Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Galectins: Structures, Binding Properties and Function in Cell Adhesion

Galectins are nearly ubiquitous distributed ┚-galactoside binding proteins which share a common amino acid sequence, the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) (Barondes et al., 1994a; Cooper, 2002; Elola et al., 2007; Hirabayashi & Kasai, 1993; Hughes, 2001; Klyosov et al., 2008; Leffler et al., 2004). They are evident in vertebrates, invertebrates and also protists, implying fundamental functions of these lectins (Hirabayashi & Kasai, 1993). Some galectins are distributed in a variety of different tissues, others are more specifically expressed (Cooper, 2002). Galectins are known to perform high diversity of functions inside the cells and in the extracellular space. They are regulators of cell cycle, inflammation, immune responses, cancer progression, cell adhesion, cell signalling events and so on. The different functions are performed either by protein-protein or by protein-glycan interactions (Almkvist & Karlsson, 2004; Danguy et al., 2002; Elola et al., 2007; Hernandez & Baum, 2002; Hughes, 2001; Ilarregui et al., 2005; Liu et al., 2002; Liu & Rabinovich, 2005; Rabinovich et al., 2002b; Rabinovich & Toscano, 2009; Vasta, 2009). Different excellent reviews focus on the wide-spread functions of galectins such as tumor progression, cell signalling or inflammation (Garner & Baum, 2008; Hernandez & Baum, 2002; Liu et al., 2002; Liu & Rabinovich, 2005; Nangia-Makker et al., 2008; Rabinovich et al., 2002a; Rabinovich & Toscano, 2009; van den Brule et al., 2004; Vasta, 2009). Review articles discussing functions of galectins in cell adhesion events and their role as matricellular proteins for the crosslinking of extracellular matrix components have also been published (Elola et al., 2007; Hughes, 2001). The function of galectins in the assembly of the extracellular matrix as well as in cell adhesion and cell signalling processes shows their potential as mediators for cell adhesion and proliferation on biomaterial surfaces. Galectins are interesting candidates for the functionalisation of biomaterial surfaces as they can promote the primary binding event of cells to foreign materials and influence specific signalling processes. In this article we want to analyse the potential use of galectins (explained by the examples of galectin-1, -3 and -8) in biomaterial research and application.
A Multi-Carrier QAM Transceiver for Ultra-Wideband Optical Communication

The feasibility of a 40 Gb/s subcarrier modulated optical transmission system using low-cost optoelectronic components and CMOS IC technology is presented. The optical channel impairments are studied. A complete DSP framework is developed to cancel out the optical channel impairments as well as analog circuit imperfections. To validate that the 40 Gb/s system can be implemented in CMOS, an integrated QAM-16 transceiver with a carrier frequency of 13.32 GHz was designed and fabricated in a 0.14 mum, 1.5 V CMOS technology. The test chip occupies 3.6 mm2 of area and consumes 340 mW of power. Measurement results for a transmission link consisting of the CMOS QAM-16 modulator/demodulator, a directly modulated laser (DML), a 30 km single mode fiber and a p-i-n photo-detector are reported
Late brain alterations in sepsis‐survivor rats

Central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction secondary to sepsis is characterized by long‐term cognitive impairment. It was observed that oxidative damage, energetic metabolism impairment, and cytokine level alteration seen in early times in an animal model of sepsis may persist for up to 10 days and might be associated with cognitive damage. In order to understand these mechanisms, at least in part, we evaluated the effects of sepsis on cytokine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), oxidative parameters, and energetic metabolism in the brain of rats at both 30 and 60 days after sepsis induction by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). To this aim, male Wistar rats underwent CLP with “basic support” or were sham‐operated. Both 30 and 60 days after surgery, the CSF was collected and the animals were killed by decapitation. Then, the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cortex were collected. Thirty days after surgery, an increase of IL‐6 level in the CSF; an increase in the thiobarbituric acid‐reactive species (TBARS) in prefrontal cortex and a decrease in hippocampus, striatum, and cortex; a decrease of carbonyl protein formation only in prefrontal cortex and an increase in striatum; and an increase in the complex IV activity only in hippocampus were observed. Sixty days after sepsis, an increase of TNF‐α level in the CSF; a decrease of TBARS only in hippocampus; an increase of carbonyl protein formation in striatum; and a decrease of complex I activity in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were observed. These findings may contribute to understanding the role of late cognitive impairment. Further studies may address how these findings interact during sepsis development and contribute to CNS dysfunction. Synapse 67:786–793, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetics and Alcoholism: How Close are We to Potential Clinical Applications?

Rapid advancement of genetic knowledge has provided a wealth of data demonstrating a significant contribution of genes to the development of alcoholism but has suggested little in the way of clinical applicability. Twin and adoption studies suggest that 50% to 60% of the development of alcoholism is due to heritable factors, and linkage and association studies have identified chromosomal regions and individual genes that likely contribute to the development of this condition. Most of these genes are related to neurotransmitter systems and to alcohol metabolizing enzymes. We briefly review the evidence for this before discussing intermediate phenotypes of alcoholism under genetic control, pharmacogenetic aspects of alcoholism treatment, and the possibility of future clinical applications based on these areas.
Differential expression of alpha- and beta-globin genes in erythroleukemic cell lines

The IW32, NN10, and IW201 cell lines are erythroleukemic cell lines isolated from the spleens of mice infected with the Friend virus. IW32 and NN10 cells can be induced toward erythroid differentiation and hemoglobin synthesis by hemin or butyrate. Both cell lines contain some mature alpha- and beta-globin mRNA before induction, and addition of the inducers greatly increases the amount of globin message. Unlike IW32 and NN10 cells, IW201 cells are only partially inducible. Uninduced 201 cells contain a small amount of alpha-globin mRNA but no detectable beta-globin message. After induction, the cells contain markedly increased amounts of alpha-globin mRNA but still do not express the beta-globin gene. Southern blot analysis with 10 restriction enzymes shows that the restriction map of the beta-globin gene in IW201 cells is indistinguishable from that in IW32 and NN10 cells.
Distribution of Antiseptic Resistance Genes qacA, qacB, and smr in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated in Toronto, Canada, from 2005 to 2009

ABSTRACT Decreased susceptibility to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHDN) in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with the qacA, qacB, and smr genes, encoding efflux pumps. A total of 334 MRSA isolates were collected from two Canadian intensive care units between 2005 and 2009. We identified the qacAB genes in 7 strains (2%; 2 qacA genes and 5 qacB genes) and the smr gene in 23 (7%) strains. CHDN minimal bactericidal concentrations were slightly higher for strains harboring smr genes.
Achieving flatness from non-realistic honeywords

We propose a method for protecting the hashed password using non-realistic honeywords (decoy passwords). This method works effectively even if the password file disclosure happened. Recently, Imran Erguler proposed a flat honeyword generation method which selects the honeywords from existing user passwords in the system in order to provide realistic decoy passwords and for making the stealer confused. By considering the ethic in using one's credentials, here we are accepting graphical passwords(images), taking a string from the textual form of the image as password and keeping it with a set of unrealistic honeywords with necessary encryption. So hacker who steals the hashed password file cannot distinguish between the real password and the honeywords for any account, since every passwords seem unrealistic. Moreover using a honeyword to login will trigger an alarm notifying the administrator of the system about the password file disclosure.
The use of performance indicators in performance analysis

The aims of this paper are to examine the application of performance indicators in different sports and, using the different structural definitions of games, to make general recommendations about the use and application of these indicators. Formal games are classified into three categories: net and wall games, invasion games, and striking and fielding games. The different types of sports are also sub-categorized by the rules of scoring and ending the respective matches. These classes are analysed further, to enable definition of useful performance indicators and to examine similarities and differences in the analysis of the different categories of game. The indices of performance are sub-categorized into general match indicators, tactical indicators, technical indicators and biomechanical indicators. Different research examples and the accuracy of their presentation are discussed. We conclude that, to enable a full and objective interpretation of the data from the analysis of a performance, comparisons of data are vital. In addition, any analysis of the distribution of actions across the playing surface should also be presented normalized, or non-dimensionalized, to the total distribution of actions across the area. Other normalizations of performance indicators should also be used more widely in conjunction with the accepted forms of data analysis. Finally, we recommend that biomechanists should pay more attention to games to enrich the analysis of performance in these sports.
Educational differences in the prevalence of mobility disability in old age: the dynamics of incidence, mortality, and recovery.

OBJECTIVES Older people with less education have substantially higher prevalence rates of mobility disability. This study aimed to establish the relative contributions of incidence, recovery rates, and death to prevalence differences in mobility disability associated with educational status. METHODS Data were from 3 sites of the Established Populations for Epidemiological Study of the Elderly, covering 8,871 people aged 65-84 years who were followed for up to 7 years. Participants were classified on years of education received and as disabled if they needed help or were unable to walk up or down stairs or walk half a mile. A Markov model computed relative risks, adjusting for the effects of repeated observations on the same individuals. RESULTS Differences between education groups in person-years lived with disability were large. The relative risk of incident disability in men with 0-7 years of education (vs. those with 12 or more years) was 1.65 (95% CI = 1.37-1.97) and in women was 1.70 (95% CI = 1.15-2.53). Both recovery risks and risks of death in those with disability were not significantly different across education groups in either gender. DISCUSSION Higher incidence of disability is the main contributor to the substantially higher prevalence of disability in older people of lower socioeconomic status. Efforts to reduce the disparity in disability rates by socioeconomic status in old age should focus mainly on preventing disability, because differences in the course of mobility disability after onset appear to play a limited role in the observed prevalence disparities.
Protein expression levels of the Src activating protein AFAP are developmentally regulated in brain.

The Src family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases plays an important role in modulating signals that affect growth cone extension, neuronal differentiation, and brain development. Recent reports indicate that the Src SH2/SH3 binding partner AFAP-110 has the capacity to modulate actin filament integrity as a cSrc activating protein and as an actin filament bundling protein. Both AFAP-110 and a brain specific isoform called AFAP-120 (collectively referred to as AFAP) exist at high levels in chick embryo brain. We sought to identify the localization of AFAP in mouse brain in order to identify its expression pattern and potential role as a cellular modulator of Src family kinase activity and actin filament integrity in the brain. In E16 mouse embryos, AFAP expression levels were very high and concentrated in the olfactory bulb, cortex, forebrain, cerebellum, and various peripheral sensory structures. In P3 mouse pups, overall expression was reduced compared to E16 embryos, and AFAP was found primarily in olfactory bulb, cortex, and cerebellum. AFAP expression levels were significantly reduced in adult mice, with high expression levels only detected in the olfactory bulb. Western blot analysis indicated that concentrated expression of AFAP correlates well with the AFAP-120 isoform, which appears to be a splice variant of AFAP-110. As the expression pattern of AFAP overlaps with the reported expression patterns of cSrc and Fyn, we hypothesize that AFAP is positioned to modulate signal transduction cascades that direct activation of these nonreceptor tyrosine kinases and concomitant cellular changes that occur in actin filaments during brain development.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Bone Loss Detection

Serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx-I) assays quantify the fragment of CTx-I released throughout the procedure of bone remodeling. CTx-I is a key bone turnover biomarker where any variation in the level of CTx-I can be an indication of increased bone resorption. This study focuses on a new strategy for the prognosis of bone loss by monitoring the concentration of CTx-I in serum. An interdigital capacitive sensor together with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to assess the dielectric properties of the test solution. Artificial antibodies have been prepared for CTx-I molecules using the molecular imprinting technique. The sensor was functionalized using the synthesized molecular imprinted polymer in order to introduce the selectivity of CTx-I biomarker to the sensor. Calibration experiments were performed using different known concentration of sample solutions. The proposed biosensor showed a good linear response between 0.1 and 2.5 ng/mL. The detection limit of 0.09 ng/mL was found, encompassing the normal reference ranges required for recognition of bone turnover. Unknown real serum samples obtained from sheep blood were analysed using the proposed biosensor. The validation of the suggested technique was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The developed biosensor exhibited a good correlation with ELISA.
Disruption of the cytochrome c gene in xylose‐utilizing yeast Pichia stipitis leads to higher ethanol production

The xylose‐utilizing yeast, Pichia stipitis, has a complex respiratory system that contains cytochrome and non‐cytochrome alternative electron transport chains in its mitochondria. To gain primary insights into the alternative respiratory pathway, a cytochrome c gene (PsCYC1, Accession No. AF030426) was cloned from wild‐type P. stipitis CBS 6054 by cross‐hybridization to CYC1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The 333 bp open reading frame of PsCYC1 showed 74% and 69% identity to ScCYC1 and ScCYC7, respectively, at the DNA level. Disruption of PsCYC1 resulted in a mutant that uses the salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM)‐sensitive respiratory pathway for aerobic energy production. Cytochrome spectra revealed that cytochromes c and a·a3 both disappeared in the cyc1‐Δ mutant, so no electron flow through the cytochrome c oxidase was possible. The cyc1‐Δ mutant showed 50% lower growth rates than the parent when grown on fermentable sugars. The cyc1‐Δ mutant was also found to be unable to grow on glycerol. Interestingly, the mutant produced 0·46 g/g ethanol from 8% xylose, which was 21% higher in yield than the parental strain (0·38 g/g). These results suggested that the alternative pathway might play an important role in supporting xylose conversion to ethanol under oxygen‐limiting conditions. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Printed energy storage devices by integration of electrodes and separators into single sheets of paper

We report carbon nanotube thin film-based supercapacitors fabricated with printing methods, where electrodes and separators are integrated into single sheets of commercial paper. Carbon nanotube films are easily printed with Meyer rod coating or ink-jet printing onto a paper substrate due to the excellent ink absorption of paper. A specific capacity of 33 F/g at a high specific power of 250 000 W/kg is achieved with an organic electrolyte. Such a lightweight paper-based supercapacitor could be used to power paper electronics such as transistors or displays.
Impact of urbanization on stream structure and flood hazard in the plain river network region

Urbanization is one of the most intensive processes of human activities which have changed the earth's surface, and is also one of the important factors influencing the hydrologic process. Base on the high resolution image and topographic map, this paper conducts a case study on the flood response to river system change under urbanization in a typical plain river network region of Fenghuajiang River basin. The result showed that the proportion of urban area was increased from 13.2% to 34.1% during the past 20 years, which was mainly gained from cropland and water bodies; the increase of impervious surface tended to produce more surface runoff, and also decrease the drainage density and water surface rates. The submerge simulation showed that the decreasing in storage capacity would cause higher stage and cause more serious risk especially for suburban region with lower elevation in all designed storm scenarios, and the response was most pronounced for a recurrence intervals equaling to 20 years. The research has rich theoretical research on stream structure in plain area, and provides decision-making and reference for flood management in the study area.
A new approach to time-cost-quality tradeoff problem for construction project

The final quality is crucial for construction project, and its level determines the probability of the quality accident; moreover, the repair work occurs frequently due to the quality at a certain time during construction; besides, quality is acknowledged to be an important component of project management, but its joint relationship with time and cost previously has not been modeled. Therefore, a non-linear stochastic programming model is constructed based on multi-mode resource constrained project scheduling problem(MRCPSP) to minimize total quality cost which is composed of prevention cost and failure cost; the binary normal distribution is adopted to describe the relation among duration, direct cost and quality of each activity; two indicators namely cumulative quality and project quality are employed to measure the level during construction and the ultimate level respectively. Furthermore, the shuffled flog-leaping algorithm is adapted to solve the discrete tradeoff problem based on an adaptive serial schedule generation scheme. Finally, an example is provided to examine the algorithm performance.
A Double-Hurdle Model of Computer and Internet Use In American Households

This paper has two major contributions. First, it identifies the factors that influence the use of computer and Internet at home. Second, the paper shows that the double-hurdle model, compared to the standard Tobit and Heckman selection models, is the best econometric specification to identify the determinants of computer and Internet use at home. Computer/Internet use time is defined as the total minutes spent on three broad categories of nonmarket activities (household activities, leisure and volunteering). The study uses the 2006 American Time Use Survey (ATUS). The double-hurdle estimation reveals that the use of a home computer/Internet is governed by two independent decisions: the decision to acquire a home computer/Internet and the decision on the intensity of use. The estimation results also show that these two separate decisions are determined by different sets of factors. Most of the respondents’ characteristics (age, education, disability and noncitizenship), household composition variables (number of children under different age groups), and economic variables (income and predicted wage) determine the minutes spent using computer/Internet at home. Only the location variables (urban, Northeast, Midwest and West) and two of the season variables (Spring and Winter) are the primary factors influencing the likelihood of owning a home computer/Internet.
Estrogen Does Not Inhibit 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-mediated Effects in MCF-7 and Hepa 1c1c7 Cells*

The estrogen receptor and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) are coexpressed in several Ah and estrogen-responsive human breast cancer cell lines. However, a recent study reported that 17β-estradiol (E2) inhibited Ah responsiveness in mouse Hepa 1c1c7 hepatoma cells (Kharat, I., and Saatcioglu, F. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 10533–10537), and therefore, estrogen receptor-AhR cross-talk was reinvestigated in MCF-7 and mouse Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Treatment of MCF-7 or Hepa 1c1c7 cells with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) resulted in induction of CYP1A1-dependent activity and mRNA levels. Treatment of both cell lines with E2 had no effect on basal or TCDD-inducible CYP1A1-dependent activity or mRNA levels. In MCF-7 and Hepa 1c1c7 cells transiently transfected with an Ah-responsive plasmid containing the 5′-regulatory region of the human CYP1A1 gene fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene 10 nm TCDD significantly induced chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity; in cells cotreated with TCDD plus E2 the induced response was not affected by the hormone. Nuclear extracts from cells treated with dimethyl sulfoxide, E2, TCDD, and TCDD plus E2 were incubated with the [32P]dioxin-responsive element and analyzed by gel electrophoretic mobility shift assays. A retarded band associated with formation of a [32P]dioxin-responsive element-AhR complex was observed in nuclear extracts from cells treated with TCDD or TCDD plus E2 (cotreated). Collectively these studies suggest that E2 does not modulate AhR-mediated CYP1A1 gene expression in MCF-7 or Hepa 1c1c7 cells.
New Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Drugs and the Hope for a Cure: Concepts in Anti-HCV Drug Development

Abstract The development of new models and tools has led to the discovery and clinical development of a large number of new anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) drugs, including direct-acting antivirals and host-targeted agents. Surprisingly, curing HCV infection appears to be easy with these new drugs, provided that a potent drug combination with a high barrier to resistance is used. HCV infection cure rates can be optimized by combining drugs with synergistic antiviral effects, tailoring treatment duration to the patients' needs, and/or using ribavirin. Two HCV drugs have been approved in 2011—telaprevir and boceprevir, both first-wave, first-generation NS3-4A protease inhibitors, two others in 2013/2014—simeprevir, a second-wave, first-generation NS3-4A protease inhibitor, and sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analogue inhibitor of the viral polymerase. Numerous other drugs have reached phase II or III clinical development. From 2015 and onwards, interferon-containing regimens will disappear, replaced by interferon-free regimens yielding infection cure rates over 90%. These therapies will raise new issues, including the need for broad-scale screening and access to care.