Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acetylcholine and local anesthetic binding to Torpedo nicotinic postsynaptic membranes after removal of nonreceptor peptides.

After alkaline extraction, purified subsynaptic fragments isolated from Torpedo electric tissue exhibit on sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis predominant peptides of apparent Mr 41,000, 50,000, and 65,000 (i.e., the peptides characteristic of the nicotinic receptor purified and isolated in detergent solutions). The peptide of Mr 43,000 that is also found in the isolated postsynaptic membranes is recovered in the supernatant after alkaline extraction. The alkaline-extracted membranes were functionally intact, as demonstrated by the following criteria. The kinetics of binding of [3H]acetylcholine in the presence and absence of 30 micron carbamoylcholine to occupy acetylcholine binding sites, [14C]-meproadifen [2-(diethylmethylaminoethyl)-2,2-diphenylvalerate iodide ] was bound with a dissociation constant, KD, of 0.3 +/- 0.1 micron to 0.3 +/- 0.1 site per [3H]alpha-toxin site. This binding was displaced by perhydrohistrionicotoxin. The carbamoylcholine-stimulated efflux of 22Na+ from the Torpedo vesicles were preserved after alkaline extraction. It is concluded that not only the acetylcholine binding site, but also the local anesthetic binding site, must be associated with the peptides of the cholinergic receptor itself and not that of Mr 43,000. Those peptides remaining after alkaline extraction are also sufficient for permeability control.
Investigation of capnogram signal characteristics using statistical methods

This paper presents investigation on the characteristics of the capnogram. To date, all previous research conducted on capnogram signals were based on the fact that it is a stationary one. The analysis based on this assumption is limited to the use of certain conventional signal processing methods only. In this study, the first-order (mean and variance) and the second-order (autocorrelation) of asthmatics, and nonasthmatics patients' capnogram are calculated. The results show that mean and variance of different segments of each signal are not the same as it should be in stationary signals. In addition, the autocorrelation function of each signal is independent at most of the time difference. Therefore, based on our findings in this paper, capnogram signals are in the category of wide-sense nonstationary random signals.
Gamma Interferon-Induced Inhibition ofToxoplasma gondii in Astrocytes Is Mediated by IGTP

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii is an important pathogen in the central nervous system, causing a severe and often fatal encephalitis in patients with AIDS. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is the main cytokine preventing reactivation of Toxoplasma encephalitis in the brain. Microglia are important IFN-γ-activated effector cells controlling the growth of T. gondii in the brain via a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated mechanism. IFN-γ can also activate astrocytes to inhibit the growth of T. gondii. Previous studies found that the mechanism in murine astrocytes is independent of NO and all other known anti-Toxoplasma mechanisms. In this study we investigated the role of IGTP, a recently identified IFN-γ-regulated gene, in IFN-γ inhibition of T. gondii in murine astrocytes. Primary astrocytes were cultivated from IGTP-deficient mice, treated with IFN-γ, and then tested for anti-Toxoplasma activity. In wild-type astrocytesT. gondii growth was significantly inhibited by IFN-γ, whereas in astrocytes from IGTP-deficient mice IFN-γ did not cause a significant inhibition of growth. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that IFN-γ induced significant levels of IGTP in wild-type murine astrocytes within 24 h. These results indicate that IGTP plays a central role in the IFN-γ-induced inhibition of T. gondii in murine astrocytes.
TF-DMB: A traffic flow theory-based dynamic multi-hop broadcast protocol

In order to ensure traffic safety, the emergency warning message should be transmitted quickly and reliably in vehicular ad hoc networks by multi-hop broadcast. In this article, we propose a traffic flow theory-based dynamic multi-hop broadcast protocol to address the issue of emergency warning message dissemination in vehicular ad hoc networks. The main goal of our protocol is to reduce delay and enhance reliability no matter the traffic density is high or low. First, according to the simulations of the distribution of vehicles under different traffic densities, a method of dynamically dividing the communication range is proposed, which, to a large extent, could find the candidate forwarders by one non-uniform partition. Next, a mechanism of dynamically adjusting the contention window size and boundary is designed, and the minimum waiting time difference is considered. The complete execution process of theory-based dynamic multi-hop broadcast protocol and corresponding retransmission strategies are included for high reliability. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate the superior performance of our protocol in terms of one-hop delay, one-hop message processing, and delivery ratio compared with other existing schemes.
Leaping innovation barriers to small business longevity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the challenges faced by small businesses and to explain the importance of using strategic innovation to achieve long-term sustainability and viability. Design/methodology/approach This study of small business innovation includes reviewing the types and determinants of innovation as well as strategies to overcome innovation barriers. In addition, the authors developed a model that portrays elements needed for strategic innovation that supports the long-term viability of small businesses. Findings Small businesses serve as the economic foundation for many nations because they stimulate innovation, provide jobs, foster competitiveness and support overall economic growth. Small businesses can rapidly adapt to change, adopt new strategies and provide flexibility that supports strategic innovation. As a result, strategic innovation is a key driver of sustainable competitive advantage for small businesses. Practical implications Small business leaders need to integrate strategic innovation with their strategic planning to remain competitive. The strategic innovation model presented in this paper can assist them in understanding elements needed for successful strategic innovation and long-term viability. Social implications Globally, small businesses exert a strong influence on economic growth and create opportunities, employment and technological development. This paper will assist small business leaders as they strive to use strategic innovation to strengthen their competitive capabilities. Originality/value The unique strategic innovation model that the authors developed can help small businesses to achieve long-term sustainability and viability in the competitive marketplace.
A randomized trial of aspirin to prevent colorectal adenomas.

BACKGROUND Laboratory and epidemiologic data suggest that aspirin has an antineoplastic effect in the large bowel. METHODS We performed a randomized, double-blind trial of aspirin as a chemopreventive agent against colorectal adenomas. We randomly assigned 1121 patients with a recent history of histologically documented adenomas to receive placebo (372 patients), 81 mg of aspirin (377 patients), or 325 mg of aspirin (372 patients) daily. According to the protocol, follow-up colonoscopy was to be performed approximately three years after the qualifying endoscopy. We compared the groups with respect to the risk of one or more neoplasms (adenomas or colorectal cancer) at least one year after randomization using generalized linear models to compute risk ratios and 95 percent confidence intervals. RESULTS Reported adherence to study medications and avoidance of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs were excellent. Follow-up colonoscopy was performed at least one year after randomization in 1084 patients (97 percent). The incidence of one or more adenomas was 47 percent in the placebo group, 38 percent in the group given 81 mg of aspirin per day, and 45 percent in the group given 325 mg of aspirin per day (global P=0.04). Unadjusted relative risks of any adenoma (as compared with the placebo group) were 0.81 in the 81-mg group (95 percent confidence interval, 0.69 to 0.96) and 0.96 in the 325-mg group (95 percent confidence interval, 0.81 to 1.13). For advanced neoplasms (adenomas measuring at least 1 cm in diameter or with tubulovillous or villous features, severe dysplasia, or invasive cancer), the respective relative risks were 0.59 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.38 to 0.92) and 0.83 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.55 to 1.23). CONCLUSIONS Low-dose aspirin has a moderate chemopreventive effect on adenomas in the large bowel.
Addressing a weakness of anticancer therapy with mitosis inhibitors: Mitotic slippage

ABSTRACT Mitosis inhibitors, which include antimicrotubule drugs, are chemotherapy agents that induce the arrest and apoptosis of mitotic cells. Mitotic slippage, in which mitotically arrested cells exit mitosis, limits the effectiveness of mitosis inhibitors. We have discovered that the CRL2ZYG11A/B ubiquitin ligase promotes mitotic slippage. The combination of antimicrotubule drugs and a CRL2ZYG11A/B inhibitor prevents mitotic slippage to increase antimitotic efficacy.
Inhibition of nuclear transport of caspase-7 by its prodomain.

Apoptosis is a major form of cell death, characterized by a series of morphological changes induced by cleaving cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins via active caspases. The data presented here show, by fluorescence microscopic and immunoblotting analyses, that a prodomain of caspase-7 inhibits its nuclear translocation and apoptosis-inducing activity. This nuclear localization is dependent on the presence of a basic tetrapeptide that is conserved in mammalian and Xenopus caspase-7 and that is located downstream of a cleavage site between a prodomain and a catalytic protease domain. Furthermore, an attachment of the caspase-7 prodomain (31 amino acids) represses the nuclear transport of a fusion protein of a heterologous protein and the caspase-7 nuclear localization signal (19 amino acids), suggesting that the inhibition of nuclear localization by the prodomain is mediated by the interaction of these short peptides.
Time-series methods for fault detection and identification in vibrating structures

An overview of the principles and techniques of time-series methods for fault detection, identification and estimation in vibrating structures is presented, and certain new methods are introduced. The methods are classified, and their features and operation are discussed. Their practicality and effectiveness are demonstrated through brief presentations of three case studies pertaining to fault detection, identification and estimation in an aircraft panel, a scale aircraft skeleton structure and a simple nonlinear simulated structure.
Absence of branches from xylan in Arabidopsis gux mutants reveals potential for simplification of lignocellulosic biomass

As one of the most abundant polysaccharides on Earth, xylan will provide more than a third of the sugars for lignocellulosic biofuel production when using grass or hardwood feedstocks. Xylan is characterized by a linear β(1,4)-linked backbone of xylosyl residues substituted by glucuronic acid, 4-O-methylglucuronic acid or arabinose, depending on plant species and cell types. The biological role of these decorations is unclear, but they have a major influence on the properties of the polysaccharide. Despite the recent isolation of several mutants with reduced backbone, the mechanisms of xylan synthesis and substitution are unclear. We identified two Golgi-localized putative glycosyltransferases, GlucUronic acid substitution of Xylan (GUX)-1 and GUX2 that are required for the addition of both glucuronic acid and 4-O-methylglucuronic acid branches to xylan in Arabidopsis stem cell walls. The gux1 gux2 double mutants show loss of xylan glucuronyltransferase activity and lack almost all detectable xylan substitution. Unexpectedly, they show no change in xylan backbone quantity, indicating that backbone synthesis and substitution can be uncoupled. Although the stems are weakened, the xylem vessels are not collapsed, and the plants grow to normal size. The xylan in these plants shows improved extractability from the cell wall, is composed of a single monosaccharide, and requires fewer enzymes for complete hydrolysis. These findings have implications for our understanding of the synthesis and function of xylan in plants. The results also demonstrate the potential for manipulating and simplifying the structure of xylan to improve the properties of lignocellulose for bioenergy and other uses.
Barriers to the uptake of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy: a systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative evidence

Background Studies of cognitive behavioural therapy delivered by computer (cCBT) show clinical efficacy for treating anxiety and depression, but have not focused on barriers to uptake. Potential barriers include adverse consequences, accessibility and acceptability. Method An integrated systematic review was conducted of quantitative and qualitative studies and surveys from multiple electronic databases where computers delivered cCBT for anxiety or depression. Results Substantial numbers of potential participants are lost prior to trials commencing with little explanation. Among trial participants, drop-outs may be higher in the cCBT groups (odds ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 0.81–5.09). Only a median of 56% completed a full course of cCBT and personal circumstance was a more common cause of drop-out than difficulties with the technology or social background. Risk was rarely assessed in the majority of programs. Significant staff time was needed to support clients. Therapists were more negative about cCBT than clients. Conclusions While cCBT is likely to be an effective and acceptable intervention for some people, there are barriers to its uptake that will substantially limit its impact if not addressed. These included investigating the outcome and attitudes of those who do not make it as far as cCBT trials and why so few finish a full course of cCBT.
An. - An interactive full body exercise experience for patients suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis

Accessibility, affordability and lack of knowledge are major concerns for patients suffering from chronic diseases like rheumatism. In India, access to an exhaustive set of exercises involving both affected and active joints is still limited for patients residing in tier-two cities, suburbs, villages or belonging to lower socio-economic strata. Patients who could access and afford to consult physiotherapists, at times lack motivation and flexibility in exercise timings. Unadjustable appointments and time spent in travelling to such facilities are barriers to a regular exercise regime. The aim of this project was to design an interactive full body exercise experience platform while addressing issues such as accessibility, affordability and motivation issues for patients affected with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Our project had two dimensions: An exercise regime with a virtual instructor and games based on exercises. These methods were tested with patients and evaluated qualitatively. Results suggest that the system has potential to cater to the needs of both motivated and unmotivated patients.
Optimized statistical test for event detection in non-intrusive load monitoring

Event detection plays an important role in non-intrusive load monitoring to accurately detect when appliances are switched on or off in a residential environment. Besides being accurate, it is important that these methods are robust on real-life power traces. This paper shows that some state-of-the-art event detection methods may miss events when there is a substantial base load caused by active power consuming devices. In order to address this problem, this paper extends the existing chi-squared goodness-of-fit test with a a voting scheme. Furthermore, a work flow is proposed using surrogate-based optimisation for tuning the parameters of these tests in an efficient way. Results on the BLUED dataset indicate that the novel voting chi-squared GOF method outperforms the standard chi-squared GOF test when applied to traces with a higher base load.
IMPROVING INTERFEROMETRIC NULL DEPTH MEASUREMENTS USING STATISTICAL DISTRIBUTIONS: THEORY AND FIRST RESULTS WITH THE PALOMAR FIBER NULLER

A new “self-calibrated” statistical analysis method has been developed for the reduction of nulling interferometry data. The idea is to use the statistical distributions of the fluctuating null depth and beam intensities to retrieve the astrophysical null depth (or equivalently the object's visibility) in the presence of fast atmospheric fluctuations. The approach yields an accuracy much better (about an order of magnitude) than is presently possible with standard data reduction methods, because the astrophysical null depth accuracy is no longer limited by the magnitude of the instrumental phase and intensity errors but by uncertainties on their probability distributions. This approach was tested on the sky with the two-aperture fiber nulling instrument mounted on the Palomar Hale telescope. Using our new data analysis approach alone—and no observations of calibrators—we find that error bars on the astrophysical null depth as low as a few 10−4 can be obtained in the near-infrared, which means that null depths lower than 10−3 can be reliably measured. This statistical analysis is not specific to our instrument and may be applicable to other interferometers.
Distance-weighted backlog differentials for back-pressure routing in multi-hop wireless networks

Back-pressure algorithm for queueing network can lead to maximum network throughput and is robust to time-varying network conditions, which has raised considerable attention recently due to the scarcity of wireless bandwidth resources. However, it may result in large end-to-end (e2e) delay and a waste of network resources, particularly when the network loads are light or moderate. The reason is that back-pressure algorithm may explore and exploit unnecessarily long paths to maintain network stability. In this paper, we propose a distance-weighted back-pressure routing (DW-BPR), which weights backlog differentials with distance gradients to refine packet-forwarding routes into directions towards destinations, to reduce e2e delay. DW-BPR forwards packets to nodes that not only have smaller queue backlogs but also are closer to destinations than the present ones. We further improve DW-BPR by a distance-aware link scheduling policy. We prove that DW-BPR results in strong network stability. Simulation results in NS-2 also show efficiency improvement in terms of e2e delay, throughput and average queue length over the original back-pressure algorithm.
Developmental origin of interferon-alpha-producing dendritic cells from hematopoietic precursors.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the lineage origin of interferon-alpha-producing cells (IPCs), also called plasmacytoid dendritic cells, in mice by evaluating the ability of common lymphoid (CLP) and myeloid (CMP) progenitors to give rise to IPCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sublethally irradiated C57Bl/6 mice were intravenously transplanted with rigorously purified lymphoid and myeloid progenitors from a congenic mouse strain. At various time points posttransplantation mice were analyzed for donor-derived cells by flow cytometry. The developmental potential of all progenitor populations was also tested in in vitro cultures. In addition, in vitro and in vivo derived IPCs were functionally assessed for their interferon-alpha production after virus challenge. RESULTS Transplantation of 1 x 10(4) common myeloid progenitors, 1 x 10(4) common lymphoid progenitors or 2.5 x 10(4) granulocyte/macrophage progenitors all led to the generation of IPCs within 2 to 3 weeks. In general, IPC reconstitution in spleen and liver by CMPs was more efficient than by CLP. Adding Flt3L alone to in vitro cultures was sufficient to support the development of IPCs from myeloid progenitors whereas CLPs required additional survival factors provided either by stroma cells or by introduction of transgenic Bcl-2. Both myeloid- and lymphoid-derived IPC were indistinguishable by function, gene expression, and morphology. CONCLUSION Surprisingly, our results clearly show that murine IPCs differentiate from both lineages but are mainly of myeloid origin. These results extend to IPCs the observation made originally in classical dendritic cells that cellular expression of so called lineage markers does not correlate with lineal origin.
A novel modulatory binding site for zinc on the GABAA receptor complex in cultured rat neurones.

1. The properties of gamma‐aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptor‐ion channel complexes and the interaction with the transition metal zinc, were studied on rat sympathetic and cerebellar neurones in dissociated culture using patch clamp recording techniques. 2. The antagonism of GABA‐induced membrane currents by zinc on sympathetic neurones was subject to developmental influence. Using embryonic sympathetic neurones acutely cultured for 24‐72 h, GABA responses were more depressed by zinc when compared to responses evoked on adult neurones cultured for the same period. For neurones developing in vivo, the percentage inhibition of GABA responses produced by zinc in embryonic neurones was estimated to decline by 50% after 48.2 days following birth. 3. Embryonic sympathetic neurones maintained in culture for prolonged periods (40‐50 days in vitro, DIV) became less sensitive to zinc when compared to neurones cultured for shorter periods (10‐20 DIV). The decrease in the zinc inhibition for neurones maintained in vitro proceeded at an apparent rate of 0.55% per day. 4. Activation of the GABA receptor by muscimol (0.2‐2 microM) was also antagonized by zinc (50‐100 microM). 5. Lowering the pH of the perfusing Krebs solution did not affect the inhibition of GABA responses by zinc on sympathetic neurones. 6. Modulation of the GABAA receptor by some benzodiazepines, a barbiturate, a steroid based on pregnanolone, or antagonists bicuculline and picrotoxinin, did not interfere with the antagonism exerted by zinc on sympathetic neurones. A novel binding site for zinc on the GABAA receptor is proposed. 7. Analysis of the GABA‐activated current noise on sympathetic neurones revealed two kinetic components to the power spectra requiring a double Lorentzian fit. The time constant describing the fast component (tau 2, 2.1 ms) was unaffected by zinc, whereas the slow component time constant (tau 1, 21.7 ms) was slightly reduced to 17.1 ms. 8. The apparent single‐channel conductance for GABA‐activated ion channels was determined from the power spectra (gamma s = 22.7 pS) and also from the relationship between the mean GABA‐induced inward current and the variance of the current (gamma v = 24 pS). Zinc (25‐100 microM) did not affect the single‐channel conductance. 9. Single GABA‐activated ion channels were recorded from outside‐out patches taken from the soma of large cerebellar neurones. Single GABA channels were capable of activation to multiple current amplitudes which were assessed into the following conductance levels: 8, 18, 23, 29 and 34 pS. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)