Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Niemann-Pick C1 expression is not regulated by the amount of cholesterol flowing through cells in the mouse Published, JLR Papers in Press, June 1, 2005. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M500130-JLR200

The Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) protein functions to regulate the transport of cholesterol from late endosomes/lysosomes to other cellular compartments after lipoprotein uptake through the coated-pit pathway. The present study examines the relative expression of NPC1 mRNA and NPC1 protein in different tissues of the mouse in relation to the uptake of total cholesterol carried in chylomicron remnants (CMr-TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL-TC), cholesteryl ester carried in high density lipoproteins (HDL-CE), and cholesterol synthesis. Results from this study demonstrate that the highest relative expression of NPC1 is in the liver, which is also the tissue with the highest uptake of CMr-TC, LDL-TC, HDL-CE, and cholesterol synthesis. However, there was no similar relation in the remaining tissues. To examine the relative expression of NPC1 in relation to the amount of cholesterol that flowed through the coated-pit pathway, mice were fed a diet supplemented with increasing amounts of cholesterol or cholestyramine. The results from this study demonstrated that there was no relation between the relative expression of NPC1 and the amount of cholesterol that flowed through the coated-pit pathway. We conclude that the relative expression of NPC1 is not regulated by the flow of cholesterol through cells in the mouse and is therefore constitutive.
A splicing‐dependent regulatory mechanism that detects translation signals.

Premature termination codons (PTCs) can cause the decay of mRNAs in the nuclear fraction of mammalian cells. This enigmatic nuclear response is of interest because it suggests that translation signals do not restrict their effect to the cytoplasm, where fully assembled ribosomes reside. Here we examined the molecular mechanism for this putative nuclear response by using the T‐cell receptor‐beta (TCR‐beta) gene, which acquires PTCs as a result of programmed rearrangements that occur during normal thymic ontogeny. We found that PTCs had little or no measurable effect on TCR‐beta pre‐mRNA levels, but they sharply depressed TCR‐beta mature mRNA levels in the nuclear fraction of stably transfected cells. A PTC split by an intron was able to trigger the down‐regulatory response, implying that PTC recognition occurs after an mRNA is at least partially spliced. However, intron deletion and addition studies demonstrated that a PTC must be followed by at least one functional (spliceable) intron to depress mRNA levels. One explanation for this downstream intron‐dependence is that cytoplasmic ribosomes adjacent to nuclear pores scan mRNAs still undergoing splicing as they emerge from the nucleus. We found this explanation to be unlikely because PTCs only 8 or 10 nt upstream of a terminal intron down‐regulated mRNA levels, even though this distance is too short to permit PTC recognition in the cytoplasm prior to the splicing of the downstream intron in the nucleus. Collectively, the results suggest that nonsense codon recognition may occur in the nucleus.
Genotoxicity of two arsenic compounds in germ cells and somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster

Two arsenic compounds, sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) and sodium arsenate (Na2HAsO4), were tested for their possible genotoxicity in germinal and somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster. For germinal cells, the sex‐linked recessive lethal test (SLRLT) and the sex chromosome loss test (SCLT) were used. In both tests, a brood scheme of 2–3–3 days was employed. Two routes of administration were used for the SLRLT: adult male injection (0.38, 0.77 mM for sodium arsenite; and 0.54, 1.08 mM for sodium arsenate) and larval feeding (0.008, 0.01, 0.02 mM for sodium arsenite; and 0.01, 0.02 mM for sodium arsenate). For the SCLT the compounds were injected into males. Controls were treated with a solution of 5% sucrose which was employed as solvent. The somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) was run in the w+/w eye assay as well as in the mwh +/+ flr3 wing test, employing the standard and insecticide‐resistant strains. In both tests, third instar larvae were treated for 6 hr with sodium arsenite (0.38, 0.77, 1.15 mM), and sodium arsenate (0.54, 1.34, 2.69 mM). In the SLRLT, both compounds were positive, but they were negative in the SCLT. The genotoxicity of both compounds was localized mainly in somatic cells, in agreement with reports on the carcinogenic potential of arsenical compounds. Sodium arsenite was an order of magnitude more toxic and mutagenic than sodium arsenate. This study confirms the reliability of the Drosophila in vivo system to test the genotoxicity of environmental compounds. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variants associated with predisposition to prostate cancer and potential clinical implications

Abstract. Goh CL, Schumacher FR, Easton D, Muir K, Henderson B, Kote‐Jarai Z, Eeles RA (The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Strangeways Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge; Health Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry; Royal Marsden Foundation NHS Trust, Sutton, Surrey, UK). Genetic variants associated with predisposition to prostate cancer and potential clinical implications (Review). J Intern Med 2012; 271: 353–365.
Phytoremediation applications in natural condition and in mesocosm: The uptake of cadmium by Lemna minuta Kunth, a non-native species in Italian watercourses

ABSTRACT Metal pollution in water and soil is an environmental and public health issue. Cadmium (Cd) is included in the list of priority hazardous substances in the European Water Framework Directive. Phytoremediation system is a cost-effective, plant-based approach that takes advantage of the ability of plants to concentrate elements and compounds from the environment and to metabolize various molecules in their tissues. We studied the presence and the importance of an invasive species, such as Lemna minuta, in the environment and the effects of Cd pollution on this species. Growth, removal, and tolerance were evaluated for different Cd concentrations and different times of plant exposure. Overall, the results show that L. minuta has a good capacity of growth, metal bioconcentration, and tolerance up to 3 days of exposure at 0.5 and 1.5 mg L−1 of Cd. In particular, L. minuta was able to accumulate Cd up to 3771 mg kg−1 on dry mass basis. We can conclude that L. minuta possesses a great capability of Cd absorption and accumulation, thus supporting a potential use of this species in designing a metal bioremediation system in phytoremediation field.
[Registration technology for mandibular angle osteotomy based on augmented reality].

PURPOSE To establish an effective path to register the operative plan to the real model of mandible made by rapid prototyping (RP) technology. METHODS Computerize tomography (CT) was performed on 20 patients to create 3D images, and computer aided operation planning information can be merged with the 3D images. Then dental cast was used to fix the signal which can be recognized by the software. The dental cast was transformed to 3D data with a laser scanner and a programmer that run on a personal computer named Rapidform matching the dental cast and the mandible image to generate the virtual image. Then the registration was achieved by video monitoring system. RESULTS By using this technology, the virtual image of mandible and the cutting planes both can overlay the real model of mandible made by RP. CONCLUSIONS This study found an effective way for registration by using dental cast, and this way might be a powerful option for the registration of augmented reality. Supported by Program for Innovation Research Team of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission.
TOWARDS A NEW METHODOLOGY FOR WEB GIS DEVELOPMENT

There has been an increasing need for geospatial information that is delivered through internet technologies. This broad category of systems is referred to as Web Geographic Information Systems (Web GIS). These systems exhibit characteristics common to both stand-alone and web-based systems making it necessary to apply a hybrid methodology during their development. This paper proposes a methodology for developing Web GIS that is herein referred to as the Y-Model Web GIS Development Methodology (YWDM) which has been adapted from existing software development methodologies and applied to the context of Web GIS development. The paper outlines in details the phases of the methodology. Its viability as a methodology has been tested through its use in the implementation of the Emuhaya Web GIS portal. The methodology presented here is not intended to be a rigid guide for web GIS development but instead it provides a useful framework for guiding the process.
Validity and Reliability of Competency Assessment Implementation (CAI) Instrument Using Rasch Model

— This study was conducted to generate empirical evidence on validity and reliability of the item of Competency Assessment Implementation (CAI) Instrument using Rasch Model for polythomous data aided by Winstep software version 3.68. The construct validity was examined by analyzing the point-measure correlation index (PTMEA), infit and outfit MNSQ values; meanwhile the reliability was examined by analyzing item reliability index. A survey technique was used as the major method with the CAI instrument on 156 teachers from vocational schools. The results have shown that the reliability of CAI Instrument items were between 0.80 and 0.98. PTMEA Correlation is in positive values, in which the item is able to distinguish between the ability of the respondent. Statistical data obtained show that out of 154 items, 12 items from the instrument suggested to be omitted. This study is hoped could bring a new direction to the process of data analysis in educational research.
A Linear DBSCAN Algorithm Based on LSH

DBSCAN algorithm is used widely because it can effectively handle noise points and deal with data of any type in clustering. However, it has two inherent limitations: high time complexity O(NlogN) and poor ability in dealing large-scale data. In this paper, a linear DBSCAN based on LSH is proposed. In our algorithm the process of Nearest Neighbor Search is optimized by hashing. Compared with the original DBSCAN algorithm, the time complexity of this improved DBSCAN descends to O(N). Experimentally, this improved DBSCAN makes a significant decrease in the running time while maintaining the Cluster quality of the results. Moreover, the speedup (the running time of original DBSCAN algorithm divided by the running time of improved algorithm) increases with the size and dimension of dataset, and the parameter Eps of our algorithm does not have a strong influence on the clustering result. These improved properties enable DBSCAN to be used in a large scope.
Cytogenetic and molecular analysis of the acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP‐1 with an MLL‐AF9 translocation

Cell lines derived from patients with leukemia are used in many molecular biology studies. Here we report the cytogenetic analysis of the THP‐1 cell line using G‐banding, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and spectral karyotyping (SKY), and the molecular characterization of the MLL‐AF9 rearrangement by RT‐PCR. The THP‐1 cell line was established from the peripheral blood of a 1‐year‐old boy with acute monocytic leukemia (AML‐M5). THP‐1 is near‐diploid and consists of two related subclones with a number of aberrations, including the t(9;11), associated with AML M5. The use of FISH allowed us to identify and characterize otherwise hidden cytogenetic rearrangements, which include duplication of the 3′ portion of MLL in the derivative 9 chromosome and a deletion of the 5′ portion of the AF9 gene involved in the translocation. In addition to confirming the FISH results, SKY allowed for a more precise characterization of the karyotype of THP‐1 and allowed us to identify other abnormalities in this cell line, including der(1)t(1;12), der(20)t(1;20), deletions 6p, 12p, and 17p, trisomy 8, and monosomy 10. Sequencing of the RT‐PCR product showed a direct in‐frame fusion product on the derivative chromosome 11 between exon 6 (exon 9) of MLL and exon 5 of AF9, which is most commonly involved in MLL‐AF9 translocations. This study demonstrates that combining different techniques to achieve a more precise characterization of the THP‐1 cell line provides important information that will be valuable for understanding the critical events required for leukemogenesis. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity losses among T4 lysozyme variants after adsorption to colloidal silica.

Maintaining a specific molecular conformation is essential for the proper functioning of an enzyme. A substantial loss of catalytic activity can occur from the displacement caused by even a single amino acid substitution. Activity may also be lost as an enzyme undergoes a conformational change during adsorption. In this study, we investigated the effect of thermostability on the activities of three T4 lysozyme variants after adsorption to 9 nm colloidal silica particles. Less-stable T4 lysozyme variants lost more activity after adsorption than did more stable variants, apparently because they experienced more extensive structural alteration.
Contribution of genetic and dietary insulin resistance to Alzheimer phenotype in APP/PS1 transgenic mice

According to epidemiological studies, type‐2 diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we induced hyperglycaemia in mice overexpressing mutant amyloid precursor protein and presenilin‐1 (APdE9) either by cross‐breeding them with pancreatic insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF‐2) overexpressing mice or by feeding them with high‐fat diet. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests revealed significant hyperglycaemia in mice overexpressing IGF‐2, which was exacerbated by high‐fat diet. However, sustained hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance were observed only in mice co‐expressing IGF‐2 and APdE9 without correlation to insulin levels in brain. In behavioural tests in aged mice, APdE9 was associated with poor spatial learning and the combination of IGF‐2 and high‐fat diet further impaired learning. Neither high‐fat diet nor IGF‐2 increased β‐amyloid burden in the brain. In male mice, IGF‐2 increased β‐amyloid 42/40 ratio, which correlated with poor spatial learning. In contrast, inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, which correlated with good spatial learning, was increased in APdE9 and IGF‐2 female mice on standard diet, but not on high‐fat diet. Interestingly, high‐fat diet altered τ isoform expression and increased phosphorylation of τ at Ser202 site in female mice regardless of genotype. These findings provide evidence for new regulatory mechanisms that link type‐2 diabetes and Alzheimer pathology.
What is the outcome of targeted tuberculosis screening based on universal genotyping and location?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Identifying and treating persons with latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) at high risk for developing TB is part of the current TB elimination strategy. There are no specific criteria, other than medical risks, to designate groups as high risk for developing TB. We hypothesized that, if location-based screenings were done in communities where persons with genotypically clustered Mycobacterium tuberculosis resided, then persons with LTBI from recent transmission and with undiagnosed TB could be identified. METHODS Location-based TB screenings were done in partnership with multiple community-based organizations using resources previously used for other types of screening. MAIN RESULTS Location-based screenings identified one person with TB for every 83 screened, and one person with LTBI for every five screened. The yield of this targeted screening program for discovering persons with TB and LTBI exceeded what would be expected from nontargeted screening in a county with a TB incidence of 5.7 per 100,000 population. CONCLUSIONS Genotyping combined with geographic information systems analysis can potentially be used to define high-risk status and to define areas for location-based TB screenings.
Lifetimes, transition probabilities, and level energies in Fe i

We use time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence to measure the lifetime of 186 Fe levels with energies between 25 900 and 60 758 cm . Measured emission branching fractions for these levels yield transition probabilities for 1174 transitions in the range 225-2666 nm. We find another 640 Fe transition probabilities by interpolating level populations in the inductively coupled plasma spectral source. We demonstrate the reliability of the interpolation method by comparing our transition probabilities with absorption oscillator strengths measured by the Oxford group [Blackwell et al., Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. 201, 595-602 (1982)]. We derive precise Fe level energies to support the automated method that is used to identify transitions in our spectra.
Arc composition at mid‐crustal depths: Insights from the Coast Ridge Belt, Santa Lucia Mountains, California

The Coast Ridge Belt (CRB, Santa Lucia Mts., central California) comprises mid‐crustal rocks (750–800°C and 0.8 GPa) of the California magmatic arc. We estimated the bulk composition of the CRB and converted our results to seismic velocities expected at the observed pressures and temperatures. This transformation allows us to compare calculated velocities for the CRB with in situ measurements in similar arcs. The bulk composition of this arc section changes abruptly at 25 km depth from a granodiorite to a quartz‐diorite or diorite. These data are in agreement with geophysical results from other Cordilleran batholiths, and suggest 1.5 to 2 times thicker felsic columns than usually interpreted for modern continental arcs, and a relatively sharp transition between a felsic upper crustal batholith, and a mafic deep crust. This implied rheological boundary may have significant implications for intracrustal faulting or convective removal of the roots of batholiths.
High autonomic arousal and electrodermal orienting at age 15 years as protective factors against criminal behavior at age 29 years.

OBJECTIVE Nothing is known about biological factors that protect a predisposed individual from becoming criminal. This 14-year prospective study tested the hypothesis that antisocial adolescents who desist from crime by age 29 have greater physiological arousal and orienting than antisocial adolescents who become adult criminals. METHOD Physiological arousal and orienting were measured in 101 unselected 15-year-old male schoolchildren. Of these, 17 antisocial adolescents who desisted from adult crime (desistors) were matched on adolescent antisocial behavior and demographic variables with 17 antisocial adolescents who became criminal by age 29 (criminals), and 17 nonantisocial, noncriminal normal subjects. RESULTS Desistors had significantly higher electrodermal and cardiovascular arousal and higher electrodermal orienting than the criminal group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to report biological factors that protect against the development of criminal behavior. The findings suggest that individuals predisposed to adult crime by virtue of showing antisocial behavior in adolescence may be protected from committing crime by high levels of autonomic arousal and orienting.
Genetic Analysis of the Angiotensinogen Gene in Pre-Eclampsia: Study of German Women and Review of the Literature

Aims: To evaluate the influence of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene on the individual predisposition to pre-eclampsia, we screened the AGT gene for pathogenic mutations and an association of identified polymorphisms in German women with pre-eclampsia. Methods: The study population consisted of 67 German primi- and multigravid patients with pre-eclampsia or superimposed pre-eclampsia and 100 controls with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies. The initial screening for mutations was carried out in a subgroup of pre-eclampsia patients by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and direct sequencing. Results: Fifteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, of which 14 had been described before. Allelic frequencies of the detected SNPs were estimated in the total study population. Only the promoter polymorphism g. –570C>T was associated with pre-eclampsia (p = 0.038) but after adjustment for multiple testing p was >0.05. The well-known M268T [M235T] polymorphism was not associated with pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: Our results do not indicate an association of the AGT gene with pre-eclampsia. Data from previously published studies are conflicting: positive results were reported in at least 4 studies, negative results in 10 studies. A possible influence, if existing at all, is obviously very small. AGT therefore does not play a major role in the etiology of pre-eclampsia.
EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF ALENDRONATE VERSUS CALCITONIN ON IMPLANT OSSEOINTEGRATION IN OSTEOPOROTIC RABBITS

Background Alendronate (ALO) is a second-generation bisphosphonate used widely in osteopenic individuals for increasing bone density. Calcitonin (CT) is approved for the treatment of osteoporosis and other diseases involving accelerated bone turnover. Successful implant osseointegration depend ,in part, on state of host bone and its healing capacity, accordingly,it is necessary to clarify which of these two drugs is superior in management of osteoporotic periimplant bone. Objective: to compare the effects of Alendronate versus Calcitonin on implant osseointegration in osteoporotic bone. Material and methods: Thirty female New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. They were bilaterally ovarictomized (OVX) and fed on low Calcium diet (bran food) to establish osteoporosis model. Each animal received two implants in their tibia bilaterally. They were divided equally into 3 groups. Group I were considered as control (OVX) group. Group II received calcitonin (CT) I.M. and Group III received Alendronate (ALO) orally . At 12 weeks after implant insertion, the animals were scarified. Ossiointegration among the three groups were evaluated through histomorphometrical analysis, scanning elecronmicroscope (SEM),and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Results Through histomorphometric analysis, greatest mean area percentage of peri-implant bone was shown in (ALO) group, followed by (CT) group,the lowest effect was recorded in the control OVX group. Difference was statistically significant (P<0.0001). SEM results showed significant highest implant osseointegration value (Lowest gap distance) in (ALO) group, followed by(C T) group , then the control OVX group ( P<0.001). BMD was decreased after OVX and then was increased after using each drug,this change was statistically significant. ALO group showed statistically significant higher mean BMD than (CT) group (P<0.001) with negative correlation between gap distance and BMD in both groups. Conclusions : In osteoporotic conditions, both Alendronate and Calcitonin could effectively enhance osseointegration. Alendronate induced more pronounced effect than Calcitonin making it better choice for better implant osseointegration. KEYWORDS; Alendronate . Calcitonin . Osseointegration . Osteoporosis * Associate Professor of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, and Oral Diagnosis, College of Oral and Dental Surgery, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Egypt, ** Lecturer of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Oral and Dental Surgery, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Egypt, (4220) Maha Galal and Abeer Kamal E.D. J. Vol. 59, No. 4