Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal bio-inspired structure of a quadruped by the method of energy efficiency

Living creatures have been survived by modifying their body structures and adapting to surrounding circumstance, which is called the fittest survival. Researchers try to copy animal or insect by mechanical robot. Lizard is selected a model, which has 13 links and 12 joints, covering all existing leg and body arrangements. Total energy consumption is calculated by the locomotion simulation, which is based more on biological concepts.
Exploration de la face cachée du métabolisme bactérien chez Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1

La connaissance du metabolisme demeure incomplete mais sa comprehension reste un but majeur tant pour la recherche fondamentale qu’appliquee. Environ 40% des genes des organismes procaryotes n’ont pas de fonction precise proposee. En consequence, de nombreuses voies metaboliques sont incompletes et d’autres restent a decouvrir. Ces lacunes rendent tres difficile la modelisation et la comprehension du metabolisme d’une cellule. Le laboratoire developpe une nouvelle strategie pour mettre au jour des voies metaboliques inconnues. Celle-ci est basee sur la bacterie modele du laboratoire, Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 (AP1). Elle exploite la banque complete de mutants de deletion de cet organisme (2600 mutants) ainsi que les avancees recentes du laboratoire dans le domaine de la metabolomique par chromatographie liquide couplee a la spectrometrie de masse a tres haute resolution (LC/MS). Cette etude est liee a l’observation que lors d’un changement de source de carbone (succinate vs quinate) ADP1 produit de nombreux metabolites d’identite inconnue, non relies a notre connaissance de son metabolisme. Ces metabolites orphelins (MO) participent a des voies metaboliques nouvelles et representent des points d’entree dans la partie obscure du metabolisme bacterien.Ce projet comporte deux volets. Il s’agit d’une part de proceder a l’elucidation structurale des MO et d’autre part d’identifier l'ensemble des genes impliques dans leur synthese.Dans le cadre de ce travail de these, nous avons etabli l’identite d’un premier MO : l’acide 3-(3-aminopropylamine)- 4-hydroxybenzoique. Ce compose est un bien metabolite nouveau, jamais reference auparavant. Dans un premier temps, des experiences de LC/MS impliquant notamment des fragmentations sequentielles MSn et des echanges isotopiques H/D ont permis de determiner sa composition elementaire, son nombre de protons echangeables et ont suggere une structure aromatique de la molecule. Ensuite, son identification a necessite sa purification a l’echelle de la centaine de µg. Puis, une analyse RMN complete (1H, 13C, COSY, 1H-13C HSQC, 1H-13C HMBC, et 1H-15N HMBC) a permis de preciser sa structure.Par ailleurs, pour identifier les genes impliques dans la synthese des MO, nous avons procede a l’analyse metabolomique de l’ensemble des mutants de la collection d’ADP1. Pour cela, nous avons developpe des protocoles a haut-debit pour la preparation des metabolomes (100 metabolomes par jour), l’acquisition des donnees LC/MS (8 minutes par acquisition) et enfin leur analyse automatisee. Nous regardons, pour chaque mutant, quels sont les MO presents et absents. L’absence d’un MO chez un mutant donne indique que le gene excise est implique dans sa synthese. L’analyse systematique de la banque doit permettre in fine de dresser la liste de tous les genes impliques dans la synthese de chaque MO. Les resultats du criblage, toujours en cours, permettront ainsi de commencer a reconstituer ces voies metaboliques nouvelles.
Understanding worldwide youth attitudes towards smoke-free policies: an analysis of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey

Background Smoke-free policies (SFPs) in public places are increasing globally, but developing countries are lagging behind. Understanding youth attitudes towards SFPs can inform SFP initiatives. Methods A multilevel logistic regression analysis of data collected from youth aged 13–15 years (2000–2006) who completed the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in 115 countries, primarily in the developing world, was conducted. The analysis examined relationships between support for SFPs and individual-level measures related to smoking status, and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), controlling for demographic and environmental factors of interest and country-level policy factors. Results In all, 77.3% of 356 395 youth in 115 countries favoured SFPs, including majorities of non-smokers (78.7%) and smokers (63.6%). In the multivariable analysis knowledge of smoke harm was the strongest predictor of favouring SFPs (OR 2.42, 95% CI 2.27 to 2.67). Exposure to countermarketing (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.57) and school anti-smoking education (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.31) were also positively associated. Current smoking (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.53), susceptibility to smoking (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.52) and exposure to tobacco promotion were negatively associated. Significant country-level variation was observed. The presence of any national smoke-free legislation in a country was positively associated with youth favouring such policies. Conclusions The majority of youth worldwide support, yet lack, smoke-free policies in public places, while being regularly exposed to SHS. Youth support of SFPs is most positively associated with knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Redoubling education efforts represents an opportunity to establish smoke-free environments and improve health of children in developing countries.
The Regional Research Laboratory initiative A progress report

Abstract This paper outlines the origins and objectives of the four multidisciplinary Regional Research Laboratories (RRLs) established in Great Britain by the Economic and Social Research Council at Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Newcastle, and describes the work undertaken in the first 6 months of the trial phase. The RRLs will have four main functions, viz., data management, software development, spatial analysis and research training. An example is given of the work undertaken at each RRL, viz., a general purpose system for the display and query of large spatially-referenced data sets, an integrated spatial database for south-east England, a health care planning information system for the County of Avon and a target marketing system. The trial phase of this initiative is then evaluated in terms of its laboratory, research and regional dimensions
Hot flushes during the menopause transition: a longitudinal study in Australian-born women

Objective:To investigate factors associated with the presence, severity, and frequency of hot flushes. Design:A 9-year prospective study of 438 Australian-born women, aged 45 to 55 years and menstruating at baseline. Annual fasting blood collection, physical measurements, and interviews including questions about bothersome hot flushes in previous 2 weeks were performed. A “hot flush index” score was calculated from the product of the severity and frequency data. Data were analyzed using random-effects time-series regression models. Results:A total of 381 women supplied complete data over the follow-up years. A total of 350 women experienced the menopause transition, of whom 60 (17%) never reported bothersome hot flushes. At baseline, women who reported hot flushes were significantly more likely to have higher negative moods, not be in full- or part-time paid work, smoke, and not report exercising every day. Over the 9-year period of the study, variables significantly associated with reporting bothersome hot flushes were relatively young age (P < 0.001), low exercise levels (P < 0.05), low estradiol levels (P < 0.001), high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels (P < 0.001), smoking (P < 0.01), being in the late menopause transition (P < 0.001), or being postmenopausal (P < 0.001). In women reporting hot flushes, the hot flush index score increased as their FSH levels increased (P < 0.01), as they entered the late stage of the menopause transition (P < 0.001), and as they became postmenopausal (P < 0.05), and decreased with as their age (P < 0.001) and exercise level (P < 0.05) increased. Between-women analyses found that the hot flush index score was greater in women with higher average FSH levels over time (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Menopause status, FSH and estradiol levels, age, exercise level, and smoking status all contributed to the experience of bothersome hot flushes.
13C-Isotopic enrichment of glutathione in cell extracts determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

An NMR method was developed for measuring the isotopic enrichment of glutathione in extracts of cells fed a medium containing [3, 3'-13C2]cystine. Two sublines of human mammary adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells were exposed to growth medium containing the labeled cystine for varying periods, treated with monobromobimane, harvested, and extracted with perchloric acid. The glutathione-bimane adduct was partially purified by solid-phase extraction before analysis by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The isotopic enrichment of the beta-carbon of the cysteinyl residue of glutathione was determined directly in the cell extracts without further purification. These isotopic enrichment data can be used to determine the rate of synthesis of glutathione in cell and tissue extracts.
Glutamic acid-141: a heme ‘bodyguard’ in anionic tobacco peroxidase

Abstract The role of the conserved glutamic acid residue in anionic plant peroxidases with regard to substrate specificity and stability was examined. A Glu141Phe substitution was generated in tobacco anionic peroxidase (TOP) to mimic neutral plant peroxidases such as horseradish peroxidase C (HRP C). The newly constructed enzyme was compared to wild-type recombinant TOP and HRP C expressed in E. coli. The Glu141Phe substitution supports heme entrapment during the refolding procedure and increases the reactivation yield to 30% compared to 7% for wild-type TOP. The mutation reduces the activity towards ABTS, o-phenylenediamine, guaiacol and ferrocyanide to 50% of the wild-type activity. No changes are observed with respect to activity for the lignin precursor substrates, coumaric and ferulic acid. The Glu141Phe mutation destabilizes the enzyme upon storage and against radical inactivation, mimicking inactivation in the reaction course. Structural alignment shows that Glu141 in TOP is likely to be hydrogen-bonded to Gln149, similar to the Glu143-Lys151 bond in Arabidopsis A2 peroxidase. Supposedly, the Glu141-Gln149 bond provides TOP with two different modes of stabilization: (1) it prevents heme dissociation, i.e., it ‘guards’ heme inside the active center; and (2) it constitutes a shield to protect the active center from solvent-derived radicals.
Self‐Reported Symptoms and Medication Side Effects Influence Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Persons With HIV Infection

Objectives: To identify variables predictive of nonadherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and to assess whether self‐reported symptoms or medication side effects are related to adherence. Design: Cross‐sectional multicenter study Adherence Italian Cohort Naive Antiretrovirals [AdICONA] within the Italian Cohort Naive Antiretrovirals (ICONA). Methods: Participants receiving HAART completed a 16‐item self‐administered questionnaire to assess nonadherence in the last 3 days as well as the type and intensity of 24 common HIV‐ and HAART‐related symptoms experienced during the last 4 weeks. Results: From May 1999 to March 2000, 358 persons were enrolled: 22% reported nonadherence and were less likely to have HIV RNA <500 copies/ml (odds ratio = 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.31‐0.85). Frequency of moderate/severe symptoms or medication side effects in nonadherent participants ranged from 3.6% to 30%. On univariate analysis, nausea, anxiety, confusion, vision problems, anorexia, insomnia, taste perversion, and abnormal fat distribution were significantly associated with nonadherence. Nonadherent persons had a higher mean overall symptom score (12.3 ± 9.2 versus 8.1 ± 6.6; p < .001) and mean medication side effect score (2.9 ± 2.7 versus 1.9 ± 1.9; p < .001) when compared with adherent participants. In the multivariate analysis, nausea (p = .003); anxiety (p = .006); younger age (p = .007); unemployment (p < .001); not recalling name, color, and timing of drugs (p = .009); running out of pills between visits (p = .002); and being too busy (p = .03) were independently associated with nonadherence in the last 3 days. Conclusions: In addition to patient characteristics, medication‐related variables, and reasons for nonadherence, patient‐reported symptoms and medication side effects were significantly associated with adherence to HAART.
Quantitative analysis of influence of sevoflurane on the reactivity of microglial cells in the course of the experimental model of intracerebral haemorrhage

Backgrounds: Microglial cells play an important role in the pathophysiology of intracerebral haemorrhage. We have examined the possible influence of sevoflurane on the reactivity of microglial cells during intracranial haemorrhage. Methods: Forty adult male rats were divided into two groups. All animals were anaesthetized with fentanyl, dehydrobenzperidol and midazolam. In the experimental group animals additionally received sevoflurane 2.2 vol% end‐tidal concentration. Intracranial haemorrhage was produced through infusion of blood into the striatum. The microglial cell population (numerical density of immunoreactive cells and their distribution) was assessed on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 after producing a haematoma using antibodies OX42 and OX6. Results: In the control group significant differences in the density of OX42‐ir cells between 3rd and 7th (81.86 vs. 129.99) (95% CI: −77.99 to −18.25, P = 0.0035) and between 14th and 21st (105.36 vs. 63.81) (95% CI: 13.21 to 69.89, P = 0.006) survival days were observed. However, significant increase of percentage of amoeboid OX42‐ir cells between 3rd and 7th (0.98 vs. 48.71) (95% CI: −52.17 to −43.30, P = 0.0001) and between 7th and 14th (48.71 vs. 58.47) (95% CI: −13.96 to −5.55, P = 0.0002) and then their decrease – between 14th and 21st (58.47 vs. 31.74) (95% CI: 22.52 to 30.93, P = 0.0001) days of observation were noted. In the sevoflurane groups OX42‐ir cells were not found. On the 3rd day the density of OX6‐ir cells in the sevoflurane group was significantly lower than that in the control group (12.39 vs. 34.57) (95% CI: −49.78 to −2.96, P = 0.02). The percentage of an amoeboid form of OX6‐ir cells was significantly lower in the sevoflurane group than that in the control group (27.31 vs. 82.03) (95% CI: −72.52 to −36.92, P = 0.0001) (58.76 vs. 82.37) (95% CI: −38.81 to −8.41, P = 0.003) (42.87 vs. 81.55) (95% CI: −53.23 to −24.10, P = 0.0001) respectively for 3rd, 7th and 14th days of survival. Conclusion: Administration of sevoflurane during anaesthesia in animals with intracerebral haemorrhage evoked a decrease of activation of the microglial cells.
FATORES DETERMINANTES PARA A ELABORAÇÃO DE ESTRATÉGIAS COM VISTAS À ACEITAÇÃO E USO DA REALIDADE AUMENTADA EM CENÁRIOS DE NEGÓCIO

Apesar de crescente, a utilizacao da Realidade Aumentada ainda requer estudos para confirmar seus beneficios e dificuldades, principalmente para a elaboracao de estrategias quando aplicada a cenarios de negocios. Nesse sentido, o artigo apresenta um estudo baseado na aplicacao da Teoria Unificada de Aceitacao e Uso da Tecnologia para identificar os principais itens relacionados com a aceitacao e o uso da Realidade Aumentada no contexto do Marketing. A pesquisa envolveu a aplicacao de um questionario adaptado da Teoria Unificada para 88 participantes. Na analise dos dados foram utilizadas tecnicas multivariadas de analise fatorial, teste de Scree e rotacao do tipo Varimax para interpretacao dos resultados. As respostas apontaram que os itens fundamentais para a aceitacao e uso da Realidade Aumentada foram a Intencao Comportamental e a Expectativa de Esforco. O trabalho tem como limitacoes os poucos estudos na area da Realidade Aumentada em cenarios de negocios, o que ao mesmo tempo ressalta sua singularidade, e ao escopo da amostra alcancada. Porem, apesar das limitacoes, este artigo tem importância por analisar uma tecnologia emergente e promissora para cenarios de negocios, e contribui, a partir dos resultados encontrados, com o destaque de potenciais fatores para que as empresas alcancem sucesso no desenvolvimento de acoes baseadas em Realidade Aumentada.
Interactions of Linezolid with Two Major Serum Proteins , Human Serum Albumin and Alpha-1 Acid Glycoprotein

Linezolid (LZD) is an oxazolidinone antibiotic agent that acts against gram-positive bacteria. It was recently reported that LZD can induce severe hematologic toxicity, which is thought to result in high LZD concentrations in plasma. Although many factors can affect the disposition of drugs, the binding of drug to plasma proteins, such as albumin and alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), is one of the most important factors due to the competitive displacement of drugs from proteins. However, little is known about the interactions of LZD with these proteins. The aim of this study was to elucidate the binding characteristics of LZD to human serum albumin (HSA) and AGP, including binding parameters and the binding site. Based on the results of fluorescence studies and ultrafiltration experiments, it appears that LZD binds to both HSA and AGP, but the affinity of LZD for both proteins was low. Competitive protein binding analyses using an ultrafilitration method clearly indicated that LZD binds to the digitoxin binding site on HSA and the basic and/or hydrophobic drug binding site on AGP. These detailed analyses of LZD-HSA or LZD-AGP interactions provide valuable information in terms of understanding the pharmacokinetics properties of LZD in clinical settings.
Aging without Medicare? Evidence from New York City

Medicare and Social Security often are assumed to provide universal coverage for the population age 65 and older. Evidence from New York City raises doubts. Data from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of the Census provide evidence that 16% to 20% of New York City residents age 65 and older lack such coverage. Noncoverage is not unique to this city, but it may be particularly common there. Noncoverage is pronounced in, but not limited to, certain immigrant groups. Because the population share covered by Medicare increases with age and most hospitalizations not covered by Medicare are paid by Medicaid, Medicaid gradually may be replacing Medicare as the payer for hospitalizations for a substantial share of the 65+ population in New York City.
Cerebro-Ocular Dysplasia and Muscular Dystrophy: Report of Two Cases

The authors report two cases with severe cerebro-ocular malformations and muscular dystrophy who died at 14 and 8 months of age. In both, muscular dystrophy was confirmed by EMG and high muscle enzyme values. In one case, autopsy showed severe cerebral malformation consisting of lissencephaly, hydrocephalus, agenesis of corpus callosum, chiasma and olfactory bulb and lobe, absence of pyramides and cerebellar vermis. In sections of cerebral cortex a clear absence of structural cellular organization and spongiosis of the white matter were evident. Similar disorganization was found in the cerebellum where numerous calcifications were present. The muscle showed signs of primitive muscular dystrophy. The clinical autonomy of the cerebro-ocular-dysplasia-muscular-dystrophy syndrome is discussed. The clinical and pathological data are compared with the two other similar syndromes (i.e. Fukuyama's and Warburg's diseases).
Classificação de estágios de sono através da aplicação de DWT sobre um único canal de EEG

Este trabalho apresenta uma nova metodologia de apoio a decisao para a classificacao de estagios de sono. No metodo proposto, uma transformada wavelet discreta (DWT) e aplicada a um unico canal de eletroencefalograma (EEG) e sao extraidas, dos coeficientes da DWT, caracteristicas estatisticas de ritmos cerebrais relacionados ao sono que, posteriormente, alimentam um classificador. Diversos algoritmos para classificacao, incluindo florestas aleatorias, sao avaliados em um conjunto de mais de 100.000 instâncias disponiveis em uma base de dados publica. Obtem-se acuracias superiores a 90% e coeficientes kappa maiores que 0.8 para as classificacoes de 2 a 6 estados de estagios de sono. O resultados obtidos sao comparaveis aos de trabalhos no estado da arte.
Cell Wall Hemicellulose Contributes Significantly to Aluminum Adsorption and Root Growth in Arabidopsis1[OA]

The cell wall (CW) has been recognized as the major target of aluminum (Al) toxicity. However, the components responsible for Al accumulation and the mechanisms of Al-induced CW function disruption are still elusive. The contribution of different CW components (pectin, hemicellulose 1 [HC1], and HC2) to adsorb Al and the effect of Al on xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolyase activity were investigated in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) in this study. A fractionation procedure was optimized to effectively extract different CW components, especially to prevent the HC fraction from pectin contamination. When CW materials extracted from Al-treated roots (50 μm Al for 24 h) were fractionated, about 75% of CW Al accumulated in the HC1 fraction. A time-dependent kinetic study showed that only when the HC1 fraction was removed was the amount of Al adsorbed decreased sharply. In vivo localization of xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) activity showed that Al greatly inhibited this enzyme activity within 30 min of exposure, which was concomitant with Al-induced callose deposition in roots. Results from real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that three genes may constitute the major contributors to XET activity and that the inhibition of XET activity by Al is caused by transcriptional regulation. These results, to our knowledge for the first time, demonstrate that HC is the major pool for Al accumulation. Furthermore, Al-induced reduction in XET activity could play an important role in Al-induced root growth inhibition.
Examining Head Injury: The Efficiency and Longevity of a Modern Lacrosse Helmet

Plastic-shelled helmets have drastically reduced the amount of “serious” injuries in contact sports. Researchers argue over the efficacy of helmets’ ability to prevent mild traumatic brain injury. In this experiment, three different head models were compared: a skull model representing a control, a used helmet, and a brand-new helmet. Null hypotheses were formulated that the head models would display no difference in their performance when measuring linear acceleration, resultant acceleration, and length of time that energy causes the brain to reverberate. The null hypothesis was rejected at most locations because there was determined to be a significant protection from impact in both helmet models over the skull model. A null hypothesis was formed that there would be no difference in the head models’ performances over time. The brand new helmet was predicted to decrease in performance, but both the used helmet and skull control were predicted to maintain their efficiency. The null hypothesis was rejected, and two of the alternate hypotheses were rejected as well. In each head model, a significant decline in performance was observed over time.