proposed. Significance: A novel interaction mode permits us to propose a new molecular basis for Golgi structure. GM130 and GRASP65 are Golgi peripheral membrane proteins that play a key role in Golgi stacking and vesicle tethering. However, the molecular details of their interaction and their structural role as a functional unit remain unclear. Here, we present the crystal structure of the PDZ domains of GRASP65 in complex with the GM130 C-terminal peptide at 1.96-Å resolution. In contrast to previous findings proposing that GM130 interacts with GRASP65 at the PDZ2 domain only, our crystal structure of the complex indicates that GM130 binds to GRASP65 at two distinct sites concurrently and that both the PDZ1 and PDZ2 domains of GRASP65 participate in this molecular interaction. Mutagenesis experiments support these structural observations and demonstrate that they are required for GRASP65-GM130 association.
Exploiting Image Motion for Active Vision in a Visual Servoing Framework

The visual servoing formalism provides a framework for achieving tasks in an active closed-loop fashion based on visual information. We consider a typical visual servoing approach that uses geometric information about image features for controlling the position and attitude of a camera and extend the applicability of this approach by using image motion information. We present two different approaches to visual tasks that use motion information. The first uses the focus of expansion, which is related to the translational velocity of the camera. The second incorporates the parameters of the 2D affine motion model in control equations. Both of these approaches are illustrated by means of a task of aligning the optical axis of the camera with the unknown direction of translational motion of the system on which it is mounted. Results of simulation experiments and real experiments on a six degrees of freedom (DOF) robot with a camera on its end effector are presented.
Effects on the mitosis of normal and tumor cells induced by light treatment of different wavelengths

Although the background of laser therapy by means of low level energy and power is still only partially understood, there are nevertheless promising reports from clinical studies concerning pain treatment, the acceleration of wound healing, and the modulation of cell functions. In order to contribute to the understanding of such a phototherapeutic procedure cell experiments were performed.
Testing whether ecological factors promote cladogenesis in a group of tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)

We investigate the role of ecological differentiation in cladogenesis of a monophyletic group of North American tiger beetles, the subgenus Ellipsoptera (genus: Cicindela), by reconstructing their species–level phylogeny from mitochondrial DNA sequences. Observed reconstructions of ecological characters on the phylogeny are compared to those expected under simple null models of no association with cladogenesis. We find no evidence that ecological disparity is associated with either species coexistence, speciation or long–term persistence and/or radiation of lineages. Ecomorphological traits have evolved in response to differences in habitat occupied by species, but without detectable relationship with cladogenesis.
Multi-Parameter Approach for Evaluation of Genomic Instability in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, is a common endocrine disorder in women. PCOS, which is associated with polycystic ovaries, hirsutism, obesity and insulin resistance, is a leading cause of female infertility. In this condition there is an imbalance in female sex hormones. All the sequelae symptoms of PCOS gradually lead to cancer in the course of time. It is heterogeneous disorder of unknown etiology so it is essential to find the exact cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study both invasive and non-invasive techniques were employed to establish the etiology. Diagnosis was based on Rotterdam criteria (hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, PCOM) and multiparameters using buccal samples and dermatoglypic analysis and cytogenetic study for 10 cases and four age and sex matched controls. RESULTS In clinical analysis we have observed the mean value of total testosterone level was 23.6nmol/L, total hirsutism score was from 12-24, facial acne was found in in 70% patients with 7-12 subcapsular follicular cysts, each measuring 2-8 mm in diameter. In dermatoglypic analysis we observed increases in mean value (45.9°) of ATD angle when compared with control group and also found increased frequency (38%) of Ulnar loops on both fingers (UU), (18%) whorls on the right finger and Ulnar loop on left finger (WU) and (16%) arches on right and left fingers (AA) were observed in PCOS patients when compared with control subjects. Features which could be applied as markers for PCOS patients are the presence of Ulnar loops in middle and little fingers of right and left hand. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay in exfoliated buccal cells, we found decrease in frequency of micronuclei and significant increases in frequency of karyolysed nuclei in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. Chromosome aberration analysis revealed a significant increase in frequency of chromosome aberrations (CAs) in PCOS patients when compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS From this present work it can be concluded that non-invasive technique like dermatoglypics analysis and buccal micronucleus cytome assays with exfoliated buccal cell can also be effective biomarkers for PCOS, along with increased CAs in lymphocytes as a sign of genetic instability. There is a hypothesis that micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations could have a predictive value for cancer. From this present work it can be concluded to some extent that non-invasive technique like dermatoglypics and buccal cell analysis can also be effective for diagnosis.
Recombinant chimeric proteins generated from conserved regions of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 generate antiparasite humoral responses in mice

The merozoite surface protein 2 of P. falciparum is highly polymorphic in nature, but has regions of almost complete conservation at its N‐ and C‐termini. We produced a chimeric recombinant protein comprising these regions only (hereafter termed NC). Mice immunized with the NC antigen produce antibodies at levels comparable to those immunized with 1624, a full‐length recombinant protein representing MSP2 from P. falciparum. Antisera raised against NC recognized P. falciparum schizonts by IFA and a P. falciparum protein of Mr 45 kDa by Western blot. However, antibody specificities were observed to differ between anti‐NC and anti‐1624 sera, and this resulted in differences in parasite recognition, despite similar levels of antibodies having been produced. The response to the NC antigen was also shown to be restricted in some mice (H2‐d), but this was overcome by including appropriate T‐cell help, which was accomplished by creating recombinant protein chimeras that contained NC and T‐helper epitopes from Tetanus toxoid, or MSP119 from P. berghei.
Non-word repetition in Spanish-speaking children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI).

BACKGROUND A number of previous studies have revealed that children with Specific Language Impairment have limitations in Phonological Working Memory as revealed by a task that requires them to repeat non-words of increasing syllable length. However, most published studies have used non-words that are phonotactically English. AIMS The purpose was to examine the repetition of non-words that are consistent with the phonotactic patterns of Spanish. The study also examined the relationship between non-word repetition performance and other language measures. METHODS & PROCEDURES Eleven Spanish-speaking children with Specific Language Impairment and 11 age-matched children with typical language development aged 8;3-10;11, who were part of a larger study of sentence processing, participated in the study. The primary data were the children's repetition of 20 non-words, four at each syllable length (one, two, three, four and five syllables). The children's productions were transcribed and scored for non-word, segmental and cluster accuracy as well as for error type. OUTCOMES & RESULTS The children with Specific Language Impairment performed more poorly on almost all measures of accuracy, but particularly in their production of three-, four-, and five-syllable non-words. Substitutions were the most frequent error type for both groups. Likelihood ratios indicated that non-word repetition performance is a highly accurate identifier of language status in these preselected groups. The children's non-word repetition was highly correlated with most of the standardized language measures that were administered to the children. CONCLUSIONS The repetition of non-words consistent with Spanish phonotactics reveals word-length effects and error patterns similar to those found in previous studies. It extends these findings to older school-age Spanish-speaking children with Specific Language Impairment. Given the limited choices for instruments that can be used to identify children with Specific Language Impairment, a Spanish Non-word Repetition Task has the potential to be a valuable screening test for clinical and research purposes.
Student learning of anatomy

Relationships between student approaches to learning and learning outcomes were explored in a population of fi rst year students studying anatomy in a medical program off ered by a research intensive Australian university. An online survey version of the Study Process Questionnaire (Biggs et al, 2001), examination scripts and student results were the source data for this study. Th ese students showed high Surface Approach (SA) scores (Mean 30+3.4) and Deep Approach (DA) scores (Mean 28+4.2) using the Revised two-factor SPQ. Th e quality of pieces of work written in their examination was rated using the Structured Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy (Biggs & Collis, 1982). Th ere was no correlation between SA and DA scores and mean SOLO ratings. However, there were signifi cant correlations between SA scores and fi nal grades (0.3, p<0.01) and between mean SOLO ratings and fi nal grades (r=0.61, p<0.01) in the course. Further work exploring exactly how students approach study will be useful to elucidate the roles and distinctions between SA and DA in learning anatomy.