Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Community Structure and Function of High-Temperature Chlorophototrophic Microbial Mats Inhabiting Diverse Geothermal Environments

Six phototrophic microbial mat communities from different geothermal springs (YNP) were studied using metagenome sequencing and geochemical analyses. The primary goals of this work were to determine differences in community composition of high-temperature phototrophic mats distributed across the Yellowstone geothermal ecosystem, and to identify metabolic attributes of predominant organisms present in these communities that may correlate with environmental attributes important in niche differentiation. Random shotgun metagenome sequences from six phototrophic communities (average ∼53 Mbp/site) were subjected to multiple taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional analyses. All methods, including G + C content distribution, MEGAN analyses, and oligonucleotide frequency-based clustering, provided strong support for the dominant community members present in each site. Cyanobacteria were only observed in non-sulfidic sites; de novo assemblies were obtained for Synechococcus-like populations at Chocolate Pots (CP_7) and Fischerella-like populations at White Creek (WC_6). Chloroflexi-like sequences (esp. Roseiflexus and/or Chloroflexus spp.) were observed in all six samples and contained genes involved in bacteriochlorophyll biosynthesis and the 3-hydroxypropionate carbon fixation pathway. Other major sequence assemblies were obtained for a Chlorobiales population from CP_7 (proposed family Thermochlorobacteriaceae), and an anoxygenic, sulfur-oxidizing Thermochromatium-like (Gamma-proteobacteria) population from Bath Lake Vista Annex (BLVA_20). Additional sequence coverage is necessary to establish more complete assemblies of other novel bacteria in these sites (e.g., Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes); however, current assemblies suggested that several of these organisms play important roles in heterotrophic and fermentative metabolisms. Definitive linkages were established between several of the dominant phylotypes present in these habitats and important functional processes such as photosynthesis, carbon fixation, sulfur oxidation, and fermentation.
Regulation of GPCR activity, trafficking and localization by GPCR‐interacting proteins

GPCRs represent the largest family of integral membrane proteins and were first identified as receptor proteins that couple via heterotrimeric G‐proteins to regulate a vast variety of effector proteins to modulate cellular function. It is now recognized that GPCRs interact with a myriad of proteins that not only function to attenuate their signalling but also function to couple these receptors to heterotrimeric G‐protein‐independent signalling pathways. In addition, intracellular and transmembrane proteins associate with GPCRs and regulate their processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, trafficking to the cell surface, compartmentalization to plasma membrane microdomains, endocytosis and trafficking between intracellular membrane compartments. The present review will overview the functional consequence of β‐arrestin, receptor activity‐modifying proteins (RAMPS), regulators of G‐protein signalling (RGS), GPCR‐associated sorting proteins (GASPs), Homer, small GTPases, PSD95/Disc Large/Zona Occludens (PDZ), spinophilin, protein phosphatases, calmodulin, optineurin and Src homology 3 (SH3) containing protein interactions with GPCRs.
Discrete-time modeling and input-output linearization of current-fed induction motors for torque and stator flux decoupled control

Abstract In this paper an exact discrete-time model of the induction motor in a current-fed mode, including stator flux components is derived and validated. The equations of the motor are written in a frame aligned with the rotor electrical position, which results in a linear, time-invariant system. Based on the derived exact discrete-time representation of the motor dynamics, an input-output linearizing control law is designed for decoupled torque and stator flux control. The applied design technique led to a non-trivial, still useful, definition of the electromagnetic output of the motor. Simulation results are presented showing that the aimed performance is obtained, that is, no coupling exists between the outputs, and the initial design problem of controlling a nonlinear interacting TITO system is reduced to a problem of controlling two linear and decoupled SISO systems with simple dynamics.
Belonging, Striving, and Style of Life Among Black Women in the Southwestern United States

Abstract:This phenomenological study explored experiences of belonging and striving for significance for select Black women residing in the Southwestern United States as relatable to Adler’s Individual Psychology. Seven participants were interviewed who reported that Black women were able to create their own communities of belonging and forge strong social bonds that furthered their contributions in supportive environments. Implications for Individual Psychology are provided.
A physiologic role for testosterone in limiting estrogenic stimulation of the breast

ObjectiveThe normal ovary produces abundant testosterone in addition to estradiol (E2) and progesterone, but usually only the latter two hormones are “replaced” in the treatment of ovarian failure and menopause. Some clinical and genetic evidence suggests, however, that endogenous androgens normally inhibit estrogen-induced mammary epithelial proliferation (MEP) and thereby may protect against breast cancer. DesignTo investigate the role of endogenous androgen in regulating mammary epithelial proliferation, normal-cycling rhesus monkeys were treated with flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist. To evaluate the effect of physiological testosterone (T) supplementation of estrogen replacement therapy, ovariectomized monkeys were treated with E2, E2 plus progesterone, E2 plus T, or vehicle. ResultsWe show that androgen receptor blockade in normal female monkeys results in a more than twofold increase in MEP, indicating that endogenous androgens normally inhibit MEP. Moreover, we show that addition of a small, physiological dose of T to standard estrogen therapy almost completely attenuates estrogen-induced increases in MEP in the ovariectomized monkey, suggesting that the increased breast cancer risk associated with estrogen treatment could be reduced by T supplementation. Testosterone reduces mammary epithelial estrogen receptor (ER) &agr; and increases ER&bgr; expression, resulting in a marked reversal of the ER&agr;/&bgr; ratio found in the estrogen-treated monkey. Moreover, T treatment is associated with a significant reduction in mammary epithelial MYC expression, suggesting that T's antiestrogenic effects at the mammary gland involve alterations in ER signaling to MYC. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that treatment with a balanced formulation including all ovarian hormones may prevent or reduce estrogenic cancer risk in the treatment of girls and women with ovarian failure.
Impact of Social Capital on Small Firm Performance in West Bengal

Formal and informal networks empower small firms to generate social capital by forging network ties, building on trust and sharing a vision among stakeholders. It enables them to obtain necessary resources, support, information and knowledge, which may be otherwise inaccessible to them. This study analyses the impact of social capital on firm performance through the constructs of network ties, trust and shared vision while drawing a comparison between firms associated with formal and informal networking. An empirical study was conducted via a structured questionnaire on a sample of 100 small firms in West Bengal with 50 firms having membership in industry/trade associations as the experimental group and another 50 firms having only informal connections as the control group. Findings of the multiple regression analysis reveal that the impact of social capital on firm performance is significantly greater in firms engaged in formal and informal networking in contrast to firms embedded only in the informal network.
Isolation and Characterization of Replication-Competent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 from a Subset of Elite Suppressors

ABSTRACT Elite suppressors (ES) are untreated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals who control viremia to levels below the limit of detection of current assays. The mechanisms involved in this control have not been fully elucidated. Several studies have demonstrated that some ES are infected with defective viruses, but it remains unclear whether others are infected with replication-competent HIV-1. To answer this question, we used a sensitive coculture assay in an attempt to isolate replication-competent virus from a cohort of 10 ES. We successfully cultured six replication-competent isolates from 4 of the 10 ES. The frequency of latently infected cells in these patients was more than a log lower than that seen in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy with undetectable viral loads. Full-length sequencing of all six isolates revealed no large deletions in any of the genes. A few mutations and small insertions and deletions were found in some isolates, but phenotypic analysis of the affected genes suggested that their function remained intact. Furthermore, all six isolates replicated as well as standard laboratory strains in vitro. The results suggest that some ES are infected with HIV-1 isolates that are fully replication competent and that long-term immunologic control of replication-competent HIV-1 is possible.
Comparison of ultrafast dipyridamole magnetic resonance imaging with dipyridamole sestamibi SPECT for detection of perfusion abnormalities in patients with one‐vessel coronary artery disease: Assessment by quantitative model fitting

The value of ultrafast MRI for detection of myocardial perfusion abnormalities in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) was assessed in 10 patients with stable angina pectoris and angiographically proven one‐vessel CAD using double‐level short‐axis ultrafast MRI with bolus injection of gadolinium‐DTPA and tomographic technetium‐99m SestaMIBI imaging (SPECT) during dipyridamole‐induced coronary hy‐peremia. Abnormally perfused regions were assessed with SPECT and MRI in all (100%) patients. Agreement in localization between arteriography and SPECT was 80%; between arteriography and MR, 70%; and between SPECT and MR, 90%. The signal intensity increase after the bolus injection of gadolinium‐DTPA using a linear fit, and the slope of gado‐linium‐DTPA wash‐in using double exponential model fitting were significantly different between abnormally and normally perfused regions. These preliminary results demonstrate the potential of dipyridamole ultrafast MR to monitor stress‐induced flow maldistribution in patients with single vessel CAD.
Management of a multi-robot system in a public environment

Mobile robotics is entering in a new phase. After using mobile robots in research laboratories, and factories it is now possible to consider the development of service mobile robots in public environments. Environments which are considerably more challenging due to their unpredictability and dynamic characteristics. The authors present in this paper the development of a prototype transport system dealing with heavy loads in hospitals. The system must perform tasks in or regular and timely fashion and be sufficiently predictable to be of use to the hospital staff. To solve such problem the authors propose a combination of planning and simulation for mission validation and central supervision for execution monitoring.
Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase is involved in the formation of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor-induced branching tubules in madin-darby canine kidney epithelial cells.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are believed to be involved in morphogenesis. Association of MMPs in a model of kidney tubulogenesis was studied using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells in an in vitro morphogenetic system. MDCK cells form branching tubules in three-dimensional collagen gel matrix in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The addition of specific MMP inhibitor BB-94 and tissue inhibitor MMP (TIMP)-2 but not TIMP-1 to such collagen gel cultures reduced the formation of branching tubules induced by HGF. The induction of membrane-type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) mRNA expression was observed in MDCK cells cultured in the collagen gel. Stable expression of MT1-MMP antisense RNA interfered with the tubule formation of MDCK cells induced by HGF-collagen gel culture. These observations implicate MT1-MMP in kidney tubulogenesis and TIMP-2-specific inhibition suggests a direct role of MT1-MMP rather than a gelatinase A-mediated effect.
Differences in self-reported morbidity by marital status and by living arrangement.

It has frequently been shown that the never married, divorced and widowed have higher rates of self-reported morbidity than married people. The purpose of this study was to assess to what extent morbidity differences by marital status can be explained by differences in living arrangement (i.e. living with a partner or not). If living arrangement plays a major role, one expects to find that: 1. people who live with a partner have lower morbidity rates than those who live alone; 2. morbidity differences by marital status decrease substantially after controlling for living arrangement. Data from the GLOBE study, a large prospective cohort in the Netherlands, on 18,973 people from Eindhoven and its surroundings, aged 15-74, were used to test the hypotheses. The measures for morbidity were perceived general health, subjective health complaints, chronic conditions and work disability. Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios for morbidity by living arrangement (question 1) and for morbidity by marital status, firstly without control and subsequently with control for living arrangement (question 2). In all models we controlled for other sociodemographic variables (age, sex, educational level, degree of urbanization, religion and country of birth). Our analyses showed that people who live with a partner have lower morbidity rates than those who live alone. They further showed that the excess risks of the never married, widowed and divorced decreased by 40-70% for all health measures (except subjective health complaints) after controlling for living arrangement. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The effect of batteries DOD range setting values on diesel engine generator pollution and overall cost of a hybrid solar/diesel/battery system

Depending on applied criteria, sizing optimization process of renewable energy plants produces different optimal dimensions of the system components. This work presents a sizing algorithm of hybrid solar/diesel/battery system; where the battery depth of discharge (DOD) range setting is considered as a key to guarantee low overall system cost and minimum CO2 emission. Different DOD range setting values (0–80%, 20–80% and 40–80%) are used in the investigation in order to ensure minimization adequacy between overall system cost and pollution emission. Obtained results show that CO2 emission and system cost are sensitive for DOD setting range. Following a juxtaposition of pollution rate and system cost curves function of DOD range set values, an optimum operating point is obtained which consists of a DOD range set value of 22–80%.
Effect of Darbepoetin Alfa on Physical Function in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Objective: To study whether perioperative treatment with darbepoetin alfa (DA) improves physical performance following colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: Patients admitted for planned colorectal cancer surgery were randomized to receive either weekly placebo or DA 300 or 150 µg depending on the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Patients were assessed 10 days before, as well as 7 and 30 days after surgery for work capacity, postural sway, muscle strength, fatigue and quality of life (QoL). The primary outcome measure were the changes in patients’ physical performance from preoperative to postoperative day 7. Results: Of 221 included patients, 151 were evaluable. Baseline characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. Patients receiving DA had a significantly better working capacity on day 7 (p = 0.03) and day 30 (p = 0.03) compared with the placebo group. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups on days 7 or 30 for fatigue, postural sway and QoL. DA treatment significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the decrease in Hb concentrations on day 7 and resulted in an earlier return (p < 0.01) to the preoperative Hb concentration compared to placebo treatment. Conclusion: Perioperative DA treatment improved postoperative work capacity and Hb concentrations, but had no effect on postoperative fatigue, postural sway, QoL and muscle strength.
Malignant melanoma in renal transplant recipients

ive results with no side-effects, although all the treated lesions tended to relapse. Our conclusions, therefore, are opposite to those of Morganroth who treated with alitretinoin gel an 83-year-old woman with classic KS. The patient showed a remission of 90– 100% of the lesions after 3Æ5 months, with only mild dermatitis. The reasons for these different results are unclear, also considering that Morganroth’s patient was a woman of Italian ancestry, like our patient. It is likely that the better results reported in treating lesions of KS in HIV-positive patients may be due to the concomitant antiretroviral therapies. Indeed, regression of KS after institution of highly active antiretroviral therapy is well documented. Despite its inefficacy in our hands, topical alitretinoin may deserve further controlled trials.
Isolation and Isotope Labeling of Cysteine- and Methionine-containing Tryptic Peptides

Inexpensive methods were developed for isolating and isotopically labeling tryptic peptides that contain either cysteine or methionine. After covalently capturing cysteine-containing peptides with pyridyl disulfide reactive groups on agarose beads, extensive wash steps were applied, and the attached peptides were released using a reducing agent. This approach results in less nonspecifically bound peptides and eliminates the possibility of generating avidin peptide background ions that can arise when using methods based on biotin and avidin (e.g. isotope-coded affinity tag). The thiols were alkylated using either N-ethyl- or N-D5-ethyl-iodoacetamide, both of which can be synthesized in a single step using inexpensive reagents. This isotopic labeling does not greatly increase the peptide mass, nor does it affect the peptide ion charge state in electrospray ionization. In addition, methionine-containing peptides were captured using commercially available methionine-reactive beads, and relative quantitation of peptides was achieved by isotopic labeling of amino groups using activated esters of either nicotinic acid or D4-nicotinic acid. These methods were used to study the metalloprotease-mediated shedding of cell surface proteins from a mouse monocyte cell line that had been treated with a phorbol ester and lipopolysaccharide. In addition to the identification of proteins previously determined to be inducibly shed, three new shed proteins were identified: CD18, ICOS ligand, and tumor endothelial marker 7-related protein.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor exacerbates collagen induced arthritis in mice

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on disease progression in the collagen induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice. METHODS DBA/1 mice were primed for a suboptimal CIA response by intradermal injection of chick type II collagen without a secondary immunisation. Three weeks after immunisation the mice were given four to five consecutive daily intraperitoneal injections of recombinant murine GM-CSF (15 μg; 5 × 105 U), or vehicle, and arthritis development was monitored by clinical scoring of paws and calliper measurements of footpad swelling. At approximately six to eight weeks after immunisation mice were killed, their limbs removed and processed for histological analyses of joint pathology. RESULTS Control animals receiving a single immunisation with collagen exhibited a varied CIA response both in terms of incidence and severity. Mice treated with GM-CSF at 20 to 25 days after immunisation with collagen had a consistently greater incidence and more rapid onset of disease than the vehicle treated control mice, based on clinical assessment. GM-CSF treated mice showed higher average clinical scores and greater paw swelling than controls. Histological analyses of joints reflected the clinical scores with GM-CSF treated mice displaying more pronounced pathology (synovitis, pannus formation, cartilage and bone damage) than control mice. CONCLUSION GM-CSF is a potent accelerator of the pathological events leading to chronic inflammatory polyarthritis in murine CIA supporting the notion that GM-CSF may play a part in inflammatory polyarthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
A Wnt1-regulated genetic network controls the identity and fate of midbrain-dopaminergic progenitors in vivo

Midbrain neurons synthesizing the neurotransmitter dopamine play a central role in the modulation of different brain functions and are associated with major neurological and psychiatric disorders. Despite the importance of these cells, the molecular mechanisms controlling their development are still poorly understood. The secreted glycoprotein Wnt1 is expressed in close vicinity to developing midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Here, we show that Wnt1 regulates the genetic network, including Otx2 and Nkx2-2, that is required for the establishment of the midbrain dopaminergic progenitor domain during embryonic development. In addition, Wnt1 is required for the terminal differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons at later stages of embryogenesis. These results identify Wnt1 as a key molecule in the development of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in vivo. They also suggest the Wnt1-controlled signaling pathway as a promising target for new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.