Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
L11 domain rearrangement upon binding to RNA and thiostrepton studied by NMR spectroscopy

Ribosomal proteins are assumed to stabilize specific RNA structures and promote compact folding of the large rRNA. The conformational dynamics of the protein between the bound and unbound state play an important role in the binding process. We have studied those dynamical changes in detail for the highly conserved complex between the ribosomal protein L11 and the GTPase region of 23S rRNA. The RNA domain is compactly folded into a well defined tertiary structure, which is further stabilized by the association with the C-terminal domain of the L11 protein (L11ctd). In addition, the N-terminal domain of L11 (L11ntd) is implicated in the binding of the natural thiazole antibiotic thiostrepton, which disrupts the elongation factor function. We have studied the conformation of the ribosomal protein and its dynamics by NMR in the unbound state, the RNA bound state and in the ternary complex with the RNA and thiostrepton. Our data reveal a rearrangement of the L11ntd, placing it closer to the RNA after binding of thiostrepton, which may prevent binding of elongation factors. We propose a model for the ternary L11–RNA–thiostrepton complex that is additionally based on interaction data and conformational information of the L11 protein. The model is consistent with earlier findings and provides an explanation for the role of L11ntd in elongation factor binding.
Concurrent Multi-Band Envelope Modulated Power Amplifier Linearized Using Extended Phase-Aligned DPD

This paper reports an envelope tracking (ET) transmitter architecture for multi-band/widely-spaced carrier signals. Due to the bandwidth limitations of the envelope modulator, the dynamic supply voltage is controlled by combining the low frequency envelopes of the multi-inputs rather than the true composite envelope of the input signals. The ET transmitter is tested for dual-band and tri-band power amplifiers (PAs) operating in concurrent mode using various bandwidth carrier aggregated long term evolution (LTE) signals. The transmitter is linearized using a phase-aligned Volterra digital predistortion that considers the inter-modulation distortion (IMD) products around the carrier frequencies as well as the third-order IMD products in the tri-band case. Experimental results are shown to validate the proposed techniques for linearization and efficiency enhancement of the multi-band ET transmitter and compared to the case of fixed supply biasing of the PA.
Sexuality during pregnancy and after childbirth: a metacontent analysis of 59 studies.

The aim of this study is to gain a systematic overview of all existing studies on parental sexuality during pregnancy and the postpartum period (months 1-6). Investigations of psychological and medical data banks and cross-references revealed 59 relevant studies published in English or German between 1950 and 1996. These primary studies were metacontent analyzed, according to the following categories: methodology (samples, designs): type of descriptive data researched (sexual activity, interest, enjoyment, orgasm, problems); and type of correlational data researched (sexual variables and pregnancy outcome, maternal physical and psychological health, sociodemographic data, biographical data, partnership data). On average, female sexual interest and coital activity declines slightly in the first trimester of pregnancy, shows variable patterns in the second trimester, and decreases sharply in the third trimester. Most couples do not practice intercourse for about 2 months around the delivery. Afterwards, sexual interest and activity tends to be reduced for several months as compared with the prepregnancy level, and sexual problems occur relatively often. But most remarkable is the interindividual variability concerning sexual responsiveness, orgasm, activity, and enjoyment. Descriptive research is focused on coital activity of (expectant) mothers. Data about fathers, noncoital activities, and sexual feelings are scarce. Data analysis is focused on three questions: (1) Does sexual activity in pregnancy harm the fetus? (if there are no risk factors: no); (2) Are physical and mental symptoms or data about the delivery and sexual variables correlated? (in some cases: yes); (3) Are sociodemographic data and sexual variables correlated? (mostly not). Research deficits (e.g., conceptual reductionism "sexuality=intercourse," neglect of the male partners, validity, reliability, neglect of the nonsexual partnership and of biographical influences) are critically discussed. Medical, counseling, and psychotherapeutic implications are derived.
Vasomotor Control of Capillary Transit Time Heterogeneity in the Canine Coronary Circulation

A set of indicator-dilution studies of the coronary circulation of the intact functioning heart was carried out in the dog to provide a data base for denning the effect of changes in vasomotor control on the exchange of materials across the myocardia) capillaries. The reference substance used was 121Mabeled albumin; the diffusible substance used was 14C-labeled sucrose. Model analyses of the data were carried out. In previous models of the capillary exchange in the coronary circulation, it had been assumed that a single capillary transit time is representative of the whole. The data acquired here indicate that there is a very large heterogeneity of capillary transit times in the intact heart, and that the single, transit time model is approximately true only when the resistance vessels are maximally dilated. The present pattern of findings is explained best by a model of the coronary microcirctilation based on capillary-large vessel units with a variable heterogeneity of flow or capillary lengths, hence of transit times. We conclude that a major determinant of the extraction of each diffusible substance, on a microscopic level, is the distribution of capillary transit times.
APPROXIMATION OF MAXIMAL CHEEGER SETS BY PROJECTION

This article deals with the numerical computation of the Cheeger constant and the approximation of the maximal Cheeger set of a given subset of R d . This problem is motivated by landslide modelling as well as by the continuous maximal flow problem. Using the fact that the maximal Cheeger set can be approximated by solving a rather simple projection problem, we propose a numerical strategy to compute maximal Cheeger sets and Cheeger constants.
RNAi Screening Implicates a SKN-1–Dependent Transcriptional Response in Stress Resistance and Longevity Deriving from Translation Inhibition

Caenorhabditis elegans SKN-1 (ortholog of mammalian Nrf1/2/3) is critical for oxidative stress resistance and promotes longevity under reduced insulin/IGF-1–like signaling (IIS), dietary restriction (DR), and normal conditions. SKN-1 inducibly activates genes involved in detoxification, protein homeostasis, and other functions in response to stress. Here we used genome-scale RNA interference (RNAi) screening to identify mechanisms that prevent inappropriate SKN-1 target gene expression under non-stressed conditions. We identified 41 genes for which knockdown leads to activation of a SKN-1 target gene (gcs-1) through skn-1-dependent or other mechanisms. These genes correspond to multiple cellular processes, including mRNA translation. Inhibition of translation is known to increase longevity and stress resistance and may be important for DR–induced lifespan extension. One model postulates that these effects derive from reduced energy needs, but various observations suggest that specific longevity pathways are involved. Here we show that translation initiation factor RNAi robustly induces SKN-1 target gene transcription and confers skn-1-dependent oxidative stress resistance. The accompanying increases in longevity are mediated largely through the activities of SKN-1 and the transcription factor DAF-16 (FOXO), which is required for longevity that derives from reduced IIS. Our results indicate that the SKN-1 detoxification gene network monitors various metabolic and regulatory processes. Interference with one of these processes, translation initiation, leads to a transcriptional response whereby SKN-1 promotes stress resistance and functions together with DAF-16 to extend lifespan. This stress response may be beneficial for coping with situations that are associated with reduced protein synthesis.
Spectroscopic Characterization of III-V Semiconductor Nanomaterials

III-V semiconductor materials form a broad basis for optoelectronic applications, including the broad basis of the telecom industry as well as smaller markets for high-mobility transistors. In a somewhat analogous manner as the traditional silicon logic industry has so heavily depended upon process manufacturing development, optoelectronics often relies instead on materials innovations. This thesis focuses particularly on III-V semiconductor nanomaterials, detailed characterization of which is invaluable for translating the exhibited behavior into useful applications. Specifically, the original research described in these thesis chapters is an investigation of semiconductors at a fundamental materials level, because the nanostructures in which they appear crystallize in quite atypical forms for the given semiconductors. Rather than restricting the experimental approaches to any one particular technique, many different types of optical spectroscopies are developed and applied where relevant to elucidate the connection between the crystalline structure and exhibited properties. 2 In the first chapters, for example, a wurtzite crystalline form of the prototypical zincblende III-V binary semiconductor, GaAs, is explored through polarization-dependent Raman spectroscopy and temperature-dependent photoluminescence, as well as second-harmonic generation (SHG). The altered symmetry properties of the wurtzite crystalline structure are particularly evident in the Raman and SHG polarization dependences, all within a bulk material realm. A rather different but deeply elegant aspect of crystalline symmetry in GaAs is explored in a separate study on zincblende GaAs samples quantum-confined in one direction, i.e. quantum well structures, whose quantization direction corresponds to the (110) direction. The (110) orientation modifies the low-temperature electron spin relaxation mechanisms available compared to the usual (001) samples, leading to altered spin coherence times explored through a novel spectroscopic technique first formulated for the rather different purpose of dispersion engineering for slow-light schemes. The frequency-resolved technique combined with the unusual (110) quantum wells in a furthermore atypical waveguide experimental geometry has revealed fascinating behavior of electron spin splitting which points to the possibility of optically orienting electron spins with linearly polarized light—an experimental result supporting a theoretical description of the phenomenon itself only a few years old. Lastly, to explore a space of further-restricted dimensionality, the final chapters describe InP semiconductor nanowires with dimensions small enough to be considered truly one-dimensional. Like the bulk GaAs of the first few chapters, the InP nanowires here crystallize in a wurtzite structure. In the InP nanowire case, though, the 3 experimental techniques explored for characterization are temperature-dependent time-integrated photoluminescence at the single-wire level (including …
Heavy-traffic analysis of a multi-class queue with relative priorities

We study the steady-state queue-length vector in a multi-class single-server queue with relative priorities. Upon service completion, the probability that the next customer to be served is from class k is controlled by class- dependent weights. Once a customer has started service, it is served without interruption until completion. This is a generalization of the random-order-of-service discipline. We investigate the system in a heavy-traffic regime. We first establish a state-space collapse for the scaled queue length vector, that is, in the limit the scaled queue length vector is distributed as the product of an exponentially distributed random variable and a deterministic vector. As a direct consequence, we obtain that the scaled number of customers in the system reduces as classes with smaller mean service requirement obtain relatively larger weights. We then show that the scaled waiting time of a class-k customer is distributed as the product of two exponentially distributed random variables. This allows us to determine the value of the weights that minimize the m-th moment of the scaled waiting time for a customer of arbitrary class. We simulate a system with two different classes of customers in order to numerically verify some of the analytical results.
Tissue Engineering: Current Strategies and Future Directions

Novel therapies resulting from regenerative medicine and tissue engineering technology may offer new hope for patients with injuries, end-stage organ failure, or other clinical issues. Currently, patients with diseased and injured organs are often treated with transplanted organs. However, there is a shortage of donor organs that is worsening yearly as the population ages and as the number of new cases of organ failure increases. Scientists in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering are now applying the principles of cell transplantation, material science, and bioengineering to construct biological substitutes that can restore and maintain normal function in diseased and injured tissues. In addition, the stem cell field is a rapidly advancing part of regenerative medicine, and new discoveries in this field create new options for this type of therapy. For example, new types of stem cells, such as amniotic fluid and placental stem cells that can circumvent the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells, have been discovered. The process of therapeutic cloning and the creation of induced pluripotent cells provide still other potential sources of stem cells for cell-based tissue engineering applications. Although stem cells are still in the research phase, some therapies arising from tissue engineering endeavors that make use of autologous, adult cells have already entered the clinical setting, indicating that regenerative medicine holds much promise for the future.
On secrecy above secrecy capacity

We consider secrecy obtained when one transmits on a Gaussian Wiretap channel above the secrecy capacity. Instead of equivocation, we consider probability of error as the criterion of secrecy. The usual channel codes are considered for transmission. The rates obtained can reach the channel capacity. We show that the “confusion” caused to the Eve when the rate of transmission is above capacity of the Eve's channel is similar to the confusion caused by using the wiretap channel codes used below the secrecy capacity.
A gradient-based adaptive nonlocal means algorithm for image denoising

In this paper, a modified adaptive nonlocal means (ANLM) filter is investigated for image denoising by introducing the image gradient into the classical nonlocal means filter. The proposed algorithm takes the orientation of matching neighborhood into consideration and can adaptively select the filtering parameter based on image gradient. Moreover, the symmetry or approximate symmetry of some filtered images is also considered. Therefore, comparing with the classical nonlocal means filter, the new method can exploit much more similar pixels. The proposed approach is applied to several real images corrupted by white Gaussian noise with different standard deviation. The comparative experimental results show that the improved ANLM filter obtains superior denoising performance.
Impact of Serum Albumin Levels on Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes Treated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at high risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), a complication associated with poor clinical outcomes. Serum albumin (SA) levels are associated with cardiovascular mortality. We assessed the association between SA levels and the risk of CI-AKI in patients with ACS (n = 890) treated with PCI. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with and without CI-AKI. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (≥25% or ≥0.5 mg/dL) from baseline occurring 72 hours after PCI. The SA levels were significantly lower in patients with CI-AKI than in those without CI-AKI (3.52 ± 0.40 vs 3.94 ± 0.39 mg/dL, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, SA was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio 0.177, 95% confidence interval 0.080-0.392, P < .001) together with age, female gender, creatine kinase-myocardial band, and glomerular filtration rate. Baseline SA levels are inversely associated with CI-AKI after PCI for ACS.
EFFECT OF ATORVASTATIN IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH A RECENT STROKE OR TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK

Before foxy grandpa spends $1,300 per year for atorvastatin pills to prevent the disability of a second stroke—which he fears most— he needs more comparative numbers to set into a rational annual register.1 The original study concluded that “the reduction in the risk of nonfatal stroke was consistent with the treatment effect, but not significant. ”2 That stroke is a “coronary heart disease risk equivalent” is both statistically correct and common sense. The actual annual second stroke risk for elderly control patients (median age 72.5 years) was 3.3%, vs those receiving atorvastatin (median age 72.3 years), 2.9%, which is a difference of 0.4%/year. The annual risk of not having a stroke and not taking this drug is 96.7%. A fifth of the study’s elderly patients were 75 years or older. The National Vital Statistics Life Table, based only on age, indicates the probability of dying during the next 365 days (table). For men aged 72– 85, 0.4% annual decreased stroke risk must be compared with their 8-fold to 25-fold larger annual risk of nonsurvival (women have better odds). Twice as many of the treatment group’s strokes were hemorrhagic compared with the placebo; they had a larger death rate from all causes and more developed hepatic toxicity. A few developed rhabdomyolysis and some must have had muscular symptoms. Caveat emptor!
ADAM-TS5, ADAM-TS6, and ADAM-TS7, Novel Members of a New Family of Zinc Metalloproteases

We report the primary structure of three novel, putative zinc metalloproteases designated ADAM-TS5, ADAM-TS6, and ADAM-TS7. All have a similar domain organization, comprising a preproregion, a reprolysin-type catalytic domain, a disintegrin-like domain, a thrombospondin type-1 (TS) module, a cysteine-rich domain, a spacer domain without cysteine residues, and a COOH-terminal TS module. These genes are differentially regulated during mouse embryogenesis and in adult tissues, with Adamts5 highly expressed in the peri-implantation period in embryo and trophoblast. These proteins are similar to four other cognate gene products, defining a distinct family of human reprolysin-like metalloproteases, the ADAM-TS family. The other members of the family are ADAM-TS1, an inflammation-induced gene, the procollagen I/II amino-propeptide processing enzyme (PCINP, ADAM-TS2), and proteins predicted by the KIAA0366 andKIAA0688 genes (ADAM-TS3 and ADAM-TS4). Individual ADAM-TS members differ in the number of COOH-terminal TS modules, and some have unique COOH-terminal domains. The ADAM-TS genes are dispersed in human and mouse genomes.
Interactions between ferroportin and hephaestin in rat enterocytes are reduced after iron ingestion.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Ferroportin (Fpn) is a multiple transmembrane protein required for iron export into the systemic circulation, in cooperation with hephaestin (Heph). Despite the importance of Fpn in iron transport, there is controversy about its topology and functional state upon interaction with Heph. METHODS The topology of Fpn was determined using monospecific antisera against its different epitopes, in sheets of cells from duodenum that were or were not permeabilized with detergent. Immunoprecipitation and blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by immunoblot analysis, were used to determine the extent of interactions between Fpn and Heph. Antisera against the intracellular, C-termini of divalent metal transporter (Dmt1) and Heph served as controls. RESULTS Immunofluorescence analysis with antisera against amino acids 172-193 of Fpn (anti-Fpn 172) detected Fpn only in permeabilized cells, whereas anti-Fpn 232 (amino acids 232-249), anti-Fpn 370 (amino acids 370-420), and anti-Fpn C (the C-terminus) detected Fpn in nonpermeabilized and permeabilized cells. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that Fpn and Heph coprecipitated with either anti-Fpn or anti-Heph. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis studies revealed that a fraction of Fpn comigrates with Heph; the apparent interaction decreases after iron ingestion. CONCLUSIONS Studies with antisera to different epitopes of Fpn indicate that the topology of Fpn is consistent with an 11-transmembrane model, with the C-terminus exposed on the cell surface. Reduced interactions between Fpn and Heph after iron ingestion indicate that this is a regulatory mechanism for limiting further iron absorption.
Stroke MRI in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Is There a Perihemorrhagic Penumbra?

Background and Purpose— Cerebral ischemia has been proposed as a contributing mechanism to secondary neuronal injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The search for surrogate parameters that allow treatment stratification for spontaneous ICH continues. We sought to assess the presence and prognostic effect of perihemorrhagic ischemic changes and hypoperfusion in a prospective stroke MRI study. Methods— We performed stroke MRI in 32 patients with hyperacute ICH (mean, 16.9±17.2 mL) within 6 hours after symptom onset (mean, 3.1±1.3 hours). Clinical data at baseline (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and on day 90 (Barthel Index, modified Rankin Scale) were assessed. Perihemorrhagic perfusion- and diffusion-weighted imaging changes were assessed in a 1-cm-wide area around the clot. Results— Despite a mild perihemorrhagic mean transit time prolongation of 0.7±1.1 second, there were no significant perihemorrhagic apparent diffusion coefficient or mean transit time changes indicating irreversible ischemia or hypoperfusion. ICH size, time to imaging, or clinical severity at baseline or outcome were not reflected by changes of relative apparent diffusion coefficient or perfusion-weighted imaging. ICH size correlated with baseline clinical severity (r =0.51, P =0.005). There was a significant association (P =0.0494) and a significant negative correlation (r =−0.468, P =0.0103) of perihemorrhagic perfusion change with time from symptom onset not associated with ICH size. Conclusions— Perihemorrhagic hypoperfusion probably is a consequence of reduced metabolic demand (diaschisis) rather than a sign of ischemia. We found no evidence for a perihemorrhagic and potentially salvageable ischemic penumbra in hyperacute ICH. Further studies should address metabolic, toxic, apoptotic, and microvascular aspects.
Medical care for injection-drug users with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Injection-drug use has become an important risk factor for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and HIV infection has become well established among drug users in North America, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia1–3. In the United States, approximately 34 percent of all the cases of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in adults have occurred either in injection-drug users or in their sexual contacts. The proportion of the AIDS epidemic that is related to injection-drug use has increased steadily over the past decade,2,3 and it is particularly high among women and ethnic minorities3. In addition, .