Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leucine 145 of the ribotoxin α‐sarcin plays a key role for determining the specificity of the ribosome‐inactivating activity of the protein

Secreted fungal RNases, represented by RNase T1, constitute a family of structurally related proteins that includes ribotoxins such as α‐sarcin. The active site residues of RNase T1 are conserved in all fungal RNases, except for Phe 100 that is not present in the ribotoxins, in which Leu 145 occupies the equivalent position. The mutant Leu145Phe of α‐sarcin has been recombinantly produced and characterized by spectroscopic methods (circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and NMR). These analyses have revealed that the mutant protein retained the overall conformation of the wild‐type α‐sarcin. According to the analyses performed, Leu 145 was shown to be essential to preserve the electrostatic environment of the active site that is required to maintain the anomalous low pKa value reported for the catalytic His 137 of α‐sarcin. Enzymatic characterization of the mutant protein has revealed that Leu 145 is crucial for the specific activity of α‐sarcin on ribosomes.
A Comparative Study for Some Atherogenic Indices in Sera of Myocardial infarction, Ischemic Heart Disease Patients and Control

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the first world's leading causes of death. One of the major risk factor for the development of CVD is dyslipidemia, which involve elevated plasma levels of (TG), (TCh), (LDL-C), (VLDL-C) and a low level of (HDL-C). Generally, the hyperlipidemias are at risk of Ischemic heart disease (IHD) and peripheral vascular disease. The strong association between the risk of Cardiovascular Artery Diseases (CAD), high levels of LDL-C and low levels of HDL-C has been well established. However enormous contributions of TG to CVD have been underestimated. Indeed high levels of TG have been associated with an increased incidence of CAD and an increased population of small dense LDL-C particles. The ratio of TG to HDL-C was proved as strong predictor of Myocardial Infarction (MI). Cardio Risk Ratio (CRR) and Atherogenic Coefficient (AC) have a good predictive value for future cardiovascular events. Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), which indicated that plasma atherogenecity, was also a significant independent predicator of CAD. This study was primarily to evaluate the serum lipid profile and to estimate the atherogenic indices (CRR, AC and AIP). Results showed no significant changes in TCh, TG, and HDL-C levels in MI and HID, while LDL-C showed significant increases in MI and IHD, VLDL-C showed highly significant decreases in MI and IHD, compared to control The atherogenic indices showed significant and no significant increases in MI and IHD respectively, compared to control. The risk factor according to AIP for MI is more in developing CVD than IHD. Keywords: CVD, MI, IHD, AIP.
Lysophosphatidic acid protects and rescues intestinal epithelial cells from radiation- and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS We have investigated whether the phospholipid growth factor lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) could prevent intestinal epithelial cells-6 (IEC-6) from apoptosis elicited by 4 different mechanisms. The antiapoptotic effect of LPA was also tested in a mouse model of radiation-induced apoptosis. METHODS Apoptosis was elicited by serum withdrawal, exposure to camptothecin, gamma-irradiation, or rat tumor necrosis factor alpha and evaluated by DNA fragmentation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and annexin V staining. Caspase-3/CPP32 activity and activation was measured by ELISA and Western blotting, respectively. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to examine the expression of LPA-receptor transcripts. Mice were treated with 250 microL of 1 mmol/L LPA and exposed to whole-body gamma-irradiation with a dose of 12 or 15 Gy and the number and localization of apoptotic bodies along the crypt were recorded. RESULTS LPA pretreatment reduced DNA fragmentation induced in all models of apoptosis. LPA rescued cells from apoptosis when applied up to 1 hour after camptothecin treatment or 2 hours after irradiation. LPA inhibited the activation of caspase-3/CPP32 and attenuated its activity. Blocking LPA1 receptors by pertussis toxin and the inhibition of epithelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase significantly attenuated the protective effect. In irradiated mice, oral LPA significantly reduced the number of apoptotic bodies in the crypt. CONCLUSIONS (1) LPA prevents and rescues IEC-6 from apoptosis elicited by 4 different mechanisms. (2) This antiapoptotic activity is mediated through LPA1 and LPA2 receptors through the inhibition of caspase-3/CPP32 activation. (3) LPA protects enterocytes against radiation-induced apoptosis. This study suggests that in patients undergoing cancer therapy, dietary LPA might have therapeutically useful antiapoptotic capacity in the intestinal epithelium.
Traction Control for a PM Axial-Flux In-Wheel Motor

The traction control is a tool to increase stability and safety of vehicles and it has a greater performance potential in electrical vehicles than in ICV. Moreover, the traction control allows the EV to operate more efficiently preventing slippage in acceleration and permitting the use of high-efficiency low-drag tires. The presented approach can compete with the well-established techniques, but it offers a lighter tuning procedure. This paper presents an approach to the longitudinal control of a single wheel adopting a configuration based on an adherence estimator and a controller of the adherence gradient. The presented approach allows tracking of the value of the adherence derivative in a wide operating range without any knowledge of the road conditions. The work is based mainly on experimental tests. the test rig computes the vehicle dynamics in real-time and loads accordingly the drive under test. The controller was experimentally verified showing good behavior.
Control system specification for a cyclotron and neutron therapy facility

A comprehensive specification for the computer control system of a cyclotron and treatment facility that provides particle beams for cancer treatments for fast neutrons, production of medical isotopes, and physics experiments is discussed. The control system is described as thoroughly as is practical using standard technical English, supplemented by tables, diagrams, and algebraic equations. This specification comprises over 300 single-spaced pages. A more precise and compact specification might be achieved by making greater use of formal mathematical notations instead of English. Work has begun on a formal specification of the system, using the Z and Petri net notations. <<ETX>>
Calculation and use of daughter yield deviations and associated reliabilities of bulls under multiple trait models

A method was presented for calculating daughter yield deviations of bulls and average yield deviations of cows under general multiple trait models. Reliabilities associated with the yield deviations were approximated using the multiple trait effective daughter contribution method. The presented daughter yield deviation formula was verified to be correct in a simulation study with a random regression test day model and high accuracy of daughter yield deviations was also confirmed based on their correlations with proofs from a routine genetic evaluation using a random regression test day model. The daughter yield deviations and associated reliabilities can be used for international bull comparison based on a multiple trait multiple country model, marker assisted genetic evaluation and validation of national genetic evaluation system.
A new low phase noise LC-tank CMOS cascode Cross-coupled oscillator

In this paper we introduce a new low phase noise cascode Cross-coupled oscillator by use of the general topology of Cross-coupled oscillator and cascode amplifier. By simulation a comparison between the conventional Cross-coupled oscillator and the new cascode Cross-coupled oscillator is also presented, which shows that the latter improves the phase noise by 2dB under the same conditions. The figure of merit (FOM) of −186.4 dBc/Hz is achieved for the new oscillator by simulation.
A Comparison of the Behavioural and Emotional Characteristics of Alzheimer's Dementia in Individuals with and without Down Syndrome*

ABSTRACT The behavioural and emotional changes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are compared for individuals with Down syndrome and AD and individuals with AD from the general population (AD-only). The primary caregivers of 30 people with Down syndrome and AD and 30 people with AD-only completed the BEHAVE-AD and the Apathy subscale of the CERAD. As well, behavioural observations at adult day programs were undertaken with selected participants (n = 26). The Down syndrome group experienced fewer delusions and had lower total scores on the BEHAVE-AD, indicating fewer problem behaviours overall. Day program observations suggested that the AD-only group were more likely to be sedentary and observe the activities of others, while the Down syndrome group were more physically active. Improving our understanding of the similarities and differences between these two groups may help facilitate the integration of individuals with Down syndrome into adult day programs for the general population. RÉSUMÉ Les changements émotifs et comportementaux liés à la maladie d'Alzheimer (MA) sont comparés selon s'il s'agit de personnes atteintes de trisomie 21 et de la MA ou de personnes atteintes de la MA dans la population en général (MA seulement). Les principaux soignants de 30 personnes atteintes de trisomie 21 et de la MA ainsi que de 30 personnes souffrant uniquement de la MA ont utilisé le test BEHAVE-AD ainsi que la sous-échelle de l'apathie élaborée par le CERAD. En outre, une observation du comportement de certains participants sélectionnés (n = 26) a été entreprise dans des programmes de centres de jour. Le groupe atteint de trisomie 21 a éprouvé moins d'illusions sensorielles et a obtenu un score total moins élevé sur l'échelle BEHAVE-AD, ce qui révèle qu'ils avaient, dans l'ensemble, moins de problèmes de comportement. Les observations menées pendant le programme des centres de jour semblent révéler que les membres du groupe atteint uniquement de la MA avaient davantage tendance à être sédentaires et à observer les activités des autres, tandis que le groupe de personnes atteintes de trisomie 21 était plus actifs physiquement. En améliorant notre compréhension des similitudes et des différences entre ces deux groupes, nous pourrions contribuer à faciliter l'intégration des personnes atteintes de trisomie 21 dans les programmes des centres de jour destinés aux adultes de la population en général.
Hamstring Muscle Extensibility Influences the Criterion-Related Validity of Sit-and-Reach and Toe-Touch Tests

López-Miñarro, PA and Rodríguez-García, PL. Hamstring muscle extensibility influences the criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach and toe-touch tests. J Strength Cond Res 24(4): 1013-1018, 2010-The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of hamstring muscle extensibility on the hamstring criterion-related validity of the sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests. Two hundred forty young adults (mean age: 22.9 ± 3.6 years) participated in this study. Three trials of straight leg raise (SLR) (left and right), SR, and TT tests were performed in a random order. The subjects were dichotomized into group A (subjects with an SLR angle < 75°) or group B (subjects with an SLR angle ≥ 75°). The correlation values between SLR angle and SR and TT scores were calculated and compared between both groups. Group B elicited higher mean SR and TT scores than group A (p < 0.001). Group A showed low associations between SLR with respect to the SR (r = 0.31-0.41) and TT (r = 0.28-0.40) tests. Group B showed moderate values for both SR (r = 0.55) and TT (r = 0.60-0.61) tests. The hamstring criterion-related validity of the SR and TT tests is influenced by hamstring muscle extensibility. From the results of this investigation, we find that the SR and TT tests are not valid measures of hamstring extensibility for subjects with reduced hamstring muscle extensibility.
Assuring Quality in Nursing Home Care

The role of regulation and external monitoring is more stringent in nursing home care than in any other type of social service. The reasons are several. Unlike other professional groupings, such as medicine, nursing, social work, and hospitals, the nursing home industry failed to establish itself as a professional activity a t the time of its growth surge in the mid 1960s. This growth coincided with the establishment of substantial federal investment in nursing home care, an investment that was unexpected and for which the governmental bureaucracy and the nursing home industry were unprepared. The initial experience was marked by exploitation and, subsequently, by scandal. The population served is viewed as very vulnerable, both physically and mentally. Any private industry that uses substantial public funds is likely to be regulated. When the private organizations are largely proprietary and often without sophisticated operational structures, the role of regulation becomes even more dominant. Because catastrophes catalyze regulation, the notoriety that came from state and federal commissions that uncovered gross instances of flagrant exploitation fanned the flames of stringent regulation. Nonetheless, the pressures for regulation of nursing homes have not been consistent, either temporally, or geographically, or politically. The 1986 Institute of Medicine (IoM) report’ occurred as a result of conflict between forces that wanted more and less regulation. Until the passage of the 1987 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA ‘87), there was great interstate variation in the stringency of regulations and standards. There is still substantial variation in the enthusiasm with which remedies to substandard care are pursued.
Mitochondrial DNA in the hybrid zone between Mus musculus musculus and Mus musculus domesticus: a comparison of two transects

We studied mtDNA introgression across the contact zone between Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus in two independent transects in the Czech Republic and Bavaria, Germany. A total of 1270 mice from 98 localities in the Czech transect and 456 mice from 41 localities in the Bavarian transect were examined for presence or absence of a BamHI restriction site in the mt-Ndl gene. Using this simple mtDNA marker, variants that belonged to the M. m. domesticus lineage (presence of restriction site) could be unequivocally distinguished from those belonging to the M. m. musculus lineage (absence of restriction site). The extent of introgression of mtDNA, three autosomal allozymes and the X chromosome was compared. The introgression of X markers was more limited than was that of the allozymes and mtDNA. In the Czech transect, the centre for the mtDNA dine was shifted about 3.6 km to the west relative to the X chromosome dine, with asymmetric introgression from M. m. musculus to M. m. domesticus. Interestingly, in the Bavarian transect, the centre of the mtDNA dine was shifted about 10.9 km to the east relative to the X chromosome dine, with asymmetric introgression from M. m. domesticus to M. m. musculus, opposite in direction to that observed in the Czech transect.
A Case-Crossover Analysis of Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Out-of-Hospital Primary Cardiac Arrest

Numerous epidemiologic studies have reported increases in the daily incidence of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity associated with increases in daily levels of particulate matter air pollution. We studied the association between the incidence of primary cardiac arrest and two daily measures of particulate matter using a case-crossover study of 362 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. All cases were attended by paramedics and had no history of clinically recognized heart disease or life-threatening comorbidities. We compared particulate matter levels at index times with particulate matter levels from referent days matched on day of week within strata defined by month and year. The estimated relative risk at a lag of 1 day for an interquartile range (IQR) change in nephelometry (0.51 × 10-1 km-1) was 0.893 (95% CI = 0.779–1.024). The estimated relative risk at a lag of 1 day for an IQR change in PM10 (19.3 &mgr;gm-3) was 0.868 (95% CI = 0.744–1.012). Other lag periods gave similar results. We did not find evidence of confounding by carbon monoxide or sulfur dioxide. Analysis of effect modification by individual-level variables did not reveal any susceptible subgroups. These findings do no support an association between particulate matter and increased risk of primary cardiac arrest among persons without clinically recognized heart disease. The null results of this study may result from several factors, including the highly selected nature of this case series and the relatively low particulate matter levels in the Seattle metropolitan area.
Interpopulation Variation in Height among Children 7 to 18 Years of Age

The objective of this review is to examine the degree of variation that exists in the achieved height of preadolescent and adolescent children across populations experiencing favorable conditions that support linear growth. Fifty-three population groups were identified that reported mean heights for economically privileged populations from all major continents. Graphic representation of the heights for these populations indicates that the mean height of preadolescent children differs by 3 to 5 cm, whereas population means begin to diverge from the National Center for Health Statistics/World Health Organization (NCHS/WHO) reference at puberty, with most non-European populations falling to approximately 5 cm below the reference and northern European populations exceeding the reference by a similar amount. We conclude that the evidence for limited interpopulation variation in the height of preadolescents supports consideration of a single growth reference for children up to puberty, but the uncertainty of the causes of the divergence in achieved height during puberty requires further research in order to establish an appropriate adolescent growth reference.
Cutting Edge: Targeted Ligation of CTLA-4 In Vivo by Membrane-Bound Anti-CTLA-4 Antibody Prevents Rejection of Allogeneic Cells1

Natural engagement of CTLA-4 on host B7 limits T cell activation. We hypothesized that therapeutic cross-linking of CTLA-4 in vivo may further inhibit T cell function and prevent allograft rejection. However, none of the currently available CTLA-4-binding reagents have ligating properties when injected in vivo. The observation that surface-immobilized anti-CTLA-4 mAb inhibits T cell activation in vitro prompted us to develop a membrane-bound single-chain anti-CTLA-4 Ab (7M). To model whether tissue expression of 7M could suppress allograft rejection, we examined the ability of H-2Ld-specific TCR-transgenic T cells to reject 7M-expressing allogeneic tumor cells injected s.c. Expression of 7M significantly inhibited allogeneic rejection in mice that received CTLA-4+/+ but not CTLA-4−/− T cells. Furthermore, CTLA-4+/+ T cells that had encountered 7M-expressing tumors in vivo acquired defects in cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Thus, deliberate ligation of CTLA-4 in vivo potently inhibits allogeneic T cell responses.
Dominant interferer mitigation in closed femtocell deployment

In this paper, we analyze the interference distribution and gain of beamforming in closed access femtocells in downlink of a two-tier HSDPA cellular network. We show through simulations that indoor femtocell deployment leads to a dominant interferer scenario. According to results even simple null steering method based on the scarce codebook of HSDPA transmit diversity mode 1 can be beneficially applied. Performance evaluations are carried out through HSDPA compliant system simulations.
Rapid exonuclease digestion of PCR-amplified targets for improved microarray hybridization.

Hybridization of double-stranded DNA with nucleic acid probes is hampered by competition between the complementary nontarget strand and the probe (1). This competition is stronger with surface-bound probes that expose a target strand with a long dangling end toward the media(2)(3). This situation is more problematic in infectious disease diagnostics, which requires high sensitivity, sometimes as low as 1 genome copy. Microarray integration into microfluidic systems results in increased speed and sensitivity while allowing automation of the whole hybridization process(4) and could lead to the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices. Actual limitations of diagnostic microarrays include the design of ultrasensitive capture probes that are highly specific and discriminant. Some techniques have been developed to produce single-stranded DNA targets for sequencing and hybridization, but these methods may necessitate additional steps or modification of the target strand or have poor sensitivities(5)(6)(7)(8). Degradation of the complementary strand can alleviate competition problems and allow more flexible probe design for the target strand. Therefore, we developed a simple 5-min method for rapid single-step selective digestion of the complementary strand with lambda exonuclease, which leads to increased hybridization signals and improved differentiation of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on DNA microarrays. Cy3-labeled primers were used to generate the target strands, and phosphorylated primers were used to generate the complementary strands. Nonphosphorylated primers were also used to verify the protection provided by the Cy3-labeled primers. All oligonucleotides were purchased from Integrated DNA Technologies. Purified genomic DNA (1 ng) from Neisseria meningitidis (ATCC-13077), Listeria monocytogenes (CCRI-4862), and Candida krusei (ATCC-28870) were PCR-amplified with a PTC-200 thermocycler (Bio-Rad Laboratories; 1 min at 94 °C, then 40 cycles of 1 s at 95 °C for the denaturation step, 10 s at 60 °C for the annealing step, and 20 s at …
Induction of metamorphosis in the sand dollar Peronella japonica by thyroid hormones

The larva of the sand dollar Peronella japonica lacks a mouth and gut, and undergoes metamorphosis into a juvenile sand dollar without feeding. In the present study, it was found that thyroid hormones accelerate the metamorphosis of P. japonica larvae. The contents of thyroid hormones in larvae increased gradually during development. Thiourea and potassium perchlorate, inhibitors of thyroid hormone synthesis, delayed larval metamorphosis and simultaneously repressed an increase in the content of thyroxine in the larval body. These results suggest that the P. japonica larva has a system for synthesis of thyroid hormones that act as factors for inducing metamorphosis.