Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular and cellular gerontology Serpiano, Switzerland, September 18–22, 1999

Ageing is not only an important biological issue, but is also an important social and emotional issue that affects an increasing number of elderly people in industrialized countries. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological ageing process may ultimately lead to the understanding and prevention of age‐related diseases. The EMBO Workshop on Molecular and Cellular Gerontology has offered an ideal opportunity to promote the awareness that Europe should increase its capacity for research into ageing, as well as to open the field for young molecular biologists. It has brought together delegates from 14 different countries representing 21 nationalities. The sessions covered a wide range of complementary research areas: molecular and cellular aspects and theories of ageing, molecular basis of the loss of homeostatic maintenance mechanisms, model organisms including fungi, worms, flies, transgenic animal models, genetics of human longevity, clinical and molecular aspects of age‐related diseases, and integrated systems like brain and immune system (IS) ageing. This workshop report presents some of the highlights of the meeting. We apologize to all participants whose contribution has not been specifically mentioned due to space limitations. The proceedings of this meeting will be published in detail (Toussaint et al ., 2000). ### Keynote lectures In the first keynote lecture, George Martin (Seattle, WA) summarized the present concepts and research status, and gave an outlook to new directions for research on the biology of ageing. The ageing process is probably under the influence of genes and the environment (nutrition, lifestyle and chance) at a ratio of ∼30:70. This explains the stochastic nature of many age‐related alterations, a theme that came up in many subsequent talks and was stressed also by Tom Kirkwood (Manchester, UK) in the second keynote lecture (Finch and Kirkwood, 1999). Random accumulation of molecular and cellular damage and loss of repair functions are at the …
Metacarpal Descent, Definition and Normal Range

Metacarpal descent, an indication of carpometacarpal (CMC) joint mobility, was measured in 90 normal subjects by assessing the alignment of the metacarpal heads with the hand in a relaxed posture and when making a tight fist. Metacarpal descent was greater in women. Hand dominance was associated with an increase in positional angles but not metacarpal descent.
Presurgical internal maxillary artery embolization in juvenile angiofibroma

Embolization of the internal maxillary artery with barium impregnated silastic spheres was performed in four patients with juvenile angiofibroma of the nasopharynx. Three of the cases were done prior to the initial surgical resection to reduce operative hemorrhage. The fourth case was a postoperative recurrence, and embolization was performed to evaluate the clinical response of the tumor. The technical aspects of the procedure, the rationale for embolization and pertinent literature are reviewed.
Androcin, a novel type of cysteine‐rich venom peptide from Androctonus bicolor, induces akinesia and anxiety‐like symptoms in mice

A novel type of venom peptide with six disulfide bridges, referred to as Androcin, was identified from the scorpion Androctonus bicolor using a cDNA library strategy. The amino acid sequence of Androncin displays little identity to other known peptides from scorpions. We found that the genomic sequence of Androcin consists of three exons interrupted by two introns that are localized in the signal sequence and mature peptide encoding regions, inserted in phase 2 and phase 0, respectively. This genomic organization is unique among those of the cysteine‐rich peptides from scorpions described so far. The primary and secondary structures of Androcin are homologous to those of the N‐terminal domains of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins; this suggests that Androcin may block the normal function of IGFs. Toxicological analysis using the recombinant Androcin peptide revealed that Androcin is able to induce severe akinesia and anxiety‐like symptoms in mice. Androcin is a novel mammalian toxin with six disulfide bridges that provides the scorpion with another tool to subdue animals. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(4):277–285, 2014
Rhamnolipid biosurfactants: evolutionary implications, applications and future prospects from untapped marine resource

Abstract Rhamnolipid-biosurfactants are known to be produced by the genus Pseudomonas, however recent literature reported that rhamnolipids (RLs) are distributed among diverse microbial genera. To integrate the evolutionary implications of rhamnosyl transferase among various groups of microorganisms, a comprehensive comparative motif analysis was performed amongst bacterial producers. Findings on new RL-producing microorganism is helpful from a biotechnological perspective and to replace infective P. aeruginosa strains which ultimately ensure industrially safe production of RLs. Halotolerant biosurfactants are required for efficient bioremediation of marine oil spills. An insight on the exploitation of marine microbes as the potential source of RL biosurfactants is highlighted in the present review. An economic production process, solid-state fermentation using agro-industrial and industrial waste would increase the scope of biosurfactants commercialization. Potential and prospective applications of RL-biosurfactants including hydrocarbon bioremediation, heavy metal removal, antibiofilm activity/biofilm disruption and greener synthesis of nanoparticles are highlighted in this review.
Design of location areas for cellular mobile radio networks

In order to track the location of a mobile terminal in a cellular mobile network, the radio coverage area of a network is partitioned into clusters of base stations, called location areas. As mobile terminals cross the boundaries of location areas, a significant overhead location-updating traffic is injected into the controlling signaling network. The intent of this paper is to solve the problem of designing location areas for a given network such that the load of location-update-signaling traffic on the signaling network is minimized in the context that the intracluster communication is less expensive than the inter-cluster communications. In order to solve the problem, a two-phase matrix-decomposition based recursive algorithm is presented in the present paper. The proposed algorithm partitions a cellular network into required number of location areas in a hierarchical fashion, and is capable of generating an optimal or near optimal solution in very short times. By considering a range of network problems, it is demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can be applied to solve large-scale location area design problems.
非你不可 MacBook Pro（Retina屏幕）全体验

2010年，iPhone4的出现让世界知道了视网膜（Rtina）屏幕的存在，当时，苹果是这样对外介绍的：在一定的距离内，Retina超高的像素密度超过了人眼所能分辨的范围，将图像的逼真度提升至全新境界，文字显示更加棱角分明。 随后Retina屏幕出现在9. 7英寸的NewPad上，标志着苹果Retina技术的日渐成熟。
Thin applicator having coaxial ring slots for interstitial microwave hyperthermia

A thin ring-slot applicator (0.86 mm OD) inserted into a plastic catheter is considered as a practical applicator for interstitial microwave hyperthermia. First, the structure of the applicator and some experimental results are described. Then, an improved applicator having an open sleeve is shown, along with its experimental results. It is verified that the sleeve has improved the specific absorption rate distribution and made the applicator less sensitive to the insertion depth. <<ETX>>
Resection of dorsal vertebrae in congenital scoliosis.

The author shows, by means of histologically verified cases, that, in the development of the disease process, the small central nidus may increase through further dcstruction until it may be larger than the cross section of the normal skeleton at a given point. Two clinically and roentgenographically typical, but histologically unverified, cases give presumptive grounds for concluding that the natural course of the disease leads to spontaneous healing. This development appears contradictory to the claim that the disease is caused by bone infarction, and is hardly compatible with the generally accepbed definition of a tumor.
Lipopolysaccharides mediate leukotoxin secretion in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

We previously reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -related sugars are associated with the glycosylation of the collagen adhesin EmaA, a virulence determinant of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In this study, the role of LPS in the secretion of other virulence factors was investigated. The secretion of the epithelial adhesin Aae, the immunoglobulin Fc receptor Omp34 and leukotoxin were examined in a mutant strain with inactivated TDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-d-glucose 3,5-epimerase (rmlC), which resulted in altered O-antigen polysaccharides (O-PS) of LPS. The secretion of Aae and Omp34 was not affected. However, the leukotoxin secretion, which is mediated by the TolC-dependent type I secretion system, was altered in the rmlC mutant. The amount of secreted leukotoxin in the bacterial growth medium was reduced nine-fold, with a concurrent four-fold increase of the membrane-bound toxin in the mutant compared with the wild-type strain. The altered leukotoxin secretion pattern was restored to the wild-type by complementation of the rmlC gene in trans. Examination of the ltxA mRNA levels indicated that the leukotoxin secretion was post-transcriptionally regulated in the modified O-PS containing strain. The mutant strain also showed increased resistance to vancomycin, an antibiotic dependent on TolC for internalization, indicating that TolC was affected. Overexpression of TolC in the rmlC mutant resulted in an increased TolC level in the outer membrane but did not restore the leukotoxin secretion profile to the wild-type phenotype. The data suggest that O-PS mediate leukotoxin secretion in A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Infectivity and Transmission of Xylella fastidiosa by Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) in Apulia, Italy

ABSTRACT Discovery of Xylella fastidiosa from olive trees with “Olive quick decline syndrome” in October 2013 on the west coast of the Salento Peninsula prompted an immediate search for insect vectors of the bacterium. The dominant xylem-fluid feeding hemipteran collected in olive orchards during a 3-mo survey was the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae). Adult P. spumarius, collected in November 2013 from ground vegetation in X. fastidiosa-infected olive orchards, were 67% (40 out of 60) positive for X. fastidiosa by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Euscelis lineolatus Brullé were also collected but tested negative for the pathogen. Transmission tests with P. spumarius collected from the Salento area were, therefore, conducted. After a 96-h inoculation access period with 8 to 10 insects per plant and a 30-d incubation period, PCR results showed P. spumarius transmitted X. fastidiosa to two of five periwinkle plants but not to the seven olive plants. Sequences of PCR products from infected periwinkle were identical with those from X. fastidiosa-infected field trees. These data showed P. spumarius as a vector of X. fastidiosa strain infecting olives trees in the Salento Peninsula, Italy.
SOFT Endpoints in Liver Transplantation

In this issue of the AJT, Rana and colleagues have created a mathematical model, using the OPTN/SRTR data base, in an attempt to predict liver transplant outcomes that incorporates both candidate and donor factors. They chose to focus their predictive model on a 3-month posttransplant endpoint in deference to the MELD score’s widely accepted 3-month waitlist mortality endpoint. Their goal is to provide information that would help clinicians balance waitlist mortality with posttransplant outcome to help make ‘go or no go decisions on a particular allograft’ (1).
Ventral Tegmental Area Infusions of Inhibitors of the Biosynthesis and Metabolism of 3α,5α‐THP Attenuate Lordosis of Hormone‐Primed and Behavioural Oestrous Rats and Hamsters

The importance of progesterone biosynthesis and metabolism to 5α‐pregnan‐3α‐ol‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP), which exerts its effects via GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor complexes (GBRs) rather than intracellular progestin receptors (PRs), was investigated for its effects on sexual receptivity. Epostane, a 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor, blocks progesterone and 3α,5α‐THP biosynthesis. Finasteride, a 5α‐reductase inhibitor, blocks the metabolism of progesterone to dihydroprogesterone (DHP), which is subsequently metabolized to 3α,5α‐THP. Indomethacin, a 3α‐hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase inhibitor, blocks DHP's metabolism to 3α,5α‐THP, and its oxidation to DHP. Epostane, finasteride, indomethacin or vehicle were infused intracranially in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of hormone‐primed or naturally receptive rats and hamsters and sexual behaviour was recorded. Epostane, finasteride and indomethacin to the VTA significantly reduced lordosis, compared to vehicle infusions, in hormone‐primed and behavioural oestrous rats and hamsters. Radioimmunoassay revealed that concentrations of midbrain 3α,5α‐THP were reduced following epostane, finasteride or indomethacin infusions that significantly decreased lordosis. Immunocytochemistry for 3α,5α‐THP revealed the number of immunoreactive cells were significantly reduced in the VTA following epostane, finasteride or indomethacin infusion to the VTA, but not other midbrain sites. These data suggest that biosynthesis of progestins, and the metabolism of progesterone to 3α,5α‐THP in the VTA, are important for progestin‐facilitated sexual receptivity of rats and hamsters.
In vivo and in vitro dielectric properties of animal tissues at radio frequencies.

An open-ended coaxial line and an improved measurement method employing a computer controlled network analyzer were used to measure the permittivity of cat tissues. Muscle, spleen, kidney cortex, liver,and brain cortex were measured in vivo and in vitro at frequencies between 100 MHz and 8 GHz. The differences between the permittivities of these cat tissues, in the aforementioned range of frequencies, when measured in vivo and a few (up to four) hours after death, were found to be within the experimental uncertainty.
Snail Promotes CXCR2 LigandDependent Tumor Progression in NonSmall Cell Lung Carcinoma

Purpose: As a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin, Snail has predominantly been associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastasis. However, other important Snail-dependent malignant phenotypes have not been fully explored. Here, we investigate the contributions of Snail to the progression of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Experimental Design: Immunohistochemistry was done to quantify and localize Snail in human lung cancer tissues, and tissue microarray analysis was used to correlate these findings with survival. NSCLC cell lines gene-modified to stably overexpress Snail were evaluated in vivo in two severe combined immunodeficiency murine tumor models. Differential gene expression between Snail-overexpressing and control cell lines was evaluated using gene expression microarray analysis. Results: Snail is upregulated in human NSCLC tissue, and high levels of Snail expression correlate with decreased survival (P < 0.026). In a heterotopic model, mice bearing Snail-overexpressing tumors developed increased primary tumor burden (P = 0.008). In an orthotopic model, mice bearing Snail-overexpressing tumors also showed a trend toward increased metastases. In addition, Snail overexpression led to increased angiogenesis in primary tumors as measured by MECA-32 (P < 0.05) positivity and CXCL8 (P = 0.002) and CXCL5 (P = 0.0003) concentrations in tumor homogenates. Demonstrating the importance of these proangiogenic chemokines, the Snail-mediated increase in tumor burden was abrogated with CXCR2 blockade. Gene expression analysis also revealed Snail-associated differential gene expression with the potential to affect angiogenesis and diverse aspects of lung cancer progression. Conclusion: Snail upregulation plays a role in human NSCLC by promoting tumor progression mediated by CXCR2 ligands. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(22):68209)
A wideband balanced filter with 3/4λ, stepped-impedance resonator

For the purpose of improving the in-band performance of differential-mode(DM) passband and the design freedom of common-mode(CM) stopband, a balanced filter using branch line structure is presented in this paper. Prototype-based on Optimum Distributed Highpass Filter, a five-stage bandpass filter with three branch lines is firstly designed. Then to form the 3λ/4 stepped-impedance resonators(SIRs), two sections of λ/2 open-circuited stubs are additionally attached on the horizontal symmetrical line of the first and third branch line respectively. While excited by DM or CM signal, this filer is considered as a bandpass filter(BPF) in the former case or a bandstop filter(BSF) in the latter case. Finally, measured and simulated results are in agreement with each other pretty well, indicating that favorable DM transmission with 3dB fractional bandwidth of 57% is over acceptable CM suppression with fractional bandwidth of 128% more than 15dB.
Effect of three concentration techniques on viability of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts recovered from bovine feces

Bovine fecal samples (1 g) negative for Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were seeded with 7 x 10(4) Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and purified by either water-ether concentration, sucrose density flotation, or zinc sulfate flotation to evaluate oocyst recovery. The effect of these purification techniques on the viability of recovered oocysts was also evaluated. Significantly higher numbers of seeded oocysts were recovered by water-ether concentration (recovery rate, 46 to 75%) than by sucrose density (24 to 65%) or zinc sulfate (22 to 41%) flotation methods. In addition, water-ether concentration did not exert a significant effect on the viability of the population of oocysts recovered, whereas sucrose density flotation and zinc sulfate flotation selectively concentrated viable oocysts. The water-ether concentration procedure is recommended for use in epidemiological studies in which both oocyst enumeration and viability assessment are required.
Herbal extracts differentially inhibit oxidative effects caused by the biotransformation of nifurtimox, nitrofurantoin and acetaminophen on rat liver microsomes

Inflammation is a cellular defensive mechanism associated to oxidative stress. The administration of nitrofurantoin, nifurtimox and acetaminophen generates oxidative stress by their biotransformation through CYP450 system. The main adverse effect described for the first two drugs is gastrointestinal inflammation and that of the last, hepatitis. Therefore, standardised dry extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis, Buddleja globosa Hope, Cynara scolymus L. , Echinacea purpurea and Hedera helix were tested to evaluate their capacity to decrease drug-induced oxidative stress. For that, rat liver microsomes were incubated with drugs in the presence of NADPH (specific CYP450 system cofactor) to test oxidative damage on microsomal lipids, thiols, and GST activity. All drugs tested induced oxidation of microsomal lipids and thiols, and inhibition of GST activity. Herbal extracts prevented these phenomena in different extension. These results show that antioxidant phytodrugs previously evaluated could alleviate drugs adverse effects associated to oxidative stress.
1H NMR chemical shift selective (CHESS) imaging.

1H NMR images of human or animal tissues reflect the spatial distribution of both water (H2O) and methylene (CH2) proton resonance signals. There are several reasons for a separation of these contributions: (i) the large chemical shift dispersion in high magnetic fields (>or=1.5 T) which leads to an apparent spatial shift in 'composite' images between the superimposed H2O and CH2 images; (ii) the evaluation and interpretation of proton H2O and CH2 relaxation times from NMR images; and (iii) the physiological implications of 'water' and 'fat' distributions for medical diagnosis. The authors describe a chemical shift selective (CHESS) imaging technique which destroys the unwanted signal component by means of a selective 90 degrees excitation pulse and a subsequent magnetic field gradient ('homogeneity spoiling gradient') prior to imaging of the wanted component. The new method allows the creation of either a pure 'water' or 'fat' image.
Lipofundin® MCT/LCT 20% increase left ventricular systolic pressure in an ex vivo rat heart model via increase of intracellular calcium level

Background Lipid emulsions have been used to treat various drug toxicities and for total parenteral nutrition therapy. Their usefulness has also been confirmed in patients with local anesthetic-induced cardiac toxicity. The purpose of this study was to measure the hemodynamic and composition effects of lipid emulsions and to elucidate the mechanism associated with changes in intracellular calcium levels in myocardiocytes. Methods We measured hemodynamic effects using a digital analysis system after Intralipid® and Lipofundin® MCT/LCT were infused into hearts hanging in a Langendorff perfusion system. We measured the effects of the lipid emulsions on intracellular calcium levels in H9c2 cells by confocal microscopy. Results Infusion of Lipofundin® MCT/LCT 20% (1 ml/kg) resulted in a significant increase in left ventricular systolic pressure compared to that after infusing modified Krebs-Henseleit solution (1 ml/kg) (P = 0.003, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4–12.5). Lipofundin® MCT/LCT 20% had a more positive inotropic effect than that of Intralipid® 20% (P = 0.009, 95% CI, 1.4–11.6). Both lipid emulsion treatments increased intracellular calcium levels. Lipofundin® MCT/LCT (0.01%) increased intracellular calcium level more than that of 0.01% Intralipid® (P < 0.05, 95% CI, 0.0–1.9). Conclusions These two lipid emulsions had different inotropic effects depending on their triglyceride component. The inotropic effect of lipid emulsions could be related with intracellular calcium level.
A Systematic Approach Incorporating Family History Improves Identification of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Background:Although family history (FH) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, traditional risk scores do not incorporate FH. Nurse practitioners routinely solicit FH but have no mechanism to incorporate the information into risk estimation. Underestimation of risk leaves clinicians misinformed and patients vulnerable to the CVD epidemic. Objective:We examined a systematic approach incorporating FH in CVD risk assessment, validating risk reclassification using carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a surrogate measure of atherosclerosis. Methods:Of 413 consecutive patients prospectively enrolled in the Integrative Cardiac Health Project Registry, a subgroup of 239 was low or intermediate risk by the Framingham Risk Score. A systematic approach for the assessment of FH was applied to this subgroup of the registry. A positive FH for premature CVD, defined as a first-degree relative having a CVD event before the age of 55 years in men and 65 years in women, conferred reclassification to high risk. Reclassification was validated with CIMT results. Results:Chart audits revealed adherence to the systematic approach for FH assessment in 100% of cases. This systematic approach identified 115 of 239 (48%) patients as high risk because of positive FH. Of the reclassified patients, 75% had evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis by CIMT versus 55% in the patients not reclassified, P < 0.001. Logistic regression identified positive FH for premature CVD (odds ratio, 2.6; P = 0.001) among all variables, as the most significant predictor of abnormal CIMT, thus increasing risk for CVD. Conclusions:The Integrative Cardiac Health Project systematic approach incorporating FH into risk stratification enhances CVD risk assessment by identifying previously unrecognized high-risk patients, reduces variability in practice, and appropriately targets more stringent therapeutic goals for prevention.