Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure of glutamate analogs that activate the ON bipolar cell metabotropic glutamate receptor in vertebrate retina

Although there are many glutamate receptors in the retina, 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (L-AP4) is an agonist that acts selectively at metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR6) of ON bipolar cells. We explored the properties of agonists that activate this receptor. The effects of various glutamate analogs on the b-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG) were used as a measure of their activity. Conformational comparisons among agonists suggest that ligands in an extended conformation preferentially bind to the ON bipolar synaptic receptor. But this property is insufficient to explain the selectivity of mGluR6 because some inactive glutamate analogs could also match this extended conformation. Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) was used to compare the electrostatic and steric potentials of agonists with their action at the ON bipolar synapse. Steric potentials beneath a plane defined by the three putative binding sites plays a key role in determining agonist activity. The CoMFA model was used to predict the activity of glutamate analogs and correlations between predicted and measured activity support the model.
Isolation of a prokaryotic metallothionein locus and analysis of transcriptional control by trace metal ions

In eukaryotes, metallothioneins (MTs) are involved in cellular responses to elevated concentrations of certain metal ions. We report the isolation and analysis of a prokaryotic MT locus from Synechococcus PCC 7942. The MT locus (smt) includes smtA, which encodes a class II MT, and a divergently transcribed gene, smtB. The sites of transcription initiation of both genes have been mapped and features within the smt operator‐promoter region identified. Elevated concentrations of the ionic species of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn elicited an increase in the abundance of smtA transcripts. There was no detectable effect of elevated metal (Cd) on smtA transcript stability. Sequences upstream of smtA, fused to a promoterless lacZ gene, conferred metal‐dependent β‐galactosidase activity in Synechococcus PCC 7942 (strain R2‐PIM8). At maximum permissive concentrations, Zn was the most potent elicitor in vivo, followed by Cu and Cd with slight induction by Co and Ni. The deduced SmtB polypeptide has similarity to the ArsR and CadC proteins involved in resistance to arsenate/arsenite/antimonite and to Cd, contains a predicted helix‐turn‐helix DNA‐binding motif and is shown to be a repressor of transcription from the smtA operator‐promoter.
A 5-year clinical study of indirect and direct resin composite and ceramic inlays.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical performance of 4 types of tooth-colored inlays. METHOD AND MATERIALS Fifteen direct ceramic inlays (Cerec Cos 2.0), 15 direct resin composite inlays (Brilliant Direct Inlay), 14 indirect ceramic inlays (Vita Dur N), and 14 indirect resin composite inlays (Estilux) were made in 37 patients, according to the manufacturers' instructions. The inlays were evaluated 1 week (baseline) and 6, 12, 36, 48, and 60 months after cementation (modified CDA Quality Evaluation System). RESULTS Two Vita Dur N inlays fractured after 1 and 4 years in function, and one Cerec inlay fractured after 4.5 years. Two Brilliant DI inlays needed replacement because of secondary caries (after 1 and 5 years), and one inlay (Estilux) needed replacement due to persisting hypersensitivity. Three inlays (1 Estilux and 2 Brilliant DI) were repaired due to chipping or minor fractures. During the observation period, the surface texture of Brilliant DI and Vita Dur N inlays became significantly rougher. After 5 years, the Estilux inlays had significantly lower ratings for morphology compared to baseline ratings. In general, the occlusal marginal adaptation did not show further disintegration of the luting cement after 1 year. CONCLUSION Eighty-eight percent of the inlays were in function after 5 years. No significant differences were revealed among the survival rates of the different types of inlays.
Spectrum handoff decision algorithm with dynamic weights in cognitive radio networks

While primary users (PU) arrive in cognitive radio networks, the current spectrum handoff scheme is that secondary users (SU) have to vacate the spectrum bands which is used and move to other available spectrum bands. This brings frequent spectrum handoffs and degrades the performance of SU even results in service interrupt. Actually SU can still continue to transmit (Underlay) as long as the interference at PU does not exceed a certain threshold. However, the coverage of Underlay is restricted. To overcome aforementioned problem, it is proposed a multi-cell spectrum handoff scheme as a supplement on the coverage of Underlay. Simple additive weights decision algorithm with dynamic weights (SAW-DW) in spectrum handoff is used to select optimal target cell for SU to avoid service interrupt when SU exceeds Underlay constraint. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the scheme and algorithm can reduce the probability of handoff failure and service interrupt of SU and improve quality of service.
TORCH — an innovative high-precision time-of-flight PID detector for the LHCb upgrade

TORCH is a Cherenkov time-of-flight detector being developed as a particle identification system for the upgraded LHCb experiment. The DIRC-type detector is located at 10m distance from the interaction point with an area of 30m2 and is formed from 10mm thick synthetic amorphous fused silica plates. In this Cherenkov radiator the photons that propagate by total internal reflection to the plate edge are focussed onto an array of position-sensitive micro-channel plate sensors. Combining the photon timings the goal is to achieve a σ = 15 ps timing resolution per particle, yielding 3σ pion-kaon separation up to 10 GeV/c or better. Requirements for the photon detectors are presented together with preliminary prototype results. Preparations for the upcoming test beam are discussed. Optical design studies have been performed for using one of the available bar boxes of the BaBar DIRC detector containing assembled quartz radiator bars in a future test beam experiment.
Acute hamstring injuries in Swedish elite sprinters and jumpers: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial comparing two rehabilitation protocols

Background Hamstring strain is a common injury in sprinters and jumpers, and therefore time to return to sport and secondary prevention become of particular concern. Objective To compare the effectiveness of two rehabilitation protocols after acute hamstring injury in Swedish elite sprinters and jumpers by evaluating time needed to return to full participation in the training process. Study design Prospective randomised comparison of two rehabilitation protocols. Methods Fifty-six Swedish elite sprinters and jumpers with acute hamstring injury, verified by MRI, were randomly assigned to one of two rehabilitation protocols. Twenty-eight athletes were assigned to a protocol emphasising lengthening exercises, L-protocol, and 28 athletes to a protocol consisting of conventional exercises, C-protocol. The outcome measure was the number of days to return to full training. Re-injuries were registered during a period of 12 months after return. Results Time to return was significantly shorter for the athletes in the L-protocol, mean 49 days (1SD±26, range 18–107 days), compared with the C-protocol, mean 86 days (1SD±34, range 26–140 days). Irrespective of protocol, hamstring injuries where the proximal free tendon was involved took a significantly longer time to return than injuries that did not involve the free tendon, L-protocol: mean 73 vs 31 days and C-protocol: mean 116 vs 63 days, respectively. Two reinjuries were registered, both in the C-protocol. Conclusions A rehabilitation protocol emphasising lengthening type of exercises is more effective than a protocol containing conventional exercises in promoting time to return in Swedish elite sprinters and jumpers.
Delivery Delay Analysis for Roadside Unit Deployment in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks With Intermittent Connectivity

This paper analyzes the information delivery delay for the purpose of roadside unit (RSU) deployment in a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) with intermittent connectivity. A mathematical model is developed to describe the relationship between the average delay for delivering road condition information and the deployment distance between two neighbor RSUs. The derived mathematical model considers a sparse highway scenario where two neighbor RSUs are deployed at a distance without a direct connection, and vehicles are sparsely distributed on the road with road condition information randomly generated between the two neighbor RSUs. Moreover, the model takes into account the vehicle speed, the vehicle density, the likelihood of an incident, and the deployment distance between two neighbor RSUs. The correctness and accuracy of the derived mathematical model is verified, and the impacts of different parameters on the average information delivery delay are investigated through simulation results. Given an information delivery delay constraint for time-critical applications, this model can be used to estimate the maximum deployment distance allowed between two neighbor RSUs, which can provide a reference for the deployment of RSUs in such scenarios.
Thymidine-Dependent Staphylococcus aureus Small-Colony Variants Are Associated with Extensive Alterations in Regulator and Virulence Gene Expression Profiles

ABSTRACT Chronic airway infection is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) and many CF patients are infected persistently by Staphylococcus aureus. Thymidine-dependent trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT)-resistant S. aureus small-colony variants (SCVs), often in combination with isogenic normal S. aureus phenotypes, are highly prevalent and persistent in airway secretions of CF patients due to long-term SXT therapy (B. Kahl, M. Herrmann, A. S. Everding, H. G. Koch, K. Becker, E. Harms, R. A. Proctor, and G. Peters, J. Infect. Dis. 177:1023-1029, 1998). In this report, SCVs were compared to normal S. aureus by transcription analysis of important regulator (sigB, sarA, and agr) and virulence (α-hemolysin, hla, and protein A, spa) genes. Growth curve analyses revealed longer doubling times and lower final densities for SCVs than for normal strains. sigB activity was measured by transcription analysis of the sigB target gene asp23. For nearly all SCVs, expression of all regulators was decreased as assessed by asp23 reverse transcription-PCR for sigB and Northern analysis for sarA and agr. These results are in agreement with diminished hla signals in all SCVs and increased spa signals in 5 of 10 SCVs compared to the isogenic normal S. aureus. Both supplementation of SCVs with thymidine and activation of the agr quorum-sensing system by the supernatant of the isogenic normal strain reversed transcription to almost normal levels. In conclusion, multiple changes in growth characteristics and in regulator and virulence gene expression render SCVs less virulent and allow them to survive in the hostile environment present in the airways of CF patients, thereby illustrating adaptation of the bacteria during long-term persistence.
DESIGN AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CONTR OLLED RELEASE MATRIX TABLETS OF ZIDOVUDINE

The investigation was concerned with design and characterization of oral controlled release matrix tablets of Zidovudine (AZT) in order to improve efficacy and better patient compliance. Tablets were prepared by direct compression method using various proportion of hydrophilic polymer viz; Eudragit RS100 and RL100 along or in combination with hydrophobic polymer ethyl cellulose. In vitro release studies were performed using USP type I apparatus (rotary basket type). The release kinetics were analysed using Zero-order model equation, Higuchi’s square root equation and Korsmeyer and Peppas’ emphirical equation. Compatibility of drug with various formulations excipients was also studied. Dissolution study revealed that either Eudragit RS100 or RL100 10%,20% w/w of tablet preparations were able to sustain the drug release up to 9 hours, but 30%, 40% as well as ethyl cellulose combination with 20% and 25% w/w of Eudragit RS100 and RL100 were able to sustaining the drug release for 12 hour. Mathematical analysis of the release kinetics indicated that the nature of drug release from the matrix tablets followed non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. No compatibility was observed between the drug and excipients used in the formulation of matrix tablets. The optimized formulation (F13) showed insignificant difference in release mechanism as well as release kinetics (P>0.05) when stability study was done for six months at 40±2 0 C and 75±5% RH.
Designing circular CMUT cells using CMUT biasing chart

A very accurate equivalent circuit model for circular CMUT cell is recently proposed. As a consequence of this model, the operating characteristics of the cell is derived and presented as a biasing chart for CMUTs. We discuss these operating characteristics and show how the coupling coefficient can be derived from the model. We present an analysis of receiver performance of a CMUT cell. We also demonstrate how to design cells for fixed bias voltage but for different static depression.
Cardiac autonomic nervous activities and cardiorespiratory fitness in older men.

BACKGROUND Aging associated changes in sympatho-vagal activities have been widely studied. However, little is known about the association between cardiorespiratory fitness level and cardiac autonomic nervous activities in conjunction with baroreflex sensitivity in healthy older men. METHODS We performed an incremental submaximal exercise test in 24 healthy, older men aged 60-70 years. They were divided into physically fit (PF, oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold [ATO(2)] = 25.2 +/- 0.85 ml.kg(-1). min(-1)) and physically unfit (PU, ATO(2) = 19.6 +/- 0.42 ml.kg(-1). min(-1)) groups, based upon the results of an incremental exercise stress test. The cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activities were assessed by means of power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) testing was performed using simultaneous beat-by-beat blood pressure and heart rate measurement during a transition from supine horizontal position to 60 degrees head-up-tilting (HUT). RESULTS At rest conditions, the high-frequency component ( p =.03) and total power ( p =.04) of heart rate variability spectrum were significantly higher in the PF group. The BRS assessed during passive HUT was also significantly higher (7.5 +/- 0.5 vs 3.0 +/- 0.4 ms.mm Hg(-1), p =. 001) in the PF compared with the PU group. In addition, a significant correlation coefficient (r =.73, p =.001) was found between ATO(2) and BRS among the subjects. CONCLUSIONS The maintenance of high cardiorespiratory function, i.e., higher ATO(2) through a life-long active lifestyle including endurance exercise, may play an important role in reserving cardiac ANS and BRS in older men.
Predicting Bond Ratings Using Neural Networks: A Comparison with Logistic Regression

Bond rating agencies examine the financial outlook of a company and the characteristics of a bond issue and assign a rating that indicates an independent assessment of the degree of default risk associated with the firm’s bonds. Predicting this bond rating has been of interest to potential investors as well as to the firm. Prior research in this area has primarily relied upon traditional statistical methods to develop models with reasonably good prediction accuracy. This article utilizes a neural network approach to modeling the bond rating process in an attempt to increase the overall prediction accuracy of the models. A comparison is made to a more traditional logistic regression approach to classification prediction. The results indicate that the neural networks-based model performs significantly better than the logistic regression model for classifying a holdout sample of newly issued bonds in the 1990–92 period. A potential drawback to a neural network approach is a tendency to overfit the data which could negatively affect the model’s generalizability. This study carefully controls for overfitting and obtains significant improvement in bond rating prediction compared to the logistic regression approach. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decomposition of AVIRIS spectra: extraction of surface-reflectance, atmospheric, and instrumental components

Presents techniques that use only information contained within a raw, high-spectral-resolution, hyperspectral Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) scene to estimate and remove additive components (atmospheric scattering and instrument dark current). These techniques allow normalization of multiplicative components (instrument gain, topography, atmospheric transmission) and enhancement, extraction, and identification of relative-reflectance information related to surface composition and mineralogy. The authors' derivation of additive components from raw AVIRIS data is based on an adaptation of Crippen's "regression intersection method (RIM). " As does RIM, the authors use pairs of surface units that are spectrally homogeneous, spatially extensive, and located in rugged terrain. However, their technique utilizes the long-wavelength spectral data of AVIRIS to derive and remove atmospheric scattering components for each unit. AVIRIS data from the Kelso Dunes and Granite Mountain areas of southern California served as spectrally contrasting, topographically modulated surfaces for illustration of this technique. For a given site and wavelength pair, subtraction of the wavelength-dependent additive component from individual bands will remove topographic shading in both sites in band-to-band ratio images. Normalization of all spectra in the scene to the average scene spectrum results in cancellation of multiplicative components and produces a relative-reflectance scene. Absorption features due to mineral absorptions that depart from the average spectrum can be identified in the relative-reflectance AVIRIS product. The validity of these techniques is demonstrated by comparisons between relative-reflectance AVIRIS spectra derived from application of this technique and those derived by using the standard calibration techniques of JPL. Calibrated spectra were extracted from an AVIRIS scene of the Upheaval Dome area of Canyonlands National Park, UT. Results show that surface-reflectance information can be extracted and interpreted in terms of surface mineralogy after application of these techniques to AVIRIS data.
Is the ORBIT Bleeding Risk Score Superior to the HAS-BLED Score in Anticoagulated Atrial Fibrillation Patients?

BACKGROUND Several bleeding risk scores have been validated in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The ORBIT score has been recently proposed as a simple score with the best ability to predict major bleeding. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that the ORBIT score was superior to the HAS-BLED score for predicting major bleeding and death in "real world" anticoagulated AF patients. METHODSANDRESULTS We analyzed the predictive performance for bleeding and death of 406 AF patients who underwent 571 electrical cardioversion procedures and 1,276 patients with permanent/persistent AF from the FANTASIIA registry. In the cardioversion population, 21 patients had major bleeding events and 26 patients died. The predictive performance for major bleeding of HAS-BLED and ORBIT were not significantly different (c-statistics 0.77 (95% CI 0.66-0.88) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.77-0.93), respectively; P=0.080). For the FANTASIIA population, 46 patients had major bleeding events and 50 patients died. The predictive performances for major bleeding of HAS-BLED and ORBIT were not significantly different (c-statistics 0.63 (95% CI 0.56-0.71) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.62-0.77), respectively; P=0.116). For death, the predictive performances of HAS-BLED and ORBIT were not significantly different in both populations. The ORBIT score categorized most patients as "low risk". CONCLUSIONS Despite the original claims in its derivation paper, the ORBIT score was not superior to HAS-BLED for predicting major bleeding and death in a "real world" oral anticoagulated AF population. (Circ J 2016; 80: 2102-2108).
Insights into function and regulation of small heat shock protein 25 (HSPB1) in a mouse model with targeted gene disruption

The mammalian small heat shock protein (sHSPs) family is comprised of 10 members and includes HSPB1, which is proposed to play an essential role in cellular physiology, acting as a molecular chaperone to regulate diverse cellular processes. Whilst differential roles for sHSPs are suggested for specific tissues, the relative contribution of individual sHSP family members in cellular and organ physiology remains unclear. To address the function of HSPB1 in vivo and determine its tissue‐specific expression during development and in the adult, we generated knock‐in mice where the coding sequence of hspb1 is replaced by a lacZ reporter gene. Hspb1 expression marks myogenic differentiation with specific expression first confined to developing cardiac muscles and the vascular system, and later in skeletal muscles with specific expression at advanced stages of myoblast differentiation. In the adult, hspb1 expression was observed in other tissues, such as stratified squamous epithelium of skin, oronasal cavity, tongue, esophagus, and uterine cervix but its expression was most prominent in the musculature. Interestingly, in cardiac muscle hsbp1 expression was down‐regulated during the neonatal period and maintained to a relatively low steady‐level throughout adulthood. Despite this widespread expression, hspb1−/− mice were viable and fertile with no apparent morphological abnormalities in tissues under physiological conditions. However, at the cellular level and under stress conditions (heat challenge), HSPB1 act synergistically with the stress‐induced HSPA1 (HSP70) in thermotolerance development, protecting cells from apoptosis. Our data thus indicate a nonessential role for HSPB1 in embryonic development and for maintenance of tissues under physiological conditions, but also shows that it plays an important role by acting synergistically with other HSPs during stress conditions to exert cytoprotection and anti‐apoptotic effects. genesis 45:487–501, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV diagnosis and sexual risk behavior intentions among couple VCT clients in Ethiopia

Abstract This research examines whether members of HIV affected couples are more likely to change their abstinence and condom intentions than members of HIV− couples during couple voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). A total of 1260 couple VCT clients in Ethiopia were asked about their sexual risk behavior intentions for the next two months after pre-test and post-test counseling. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine whether the couple's HIV status was associated with changed intentions to abstain or use condoms between pre-test and post-test. Individuals belonging to male HIV+ serodiscordant couples (aRRR = 7.98, p < 0.001), female HIV+ serodiscordant couples (aRRR = 5.85, p < 0.001), and HIV+ concordant couples (aRRR = 3.12, p = 0.05) were more likely to have increased their intentions to abstain or use condoms in the next two months than individuals in HIV− concordant relationships. The couple's HIV status was not associated with decreased intentions to abstain or use condoms in the next two months. Counseling for all HIV affected couples should include practical information on obtaining and using condoms. This includes HIV affected couples who intend to abstain from sex, whether for a short or long period of time, so that they are prepared to have protected sex if their intentions change.