Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein subcelluar localisation prediction with improved performance

Predicting the subcellular localisation of proteins is crucial for the determination of protein functions. In this paper, we present a computational method for protein localisation prediction. We start with a simple approach that predicts protein localisation based on Euclidian distance computed from residue composition. Then the performance is gradually improved by introducing a weighted Euclidian distance, including homologous information, and using feature selection. The final method achieves 90.3% accuracy in assigning proteins into five subcellular locations. Comparisons with CELLO, PSORT-B and P-CLASSIFIER show that our method outperforms the others.
Prospective clinical and electrophysiological follow-up on a multiple sclerosis population treated with interferon beta-1 a

Objective To analyse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) variables in a prospective six-month follow-up pilot study on patients suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), satisfying inclusion criteria for interferon (IFN) beta-1a treatment. Background So far, no predictive factors are available as to the course of RRMS treated with IFN beta-1 a. Design/methods Fifteen RRMS patients were studied before (month 0 (M0)) and after IFN beta-1a onset (M3, M6). The parameters analysed were motor functional score (mFS), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and TMS variables - central motor conduction time (CMCT) and amplitude ratio (AR). Results Four of the six patients with no motor signs at inclusion, subsequently showed signs of pyramidal dysfunction. All had abnormal M0_TMS variables. The number of M0_TMS abnormalities per patient was greatest in the group that showed mFS worsening, and was significantly correlated with M6_EDSS. The M0_CMCT was significantly correlated with M6_EDSS. During follow-up, the number of patients with abnormal TMS variables decreased from 12/15 to 4/15, and the total number of abnormalities decreased from 33.3 to 16.7%. Conclusions TMS variables might be predictive of disease progression. The improvement observed here in the TMS variables may reflect an improvement in MS patients undergoing IFN beta treatment. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 348-356. http://msj.sagepub. com
SITE FIDELITY, PHILOPATRY, AND SURVIVAL OF PROMISCUOUS SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROWS IN RHODE ISLAND

Abstract We investigated site fidelity and apparent survival in a promiscuous population of Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows (Ammodramus caudacutus) in southern Rhode Island. Based on capture–recapture histories of 446 color-banded sparrows studied from 1993 to 1998 at our primary study site, Galilee, we observed significant variation in apparent survival rates among years, but not between sexes. Return rates of adult males (37.6%) and females (35.6%) were not significantly different during any year. Juveniles exhibited high return rates, ranging from 0 to 44%, with males (61% of returns) more likely to return than females (35%). In addition, we monitored movements of 404 color-banded sparrows at nine satellite marshes in 1997 and 1998, which supported our findings at Galilee and documented intermarsh movements by 10% of all banded birds. Lack of gender-bias in adult dispersal and strong natal philopatry of sparrows in Rhode Island occurs regularly among passerines possessing a variety of mating systems. Despite emancipation from parental and resource defense duties, adult male Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows exhibited apparent survival rates similar to adult females. Availability of high-quality breeding habitat, which is patchy and saturated, may be the most important factor limiting dispersal for Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows in Rhode Island.
Role of lgtC in Resistance of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Strain R2866 to Human Serum

ABSTRACT We are investigating a nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) strain, R2866, isolated from a child with meningitis. R2866 is unusually resistant to killing by normal human serum. The serum 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) for this strain is 18%, approaching that of encapsulated H. influenzae. R3392 is a derivative of R2866 that was found to have increased sensitivity to human serum (IC50, 1.5%). Analysis of tetrameric repeat regions within lipooligosaccharide (LOS) biosynthetic genes in both strains indicated that the glycosyltransferase gene lgtC was out of frame (“off”) in most colonies of R3392 but in frame with its start codon (“on”) in most colonies of the parent. We sought antigenic and biochemical evidence for modification of the LOS structure. In a whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, strain R3392 displayed reduced binding of the Galα1,4Gal-specific monoclonal antibody 4C4. Mass spectrometry analysis of LOS from strain R2866 indicated that the primary oligosaccharide glycoform contained four heptose and four hexose residues, while that of R3392 contained four heptose and three hexose residues. We conclude that the R2866 lgtC gene encodes a galactosyltransferase involved in synthesis of the 4C4 epitope, as in other strains, and that expression of lgtC is associated with the high-level serum resistance that has been observed for this strain. This is the first description of the genetic basis of high-level serum resistance in NTHI, as well as the first description of LOS composition in an NTHI strain for which the complete genome sequence has been determined.
Daily alcohol consumption patterns in Boston: some findings and a partial test of the Tuesday hypothesis.

SVMMA}tY. The daily alcohol consumption patterns o/ a representative sample o/ 500 residents o/the City o/Boston were examined. The data indicate that the consumption patterns o/ heavy and moderate drinkers were cyclical, corresponding to the observed pattern o[ alcohol-related homicide and tra//ic /atalities.
RELIABILITY OF COUNTERMOVEMENT JUMP PERFORMANCE ON CHRONOJUMP-BOSCOSYSTEM IN MALE AND FEMALE ATHLETES

Original scientific paper The countermovement jump protocol is a common test for measuring leg power. In the recent decade, open source technology has been introduced to measure performance. The purpose of this study was to establish the relative and absolute reliability of the hands-on-waist countermovement jump protocol (CMJ) using the Chronojump-Boscosystem. 11 male (age, 31.0 ± 5.97 years; height, 174.3 ± 5.17 cm; body mass, 77.5 ± 8.3 kg; percentage body fat (%BF), 12.4 ± 2.42) and 9 female (age: 27.1 ± 3.17 years; height, 162.9 ± 3.25; body mass: 67.1 ± 6.15; %BF, 28.6 ± 4.56) national dragonboat athletes from the Philippines participated in the study. They performed two CMJ trials for two sessions separated by 7 days. Intraclass correlation coefficient with 95% confidence interval displayed as ICC (95% CI), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change at 95% confidence interval (MDC 95% ) and smallest worthwhile change (SWC) were utilized in the study. Data revealed that males demonstrated ICC (95% CI) = 0.86 (0.54 – 0.96), SEM = 1.72, MDC 95% = 4.77, and SWC = 0.92. On the other hand, females showed ICC (95% CI) = 0.93 (0.74 – 0.99), SEM = 0.69, MDC 95% = 1.91, SWC = 0.52. In conclusion, CMJ performance on the Chronojump-Boscoystem displayed moderate relative reliability for males and high relative reliability for females. Absolute reliabilities of the CMJ performance were marginal for both groups.
Designing An Intervention Program To Control Glucose Level In Intensive Care Unit (ICU) In King Hussein Medical Center, Royal Medical Services

Controlling blood glucose level in ICU is one of the main priorities in ICU to decrease mortality rates and morbidity rates and to decrease the healthcare cost. The main objective of the present study is design and implement an intervention protocol in ICU. The method involved a suggested intervention protocol which was applied for 25 ICU patients and their findings were compared with 25 ICU patients in control group. Study findings showed that the intervention protocol was able to reduce mortality rates, positive blood cultures, decreased morning glucose level in the intervention group compared with control group. As a conclusion, controlling blood glucose level in ICU is considered an appropriate approach and leads to better outcome of the patients.
Retrospective observations on the geographical relationship between Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and East Coast fever in southern Africa

East Coast fever appeared in southern Africa in 1902, after the importation of cattle from East Africa, and spread throughout the range of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus until it reached the southern limit of distribution of this tick in 1916. It was progressively eradicated by quarantine, destocking, slaughter and frequent dipping in arsenic. The last case occurred in Swaziland in 1960. A computer based system for matching climates and ecology (CLIMEX) revealed a direct correlation between the climatic favorability of different areas for the tick and the time required to eradicate the disease.
Comparisons of metabolic syndrome definitions in four populations of the Asia-Pacific region.

BACKGROUND To compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) by four MetS definitions in four Asia-Pacific populations, and to compare the prevalence of individual metabolic components. METHODS Population-based cross-sectional studies from Australia, Japan, Korea, and Samoa were used to assess the World Health Organization (WHO), European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR), modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (modATPIII), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) MetS definitions. Age-adjusted MetS prevalences were compared within and between countries and kappa statistics were used to determine the agreement between IDF and the other three definitions. RESULTS Japanese people had the lowest prevalence of MetS regardless of definition, and Samoans generally the highest prevalence. Age-adjusted prevalences for the four definitions ranged from 16% to 42% in Australia, 3% to 11% in Japan, 7% to 29% in Korea and 17% to 60% in Samoa. With the exceptions of Korean and Japanese males, the highest prevalence of MetS was obtained with the IDF definition. The best overall agreement with IDF MetS definition was for modATPIII, and the worst for EGIR. There were marked differences in the prevalence of MetS between the sexes, with no systematic pattern, and between the prevalences of individual metabolic components. CONCLUSIONS Differences in the prevalence of MetS and its components, using the various definitions, both within and between populations, indicate that caution is required when comparing studies from different countries. Determining the clinical significance of these differences will require prospective outcome studies.
Oxidative stress perturbs cell proliferation in human K562 cells by modulating protein synthesis and cell cycle

Oxidative stress leads to perturbation of a variety of cellular processes resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation. This study has determined the effect of oxidative stress on protein synthesis in human K562 cells using a hydrophilic peroxyl radical initiator, AAPH and H2O2. The results indicated that oxidative stress leads to a significant decrease in the rate of protein synthesis caused due to induced activation as well as expression of the erythroid cell-specific eIF-2α kinase, called the Heme Regulated Inhibitor (HRI). Elevated levels of HRI expression and activity were accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased cell proliferation. Further, oxidative stress also caused inactivation of p34cdc2 kinase, thereby arresting cell division leading to apoptosis. Thus, the data provides the mechanism of inhibition of protein synthesis and perturbation of a cell cycle regulatory protein leading to inhibition of cell proliferation in K562 cells during oxidative stress.
Modeling of Resonant Wireless Power Transfer With Integral Formulations in Heterogeneous Media

A full-wave integral formulation has recently been proposed for the simulation of magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transfer (WPT) arrangements in homogeneous medium. In this paper, the formulation is extended to the case where two different types of dielectrics are separated by a planar interface. This configuration has extensive practical interest nowadays, especially for modeling biomedical WPT applications. The new formulation is based on a stationary approximation, which is valid at the typical operating frequencies. The proposed scheme requires much less computational resources compared with standard finite-element simulations. The results are validated against alternative simulations and measured data as well.
3D odometry based on body configuration information of passive linkages

In our current research, we are developing a holonomic mobile system which is capable of running over the step. This system realizes omni-directional motion on flat floor using special wheels and passes over non-flat ground in forward or backward direction using the passive suspension mechanism. Odometry is popular position tracking scheme for a wheeled mobile robot, however, in the case of non-flat ground, it is difficult to estimate its position using odometry because an angular relationship between wheels and ground is unknown. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a new odometry method which extends 2D odometry to the 3D space. Our key idea is using the body configuration information which changes according to the shape of the terrain. Using our idea, our mobile platform can measure the shape of terrain without external sensors. We verify the performance of our proposed control scheme by the experiments using our prototype.
Three-dimensional imaging and scanning range finders using the parallax principle

A technique, for obtaining accurate, high resolution, three-dimensional range maps of scenes called the parallax principle, is discussed. Distances are obtained by measuring the separation of nearest-neighbor spots on the image plane of a camera produced by illuminating a scene with parallel beams of lines, planes, or hollow cylinders. The parallax method does not require knowledge of the location or orientation of the beam projector, nor does it suffer from the correspondence problem that plagues methods based on triangulation. Calibration and data reduction using the parallax method are considerably easier than with triangulation. A radar-type range finder for mobile robots that measures distances for all azimuths simultaneously without any mechanical motion is presented. <<ETX>>
A behavioral model of a 1.8-V flash A/D converter based on deviceparameters

A behavioral model of a 1.8-V, 6-bit flash analog-to-digital converter has been developed based on device parameters using the g/sub m//I/sub d/ methodology. This approach eliminates the need for recharacterization of blocks when device sizes are changed. Furthermore, the performance can be predicted with input only from device and process simulators eliminating the need for a circuit simulator and associated model parameters. Signal to noise plus distortion ratio and differential and integral nonlinearity are predicted and verified at lower resolution with a circuit simulator.
Risk Stratification for In-Hospital Mortality After Heart Transplantation Using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration Equations for Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

Background A new equation for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR)—the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation—is better at predicting outcomes in the general population than the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. We compared risk stratification of heart transplant (HT) recipients for early post-HT mortality using estimated GFR from the MDRD and the CKD-EPI equations. Methods We identified all patients 18 years or older who underwent their first HT in the United States between January 2007 and October 2010 (n=6,564). We compared risk stratification for posttransplant in-hospital mortality by GFR estimated by the CKD-EPI equation versus that estimated by the MDRD equation. Results Posttransplant in-hospital mortality was 4.6%. Lower GFR (mL/min/1.73 m2, MDRD) was associated with higher in-hospital mortality in adjusted analysis (GFR, 60–89; odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–2.3; GFR, 30–59; OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4–3.3; GFR<30; OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.8–6.1; vs. GFR≥90). Glomerular filtration rate estimated using the CKD-EPI equation reclassified 10%, 15%, and 18% of patients, respectively, in GFR categories lower than 30, 30–59, and 60–89 to the next higher GFR category. Using the CKD-EPI equation was not associated with a significant net reclassification improvement for mortality risk in the overall cohort or in GFR subgroups. The risk models of in-hospital mortality developed using the two GFR equations performed similarly for discrimination and calibration. Conclusion Estimated GFR using the CKD-EPI equation is comparable to estimated GFR using the MDRD equation in risk stratification of HT recipients for early posttransplant mortality.
Programming techniques on the LUCAS associative array computer

A hermaphroditic fiber optic connector for use in an assembly for aligning mating ends of at least one pair of optical fibers is disclosed. The connector includes a terminating member having a passage therein dimensioned for receiving one of the optical fibers. An adapter associated with a mating end of the terminating member and communicating with the passage is provided wherein the adapter has a hermaphroditic face exposed at the mating end of the terminating member. The connector also includes means associated with the adapter for securing the one optical fiber in a preselected position relative to the mating end of the terminating member. In a more specific sense, the connector is adapted for use in an assembly including a second identical connector for aligning mating ends of optical fibers in a pair of fiber optic cables in which the various elements may be formed in a manner making them interchangeable with other like elements in order to form a modular hermaphroditic connector.
Carryover of aflatoxins from feed to lambari fish (Astyanax altiparanae) tissues

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to verify the carryover of aflatoxin B1 from feed to lambari fish. Aflatoxins (AF) were incorporated into feed, checking the levels by HPLC. Treatments were: Control, feed without toxin; A, feed + 10 µg AFB1 kg–1; B, feed + 20 µg AFB1 kg–1; and C, feed + 50 µg AFB1 kg–1. Juveniles of lambari fish were placed in 12 aquariums at a density of 50 fish/m2. Fish were fed twice a day with extruded feed, at 5% of animal biomass. The unit sample was constituted by a pool of 10 fish. AFs B1, B2, G1, G2 and M1 were quantified by HPLC in fish muscle and liver after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of experiment. There was accumulation of AFs is fish liver and muscle, mainly after 90 days. Fish from treatment C had higher levels of AFB1 in muscle when compared with the others, and AFB1 in muscle at 120 days was similar to the levels in feed. Therefore, when lambari fish is exposed on a daily and long-term basis to AFs in feed, the regulation limits for AFs in animal feed do not guarantee safety for consumers.
Scale effects and constraints for sound production in katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): correlated evolution between morphology and signal parameters

Male katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) produce mating calls by rubbing the wings together, using specialized structures in their forewings (stridulatory file, scraper and mirror). A large proportion of species (ca. 66%) reported in the literature produces ultrasonic signals as principal output. Relationships among body size, generator structures and the acoustic parameters carrier frequency (fc) and pulse duration (pd), were studied in 58 tropical species that use pure‐tone signals. A comparative analysis, based on the only available katydid phylogeny, shows how changes in sound generator form are related to changes in fc and pd. Anatomical changes of the sound generator that might have been selected via fc and pd are mirror size, file length and number of file teeth. Selection for structures of the stridulatory apparatus that enhance wing mechanics via file‐teeth and scraper morphology was crucial in the evolution of ultrasonic signals in the family Tettigoniidae.
Effect of fish oil on cognitive performance in older subjects

Background: High intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may protect against age-related cognitive decline. However, results from epidemiologic studies are inconclusive, and results from randomized trials in elderly subjects without dementia are lacking. Objective: To investigate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on cognitive performance. Methods: Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 302 cognitively healthy (Mini-Mental State Examination score > 21) individuals aged 65 years or older. Participants were randomly assigned to 1,800 mg/d EPA–DHA, 400 mg/d EPA–DHA, or placebo capsules for 26 weeks. Cognitive performance was assessed using an extensive neuropsychological test battery that included the cognitive domains of attention, sensorimotor speed, memory, and executive function. Results: The mean age of the participants was 70 years, and 55% were male. Plasma concentrations of EPA–DHA increased by 238% in the high-dose and 51% in the low-dose fish oil group compared with placebo, reflecting excellent compliance. Baseline scores on the cognitive tests were comparable in the three groups. Overall, there were no significant differential changes in any of the cognitive domains for either low-dose or high-dose fish oil supplementation compared with placebo. Conclusions: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we observed no overall effect of 26 weeks of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation on cognitive performance.
Fas Aggregation Does Not Correlate with Fas-Mediated Apoptosis

Cross-linking of cell surface Fas molecules by Fas ligand or by agonistic anti-Fas Abs induces cell death by apoptosis. We found that a serine protease inhibitor, N-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), dramatically enhances Fas-mediated apoptosis in the human T cell line Jurkat and in various B cell lines resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis. The enhancing effect of TLCK is specific to Fas-induced cell death, with no effect seen on TNF-α or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-induced apoptosis. TLCK treatment had no effect on Fas expression levels on the cell surface, and neither promoted death-inducing signaling complex formation nor decreased expression levels of cellular inhibitors of apoptosis (FLICE inhibitory protein, X chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, and Bcl-2). Activation of the Fas-mediated apoptotic pathway by anti-Fas Ab is accompanied by aggregation of Fas molecules to form oligomers that are stable to boiling in SDS and β-ME. Fas aggregation is often considered to be required for Fas-mediated apoptosis. However, sensitization of cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis by TLCK or other agents (cycloheximide, protein kinase C inhibitors) causes less Fas aggregation during the apoptotic process compared with that in nonsensitized cells. These results show that Fas aggregation and Fas-mediated apoptosis are not directly correlated and may even be inversely correlated.