Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning and characterization of two voltage‐gated K+ channel cDNAs from human ventricle

K+ channels represent the most complex class of voltage‐gated ion channels from both functional and structural standpoints. In the heart these channels are responsible for the rapid repolarizing phases of the action potential and are the targets of several antiarrhythmic drugs. Full‐length cDNA clones were isolated from human ventricular libraries that encode two voltage‐gated K+ channels. These two cDNAs, designated HK1 and HK2, encode proteins of 653 and 605 amino acids, respectively. HK1 is the human equivalent (98% identity) of an inactivating K+ channel previously described in rat heart (RHK1) whereas the HK2 channel is 86% identical to a cloned rat brain K+ channel (Kv1). The only amino acid sequence identity (72%) between HK1 and HK2 is within the central region containing the membrane spanning domains. Northern blot analysis of human mRNA indicated that HK1 is slightly more abundant in ventricle than atrium whereas HK2 is much more abundant in atrium relative to ventricle. Both channel transcripts are present in ventricle at levels equivalent to voltage‐gated Na+ channels. Analysis of the gene encoding HK1 suggests the coding sequence is intronless and is represented once in the human genome. —Tamkun, M. M. ; Knoth, K. M. ; Walbridge, J. A. ; Kroemer, H. ; Roden, D. M. ; Glover, D. M. Molecular cloning and characterization of two voltage‐gated K+ channel cDNAs from human ventricle. FASEB J. 5: 331–337; 1991.
Distant Precursors of Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids and their Enzymatic Formation

The incorporation rates of labelled tyrosine, DOPA. tyramine. and dopamine have been investigated during the in vivo formation of the protoberberine alkaloid, jatrorrhizine, in callus cultures of Berberis canadensis. While tyrosine was equally well incorporated into both the isoquinoline (54%) and benzyl (46%) portions of the alkaloid, DOPA was almost exclusively (91%) transformed into the isoquinoline moiety. However, tyramine (25%) and to a lesser extent, dopamine (15%) were incorporated into the aldehyde-derived, benzylic half of the isoquinoline molecule as well. In order to investigate further the precursory roles of these compounds, select enzymes involved in tyrosine metabolism in alkaloid-producing cell cultures have been studied. The occurrence of tyrosine decarboxylase, phenolase, transaminase, p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate decarboxylase, amineoxidase and methionine adenosyl transferase was demonstrated in suspension cells of Berberis. These enzymes were partially purified and a preliminary characterization was performed. In the light of these and previous data, the differential metabolism of tyrosine and DOPA in the early steps of isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis is discussed. Conclusive evidence as to the biosynthetic origin of the phenylacetaldehydes which furnish the benzylic moiety of the alkaloids is precluded by the presence of both amineoxidase and phenylpyruvate decarboxylase activities in these cultures.
Better increase in fibrin gel porosity by low dose than intermediate dose acetylsalicylic acid.

AIM To investigate the influence on plasma fibrin gel structure of low and intermediate doses of acetylsalicylic acid in healthy individuals. The influence of acetylsalicylic acid on thrombin formation, fibrinolytic capacity and plasminogen inhibitor-1 in plasma was also investigated. METHODS Nineteen subjects were treated with 75 mg and 11 with 320 mg acetylsalicylic acid daily; eight subjects received both doses. Fibrin gel structure was determined by a permeability technique yielding a porosity constant (Ks), and the thromboxane metabolite 11-dehydro-thromboxane B2 (TxM) was determined by an ELISA. RESULTS Acetylsalicylic acid increased fibrin porosity by 65% at 75 mg (P<0.001, n=19), whereas lower increases were found at 320 mg (+22%, P<0.05, n=11). One week after withdrawal Ks had essentially returned to baseline (ns). Urinary thromboxane metabolites were suppressed during treatment (-61%, P<0.001 at 75 mg, n=19; -46%, P<0.01 at 320 mg, n=11). The intra-individual comparison showed similar results (Ks +92%, TxM -62% at 75 mg; Ks +5%, TxM -52% at 320 mg). Fibrinolytic capacity, plasminogen inhibitor-1 levels and thrombin generation (in platelet-poor citrated plasma) were not influenced. CONCLUSION Low dose acetylsalicylic acid causes the greatest increase in fibrin gel porosity; this may well be of therapeutic importance.
Investigating the Role of Serotonin in Methamphetamine Psychosis: Unaltered Behavioral Effects of Chronic Methamphetamine in 5-HT1A Knockout Mice

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a widely abused stimulant drug, but this abuse is associated with an increased risk of developing psychosis. In addition to its well-known action on brain dopamine, Meth also affects serotonergic (5-HT) neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate this role in mice, which lack one of the main serotonin receptors, the 5-HT1A receptor, which has been implicated in both schizophrenia and Meth-induced psychosis. Male and female wild-type or 5-HT1A knockout (KO) mice received daily treatment with increasing doses of methamphetamine from 6 to 9 weeks of age (1–4 mg/kg/day twice a day). At least 2 weeks after the last injection, the mice underwent a battery of behavioral tests focusing on psychosis-related behaviors, including Meth-induced hyperactivity, prepulse inhibition (PPI), social interaction, elevated plus maze (EPM), and Y-maze. Meth pretreatment resulted in significantly increased hyperlocomotion in response to an acute Meth challenge, but this effect was independent of genotype. Chronic Meth treatment resulted in decreased levels of anxiety in the EPM in both sexes, as well as increased startle responses in female mice only, again independent of genotype. 5-HT1A KO mice showed an increased locomotor response to acute Meth in both sexes, as well as increased PPI and decreased startle responses in female mice only, independent of Meth pretreatment. In conclusion, the effects of chronic Meth appear unaffected by the absence of the 5-HT1A receptor. These results do not support a role of the 5-HT1A receptor in Meth-induced psychosis.
Cardiovascular Responses to Unilateral, Bilateral, and Alternating Limb Resistance Exercise Performed Using Different Body Segments

Abstract Moreira, OC, Faraci, LL, de Matos, DG, Mazini Filho, ML, da Silva, SF, Aidar, FJ, Hickner, RC, and de Oliveira, CEP. Cardiovascular responses to unilateral, bilateral and alternating limb resistance exercise performed using different body segments. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 644–652, 2017—The aim of this study was to verify and compare the cardiovascular responses to unilateral, bilateral, and alternating limb resistance exercise (RE) performed using different body segments. Fifteen men experienced in RE were studied during biceps curls, barbell rows, and knee extension exercises when performed bilaterally, unilaterally, and using alternating limbs. The protocol consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 10 repetition maximum with 2-minute rest between sets. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured after the last repetition. There was a statistically significant increase in HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and rate pressure product (RPP), from rest to postexercise. The RPP was higher in the third set of all exercises and in all 3 forms of execution, when compared with the first set. Bilateral biceps curls caused a greater increase in RPP (first and second sets) and HR, compared with the same exercise performed unilaterally. Furthermore, the performance of bilateral biceps curls induced greater HR and RPP, in all sets, compared with bilateral knee extension and barbell rows. There was also a significantly higher SBP for the alternating second and third sets and also for the bilateral third set of the knee extensions as compared with the barbell rows. It was concluded from the data of this study that the cardiovascular response was increased from rest to postexercise in all forms of exercise, especially immediately after the third set of RE. For exercises performed bilaterally with the upper body (biceps curls), there was a greater cardiovascular response when compared with the same exercise performed unilaterally or with lower-body exercise performed bilaterally.
Development of Leadership Behaviors in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Service‐Learning Approach

AIM The purpose of this study was to determine leadership behaviors developed by nursing students and peers before and after a service‐learning experience. BACKGROUND Nurses have been called to fill growing needs in the health care setting, rendering care to vulnerable and diverse populations in a wide range of organizations. Leadership behaviors are therefore essential. METHOD Baccalaureate students (N = 65) completed the Student Leadership Practices Inventory‐Self at the beginning and end of the semester. The students also rated peers using the Leadership Practices Inventory‐Observer and answered six questions about service‐learning. RESULTS Repeated measures of analysis of variance for pre‐ and posttests revealed that leadership behaviors improved (p < .0001). A significant correlation was found (p = .02) between the overall posttest scores for both instruments. CONCLUSION Integrating service‐learning into a leadership course is an effective approach to the development of leadership behaviors.
Classification of Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus Using an Improved Genetic Algorithm for Feature Selection Based on Mass Spectra

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cause nosocomial and communal infections seriously. Rapid and accurate identification of MRSA is vital for prevention of human morbidity. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) has been widely used for identification and typing of micro-organisms. To identify MRSA based on the mass spectra of clinical S.aureus, we propose a genetic algorithm with a t-test based population seeding for wrapper feature selection, in which the t-test statistics are used as the prior information for initial population. The results of some compared experiments show that the proposed method improves the average sensitivity from 0.55 to 0.71, and the balanced accuracy is a larger value on contrast group, whose average value is 0.72. As the result, the proposed GA with prior information can identify MRSA effectively.
A Scalable Hierarchical Ring Based Wireless Network-on-Chip

Network-on-Chip (NoC) based systems are becoming more acceptable nowadays compared to System-on-Chips (SoC) for nanoscale system development due to increasing scaling. The weakness of wired communication leads to insertion of wireless links in NoC Systems to mitigate the multihop problem. Present work provides significant improvements of NoC and Wireless NoC (WNoCs) systems contributing salient techniques related to necessary hardware and communication protocols. This work also explores experiments on NoC and WNoC systems. Proposed WNoC design offers 33.19% - 47.49% improvements in latency with 15.73% - 23.06% gain in energy consumption and latency improvements of 52.60% - 56.55% with 22.65% - 29.16% savings in consumed energy over mesh based wired traditional NoC and another state-of-the-art WNoC respectively.
Fibrin activation of vascular endothelial cells. Induction of IL-8 expression.

Fibrin deposition and leukocyte accumulation are classic histopathologic hallmarks of acute and chronic inflammation. Although both of these processes are common to inflammatory processes, surprisingly little is known about the interrelationship between fibrin deposition and leukocyte accumulation. We hypothesized that: 1) fibrin can regulate inflammation by directly inducing leukocyte chemotactic factor (LCF) expression from vascular endothelial cells (VEC), and 2) this fibrin-induced VEC expression of LCF would enhance leukocyte recruitment seen in acute and chronic inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we developed an in vitro model system of in situ polymerization of fibrin on isolated bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells in culture. In the initial phase of our studies, we found that fibrin induced a time- and dose-dependent expression of leukocyte migration activity from VEC. Checkerboard analysis demonstrated that the leukocyte migration activity present in the fibrin-stimulated VEC culture supernatant was truly chemotactic in nature. In an effort to begin to characterize this chemotactic activity, we demonstrated that this fibrin-induced LCF activity was 1) protein dependent, 2) not derived from fibrin(ogen), and 3) had an apparent m.w. of 6 to 12 kDa. Our further studies demonstrated that fibrin was a potent stimulus for IL-8 Ag expression from the VEC. Thus, these studies clearly demonstrate that fibrin has the capability to induce leukocyte chemotactic activity in general, and IL-8 activity specifically, from VEC. These studies support our hypothesis that fibrin is an important activator of vascular endothelial cells in vivo.
Effects of Hypoglycaemia on Neurotransmitter and Hormone Receptor Gene Expression in Laser‐Dissected Arcuate Neuropeptide Y/Agouti‐Related Peptide Neurones

Arcuate neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti‐related pepide (AgRP) neurones regulate energy homeostasis, and express the putative glucosensor, glucokinase (GCK). The present study performed multi‐transcriptional profiling of these neurones to characterise NPY, AgRP and GCK gene expression during intermediate insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia, and to determine whether these transcriptional responses acclimate to repeated insulin dosing. We also examined whether these neurones express insulin, glucocorticoid and oestrogen receptor gene transcripts, and whether the levels of these receptor mRNAs are modified by insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia. Individual NPY‐immunoreactive neurones were laser‐microdissected from the caudal arcuate nucleus after single or serial dosing with neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin (NPH), and evaluated by quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction for the assessment of neurotransmitter and receptor gene expression. Mean NPY and AgRP mRNA in harvested NPY neurones was unchanged or augmented, respectively, by one NPH dose, although repeated NPH administration up‐regulated NPY, whereas AgRP gene transcripts were down‐regulated. NPH elicited divergent modifications in the ERα and ERβ mRNA content of sampled neurones. ERα transcripts were amplified by both acute and chronic NPH‐induced hypoglycaemia, whereas ERβ gene expression was unaltered during a single bout, but suppressed during recurring hypoglycaemia. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA levels were increased by a single insulin dose, but unaffected by serial NPH dosing. Insulin receptor‐β chain (InsRb) gene transcripts were insensitive to acute NPH‐induced hypoglycaemia, but repeated NPH inhibited this gene transcript. Neither acute nor recurring hypoglycaemia modified GCK mRNA levels in caudal hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH) NPY/AgRP neurones, but baseline GCK transcription was suppressed by the latter. This evidence for the habituation of hypoglycaemic patterns of InsRb, GR and ERβ gene transcription to serial NPH dosing implies that such treatment may alter reactivity of caudal ARH NPY/AgRP neurones to receptor ligands, and supports the need to determine whether adaptive changes in neuronal sensitivity to insulin, corticosterone and/or oestrogen cause up‐ versus down‐regulation of NPY and AgRP neurotransmission, respectively, by this caudal ARH subpopulation during chronic hypoglycaemia.
Structure of interfirm networks in regional clusters

There has been a widespread resurgence of interest in regional clusters as well as related regional innovation concepts. A network is expected to work as a conduit of resources and knowledge within the region and its structure affects its performance. In this paper, we originally construct a large database of interfirm networks in selected regional clusters in Japan, and investigate their multiscale structures combining existing organizational and network theories. In order to investigate the inner structures determining the macroscopic network performance, we elucidated the mesoscopic and microscopic structures of the networks, i.e. the modular structures and the position of individual firms in such modular networks. Our analysis successfully extracted ldquohub firmsrdquo orchestrating their own supplier modules and ldquoconnector firmsrdquo bridging different modules. Then, we investigated the interfirm network structures and the relationships between their economic performance and topological positions in the networks. We discuss how ldquohub firmsrdquo and ldquoconnector firmsrdquo can contribute to the regional economic performance.
COLISTIN SUPPRESSION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN STOOLS. II. REDUCTION OF FECAL EXCRETION OF NON-ENTEROPATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI IN INFANTS WITH DIARRHEA.

In the preceding communication with Dr. Walter Murray,1we reported our experience of the effectiveness of colistin in the management of an outbreak of infantile diarrhea caused by a neomycin resistant strain ofEscherichia coli0111:B4. Because of the small number of cases treated with colistin and the urgent need to halt the epidemic, we were unable to try different dosage schedules or to study other aspects of therapy such as the occurrence of side effects and the overgrowth in the stools of other microorganisms. Reports in the literature2,3indicate that enteropathogenicE coli(EPEC) and non-enteropathogenic strains ofE coliare inhibited by similar concentrations of colistin. Since patients excreting EPEC are not numerous, we studied the excretion of non-enteropathogenicE colifrom patients with parenteral diarrhea. Method of Study A total of 114 children, 1 week to 2 years of age, were selected at random
Natural history of denervation in SMA: Relation to age, SMN2 copy number, and function

Denervation was assessed in 89 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) 1, 2, and 3 subjects via motor unit number estimation (MUNE) and maximum compound motor action potential amplitude (CMAP) studies, and results correlated with SMN2 copy, age, and function. MUNE and maximum CMAP values were distinct among SMA subtypes (p < 0.05). Changes in MUNE and maximum CMAP values over time were dependent on age, SMA type, and SMN2 copy number. SMN2 copy number less than 3 correlated with lower MUNE and maximum CMAP values (p < 0.0001) and worse functional outcomes. As SMN2 copy number increases, so does functional status (p < 0.0001). Change in MUNE longitudinally over the time intervals examined in this study was not statistically significant for any SMA cohort. However, a decline in maximum CMAP over time was apparent in SMA2 subjects (p = 0.049). Age‐dependent decline in MUNE and maximum CMAP was apparent in both SMA 1 (p < 0.0001) and SMA 2 (p < 0.0001) subjects, with age as an independent factor regardless of type. Maximum CMAP at the time of the initial assessment was most predictive of functional outcome (p < 0.0001). Prospective longitudinal studies in four prenatally diagnosed infants demonstrated significant progressive denervation in association with symptomatic onset or functional decline. These data highlight the potential value of such measures in increasing our understanding of pathophysiological factors involved in denervation in SMA. Ann Neurol 2005;57:704–712
Partial Gastric Volumes and Upper Abdominal Sensations in Functional Dyspeptic and GERD Patients: A 3D Ultrasonographic Study

OBJECTIVES:The aim of the study was to evaluate the change in proximal and distal gastric volumes after ingestion of a nutrient drink and its relationship to upper abdominal sensations using three-dimensional ultrasonography.METHODS:Fifty FD patients, 20 GERD patients patients and 35 healthy controls participated. Partial gastric volumes and sensations were assessed while fasting and after ingestion of a nutrient drink (500 mL, 300 kcal). Division of partial gastric volumes by total gastric volume was used to calculate proximal and distal gastric volume ratios.RESULTS:The proximal gastric volume ratio was smaller in FD patients and larger in GERD patients compared to controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). FD patients with impaired proximal relaxation (46%) had a larger increase in distal gastric volume (p = 0.008) and higher fullness sensations (p = 0.027) compared to FD patients with normal proximal relaxation. Fullness was related to distal gastric volume in both GERD patients and healthy controls (r = 0.761, p < 0.001 and r = 0.674, p = 0.001, respectively). In FD patients this relationship was not observed.CONCLUSIONS:Impaired proximal gastric volume change after ingestion of a nutrient drink is associated with a larger distal gastric volume and increased fullness. In health and in GERD patients, the distal stomach is important in the regulation of fullness. However, in FD patients with normal or altered gastric volume distribution, this relationship is disturbed, implying that other causes are involved in the excessive generation of fullness.
A polymorphism in an autophagy-related gene, ATG16L1, influences time to delivery in women with an unfavorable cervix who require labor induction

Abstract Autophagy is an intracellular process that maintains homeostasis by the removal of damaged organelles and proteins. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the autophagy-related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1) gene results in decreased autophagy. We evaluated whether the ATG16L1 polymorphism influenced the time to delivery during labor induction in pregnant women with an unfavorable cervix. DNA from 69 women with an unfavorable cervix who required labor induction due to post-term (>294 days) (n=26), oligohydramnios (n=17), hypertension or pre-eclampsia (n=10), abnormal fetal heart rate (n=8), diabetes (n=3) or other reasons (n=5) was tested by gene amplification and endonuclease digestion for a SNP in ATG16L1 (rs2241880). The mean hours (SD) from induction to delivery was 20.8 (9.7) for women who were A,A homozygotes, 19.2 (8.8) for A,G heterozygotes and 14.3 (6.6) for homozygote carriers of the G,G variant (P=0.03 A,A vs. G,G, P=0.04 A,A/A,G vs. G,G). The G,G prevalence was 24.4% and 4.2% for those who delivered in ≤24 and >24 h, respectively (P=0.04). There was no difference in genotype distribution by indication for induction. A decreased genetic capacity for autophagy may be beneficial in women with an unfavorable cervix whose labor has to be induced.
Survey of tools for risk assessment of cascading outages

This paper is a result of ongoing activity carried out by Understanding, Prediction, Mitigation and Restoration of Cascading Failures Task Force under IEEE Computer Analytical Methods Subcommittee (CAMS). The task force's previous papers [1, 2] are focused on general aspects of cascading outages such as understanding, prediction, prevention and restoration from cascading failures. This is the second of two new papers, which extend this previous work to summarize the state of the art in cascading failure risk analysis methodologies and modeling tools. The first paper reviews the state of the art in methodologies for performing risk assessment of potential cascading outages [3]. This paper describes the state of the art in cascading failure modeling tools, documenting the view of experts representing utilities, universities and consulting companies. The paper is intended to constitute a valid source of information and references about presently available tools that deal with prediction of cascading failure events. This effort involves reviewing published literature and other documentation from vendors, universities and research institutions. The assessment of cascading outages risk evaluation is in continuous evolution. Investigations to gain even better understanding and identification of cascading events are the subject of several research programs underway aimed at solving the complexity of these events that electrical utilities face today. Assessing the risk of cascading failure events in planning and operation for power transmission systems require adequate mathematical tools/software.