Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Costs of Egg Production in the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

The energy cost of egg production in passerine birds has typically been estimated to be 45%–60% of basal metabolic rate (BMR), but this is based on theoretical models using data on energy content of eggs and reproductive tissue; there are still very few empirical data on egg production costs. In this study, we directly measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) in egg‐laying female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) over 3 yr. We compared these data with RMR of nonbreeding and chick‐rearing birds and with estimated energy expenditure generated from a typical energy content model by using empirically derived data from body composition analysis for this species. We found marked variation in RMR between years and between reproductive stages, which complicates comparisons among breeding stages for the assessment of relative egg production costs. On the basis of this method, RMR during egg laying varied from +74% to −13% of nonbreeding RMR and from +20% to −7% of chick‐rearing RMR. We therefore used an alternate approach: measuring changes in RMR through the complete cycle of follicle development and ovulation. The increase in RMR from the beginning of prelaying to the six‐follicle stage (before first ovulation) when birds have a complete developing follicle hierarchy was 22.4%. This value is still much lower than that estimated from our energy content model. We discuss conceptual problems associated with the theoretical energy content approach but also suggest, on the basis of earlier work done in our lab, that the measured increase in RMR might still underestimate the actual cost of egg production if birds reallocate energy between different physiological systems.
Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Several observations suggest the existence of potent endogenous suppressors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) production, and inhibitors of serine proteases may participate in this effect. Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (AAT) is the most abundant circulating serine protease inhibitor. Physiological AAT concentrations inhibited HIV‐1 production in chronically infected U1 monocytic cells, reduced virus replication in freshly infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and blocked infection of permissive HeLa cells. In U1 cells, AAT suppressed activation of the HIV‐1‐inducing transcription factor NF‐κB. Similar results were obtained using CE‐2072, a synthetic inhibitor of host serine proteases. HIV‐1 did not replicate in blood obtained from healthy volunteers, but marked replication was observed in blood from individuals with hereditary AAT deficiency. These results identify AAT as a candidate circulating HIV‐1 inhibitor in vivo. Two different mechanisms of AAT‐induced HIV‐1 inhibition were identified, including reduced HIV‐1 infectivity and blockade of HIV‐1 production. A novel host pathogen interaction is suggested, and an alternative strategy to treat HIV‐1‐related disease may be possible. —Shapiro, L. , Pott, G. B. , Ralston, A. H. Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1. FASEB J. 15, 122–115 (2001)
Production of 1-Dodecanol, 1-Tetradecanol, and 1,12-Dodecanediol through Whole-Cell Biotransformation in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Medium- and long-chain 1-alkanol and α,ω-alkanediols are used in personal care products, in industrial lubricants, and as precursors for polymers synthesized for medical applications. The industrial production of α,ω-alkanediols by alkane hydroxylation primarily occurs at high temperature and pressure using heavy metal catalysts. However, bioproduction has recently emerged as a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative. Among alkane monooxygenases, CYP153A from Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8 (CYP153AM.aq; the strain is also known as Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus VT8) possesses low overoxidation activity and high regioselectivity and thus has great potential for use in terminal hydroxylation. However, the application of CYP153AM.aq is limited because it is encoded by a dysfunctional operon. In this study, we demonstrated that the operon regulator AlkRM.aq is functional, can be induced by alkanes of various lengths, and does not suffer from product inhibition. Additionally, we identified a transposon insertion in the CYP153AM.aq operon. When the transposon was removed, the expression of the operon genes could be induced by alkanes, and the alkanes could then be oxyfunctionalized by the resulting proteins. To increase the accessibility of medium- and long-chain alkanes, we coexpressed a tunable alkane facilitator (AlkL) from Pseudomonas putida GPo1. Using a recombinant Escherichia coli strain, we produced 1.5 g/liter 1-dodecanol in 20 h and 2 g/liter 1-tetradecanol in 50 h by adding dodecane and tetradecane, respectively. Furthermore, in 68 h, we generated 3.76 g/liter of 1,12-dodecanediol by adding a dodecane–1-dodecanol substrate mixture. This study reports a very efficient method of producing C12/C14 alkanols and C12 1,12-alkanediol by whole-cell biotransformation. IMPORTANCE To produce terminally hydroxylated medium- to long-chain alkane compounds by whole-cell biotransformation, substrate permeability, enzymatic activity, and the control of overoxidability should be considered. Due to difficulties in production, small amounts of 1-dodecanol, 1-tetradecanol, and 1,12-dodecanediol are typically produced. In this study, we identified an alkane-inducible monooxygenase operon that can efficiently catalyze the conversion of alkane to 1-alkanol with no detection of the overoxidation product. By coexpressing an alkane membrane facilitator, high levels of 1-dodecanol, 1-tetradecanol, and 1,12-dodecanediol could be generated. This study is significant for the bioproduction of medium- and long-chain 1-alkanol and α,ω-alkanediols.
Field Weakening Strategy for a Vector-Controlled Induction Motor Drive Near the Six-Step Mode of Operation

This paper proposes a field weakening strategy for a vector-controlled induction motor drive that enables the six-step mode of operation. This field weakening scheme can extract maximum possible torque without exceeding the machine voltage and current ratings and can utilize the available dc-link voltage completely. The main motive of this paper is to maintain current control even if the inverter output voltage is saturated, i.e., it enters the six-step mode of operation. Below base speed, the drive will operate as a normal rotor-flux-oriented vector-controlled drive. In field weakening region, when the inverter terminal voltage gets saturated and enters the six-step mode of operation, the q-axis current controller modifies the flux current reference instead of directly generating the q-axis voltage reference. The reason for this is that at saturated condition, there is only one degree of freedom, i.e., either d-axis voltage or q-axis voltage can be controlled independently. The inverter gate control is generated from a synchronous PWM strategy which is active in both linear and overmodulation zone. Hence, low switching frequency operation of the inverter is possible, which makes it a very attractive scheme for medium voltage drive like traction. The scheme is verified experimentally and the results are presented.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy-based Detector in Application of Intensive Care Unit Clinics

We attempted to apply the optoelectronic sensor entitled 'OPT101' in intensive care unit clinics, based on its optoelectronic response characteristics in near-infrared wavelength range and near-infrared spectroscopy principle. The successful novel applications in our lab include earlydiagnosis and therapeutic effect tracking of thrombus, noninvasive monitoring of patients' shock severity, and fatigue evaluation. This study also expects further improvements of the detector in noninvasive clinical applications.
Novel Ribbon-Type Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotides Preclude Airways Hyperreactivity and Th2 Cytokine Expression in Experimental Asthma

Background: Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is required for the differentiation of Th2 responses, so we examined its role in mouse experimental asthma and tested the hypothesis that an NFAT blockade with a decoy against NFAT can prevent asthma progression. Objective: To determine the effects of the NFAT decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on the development of airway inflammation, we designed a novel ribbon-type ODN containing two binding sites for NFAT in a single decoy molecule without an open end, which is more stable than a conventional decoy, and largely preserved its structural integrity in the presence of nucleases. Methods: Ribbon-type NFAT decoy ODNs were transfected into ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized CD3+ T cells in vitro. OVA-immunized mice received these cells by intraperitoneal injection. Airway hyperreactivity (AHR) was measured and the transfected CD3+ T cells’ responses to the airways were characterized. Results: Development of AHR after OVA challenge was effectively abolished after adoptive transfer of ribbon-type NFAT decoy ODN transfected CD3+ T cells. Transfer of ribbon-type decoy significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells and the concentrations of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, but not IFN-γ, in the bronchoalveolar lavage of the recipient mice. Conclusion: These results suggest the inhibitory effect of ribbon-type decoy ODNs against NFAT on the induction of bronchial asthma. Adoptively transferred CD3+ T cells, which are transfected with NFAT decoy, may be an effective strategy for the treatment of asthma.
Neuropilin1 is a direct downstream target of Nurr1 in the developing brain stem

The orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 is expressed in the developing and adult central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that Nurr1 is essential for the generation of midbrain dopamine neurons. Furthermore, Nurr1 is critical for respiratory functions associated with the brain stem. Very few Nurr1 regulated genes have been identified and it remains unclear how Nurr1 influences the function and development of neurons. To identify novel Nurr1 target genes we have searched for regulated genes in the dopaminergic MN9D cell line. These experiments identified Neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1), a receptor protein involved in axon guidance and angiogenesis, as a novel Nurr1 target gene. Nrp1 expression was rapidly up‐regulated by Nurr1 in MN9D cells and in situ hybridization analysis showed that Nrp1 was coexpressed with Nurr1 in the brain stem dorsal motor nucleus. Importantly, Nrp1 expression was down‐regulated in this area in Nurr1 null mice. Moreover, two functional Nurr1 binding sites were identified in the Nrp1 promoter and Nurr1 was found to be recruited to these sites in MN9D cells, further supporting that Nrp1 is a direct downstream target of Nurr1. Taken together, our findings suggest that Nurr1 might influence the processes of axon guidance and/or angiogenesis via the regulation of Nrp1 expression.
Comparison of color of resin composites of white and translucent shades with two shade guides.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the color of resin composites of white, translucent, and conventional shades with shade guides, based on the analysis of the color distribution of shade guides. The influence of color measuring mode, specular component included (SCI) or excluded (SCE), was also determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS The labial portions of shade guide tabs (Vita and Chromascop) were polished flat with up to 2400-grit SiC paper. Color coordinates were measured according to CIE L*a*b* color scale on a reflection spectrophotometer with both the SCE and SCI modes. The color coordinates of white, translucent, and conventional shades of two brands of resin composites were measured and compared with those of the shade guides. RESULTS There was no logical order in the color distribution of the two shade guides. The color of white and translucent shades of resin composites was located on the low CIE a* and CIE b* value area. The CIE L*, a*, b* values of resin composite with the same color designations were different, depending on the brand of material. The color difference (deltaE*) of shade guides by the measuring mode (SCE vs. SCI) was between 3.2 and 6.5.
Reliability of a regional junior doctor recruitment process

Introduction: Recruitment to Paediatric Senior House Officer (SHO) posts has traditionally been undertaken by each individual hospital trust. This study looks at a regional recruitment process. Methods: Shortlisting was carried out in a single day marking application forms according to set criteria. A 3 station interview was used. Results: Reliability for both shortlisting and interviews was high (G co-efficients ≥0.8). Discussion: This regional recruitment process for SHOs showed high reliability and is a model applicable to all specialties.
Polymorphism and Drug-Selected Mutations in the Protease Gene of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 from Patients Living in Southern France

ABSTRACT The susceptibility of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) to protease inhibitors (PI) is largely unknown. We studied HIV-2 protease genes from 21 HIV-2-infected patients who were exposed or not exposed to PI. The aim of this study was (i) to characterize the polymorphism of HIV-2 protease in the absence of drug, (ii) to know whether the HIV-2 protease gene naturally harbors HIV-1 drug resistance codons, and (iii) to identify mutations emerging under PI-selective pressure. Sixty-five HIV-2 RNA or proviral DNA samples were directly sequenced from the plasma or peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 8 patients who had received PI and 13 patients who had never received any antiretroviral. In untreated patients, the highest amino acid variability in HIV-2 protease was observed at positions 14, 40, 43, 46, 65 and 70, and seven codons (10V, 32I, 36I, 46I, 47V, 71V, and 73A) associated with drug resistance in HIV-1 were highly prevalent. In addition, at six positions (positions 7, 46, 62, 71, 90, and 99), the amino acid variability or the amino acid frequencies or both differed significantly in PI-treated and untreated patients, suggesting that mutations 7K→R, 46V→I, 62V→A/T, 71V→I, 90L→M and 99L→F were occurring under PI-selective pressure. At these positions, at least one sample simultaneously harbored both wild-type and mutated codons, while substitutions at positions 62, 71, 90, and 99 were confirmed in a longitudinal analysis. Moreover, the presence of codons 46I and 99F in the absence of drug in HIV-2 subtype B proteases may reflect natural resistance to PI. In conclusion, the present study revealed that HIV-2 strains harbor specific patterns of natural polymorphism and resistance.
her5 expression reveals a pool of neural stem cells in the adult zebrafish midbrain

Current models of vertebrate adult neural stem cells are largely restricted to the rodent forebrain. To extract the general mechanisms of neural stem cell biology, we sought to identify new adult stem cell populations, in other model systems and/or brain areas. The teleost zebrafish appears to be an ideal system, as cell proliferation in the adult zebrafish brain is found in many more niches than in the mammalian brain. As a starting point towards identifying stem cell populations in this system, we used an embryonic neural stem cell marker, the E(spl) bHLH transcription factor Her5. We demonstrate that her5 expression is not restricted to embryonic neural progenitors, but also defines in the adult zebrafish brain a new proliferation zone at the junction between the mid- and hindbrain. We show that adult her5-expressing cells proliferate slowly, self-renew and express neural stem cell markers. Finally, using in vivo lineage tracing in her5:gfp transgenic animals, we demonstrate that the her5-positive population is multipotent, giving rise in situ to differentiated neurons and glia that populate the basal midbrain. Our findings conclusively identify a new population of adult neural stem cells, as well as their fate and their endogenous environment, in the intact vertebrate brain. This cell population, located outside the forebrain, provides a powerful model to assess the general mechanisms of vertebrate neural stem cell biology. In addition, the first transcription factor characteristic of this cell population, Her5, points to the E(Spl) as a promising family of candidate adult neural stem cell regulators.
Streptomyces verrucosisporus sp. nov., isolated from marine sediments.

Five actinomycete isolates, CPB1-1T, CPB2-10, BM1-4, CPB3-1 and CPB1-18, belonging to the genus Streptomyces were isolated from marine sediments collected from Chumphon Province, Thailand. They produced open loops of warty spore chains on aerial mycelia. ll-Diaminopimelic acid, glucose and ribose were found in their whole-cell hydrolysates. Polar lipids found were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. Menaquinones were MK-9(H6), MK-9(H8), MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H8). Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The taxonomic position of the strains was described using a polyphasic approach. blastn analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that these five strains exhibited the highest similarities with 'Streptomyces mangrovicola' GY1 (99.0 %), Streptomyces fenghuangensisGIMN4.003T (98.6 %), Streptomyces barkulensisRC 1831T (98.5 %) and Streptomyces radiopugnans R97T (98.3 %). However, their phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequences as well as DNA-DNA relatedness differentiated these five strains from the other species of the genus Streptomyces. Here, we propose the novel actinomycetes all being representatives of the same novel species, Streptomyces verrucosisporus, with type strain CPB1-1T (=JCM 18519T=PCU 343T=TISTR 2344T).
Market-based Innovation for Sustainable Competitive Advantage

New technology and product-based innovation are an important catalyst for new markets. However, as nascent markets mature, imitation becomes rampant, products become more commoditized, and firms must shore-up their value proposition to avoid strictly cost-based (scorched earth) competition. The term used in Marketing to describe this is "differentiation". The essence of differentiation is turning the dials of the marketing mix (product, people, price, place, promotion) to create an offering that is the most attractive to current or potential customers. In order to differentiate, the mix must be "different" in a very good way - that means in a way that is both important and valuable. Creating this type of game-changing differentiation requires innovation - creating unique offerings with an unmatched and previously unseen value proposition. This process is called market-based innovation. When market-based innovation is based on the core competencies of an organization then it can also lead to sustainable competitive advantage. Of course, sustainable competitive advantage is the key to market domination over the long haul. In this paper we will discuss several examples of successful market-based innovations and explore techniques for putting these principle to work in any organization.
Dural Mast Cells: Source of Contaminating Histamine in Analyses of Mouse Brain Histamine Levels

Abstract: Histamine levels were determined in mouse brains from WBB6F1‐ +/+ (mast cell normal) and WBB6F1‐W/Wv (mast cell‐deficient) mice whose brains were dissected immediately after decapitation or after freezing the severed heads in liquid nitrogen for 10 s. In WBB6F1‐+/+ mice, brains obtained from frozen heads contained significantly higher levels of histamine than those obtained from unfrozen heads. The converse was found in brains obtained from the WBB6F1‐W/Wv mice. When CF‐1 mice (which also contain brain‐associated mast cells) were treated as described above, results very similar to those found with the WBB6F1‐ +/+ mice were obtained. Further, the high levels of histamine found in CF‐1 mice whose brains had been frozen in situ were accompanied by an extensive degranulation of mast cells in the dura mater of these mice. Because of this degranulation of mast cells, and the fact that increased levels of brain histamine were not found in mast cell‐deficient mice, it is concluded that dural mast cells are the likely source of the artifactually higher levels of histamine seen in brains frozen in situ.
Positive Aspects of Family Caregiving for Dementia: Differential Item Functioning by Race.

OBJECTIVES Due to increasing interest in the positive experiences associated with family caregiving, potential demographic group differences were examined on the Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale at both the item and scale levels. METHOD Family caregivers (N = 642) completed the PAC as part of their participation in the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health (REACH II) clinical trial. Multiple indicators, multiple causes models were used to examine potential differential item functioning (DIF) across demographic subgroups. RESULTS Overall PAC scale scores indicated that both Hispanics and African Americans experienced more PAC than Whites. Two items with statistically significant (p < .004) and practically meaningful (odds ratio > 2.0) DIF were found for African American caregivers. After controlling for the underlying unidimensional construct, African Americans reported that caregiving gave them "a more positive attitude toward life" and enabled them to "appreciate life more" than either Whites or Hispanics. No instances of meaningful DIF were found between Hispanics and Whites, women and men, or spouses and nonspouses. DISCUSSION PAC scores differ significantly by race. In addition, 2 items with meaningful race DIF identify content areas that are particularly relevant to the cultural experiences of African American caregivers.