Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peroxisomal β‐oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: isocitrate dehydrogenase provides NADPH for reduction of double bonds at even positions

The β‐oxidation of saturated fatty acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is confined exclusively to the peroxisomal compartment of the cell. Processing of mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids with the double bond at an even position requires, in addition to the basic β‐oxidation machinery, the contribution of the NADPH‐dependent enzyme 2,4‐dienoyl‐CoA reductase. Here we show by biochemical cell fractionation studies that this enzyme is a typical constituent of peroxisomes. As a consequence, the β‐oxidation of mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids with double bonds at even positions requires stoichiometric amounts of intraperoxisomal NADPH. We suggest that NADP‐dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase isoenzymes function in an NADP redox shuttle across the peroxisomal membrane to keep intraperoxisomal NADP reduced. This is based on the finding of a third NADP‐dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase isoenzyme, Idp3p, next to the already known mitochondrial and cytosolic isoenzymes, which turned out to be present in the peroxisomal matrix. Our proposal is strongly supported by the observation that peroxisomal Idp3p is essential for growth on the unsaturated fatty acids arachidonic, linoleic and petroselinic acid, which require 2,4‐dienoyl‐CoA reductase activity. On the other hand, growth on oleate which does not require 2,4‐dienoyl‐CoA reductase, and NADPH is completely normal in Δidp3 cells.
Constructive mechanism of Lead/Lag design for a class of linear systems

A generalized algorithm of compensator (Lead/Lag) design, using Root Locus, is proposed for a class of linear systems. The proposed algorithm (set of rules and equations) does not need explicitly drawing the root locus of the plant under consideration and can be a good software tool. The algorithm, takes the performance specifications and plant's data, uses the well known angle and magnitude conditions of the Root Locus technique, decides whether Lead or Lag compensator is needed. The steady state error requirements has also been incorporated (in case of Lag compensator). In addition, the dominance of desired pole pair is guaranteed. The proposed algorithm is verified by numerical examples.
Quick and simple distal pancreatectomy using the GIA stapler: Report of 35 cases

A method for distal pancreatectomy using the multifire GIA‐80 stapler (US Surgical, Nonvalk, Connecticut, USA) is reported that is quicker, associated with reduced blood loss and a lower incidence of pancreatic fistula than with other instruments such as the TA‐55 stapler (Auto Suture, Ascot, UK). When performing total gastrectomy with distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy to complete a wide lymph node dissection in patients with advanced gastric cancer, this method of pancreatectomy can be useful.
Role and feasibility of psychomotor and dexterity testing in selection for surgical training

The practice of Surgery has undergone major changes in the past 20 years and this is likely to continue. Knowledge, judgement and good technical skills will no longer be enough to safely practice surgery and interventional procedures. Fundamental abilities (e.g. psychomotor skills, visuospatial ability and depth perception) are critically important for catheter‐based interventions, NOTES, robotic surgery and other procedural interventions of the future. Not all individuals possess the same amount of these innate fundamental abilities and those less endowed are likely to struggle during surgical training and thereafter in surgical practice. In contrast to other high‐skill professions/industries (e.g. aviation) we do not have a tradition of testing prospective surgical trainees for abilities/attributes that we now recognize as being important for surgical practice. Instead, we continue to rely on surrogate markers of future potential (e.g. academic record). However, many studies have shown that psychomotor ability is an important predictor of both learning rate and performance for complex laparoscopic tasks. Psychomotor skills, visuospatial ability and depth perception can all be tested objectively by validated tests. At the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, all short‐listed candidates for Higher Surgical Training now undergo formal testing of both technical skills and fundamental abilities (psychomotor skills, visuospatial ability and depth perception). Reports on each candidate’s performance are supplied to the interview committee. Furthermore, a prospective database is being kept for correlation with future surgical performance. We believe that selection into surgical training should take account of attributes that we know are important for safe and efficient surgical practice.
Non-optimal Semi-autonomous Agent Behavior Policy Recognition

The coordination between cooperative autonomous agents is mainly based on knowing or estimating the behavior policy of each others. Most approaches assume that agents estimate the policies of the others by considering the optimal ones. Unfortunately, this assumption is not valid when an external entity changes the behavior of a semi-autonomous agent in a non-optimal way. We face such problems when an operator is guiding or tele-operating a system where many factors can affect his behavior such as stress, hesitations, preferences, etc. In such situations the recognition of the other agent policies becomes harder than usual since considering all situations of hesitations or stress is not feasible. In this paper, we propose an approach able to recognize and predict future actions and behavior of such agents when they can follow any policy including non-optimal ones and different hesitations and preferences cases by using online learning techniques. The main idea of our approach is based on estimating, initially, the policy by the optimal one, then we update it according to the observed behavior to derive a new estimated policy. In this paper, we present three learning methods of updating policies, show their stability and efficiency and compare them with existing approaches.
In vivo flexion/extension of the normal cervical spine

Twenty‐two women (age range 25—49 years, average 30.9 years) and twenty‐two men (age range 23—42 years, average 31.6 years), all healthy and asymptomatic, underwent passive flexion/extension examinations of the cervical spine. Functional x‐rays were taken and analyzed using a computer‐assisted method that quantified intervertebral rotations, translations, and locations of the centers of rotation for each level C1‐C2—C6‐C7. The aim of the study was to establish values for these parameters for a normal population as related to age and gender. In the process, a statistically significant difference was found in the average value of rotation between male and female groups at the C5‐C6 level. A new parameter, the ratio between translation and rotation, was also established and may prove useful for clinical diagnoses. This parameter has a smaller error associated with it than do pure translations and may aid the clinician by helping to account for the large variation in rotatory ranges of motion within the population. This translation/rotation ratio indicated highly significant differences in the lower segments of the cervical spine between gender groups.
Session-oriented Adaptive Routing for improving path stability in WLAN based mesh networks

The IEEE 802.11s standard is designed to support multi-hop mesh networking between WLAN devices. It features the HWMP (Hybrid Wireless Mesh Protocol) as its default path selection protocol which combines the proactive tree building mode and the on-demand path selection mode. The proactive mode can periodically maintain the lowest link cost route to the root node, but poses the path instability problem, where the path is unnecessarily changed when the path is updated. As a result, the performance of the network is degraded. To alleviate this problem, we propose the Session-oriented Adaptive Routing (SOAR) protocol, which recognizes each data session and prevents path switching while the data session is in progress. To achieve this, we do not switch the existing path even though the link cost may be higher than the new path, unless the potential throughput gain of the new path is considered better than the pre-determined threshold. Moreover, the new path with lower link cost is also stored and used when a new data session is initiated. We have conducted preliminary simulation studies via the ns-3 to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme.
The Effects of Ampicillin versus Tetracycline in the Selection of pBR322 Transformants

Escherichia coli DH5α cells were transformed with pBR322 plasmids, which encode both ampicillin and tetracycline resistance genes. After 45and 60-minute recovery periods, the transformed cells were plated on three types of selective plates, containing 1) ampicillin only, 2) tetracycline only, and 3) ampicillin plus tetracycline. It was found that tetracycline selection from these recovery periods resulted in a lower level of transformant survival than ampicillin selection. However, after the transformants were allowed to recover for several generations, their survival rates were similar on ampicillin plates and on tetracycline plates.
Fast start-up of anammox process with mixed activated sludge and settling option

ABSTRACT In this study, successful start-up of the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) process in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was achieved by seeding mixed activated sludge which included aerobic sludge, anaerobic sludge, simultaneous partial nitrification, anammox and denitrification (SNAD) sludge, and anammox sludge with low activity at a 2200:2100:5:2 volume ratio. On day 15, the effective anammox activity was attained in SBR, with the specific total nitrogen removal rate (SRR) of 0.214 gNg−1 VSSd−1. The total nitrogen removal rate (NRR) increased to 230 gNm−3 d−1 by gradually reducing the setting time to 10 min. With the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) up to 506 gNm−3 d−1, the total NRR of the SBR reached 433 gNm−3 d−1 during stationary phase. Candidatus Brocadia was detected as predominant functional microbes in the anammox SBR. The results demonstrated the feasibility of seeding mixed activated sludge to start-up an anammox SBR by settling option.
Characterization of rat transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors lacking the N-glycosylation site N604

Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed on HEK293 cells transiently transfected with the rat (r) wild-type transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) (rTRPV1) receptor or with a mutant that lacks the potential N-glycosylation site at position N604 (rTRPV1-N604T). Replacement of Asn by Thr (N604T) depressed the maximum of the concentration–response curve for capsaicin and decreased the EC50 value of this agonist. Further, such a manipulation modified the sensitivity to the TRPV1 receptor-antagonist capsazepine and altered the dependence of the capsaicin effect on extracellular pH. Hence, glycosylation may affect the basic functional characteristics of the rTRPV1 receptor channel in accordance with the knowledge that N-glycosylation may regulate ligand binding or gating properties of ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors.
Alan Turing: Virtuosity and visualisation

Alan Turing (1912--1954) has been increasingly recognised as an important mathematician who, despite his short life, developed mathematical ideas that today have led to foundational aspects of computer science, especially with respect to computability, artificial intelligence and morphogenesis (the growth of biological patterns, important in mathematical biology). Some of Turing's mathematics and related ideas can be visualised in interesting and even artistic ways, aided using software. In addition, a significant corpus of the historical documentation on Turing can now be accessed online as a number of major archives have digitised material related to Turing. This paper introduces some of the major scientific work of Turing and ways in which it can be visualised, often artistically. Turing's fame has, especially since his centenary in 2012, reached a level where he has had a cultural influence on the arts in general. Although the story of Turing can be seen as one of tragedy, with his life cut short, from a historical viewpoint Turing's contribution to humankind has been triumphant.
Pyrimidine Biosynthetic Pathway of Bacillus subtilis

Biochemical and genetic data were obtained from a series of 51 Pyr- strains of Bacillus subtilis. The observed enzymatic deficiencies allowed the mutants to be placed into 12 clases, some of which represent defects in more than one of the six known pyrimidine biosynthetic enzymes. Mapping analysis by transformation has shown that all the Pyr- mutations are located in a single small area of the B. subtilis genome. A correlation of the biochemical defects and the genetic data has been made. Those mutations conferring similar enzymatic deficiencies were found to be contiguous on the B. subtilis map. Regulatory aspects of the pyrimidine pathway have also been investigated and are compared to previously reported results from other organisms. Evidence is presented which bears upon the possible physical association of the first three enzymes and the association of at least some of the enzymes of this pathway with particulate elements of the cell. A model for the organization of the enzymes is presented with dihydroorotate dehydrogenase as the central enzyme in a proposed aggregate.
, Takahiro Isono and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition in Heart Failure Bradykinin Improves Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Under Long-Term

Both systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction coexist in various degrees in the majority of patients with heart failure. Although ACE inhibitors are useful in the treatment of heart failure, the roles of bradykinin in the systolic and diastolic properties of left ventricular function under long-term treatment of ACE inhibitor have not been fully elucidated. We therefore evaluated the changes in left ventricular function, histomorphometry, and the expression of several failing heart related genes, by use of an orally active specific bradykinin type 2 receptor antagonist, FR173657 (0.3 mg/kg per day), with an ACE inhibitor, enalapril (1 mg/kg per day), in dogs with tachycardia-induced heart failure (270 ppm, 22 days) and compared the effects to enalapril alone. Although there were no differences observed in blood pressure, left ventricular dimension, and percentage of fractional shortening, FR173657 significantly increased left ventricular filling pressure (P 0.01), prolonged the time constant of relaxation (P 0.05), and suppressed the expression of endothelial NO synthase and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca -ATPase mRNA (P 0.05). FR173657 also upregulated collagen type I and III mRNA (P 0.05) and increased the total amount of cardiac collagen deposits (P 0.05) in left ventricle compared with that in the enalapril-treated group. In conclusion, endogenous bradykinin contributes to the cardioprotective effect of ACE inhibitor, improving left ventricular diastolic dysfunction rather than systolic dysfunction, via modification of NO release and Ca handling and suppression of collagen accumulation. (Hypertension. 2002;39:952-957.)
The Contribution of an Electronic Conductivity Device to the Safety of Pedicle Screw Insertion in Scoliosis Surgery

Study Design. Retrospective, controlled clinical study. Objective. To evaluate the contribution of an electronic conductivity device (ECD) to the safety of pedicle screw insertion in pediatric scoliosis surgery. Summary of Background Data. The implantation of pedicle screws in spinal deformity correction surgery has evolved into the currently predominant fixation technique. Methodologies for optimizing placement of pedicle screws are fluoroscopy, electromyography, and intraoperative image-based navigation. A hand-held ECD was recently introduced. Methods. Pedicle screw insertion was analyzed in 248 pediatric scoliosis patients (idiopathic, congenital, neuromuscular, syndromatic). Group I included 150 procedures without the aid of the ECD and group II included 98 ECD-aided procedures. The two groups were matched by age, sex, etiology, Cobb angle, and surgical criteria. Data on screw position and concomitant neuromonitoring alarms were compared. Group I consisted of patients operated with both the hybrid construct and pedicle screw instrumentation, while group II consisted of patients operated solely with pedicle screws. Both groups were operated on by a single surgeon with the same neurophysiologic methodology. Clinically relevant misplaced pedicle screws were established by intraoperative monitoring alarms concomitant with pedicle screw insertion. Results. A total of 1270 pedicle screw placements were analyzed in group I and compared with 1400 pedicle screw placements in group II. Neuromonitoring alarms concomitant with screw placement occurred in 10 procedures in group I (6.6%) compared with 3 in group II (3.0%). The contribution of the electronic device to reducing the number of neurophysiologic alarms was significant (P = 0.048, Fisher exact test). Nine of the 13 monitoring alarms (69%) were associated with implantation adjacent to the apex of the spinal curve. Conclusion. The use of an ECD significantly reduced the incidence of clinically relevant misplaced screws in a variety of scoliosis patients, thereby increasing the safety of pedicle screw implantation.
Serum Levels of Coenzyme Q10 in Patients with Multiple System Atrophy

The COQ2 gene encodes an essential enzyme for biogenesis, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Recessive mutations in this gene have recently been identified in families with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Moreover, specific heterozygous variants in the COQ2 gene have also been reported to confer susceptibility to sporadic MSA in Japanese cohorts. These findings have suggested the potential usefulness of CoQ10 as a blood-based biomarker for diagnosing MSA. This study measured serum levels of CoQ10 in 18 patients with MSA, 20 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 18 control participants. Although differences in total CoQ10 (i.e., total levels of serum CoQ10 and its reduced form) among the three groups were not significant, total CoQ10 level corrected by serum cholesterol was significantly lower in the MSA group than in the Control group. Our findings suggest that serum CoQ10 can be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of MSA and to provide supportive evidence for the hypothesis that decreased levels of CoQ10 in brain tissue lead to an increased risk of MSA.
Activation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases 1 and 2 by Insulin-Like Growth Factor I in Human Osteosarcoma MG-63 Cells

The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 by insulin-like growth factor I in human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells was examined by Mono Q ion exchange chromatography of cell extracts and measurement of myelin basic protein kinase activity, and by immunoblotting of cell extracts with a phospho-specific extracellular signal-regulated kinase antibody. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 appeared to be activated in resting cells and addition of insulin-like growth factor I resulted in the activation primarily of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 was found in the nucleus after addition of insulin-like growth factor I.
Title Study on differentiation factors for main disease identification ofintermittent claudication

Intermittent Claudication [1] is a walking symptom. After a short time walking, patients suffer from pains at lower limbs. But if taking a rest, the pains can be relieved and they can walk again. Unfortunately, it arises from not one but mainly two kinds of diseases: LSS (lumber spinal canal stenosis) and PAD (peripheral arterial disease). Additionally, it is reported that symptom is similar and LSS groups is furthermore divided into two main groups: L4 and L5 groups. Therefore, it is clinically very important to differentiate which diseases the patients suffer from, PAD, L4 or L5. We aims at developing the system to differentiate them from short walking motion data. In our previous paper [2], we derived differentiation factors, but did not consider the difference between L4 and L5 and the results are limited. This paper focuses on biarticular muscles associated with the diseases, and derive new and effective differentiation factors. The results supports their effectiveness and validity.
HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN ATTENDING A DAY CARE CENTER

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an important cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI). We studied 335 ARI episodes in 74 children <5 years of age attending a day care center during a 1-year period to detect the presence of hMPV and other viruses. Seven (9.5%) children were infected by hMPV and this virus accounted for 2.1% of the ARI episodes.
Impact of CT in Patients with Sepsis of unknown Origin

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic relevance of CT in patients with sepsis of unknown origin. Material and Methods: Sixty-three consecutive intensive care patients with suspicion of an abscess and negative or inconclusive previous radiological examinations were included. CT was performed using the helical technique. A total of 45 abdominal and 38 chest examinations were evaluated. Results: 5/38 examinations of the chest revealed the source of sepsis (pleural empyema 2, lung abscess 1, mediastinitis 1, retrosternal abscess 1). 7/45 abdominal CT examinations showed the source of sepsis (intraabdominal abscess 2, hepatic abscess 3, intestinal perforation 1, gangrenous colitis 1). Conclusion: CT is useful for the evaluation of patients with fever or sepsis without a known source. Due to the detection of a septic focus by CT, 19% of the patients in our study could be immediately referred to causal therapy as percutaneous drainage or surgery.
Gender Differential in the Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus among the Patients in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. It is a major public health problem and disease burden worldwide, and especially in Nigeria. This study determined the gender differential in the incidence of Diabetes mellitus among the patients in Udi L.G. A of Enugu State. Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey design was employed. A sample of 343 diabetes mellitus patients were randomly selected and used for the study. Researchers design data documentary profoma was used to collect the data from selected health facilities in respect to the patients’ gender and their fasting sugar level as contained in their folder or hospital record/register. Frequency and percentages was used to answer research question while the null hypothesis was tested using Chi- square at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the result revealed a high incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in 2012, females recorded a high incidence of DM from 2008-2012 and high percentage of fasting blood sugar level than male. The finding also revealed no difference in the fasting blood sugar based on gender. It is recommended among others that diagnostic investigation on human placental lactose is advocated to reduce or stop its opposition to insulin secretion during pregnancy.