Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucose and palmitate oxidation in isolated working rat hearts reperfused after a period of transient global ischemia.

Alterations in energy substrate utilization during reperfusion of ischemic hearts can influence the functional recovery of the myocardium. Energy substrate preference by the reperfused myocardium, however, has received limited attention. Therefore, we measured oxidation rates of glucose and palmitate during reperfusion of ischemic hearts. Isolated working rat hearts were perfused with 1.2 mM palmitate and 11 mM [14C]glucose, 1.2 mM [14C]palmitate and 11 mM glucose, or 11 mM [14C]glucose alone, at an 11.5 mm Hg preload and 80 mm Hg afterload. Hearts were subjected to 60-minute aerobic perfusion or 25-minute global ischemia followed by 60-minute aerobic reperfusion. Steady-state oxidative rates of glucose or palmitate were determined by measuring 14CO2 production. In hearts perfused with glucose alone, oxidative rates during reperfusion were not significantly different than nonischemic hearts (1,008 +/- 335 vs. 1,372 +/- 117 nmol [14C]glucose oxidized/min/g dry wt, respectively). In the presence of palmitate, glucose oxidation was markedly reduced in reperfused and nonischemic hearts (81 +/- 11 and 101 +/- 15 nmol [14C]glucose oxidized/min/g dry wt, respectively). Palmitate oxidation rates were not significantly different in reperfused compared with nonischemic hearts (369 +/- 55 and 455 +/- 50 nmol [14C]palmitate oxidized/min/g dry wt, respectively). [14C]Palmitate was incorporated into myocardial triglycerides to a greater extent in reperfused ischemic hearts than in nonischemic hearts (26.0 and 13.8 mumol/g dry wt, respectively). Under the perfusion conditions used, palmitate provided over 90% of the ATP produced from exogenous substrates. Addition of the carnitine palmitoyltransferase I inhibitor, ethyl 2-[6-(4-chlorophenoxy)hexyl]oxirane-2-carboxylate (Etomoxir, 10(-6) M), during reperfusion stimulated glucose oxidation and improved mechanical recovery of ischemic hearts. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Multiple Pharmacophores for the Selective Activation of Nicotinic α7-Type Acetylcholine Receptors

The activation of heteromeric and homomeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors was studied in Xenopus laevis oocytes to identify key structures of putative agonist molecules associated with the selective activation of homomeric α7 receptors. We observed that selectivity between α7 and α4β2 was more readily obtained than selectivity between α7 and α3β4. Based on structural comparisons of previously characterized selective and nonselective agonists, we hypothesize at least three chemical motifs exist that, when present in molecules containing an appropriate cationic center, could be associated with the selective activation of α7 receptors. We identify the three distinct structural motifs based on prototypical drugs as the choline motif, the tropane motif, and the benzylidene motif. The choline motif involves the location of an oxygen-containing polar group such as a hydroxyl or carbonyl separated by two carbons from the charged nitrogen. The tropane motif provides α7-selectivity based on the addition of multiple small hydrophobic groups positioned away from the cationic center in specific orientations. We show that this motif can convert the nonselective agonists quinuclidine and ethyltrimethyl-ammonium to the α7-selective analogs methyl-quinuclidine and diethyldimethyl-ammonium, respectively. We have shown previously that the benzylidene group of 3-2,4, dimethoxy-benzylidene anabaseine (GTS-21) converts anabaseine into an α7-selective agonist. The benzylidene motif was also applied to quinuclidine to generate another distinct family of α7-selective agonists. Our results provide insight for the further development of nicotinic therapeutics and will be useful to direct future experiments with protein structure-based modeling and site-directed mutagenesis.
TAK1 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase Is Activated by Autophosphorylation within Its Activation Loop*

TAK1, a member of the mitogen-activated kinase kinase kinase family, is activated in vivo by various cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), or when ectopically expressed together with the TAK1-binding protein TAB1. However, this molecular mechanism of activation is not yet understood. We show here that endogenous TAK1 is constitutively associated with TAB1 and phosphorylated following IL-1 stimulation. Furthermore, TAK1 is constitutively phosphorylated when ectopically overexpressed with TAB1. In both cases, dephosphorylation of TAK1 renders it inactive, but it can be reactivated by preincubation with ATP. A mutant of TAK1 that lacks kinase activity is not phosphorylated either following IL-1 treatment or when coexpressed with TAB1, indicating that TAK1 phosphorylation is due to autophosphorylation. Furthermore, mutation to alanine of a conserved serine residue (Ser-192) in the activation loop between kinase domains VII and VIII abolishes both phosphorylation and activation of TAK1. These results suggest that IL-1 and ectopic expression of TAB1 both activate TAK1 via autophosphorylation of Ser-192.
Reduced susceptibility to all neuraminidase inhibitors of influenza H1N1 viruses with haemagglutinin mutations and mutations in non-conserved residues of the neuraminidase.

OBJECTIVES We characterized human H1N1 influenza isolate A/Hokkaido/15/02, which has haemagglutinin and neuraminidase mutations that reduce drug susceptibility to oseltamivir, zanamivir and peramivir. METHODS One wild-type and three mutant viruses were isolated by plaque purification. Viruses were tested in MUNANA-based enzyme assays, cell culture and receptor binding assays. RESULTS Two viruses had a neuraminidase Y155H mutation that reduced susceptibility in the enzyme inhibition assay to all inhibitors by 30-fold to >100-fold. The Y155H mutation reduced plaque size and affected the stability, Km and pH activity profile of the enzyme. In contrast to previous mutants, this neuraminidase demonstrated a slower rate of inhibitor binding in the IC50 kinetics assay. One virus had both the Y155H mutation and a haemagglutinin D225G mutation that rescued the small-plaque phenotype of the Y155H virus and affected receptor binding and drug susceptibility in cell culture and binding assays. We also isolated a third mutant virus, with both neuraminidase V114I and haemagglutinin D225N mutations, which affected susceptibility in the enzyme inhibition assay and receptor binding, respectively, but to lesser extents than the Y155H and D225G mutations. CONCLUSIONS Neither Y155 nor V114 is conserved across neuraminidase subtypes. Furthermore, Y155 is not conserved even among avian and swine N1 viruses. Structurally, both residues reside far from the neuraminidase active site. D225 forms part of the receptor binding site of the haemagglutinin. We believe this is the first demonstration of a specific haemagglutinin mutation correlating with reduced drug susceptibility in plaque assays in both Madin Darby Canine Kidney and SIAT cells.
mBAND Analysis of Chromosomal Aberrations in Human Epithelial Cells Exposed to Low- and High-LET Radiation

Abstract Hada, M. , Cucinotta, F. A. , Gonda, S. R. and Wu, H. mBAND Analysis of Chromosomal Aberrations in Human Epithelial Cells Exposed to Low- and High-LET Radiation. Radiat. Res. 168, 98–105 (2007). Energetic heavy ions pose a potential health risk to astronauts who have participated in extended space missions. High-LET radiation is much more effective than low-LET radiation in the induction of biological effects, including cell inactivation, genetic mutations, cataracts and cancer. Most of these biological end points are closely correlated with chromosomal damage, which can be used as a biomarker for radiation damage. Multicolor banding in situ hybridization (mBAND) has proven to be highly useful for the study of intrachromosomal aberrations, which have been suggested as a biomarker of exposure to high-LET radiation. To investigate biological signatures of radiation quality and the complexity of intrachromosomal aberrations, we exposed human epithelial cells in vitro to 137Cs γ rays or iron ions (600 MeV/nucleon) and collected chromosomes using a premature chromosome condensation technique. Aberrations in chromosome 3 were analyzed using mBAND probes. The results of our study confirmed the observation of a higher incidence of inversions for high-LET radiation. However, detailed analysis of the inversion type revealed that both iron ions and γ rays induced a low incidence of simple inversions. Half of the inversions observed in the low-LET-irradiated samples were accompanied by other types of intrachromosome aberrations, but few inversions were accompanied by interchromosome aberrations. In contrast, iron ions induced a significant fraction of inversions that involved complex rearrangements of both inter- and intrachromosome exchanges.
Polyurethane acrylate-supported rGO/TiO2 electrical conductive and antibacterial nanocomposites

Abstract Polyurethane acrylate (PUA)-supported rGO/TiO2 electrical conductive and antibacterial nanocomposites were synthesized via in-situ polymerization. The well-dispersed rGO/TiO2 can serve as photoinitiator and give PUA material antibacterial property at the same time. The excellent UV-curing and antibacterial activity could be explained that the synergistic effect of rGO and TiO2, which could promote the effective electron/hole separation and thus generate various reactive species. After dopped the rGO/TiO2 into the PUA matrix, the PUA film became electric conductive. The obtained nanocomposites will have promising applications in high performance antibacterial coatings. Graphical Abstract
A Distributed Provenance Aware Storage System

The provenance of a file represents the origin and history of the file data. A Distributed Provenance Aware Storage System (DPASS) tracks the provenance of files in a distributed file system. The provenance information can be used to identify potential dependencies between files in a filesystem. Some applications of provenance tracking include (i) tracking the transformations applied to process raw data in scientific communities and (ii) intrusion detection and forensic analysis of computer systems. In this report we present the design and implementation of a provenance aware storage system, which efficiently stores and retrieves provenance information for files in a distributed file system, while incurring minimal space and time
IDENTIFICATION OF INFINITE DEGREE VOLTERRA SERIES IN THE TIME AND FREQUENCY DOMAINS

Abstract Volterra series (VS) are widely used in non-linear dynamical system identification. Much physical information about a system can be extracted from the corresponding VS model. Most non-linear frequency domain representations have been based on VS models through the application of the Fourier transform. But the fact that the number of the parameters to be identified in a VS model increases exponentially with the size of the VS model restricts its application. The involvement of kernel methods has been shown significantly to reduce the burden of the computation, with the potential to increase the practical usability of VS and the methods that are based on it. This paper presents the identification of infinite degree, finite memory length, time-invariant, discrete VS from the general reproducing kernel Hilbert space point of view and introduces its extension to the estimation of generalized frequency response functions.
Exploiting memory and soft-decision information in channel optimized quantization for correlated fading channels

A channel optimized vector quantizer (COVQ) scheme is studied and evaluated for a recently introduced discrete binary-input 2q-ary-output channel with Markovian ergodic noise based on a finite queue. This channel can effectively model binary-modulated correlated Rayleigh fading channels with output quantization of resolution q. It is shown that the system can successfully exploit the channel's memory and soft-decision information. Signal-to-distortion gains of up to 2.3 dB are obtained for only 2 bits of soft-decision quantization over COVQ schemes designed for a hard-decision (q = 1) demodulated channel. Furthermore, gains as high as 4.6 dB can be achieved for a highly correlated channel, in comparison with systems designed for the ideally interleaved (memoryless) channel. Finally, the queue-based noise model is validated as an effective approximation of correlated fading channels by testing a COVQ trained using this model over the Rayleigh fading channel.
Development of a dilatometer for shrinkage analysis of thermosetting resin systems at accurate processing conditions of liquid composite moulding processes and exemplary results of the effects of varying processing conditions on chemical shrinkage of an epoxy resin

The processing of thermosetting resin systems in liquid composite moulding is accompanied by a change in density through chemical and thermal shrinkage during the curing reaction of the resin and cooling of a part from processing to operating temperature. These effects cause residual stresses and an undesired characteristic surface pattern in endless fibre reinforced plastics. However, the accurate measurement of the chemical and thermal shrinkage is challenging with state-of-the-art measurement devices, especially for highly reactive thermosetting resin systems. The main disadvantage is that it is not possible to recreate the processing conditions of modern liquid composite moulding processes during the measurement of the thermosetting resin systems and has therefore limited use for process optimisations. In this paper the development of a dilatometer, which is capable of measuring the shrinkage in highly reactive thermosetting resins providing the processing conditions of liquid composite moulding is presented. The effects of processing pressure and internal mould release agents on chemical shrinkage are analysed with the developed dilatometer for different epoxy resins. The trials demonstrate a significant effect of processing pressure on chemical shrinkage.
Energy-efficient RF source power control for opportunistic distributed sensing in wireless passive sensor networks

Energy limitation of sensor nodes is the main constraint to be addressed while designing and implementing algorithms for wireless sensor networks (WSN). Recently, to mitigate battery depletion problem and extend network lifetime, wireless passive sensor networks (WPSN) have become a new field of interest. Modulated backscattering is an important communication technique for WPSN to enable unlimited lifetime for sensor nodes. Determination of required number and power level of RF sources for wireless power transfer to sensor nodes is crucial for energy-efficient distributed sensing operation. Furthermore, deployed RF sources can share spectrum opportunistically via incorporation of cognitive radio capability such that desired distributed estimation distortion can be achieved with minimum spectrum utilization by WPSN. Employment of RF sources that radiate power only when spectrum opportunities are available unveils passive opportunistic distributed sensing (PODS). In this paper, first, we model intercepted power by passive sensor from RF sources and reflected power by passive sensor at the sink, and effect of opportunistic access to licensed spectrum bands on instantaneous throughput of sensor nodes. Then, a power level control scheme for RF sources is proposed to achieve desired distortion level with minimum energy consumption while using opportunistic distributed sensing in WPSN. Achieved estimation distortion at sink with respect to number and power level of RF sources, and available spectrum opportunities is investigated, and energy saving provided by proposed power control scheme is assessed for various distortion requirements, channel noise levels, and available spectrum opportunities via simulation experiments.
Acoustic Performance of 3D Printed Nanocomposite Earmuff

Introduction: Hearing protection devices are one of the primary noise reduction tools in developing countries. This study is intended to produce and apply acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/clay nanocomposites to fabricate a laboratory single cup earmuffs and then compare it with double cup and single cup pure ABS earmuffs in terms of noise attenuation performance and comfort. In addition, the noise attenuation performance of single cup pure ABS earmuffs is compared with double cup pure ABS earmuffs. Methods: ABS/nanoclay filament was fabricated using a twin screw extruder. A three dimensional (3D) printing machine and a 3D model of earcup, designed by solid work software, were applied to print single and double cup earmuffs using ABS/nanoclay composite and pure ABS filaments. Finally, using an acoustic test fixture, objective noise attenuation test was performed on three different types of earmuffs, including with and without nano material and a secondary cup. Moreover, earmuffs weight was measured as a comfort component. Results: Insertion loss and calculated noise reduction rating (NRR) of single cup ABS/nanoclay earmuffs (NRR=19.4 dB) and double cup pure ABS earmuffs (NRR=18.93 dB) were improved in comparison with single cup pure ABS earmuffs (NRR=15.7 dB). Additionally, both single cup earmuffs were significantly lighter than double cup earmuffs. Although single cup nano and double cup earmuffs had nearly the same attenuation performance, single cup nano earmuffs were 74 gr lighter than double cup earmuffs, so with reference to comfort, single cup nano earmuffs will probably be more acceptable. Conclusions: From this survey it might be concluded that, even though single cup ABS/nanoclay earmuffs was lighter than double cup pure ABS earmuffs, it had approximately more attenuation performance in comparison with double cup pure ABS earmuffs. Consequently, users are probably more prone to wear light- weight single cup ABS/nanoclay earmuffs as a result of improved comfort. In short, ABS/nanoclay composite can be considered a good choice in products with the necessity of high acoustic performance and low weight.
Brain Superoxide Anion Generation during Asphyxia and Reventilation in Newborn Pigs

ABSTRACT: Superoxide anion generation during severe asphyxia and reventilation was assessed in newborn pigs. Using closed cranial windows over the parietal cortices, superoxide dismutase (SOD)-inhibitable nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction was determined during asphyxia/ reventilation. Asphyxia was induced by turning off the respirator and occluding the endotracheal tube. In each animal, 2.4 mM NBT dissolved in artificial cerebrospinal fluid was placed under one window and under the opposite window, NBT (2.4 mM) plus SOD (60 U/mL) dissolved in artificial cerebrospinal fluid was used. A significant increase in SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction was observed in asphyxiated piglets (14.67 ± 4.5 pmol/mm2 · 20 min) when compared with control piglets (2.82 ± 1.1 pmol/mm2 · 20 min). In another group in which the animals were treated with indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.v.) before asphyxia/reventilation, there was minimal SOD-inhibitable NBT reduction. Our results indicate that superoxide anion is generated on the cerebral cortex during asphyxia/reventilation via the prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase pathway.
Merging aerosol optical depth data from multiple satellite missions to view agricultural biomass burning in Central and East China

Abstract. Agricultural biomass burning (ABB) in Central and East China occurs every year from May to October and peaks in June. The biomass burning event in June 2007 was very strong. During the period from 26 May to 16 June 2007, ABB occurred mainly in Anhui, Henan, Jiangsu and Shandong provinces. A comprehensive set of aerosol optical depth (AOD) data, produced by a merger of AOD product data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MIRS), is used to study the spatial and temporal distribution of agricultural biomass aerosols in Central and East China combining with ground observations from both AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) and China Aerosol Remote Sensing NETwork (CARSNET) measurements. We compared merged AOD data with single-sensor single-algorithm AOD data (MODIS Dark Target AOD data, MODIS Deep Blue AOD data, SRAP-MODIS AOD data and MISR AOD data). In this comparison, we found merged AOD products can improve the quality of AOD products from single-sensor single-algorithm data sets by expanding the spatial coverage of the study area and keeping the statistical confidence in AOD parameters. There existed high correlation (0.8479) between the merged AOD data and AERONET measurements. Our merged AOD data make use of synergetic information conveyed in all of the available satellite data. The merged AOD data were used for the analysis of the biomass burning event from 26 May to 16 June 2007 together with meteorological data. The merged AOD products and the ground observations from China suggest that biomass burning in Central and East China has had great impact on AOD over China. Influenced by this ABB, the highest AOD value in Beijing on 12 June 2007 reached 5.71.
Successful Bridge to Transplant with a Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device in a Single Ventricle Patient with an Aortopulmonary Shunt

Ventricular assist devices are frequently used to bridge pediatric patients to cardiac transplantation; however, experience in single ventricle patients with aortopulmonary shunts remains limited. This case report addresses the challenge of balancing pulmonary and systemic circulation with a focus on the role of continuous versus pulsatile ventricular assist device support.
Interactions of (Ala*Ala*Lys*Pro)n and (Lys*Lys*Ser*Pro)n with DNA. Proposed coiled-coil structure of AlgR3 and AlgP from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The proteins, AlgR3 and AlgP, are involved in the regulation of alginate synthesis in Pseudomonas. They contain multiple repeats of Ala*Ala*Lys*Pro as do several other proteins that resemble histones. The interactions of synthesis oligopeptides composed of repeated Ala*Ala*Lys*Pro or Lys*Lys*Ser*Pro units with DNA were studied by fluorescence of the Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl) group attached to the N-termini of the peptides. DNA quenching of the Fmoc fluorescence of the peptides was used to estimate the apparent association constants for the interaction of Fmoc(AAKP)nOH (n = 2, 4, 8, 18, 32) and of Fmoc (KKSP)nOH (n = 2, 4, 8, 16, 20, 32) with DNA. The Fmoc(AAKP)nOH peptides bind to DNA only at low ionic strength; the Fmoc(KKSP)n OH peptides interact with DNA at both low (0.05 M KCl) and high (0.2 M KCl) salt. At low ionic strength an increase in the number of the repeat units causes an increase in the apparent association constant up to approximately 2 x 10(6) M-1 for both types of peptides at N congruent to 24. The insertion of an AAKTA unit into the middle of the Fmoc(AAKP)8OH peptide increases its affinity to DNA. We propose a model of (AAKP)n and of its interaction with DNA. The repeat unit consists of a single turn of alpha-helix followed by a bend necessitated by Pro. The resultant coiled-coil forms a right-handed superhelix with 10 AAKPs per repeat distance of approximately 33 A. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)