Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel Bifunctional Natriuretic Peptides as Potential Therapeutics*

Synthetic atrial natriuretic peptide (carperitide) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP; nesiritide) are used to treat congestive heart failure. However, despite beneficial cardiac unloading properties, reductions in renal perfusion pressures limit their clinical effectiveness. Recently, CD-NP, a chimeric peptide composed of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) fused to the C-terminal tail of Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), was shown to be more glomerular filtration rate-enhancing than BNP in dogs. However, the molecular basis for the increased responsiveness was not determined. Here, we show that the DNP tail has a striking effect on CNP, converting it from a non-agonist to a partial agonist of natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)-A while maintaining the ability to activate NPR-B. This effect is specific for human receptors because CD-NP was only a slightly better activator of rat NPR-A due to the promiscuous nature of CNP in this species. Interesting, the DNP tail alone had no effect on any NPR even though it is effective in vivo. To further increase the potency of CD-NP for NPR-A, we converted two different triplet sequences within the CNP ring to their corresponding residues in BNP. Both variants demonstrated increased affinity and full agonist activity for NPR-A, whereas one was as potent as any NPR-A activator known. In contrast to a previous report, we found that DNP binds the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPR-C). However, none of the chimeric peptides bound NPR-C with significantly higher affinity than endogenous ligands. We suggest that bifunctional chimeric peptides represent a new generation of natriuretic peptide therapeutics.
An optimized PCR leads to rapid and highly sensitive detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in patients with Lyme borreliosis

The present study aimed at developing an optimized PCR protocol fro the sensitive and specific detection of all three Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies pathogenic to humans in Lyme borreliosis patients. A rapid DNA extraction method using alkaline lysis was introduced and was found to be superior to other DNA extraction methods. Nested PCR was performed with primer sets targeting the plasmid-located ospA gene and a chromosomal gene segment encoding a 66-kDa protein (p66). In spiked synovial fluid (SF) fewer than three borreliae/sample were detected. The specificities of the amplicons were confirmed by Southern blot analysis with PCR-derived probes. Urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and SF specimens from 57 patients with Lyme borreliosis and from 58 controls were examined. In clinical samples the diagnostic sensitivity of PCR was 85% with SF samples, 79% with urine samples, and 91% with paired SF-urine samples from patients with Lyme arthritis and was 79% with CSF samples, 45% with urine samples, and 87% with paired CSF-urine specimens from neuroborreliosis patients. One patient each with neuroborreliosis and with Lyme arthritis had PCR-positive urine samples only. In 17% of all cases both primer sets yielded positive results, while the other patients were positive with only one primer set. Among these, more positive results were obtained with the p66 gene primer than with the ospA primer. The specificity exceeded 99%. We conclude that DNA from B. burgdorferi sensu lato species can sensitively and specifically be detected with the optimized PCR method described. At least two different primer sets should be used, and whenever possible, urine and CSF or SF should be analyzed in parallel to achieve maximum sensitivity of the test. This protocol, therefore, considerably enhances the diagnostic power of PCR in patients with B. burgdorferi infection.
Dance motion capture and composition using multiple RGB and depth sensors

Dynamic human movements such as dance are difficult to capture without using external markers due to the high complexity of a dancer’s body. This article introduces a marker-free motion capture and composition system for dance motion that uses multiple RGB and depth sensors. Our motion capture system utilizes a set of high-speed RGB and depth sensors to generate skeletal motion data from an expert dancer. During the motion acquisition process, a skeleton tracking method based on a particle filter is provided to estimate the motion parameters for each frame from a sequence of color images and depth features retrieved from the sensors. The expert motion data become archived in a database. The authoring methods in our composition system automate most of the motion editing processes for general users by providing an online motion search with an input posture and then performing motion synthesis on an arbitrary motion path. Using the proposed system, we demonstrate that various dance performances can be composed in an intuitive and efficient way on client devices such as tablets and kiosk PCs.
Quantifying Biofilm Formation of Sinorhizobium meliloti Bacterial Strains in Microfluidic Platforms by Measuring the Diffusion Coefficient of Polystyrene Beads

Though the majority of bacteria can form structured communities known as biofilms, mutations can cause bacterial strains to vary in their ability to form a biofilm. In this study, the apparent diffusion coefficient of polystyrene microspheres 0.29 μm in diameter, which were executing Brownian motion inside bacterial colonies, was used as a quantitative parameter of the ability of a strain to form a biofilm and of the biofilm development. The study was performed using five Sinorhizobium meliloti strains, the biofilm-forming strains Rm8530 expR+, Rm8530 exoY, and Rm9034 expG, and the non-biofilm forming strains Rm1021 and Rm9030-2 expA1. The green fluorescent beads were placed with each strain in a separate channel of a microfluidic device. Thus, as the bacterial colonies grew under identical conditions over a 4-day period, the motion of the fluorescent microspheres was recorded and the diffusion coefficients were measured every 24 hours via particle tracking algorithms. It was found that each strain displayed a unique pattern of change in diffusion coefficient over time. Also, for a given biofilm-forming strain, there was a clear correlation between the value of the diffusion coefficient and the appearance and motility of the bacterial community. Thus, the diffusion coefficient can be used to identify different S. meliloti strains, and for the biofilm-forming strains, it is also a quantitative indicator of the stage of biofilm development.
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH OPTIC NEURITIS

Cerebrospinal fluid specimens (CSF) from 59 patients with optic neuritis and from 59 age‐matched neurological control patients were studied. The patients with optic neuritis showed significantly higher CSF IgG concentrations and a higher frequency of abnormal CSF electrophoresis as compared with the control specimens. Elevated relative IgG values (expressed as percentage of CSF total protein concentration) were noticed in 42%, abnormal electrophoresis in 41%, pleocytosis in 26% and increased total protein concentrations in 29% of CSF specimens from patients with optic neuritis. Thirty patients with an unknown cause of optic neuritis and without any neurological symptoms other than optic neuritis, showed increased relative IgG in 40%, abnormal electrophoresis in 31%, pleocytosis in 33% and increased total protein concentration in 27% of CSF specimens. A reduced serum/CSF albumin ratio was noticed in high frequency in patients with optic neuritis indicating possible blood brain barrier damage. There were, however, 13 patients with optic neuritis and two from the control group with normal serum/CSF albumin ratio but reduced serum/CSF IgG ratio. This finding supports the presumption that part of CSF IgG is produced within the central nervous system (CNS).
Draft Genome Sequence of Three Antibiotic-Resistant Leuconostoc mesenteroides Strains of Dairy Origin

ABSTRACT Leuconostoc mesenteroides is a lactic acid bacterium (LAB) commonly associated with fermented foods. Here, we report the genome sequence of three selected dairy strains, showing atypical antibiotic resistances (AR). Genome analysis provided a better understanding of the genetic bases of AR in Leuconostoc and its potential transferability among foodborne bacteria.
Rapid production of diacylglycerols enriched in arachidonate and stearate during early brain ischemia

AMONG the rapid neurochemical reactions triggered in the mammalian brain at the onset of. ischemia, a strikingly active production of free ratty acids (FFA) has been described in the rat (BAZAN, 1970; BAZAN et al., 1971), monkey (BAZAN, 1971a) and mouse brain (AVELDAI~O & BAZAN, 1975) which was ascribed to polar lipid deacylation. This phcnomcnon was found to be unique to the mature homeothcrmic brain (BAZAN, 1971b; BAZAN et ul., 1971 ; AVELDAGO & BAZAN, 1975) being accompanied by a partial triacylglycerol breakdown. The measurement of diacylglycerols during ischemia was undertaken to estimate the actual contribution of triglycerides to the FFA, since the decreases undcrgoing these neutral lipids might be accompanied by the lost, not only of FFA but also of lower glycerides. The present communication demonstrate that within a short interval after decapitation, there occurs in the mouse brain a rapid and concomitant production of diacylglycerols and FFA, both surpassing in magnitude the decreases undcrgoing triacylglyccrols. Moreover it is shown that free arachidonic acid and arachidonoyl-diglycerides, the most rapidly released lipids, do not originate in triacylglyccrols.
Breakup of Aerated-Liquid Jets in Supersonic Crossflows

An experimental investigation of the primary breakup of aerated-liquid jets (in the annular flow regime) in supersonic crossflow is described. Singleand double-pulsed shadowgraphy and holography were used to study properties of the liquid sheet as well as outcomes of breakup in the dense spray region near the liquid jet itself that has been inaccessible to past studies using phase Doppler particle analyzers. The results show that the underexpanded internal gas phase forces the liquid sheet into a conical shape upon ejecting from the nozzle exit. Surface breakup along both the downstream and the upstream sides of the jet as well as increased breakup times of the liquid core as compared with pure-liquid jets in subsonic crossflows suggest weak aerodynamic effects of the crossflow near the jet exit. Surface velocities of the liquid sheet were measured and used to develop correlations for the liquid sheet thickness. Sizes of ligaments and drops were measured along the liquid surface and were found to have constant diameters of 30 μm and 40 μm, respectively, that were independent of the wide ranges of aeration levels, A.B. Modine Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Fellow AIAA, Corresponding author, Tel. : +1-734-764-7202; Fax: +1-734-936-0106; E.mail: gmfaeth@umich.edu (G.M. Faeth). liquid/gas momentum flux ratios, nozzle diameters and liquid properties considered during the present investigation. Drop size distributions satisfied Simmons’ universal root-normal drop-size distribution function with a relatively constant ratio of MMD/SMD=1.07.
Efficient Information Sharing and Coordination in Cooperative Multi-Robot Systems

Multi-robot systems involve the distribution of robotic resources and information. Being an opportunity, they require cooperation among robots so that potential advantages of distribution become effective. Cooperation requires in turn efficiently sharing information and proper coordination. This article extends previous work, regarding efficient information sharing in the context of volumetric mapping [1], with a coordinated exploration method based on mutual information minimization. Experimental data obtained with multi-robot systems varying in size demonstrate the performance gain due to the proposed coordination method.
The mitochondrial import receptor Tom70: identification of a 25 kDa core domain with a specific binding site for preproteins.

The mitochondrial import receptor of 70 kDa, Tom70, preferentially recognizes precursors of membrane proteins with internal targeting signals. We report the identification of a stably folded 25 kDa core domain located in the middle portion of Tom70 that contains two of the seven tetratricopeptide repeat motifs of the receptor. The core domain binds non-cleavable and cleavable preproteins carrying internal targeting signals with a specificity indistinguishable from the full-length receptor. Competition studies indicate that both types of preproteins interact with overlapping binding sites of the core domain and that at least one additional interaction site is present in the full-length receptor. We suggest a model of Tom70 function in import of membrane proteins whereby a hydrophobic preprotein concomitantly interacts with several binding sites of the receptor.
A faster running speed is associated with a greater body weight loss in 100-km ultra-marathoners

Abstract In 219 recreational male runners, we investigated changes in body mass, total body water, haematocrit, plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]), and urine specific gravity as well as fluid intake during a 100-km ultra-marathon. The athletes lost 1.9 kg (s = 1.4) of body mass, equal to 2.5% (s = 1.8) of body mass (P < 0.001), 0.7 kg (s = 1.0) of predicted skeletal muscle mass (P < 0.001), 0.2 kg (s = 1.3) of predicted fat mass (P < 0.05), and 0.9 L (s = 1.6) of predicted total body water (P < 0.001). Haematocrit decreased (P < 0.001), urine specific gravity (P < 0.001), plasma volume (P < 0.05), and plasma [Na+] (P < 0.05) all increased. Change in body mass was related to running speed (r = −0.16, P < 0.05), change in plasma volume was associated with change in plasma [Na+] (r = −0.28, P < 0.0001), and change in body mass was related to both change in plasma [Na+] (r = −0.36) and change in plasma volume (r = 0.31) (P < 0.0001). The athletes consumed 0.65 L (s = 0.27) fluid per hour. Fluid intake was related to both running speed (r = 0.42, P < 0.0001) and change in body mass (r = 0.23, P = 0.0006), but not post-race plasma [Na+] or change in plasma [Na+] (P > 0.05). In conclusion, faster runners lost more body mass, runners lost more body mass when they drank less fluid, and faster runners drank more fluid than slower runners.
Rheological Characteristics of Yogurt Enriched with Microencapsulated Fish Oil

This study was aimed at evaluating the flow behavior characteristics of yogurt enriched with fish oil (FO) microcapsules prepared by complex coacervation method. FO was microencapsulated in gelatin-acacia gum coacervates. Then, the microcapsules were dried, and yogurt was produced from the milk enriched with microcapsules powder. Rheological characteristics (as measured using a rotational viscometer) of yogurt were evaluated in the shear rate range of 0.262-7.86 s -1 at 6uC during 21 days of storage. Power Law model was used for calculation of consistency coefficient and flow behavior index of yogurt. As compared to the control, the enriched yogurt had higher apparent viscosity. Consistency coefficients of the enriched and the control yogurts were in the range of 24.42-28.82 and 15.31-17.76 Pa s n , respectively. Yogurt samples showed a non-Newtonian shear-thinning flow behavior. Addition of FO microcapsules to yogurt may be useful for improving its health-promoting effect and consistency.
Cloning and Characterization of a Novel cDNA Sequence Encoding the Precursor of a Novel Venom Peptide (BmKbpp) Related to a Bradykinin‐Potentiating Peptide from Chinese Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch

Based on the amino acid sequence of a bradykinin‐potentiating peptide (Bpp) (peptide K‐12) from scorpion Buthus occitanus, a full‐length cDNA sequence encoding the precursor of a novel venom peptide (named BmKbpp) related to this Bpp, has been isolated and analyzed. The cDNA encodes a precursor of 72 amino acid residues, including a signal peptide of 22 residues and an extra Arg‐ArgArg tail at the C‐terminal end of the precursor, which have to be removed in the processing step. The C‐terminal region (21 residues) of the precursor is homologous (57% identical) with the sequence of peptide K‐12. Thus, according to the primary structure of the BmKbpp precursor, there may be a propeptide between the signal peptide and the putative mature BmKbpp at the C‐terminal region of the precursor.
A relational framework for bounded program verification

All software verification techniques, from theorem proving to testing, share the common goal of establishing a program’s correctness with both (1) a high degree of confidence and (2) a low cost to the user, two criteria in tension with one another. Theorem proving offers the benefit of high confidence, but requires significant expertise and effort from the user. Testing, on the other hand, can be performed for little cost, but low-cost testing does not yield high confidence in a program’s correctness. Although many static analyses can quickly and with high confidence check a program’s conformance to a specification, they achieve these goals by sacrificing the expressiveness of the specification. To date, static analyses have been largely limited to the detection of shallow properties that apply to a very large class of programs, such as absence of array-bound errors and conformance to API usage conventions. Few static analyses are capable of checking strong specifications, specifications whose satisfaction relies upon the program’s precise behavior. This thesis presents a new program-analysis framework that allows a procedure in an object-oriented language to be automatically checked, with high confidence, against a strong specification of its behavior. The framework is based on an intermediate relational representation of code and an analysis that examines all executions of a procedure up to a bound on the size of the heap and the number of loop unrollings. If a counterexample is detected within the bound, it is reported to the user as a trace of the procedure, though defects outside the bound will be missed. Unlike testing, many static analyses are not equipped with coverage metrics to detect which program behaviors the analysis failed to exercise. Our framework, in contrast, includes such a metric. When no counterexamples are found, the metric can report how thoroughly the code was covered. This information can, in turn, help the user change the bound on the analysis or strengthen the specification to make subsequent analyses more comprehensive. Thesis Supervisor: Daniel N. Jackson Title: Professor
Carbohydrate ingestion before and during soccer match play and blood glucose and lactate concentrations.

CONTEXT The ingestion of carbohydrate (CHO) before and during exercise and at halftime is commonly recommended to soccer players for maintaining blood glucose concentrations throughout match play. However, an exercise-induced rebound glycemic response has been observed in the early stages of the second half of simulated soccer-specific exercise when CHO-electrolyte beverages were consumed regularly. Therefore, the metabolic effects of CHO beverage consumption throughout soccer match play remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the blood glucose and blood lactate responses to CHOs ingested before and during soccer match play. DESIGN Crossover study. SETTING Applied research study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Ten male outfield academy soccer players (age = 15.6 ± 0.2 years, height = 1.74 ± 0.02 m, mass = 65.3 ± 1.9 kg, estimated maximal oxygen consumption = 58.4 ± 0.8 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)). INTERVENTION(S) Players received a 6% CHO-electrolyte solution or an electrolyte (placebo) solution 2 hours before kickoff, before each half (within 10 minutes), and every 15 minutes throughout exercise. Blood samples were obtained at rest, every 15 minutes during the match (first half: 0-15, 15-30, and 30-45 minutes; second half: 45-60, 60-75, and 75-90 minutes) and 10 minutes into the halftime break. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Metabolic responses (blood glucose and blood lactate concentrations) and markers of exercise intensity (heart rate) were recorded. RESULTS Supplementation influenced the blood glucose response to exercise (time × treatment interaction effect: P ≤ .05), such that glucose concentrations were higher at 30 to 45 minutes in the CHO than in the placebo condition. However, in the second half, blood glucose concentrations were similar between conditions because of transient reductions from peak values occurring in both trials at halftime. Blood lactate concentrations were elevated above those at rest in the first 15 minutes of exercise (time-of-sample effect: P < .001) and remained elevated throughout exercise. Supplementation did not influence the pattern of response (time × treatment interaction effect: P = .49). CONCLUSIONS Ingestion of a 6% CHO-electrolyte beverage before and during soccer match play did not benefit blood glucose concentrations throughout the second half of exercise.
Reduced muscle mass and bone size in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Decreased bone mineral density has been reported in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We used peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) to assess bone mineralization, geometry, and muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) in pediatric IBD. Methods: In a cross‐sectional study, pQCT of the forearm was applied in 143 IBD patients (mean age 13.9 ± 3.5 years); 29% were newly diagnosed, 98 had Crohn's disease, and 45 had ulcerative colitis. Auxological data, cumulative glucocorticoid dose, disease activity indices, laboratory markers for inflammation, and bone metabolism were related to the results of pQCT. Results: Patients were compromised in height (−0.82 ± 1.1 SD), weight (−0.77 ± 1.0 SD), muscle mass (−1.12 ± 1.0 SD), and total bone cross‐sectional area (−0.79 ± 1.0 SD) compared to age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (z‐scores). In newly diagnosed patients, the ratio of bone mineral mass per muscle CSA was higher than in those with longer disease duration (1.00 versus 0.30, P = 0.007). Serum albumin level and disease activity correlated with muscle mass, accounting for 41.0% of variability in muscle mass (P < 0.01). The trabecular bone mineral density z‐score was on average at the lower normal level (−0.40 ± 1.3 SD, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Reduced bone geometry was explained only in part by reduced height. Bone disease in children with IBD seems to be secondary to muscle wasting, which is already present at diagnosis. With longer disease duration, bone adapts to the lower muscle CSA. Serum albumin concentration is a good marker for muscle wasting and abnormal bone development. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009
Efficient handoff algorithm for Bluetooth networks

Bluetooth is the standard for short range, low power, low cost wireless communication radio technology. Recently, the low price and the small size of the mobile device make a great success in personal mobile communication. Because of the short radio range of Bluetooth technology, when those mobile devices move in the Bluetooth public access network, they will require frequent handoffs. In this study, we propose a new scheme to improve handoff performance for Bluetooth services. This new scheme consists of three procedures: preliminary procedure, handoff procedure, and update procedure. We analyze the Inquiry Scan Interval, Inquiry Scan/spl I.bar/Window, Page/spl I.bar/Scan Interval, and Page Scan Window to reduce the connection delay From the simulation results, it was found that we can get the connection time is 2.3889 seconds and the handoff time is about 15.4 ms. Therefore, the connection time of Bluetooth services is reduced. Finally, we can decrease the handoff delay effectively. Simulation results also show that our new scheme significantly reduces handoff delay.