Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RESPIRATION IN EARLY TETRAPODS—THE FROG IS A RED HERRING

The key feature of the fish-tetrapod transition is the invasion of the land. Utilization of the resources there available requires solution of four special problems: locomotion, control of the milieu interieur, internal fertilization, and the use of gaseous rather than liquid sources and sinks for the respiratory gases. The last problem will be dealt with here. It may most simply be stated as "How did the earliest tetrapods breathe? " The recent literature contains two views regarding the breathing methods of the earliest amphibians, namely (1) that cutaneous respiration must have been important during the transition period (Szarski, 1962; Hughes, 1966; Rahn, 1966) and (2) that these animals had lungs that were filled by a quick pulsatile contraction of the buccal cavity, often described as air swallowing or pulse pumping, rather than by an aspiration mechanism (Cox, 1967; McMahon, 1969). There are certain obvious objections to these views. Cutaneous respiration seems inherently implausible as a breathing method for the earliest amphibians such as Ichthyostega (Romer, 1966). These fossils appear (1) to have been of very large size, i.e., 3 to 4 feet long, and (2) to have lived in coal swamps which presumably indicated a fairly warm climate; (3) many such forms, furthermore, show ossification on the flanks and belly and the epidermis of larger specimens was probably thicker and more keratinized. Pulse pumping as a method for replenishing the contents of the lungs is also unlikely because of the stiff flanks, containing solid, well-articulated ribs and often a sheathing of bony scales; Willem (1931) has already argued from similar evidence that stegocephalians used aspiration plus pulse pumping. The statements in the literature apparently represent an extrapolation from frog physiology rather than a response to observations of the fossil record. Do Recent frogs represent a red herring? Under the circumstances, it seems most appropriate to review the mechanisms of gas exchange, the options available to the transitional forms, and the probability and sequence for the changes that actually occurred. Such a review, within the framework of recent electromyographical analyses of air-pumping mechanics in the breathing of fishes, frogs, turtles, and crocodilians, is here offered. It suggests that the classical observations on frogs do not by themselves furnish a suitable base for speculations about the behavior and physiology of the earliest amphibians.
Developmental and tissue expression patterns of histone macroH2A1 subtypes

MacroH2A is a novel nucleosomal core histone that contains a large nonhistone region and a region that closely resembles a full length histone H2A. We have cloned a cDNA that contains the entire coding region of macroH2A1.2, one of the two identified subtypes of macroH2A1. MacroH2A1.2 was found to differ from the other known subtype, macroH2A1.1, in a single segment of the nonhistone region. MacroH2A1 specific antibodies revealed relatively high levels of both subtypes in adult liver and kidney. MacroH2A1.1 was much lower in fetal liver and kidney in comparison to their adult counterparts, and was not detected in adult thymus and testis, tissues with active cell division and differentiation. Both subtypes were present at very low levels or absent from mouse embryonic stem cells maintained in an undifferentiated state by growth in the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor. MacroH2A1.2 increased when the embryonic stem cells were induced to differentiate in vitro, while macroH2A1.1 remained undetectable. These results support the idea that macroH2A1.1 and macroH2A1.2 are functionally distinct, and suggest that changes in their expression may play a role in developmentally regulated changes in chromatin structure and function. J. Cell. Biochem. 65:107–113. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Encyclopedia of Mobile Phone Behavior

The rise of mobile phones has brought about a new era of technological attachment as an increasing number of people rely on their personal mobile devices to conduct their daily activities. Due to the ubiquitous nature of mobile phones, the impact of these devices on human behavior, interaction, and cognition has become a widely studied topic.The Encyclopedia of Mobile Phone Behavior is an authoritative source for scholarly research on the use of mobile phones and how these devices are revolutionizing the way individuals learn, work, and interact with one another. Featuring exhaustive coverage on a variety of topics relating to mobile phone use, behavior, and the impact of mobile devices on society and human interaction, this multi-volume encyclopedia is an essential reference source for students, researchers, IT specialists, and professionals seeking current research on the use and impact of mobile technologies on contemporary culture.
Trypanothione reductase from Trypanosoma cruzi. Catalytic properties of the enzyme and inhibition studies with trypanocidal compounds.

Trypanothione reductase of Trypanosoma cruzi is a key enzyme in the antioxidant metabolism of the parasite. Here we report on the enzymic and pharmacological properties of trypanothione reductase using glutathionylspermidine disulfide as a substrate. 1. Both pH optimum (7.5) and the ionic strength optimum (at 30 mM) are unusually narrow for this enzyme. 40 mM Hepes, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.5 was chosen as a standard assay buffer because in this system the kcat/Km ratio had the highest values for both natural substrates, glutathionylspermidine disulfide (2.65 x 10(6) M-1 s-1) and trypanothione disulfide (4.63 x 10(6) M-1 s-1). 2. Using the standardized assay, trypanothione reductase and the phylogenetically related host enzyme, human glutathione reductase, were studied as targets of inhibitors. Both enzymes, in their NADPH-reduced forms, were irreversibly modified by the cytostatic agent, 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). Nifurtimox, the drug used in the treatment of Chagas' disease, is a stronger inhibitor of glutathione reductase (Ki = 40 microM) than of trypanothione reductase (IC50 = 200 microM). 3. Of the newly synthesized trypanocidal compounds [Henderson, G. B. , Ulrich, P., Fairlamb, A. H. , Rosenberg, I. , Pereira, M. , Sela, M. & Cerami, A. (1988) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci., 85, 5374-5378] a nitrofuran derivative, 2-(5-nitro-2-furanylmethylidene)-N,N'-[1,4-piperazinediylbis (1,3-propanediyl)]bishydrazinecarboximidamide tetrahydrobromide, was found to be a better inhibitor for trypanothione reductase (Ki = 0.5 microM) than for glutathione reductase (IC50 = 10 microM). A naphthoquinone derivative, 2,3-bis[3-(2-amidinohydrazono)-butyl]-1,4-naphthoquinone dihydrochloride, turned out to be both an inhibitor (IC50 = 1 microM) and an NADPH-oxidation-inducing substrate (Km = 14 microM). This effect was not observed with human glutathione reductase. Such compounds which lead to oxidative stress by more than one mechanism in the parasite are promising starting points for drug design based on the three-dimensional structures of glutathione and trypanothione reductases.
Fertility Preservation Options for Female Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Advances in cancer detection and treatment have resulted in an increasing amount of long-term survivors who are left to deal with the adverse effects of their treatments. Fortunately, progress in fertility preservation technologies has been paralleling the trend in improving cancer outcomes. Because of the variations in type and dose of chemotherapy or radiation, the type of cancer, the time available before treatment initiation, and the patient’s age and partner status, each case is unique and requires a different strategy for fertility preservation. The field of fertility preservation is growing rapidly. It is the goal of this paper to review some of the options, their success rates, and their limitations, so physicians can provide appropriately counsel and expeditiously refer their pre-menopausal patients diagnosed with cancer to a fertility specialist.
Multi-binary turbo-code design based on convergence of iterative turbo-decoding process

This paper presents a selection method of convolutonal multi-binary codes, rate 2/3, and of the associated interleavers that are used in turbo codes (TC) in order to obtain efficient BER/FER vs SNR performances. The method uses a selection criterion based on the convergence of turbo decoding iterative process both for interleavers and for the associated component codes. Results are presented following the selection of duo-binary memory 3 convolutional codes associated with two of the best known methods of interleaving in literature: the almost regular permutations (ARP) and the quadratic polynomial permutations (QPP). The obtained TCs have higher performances to those presented in the literature.
Tabu Thresholding: Improved Search by Nonmonotonic Trajectories

There is an appeal to methods like simulated annealing and threshold acceptance that operate by imposing a monotonically declining ceiling on objective function levels or degrees of disimprovement (treated probabilistically or deterministically). An alternative framework, embodied in tabu search, instead advocates a nonmonotonic form of control, keyed not only to the objective function but to other elements such as values of variables, direction of search, and levels of feasibility and infeasibility. This creates a more flexible search behavior and joins naturally with the use of memory-based strategies that are the hallmark of tabu search approaches. Embodied particularly in the strategic oscillation component of tabu search, this nonmonotonic control has been shown in a variety of studies to yield outcomes superior to those of simulated annealing and threshold acceptance. The question arises whether such an approach offers a sufficiently rich source of search trajectories to be relied upon as a primary .
Cutting Edge: A Critical Role for Gene Silencing in Preventing Excessive Type 1 Immunity1

Immunity often depends on proper cell fate choice by helper T lymphocytes. A naive cell, with minimal expression of IFN-γ and IL-4, must give rise to progeny expressing high levels of either one, but not both, of those cytokines to defend against protozoan and helminthic pathogens, respectively. In the present study, we show that inactivation of the Mbd2 gene, which links DNA methylation and repressed chromatin, results in enhanced resistance to the protozoan parasite Leishmania major but impaired immunity to the intestinal helminth Trichuris muris. Helper T cells from methyl CpG-binding domain protein-2-deficient mice exhibit exuberant patterns of cytokine expression despite appropriate silencing of genes encoding the lineage-specifying factors T-bet and GATA-3. These results suggest that gene silencing can facilitate the ability of a progenitor cell to give rise to appropriately differentiated daughter cells in vivo. These findings also point to novel pathways that could participate in genetic control of resistance to infection and autoimmunity.
Terrimonas rhizosphaerae sp. nov., isolated from ginseng rhizosphere soil.

The novel isolate belonging to the genus Terrimonas, designated CR94T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of a ginseng field in Geumsan, Korea. Cells of strain CR94T were strictly aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-filamentous single rods. Growth was observed at 10-37 °C (optimum 28 °C) and at pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum pH 6.0). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain CR94T belonged to the genus Terrimonas, showing highest sequence similarity to Terrimonas lutea DYT (97.3 %), Terrimonas pekingensis QHT (97.1 %), Terrimonas aquatica RIB1-6T (95.6 %), Terrimonas rubra M-8T (94.7 %) and Terrimonas ferruginea ATCC 13524T (93.8 %). DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain CR94T and T. lutea KACC 13047T, T. pekingensis KACC 18795T, T. ferruginea KACC 11310T and T. aquatica LMG 24825T were 30.5, 28.9, 17.8 and 13.5 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content was 46.5 mol% and the major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The major cellular fatty acids of strain CR94T were iso-C15:1 G and iso-C15 : 0. On the basis of the polyphasic analysis, strain CR94T represents a novel species of the genus Terrimonas, for which the name Terrimonas rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CR94T (=KACC 17564T=NCAIM B 025317T).
Hierarchical Bayesian spatial modelling of small‐area rates of non‐rare disease

We present Bayesian hierarchical spatial models for the analysis of the geographical distribution of a non‐rare disease or event. The work is motivated by the need for ascertaining regional variations in health services outcomes and resource use and for assessing the potential sources of these variations. The models discussed herein readily accommodate random spatial effects and covariate effects. We discuss Bayesian inferential framework and implementation of a hybrid Markov chain Monte Carlo method for full Bayesian model inference. The methods are illustrated through an analysis of regional variation in chronic lung disease (CLD) rates among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients across Canada. Specifically, we first present a random effects binomial model for spatially correlated CLD rates, with random spatial effects accounting for latent or covariate effects. These random spatial effects depict regional or spatial variation in chronic lung disease occurrence. We then extend this model to include covariates. With this extension, we assess residual spatial effects and the extent to which risk factors such as illness severity at NICU admission, low birth weight, and very low birth weight influence the CLD rate variation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Differentiation of Loose and Secure Femoral Implants in Total Hip Replacement Using a Vibrational Technique: An Anatomical and Pilot Clinical Study

Anatomical study: The common pathway to failure in total hip replacements is loosening of the acetabular and femoral components. The reliable diagnosis of this loosening is difficult. A non-invasive technique has been developed which analyses a vibration signal transmitted through the femur. This can distinguish between a femoral component which is loose and one which is firmly fixed. Charnley femoral components were cemented securely into ten cadaver femurs and the transmitted vibration signal recorded. The prostheses were then loosened first at the cement-prosthesis and then at the cement-bone interface. The tests were then repeated. Consistent and distinct differences between output vibration signals were observed between the firmly implanted and the loose prostheses. Pilot clinical study: Seven patients admitted for recision surgery because of clinical and radiological evidence of femoral implant loosening were tested using this technique. A further four patients with secure femoral components were tested approximately two weeks after total hip replacement. The differences in output signal, which had been observed between firmly implanted and loose prostheses during the anatomical study, were again demonstrated.
Exploring students' perceptions of learning management system: An empirical study based on TAM

This research aims to explore the perceptions of students in using learning management system (LMS) in order to enhance the learning process of students. The research also identifies issues that students faced when using LMS in order to improve the ease of use of LMS. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used as the theoretical framework to explain the adoption of LMS in term of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Respondents agree that LMS is easy to use and useful to them as a repository. However, results indicate that there is a lack of interaction among lecturers and peers.
Molecular Basis of Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin

Abstract: Increased levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can ameliorate the clinical course of inherited disorders of β‐globin gene expression, such as β thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. In a group of disorders called hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), expression of the γ‐globin gene of HbF persists at high levels in adult erythroid cells. Molecular studies of the HPFH syndromes have identified several important regulatory elements for the normal pattern of γ‐globin gene expression. Deletion as well as nondeletion types of HPFH have been identified. The nondeletion types of HPFH are characterized by the presence of point mutations, in the promoter region of one or another γ‐globin gene, that are thought to alter interactions between various transcription factors and the promoter. The deletion types of HPFH are thought to deregulate the normal developmental pattern of γ‐globin gene expression due to the juxtaposition of normally distant cis‐acting factors into the vicinity of the γ genes. These findings have provided us with a more sophisticated understanding of the molecular basis for the persistent γ‐gene expression in these syndromes and point to certain strategies for potential future attempts at gene therapy for β‐globin gene disorders.
A Multiplicative‐Epistatic Model for Analyzing Interspecific Differences in Outcrossing Species

Summary. Epistasis may play an important role in evolution and speciation. Under multiplicative interactions between different loci, an analytical model is proposed to estimate genetic parameters at the individual locus level that contribute to interspecific differences in outcrossing species. The multiplicative epistasis model, inferred from a number of animal and plant experiments, suggests that genotypes at a pair of loci have genotypic values equal to the product of genotypic values at the two different loci. By considering the genetic property of outcrossing species (i.e., high polymorphisms) in the multilevel family structure analysis for an intra‐ and interspecific factorial mating design, a method is developed to provide estimates for allele frequencies and additive and dominant effects at individual loci in each of the two parental populations, the genotypic values of newly formed heterozygotes through species combination each with one allele from a parental population and the second from the other parental population, and the numbers of genetic factors that lead to species differentiation. Use of clones offers a tremendous power to test the adequacy of the model. However, the utilization of the model with species that cannot be cloned is also discussed. An example with interspecific hybrids of two forest tree species is used to demonstrate the model.
A Dual Formulation of Mixed and on the Losslessness of Scaling

This paper studies the mixed structured singular value, , and the well-known (D;G)-scaling upper bound, . A dual characterization of and is derived, which intimately links the two values. Using the duals it is shown that is guaranteed to be lossless (i.e., equal to ) if and only if 2(mr +mc) +mC 3, wheremr;mc; and mC are the numbers of repeated real scalar blocks, repeated complex scalar blocks, and full complex blocks, respectively. The losslessness result further leads to a variation of the well-known Kalman–Yakubovich–Popov lemma and Lyapunov inequalities.
[Combined forecasting system of peritonitis outcome].

AIM To create a reliable system for assessing of severity and prediction of the outcome of peritonitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Critical analysis of the systems for peritonitis severity assessment is presented. The study included outcomes of 347 patients who admitted at the Department of Faculty Surgery of Peoples' Friendship University of Russia in 2015-2016. The cause of peritonitis were destructive forms of acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, perforated gastroduodenal ulcer, various perforation of small and large intestines (including tumor). RESULTS Combined forecasting system for peritonitis severity assessment is created. The system includes clinical, laboratory data, assessment of systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) and severity of organ failure (qSOFA). The authors focused on easily identifiable parameters which are available in virtually any surgical hospital. Threshold value (lethal outcome probability over 50%) is 8 scores in this system. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 93.3, 99.7 and 98.9%, respectively according to ROC-curve that exceeds those parameters of MPI and APACHE II.
Size and path length of Patricia tries: Dynamical sources context

Digital trees, such as tries, and Patricia tries are data structures routinely used in a variety of computer and communication applications including dynamic hashing, partial match retrieval, searching and sorting, conflict resolution algorithms for communication broadcast, data compression, and so forth. Here, we consider tries and Patricia tries built from n words emitted by a probabilistic dynamical source. Such sources encompass classical and many models such as memoryless sources and finite Markov chains. The probabilistic behavior of its main parameters, namely, the size and the path length, appears to be determined by some intrinsic characteristics of the source, such as Shannon entropy and entropy‐like constants, that depend on the spectral properties of specific transfer operators of Ruelle type. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 19: 289–315, 2001
Electronic load controller of a micro-hydro generator for stand-alone operation

This study presents the development of an electronic system for load control of a single-phase permanent magnet synchronous generator which operates in stand-alone mode. Considering that the generator input power is kept constant, the control system goal is to ensure that the generator output power is also kept constant, even if changes in the user load consumption occur. A switched binary-weighted ballast load is connected in parallel to the user load. It is composed of six resistors connected in series. These resistors will absorb the power not used by the user. A power electronic switch is connected in parallel to each ballast load resistor. Each switch is triggered in integer cycles. The on/off combination of these switches provides 64 options of equivalent resistances that vary linearly.
Object-transportation control by multiple wheeled vehicle-planar Cartesian manipulator systems

This paper proposes a control scheme to transport a palletized load by several wheeled vehicles (automated guided vehicles in factory). The planar Cartesian manipulator with two-degrees-of-freedom prismatic joint and one-degree-of-freedom rotary joint is mounted on each vehicle so that the vehicle with nonholonomic constraint and slow dynamic response can dexterously manipulate the pallet. Each vehicle-manipulator system independently controls the acceleration of its own hand grasping the pallet based on the prescribed mechanical impedance model. The kinematical redundancy of the vehicle-manipulator system is exploited to keep the manipulator arm within its workspace while executing the hand desired acceleration faithfully. The simulation result for the object-transportation by four vehicle-manipulator systems illustrates the validity of the proposed control scheme.