Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated regulatory responses of fimB to N-acetylneuraminic (sialic) acid and GlcNAc in Escherichia coli K-12.

Bacterial-host attachment by means of bacterial adhesins is a key step in host colonization. Phase variation (reversible on-off switching) of the type 1 fimbrial adhesin of Escherichia coli involves a DNA inversion catalyzed by FimB (switching in either direction) or FimE (mainly on-to-off switching). fimB is separated from the divergent yjhATS operon by a large (1.4 kbp) intergenic region. Short ( approximately 28 bp) cis-active elements (regions 1 and 2) close to yjhA stimulate fimB expression and are required for sialic acid (Neu(5)Ac) sensitivity of its expression [El-Labany, S. , Sohanpal, B. K. , Lahooti, M. , Akerman, R. & Blomfield, I. C. (2003) Mol. Microbiol. 49, 1109-1118]. Here, we show that whereas NanR, a sialic acid-response regulator, binds to region 1, NagC, a GlcNAc-6P-responsive protein, binds to region 2 instead. The NanR- and NagC-binding sites lie adjacent to deoxyadenosine methylase (Dam) methylation sites (5'-GATC) that are protected from modification, and the two regulators are shown to be required for methylation protection at regions 1 and 2, respectively. Mutations in nanR and nagC diminish fimB expression, and both fimB expression and FimB recombination are inhibited by GlcNAc (3- and >35-fold, respectively). Sialic acid catabolism generates GlcNAc-6-P, and whereas GlcNAc disrupts methylation protection by NagC alone, Neu(5)Ac inhibits the protection mediated by both NanR and NagC as expected. Type 1 fimbriae are proinflammatory, and host defenses enhance the release of both Neu(5)Ac and GlcNAc by a variety of mechanisms. Inhibition of type 1 fimbriation by these amino sugars may thus help balance the interaction between E. coli and its hosts.
Comparative organization and function of the major histocompatibility complex of domesticated cattle

Summary: This review focuses on recent advances in research on the bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA), with specific reference to the genetic organization, polymorphism and function of the class II genes. The BoLA region is unlike the MHC of humans and mice in that a large inversion has moved several class II genes, including the TAP/LMP cluster, close to the centromere of bovine chromosome 23. Therefore, dose linkage of MHC genes and other genes associated with the MHC in humans and mice does not appear to be required for normal immunological function. In cattle, polymorphism in the class IIa genes influences both the magnitude and the epitope specificity of antigen‐specific T‐cell responses to foot‐and‐mouth disease virus peptides. Disease association studies have demonstrated that BoLA alleles affect the subclinical progression of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection. This association is strongly correlated with the presence of specific amino acid motifs within the DRB3 antigen‐binding domain. In addition to the practical significance of these findings, the association between BoLA and BLV provides a unique model to study host resistance to retrovirus infection in a non‐inbred species. These studies contribute to our understanding of the evolution of the MHC in mammals, to the development of broadly effective vaccines, and to breeding strategies aimed at improving resistance to infectious diseases.
Sucrose Concentration at the Apoplastic Interface between Seed Coat and Cotyledons of Developing Soybean Seeds.

The apoplastic sucrose concentration at the interface between cotyledons and surrounding seed coats of developing soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr. cv Wye) was found by three indirect methods to be in the range of 150 to 200 millimolar. This is an order of magnitude higher than has been reported elsewhere for soybean. It was also higher than the overall sucrose concentrations in the cotyledons and seed coats, each of which was approximately 90 millimolar. By defoliating plants 24 hours before measurement, both the overall sucrose concentration in the cotyledons and the interfacial apoplastic sucrose concentration were reduced by three-fourths. However, there was no day/night difference in overall tissue sucrose concentration of cotyledons or seed coats from intact plants suggesting the existence of a homeostatic mechanism compensating for the diurnal photosynthetic cycle. About 7 hours were required for a tritiated polyethylene glycol-900 solution to fully permeate developing cotyledons (from approximately 220 milligram fresh weight embryos), implying high diffusion resistance through the tissue.These results indicate that a high interfacial sucrose concentration may exist in vivo. They suggest that the saturable carrier-mediated component of sucrose uptake may be of little physiological significance in the outermost cell layers of the cotyledons.
Nifedipine inhibits the hypoxia-induced decrease in plasma renin activity in conscious dogs.

Acute hypoxia induces a decrease in plasma renin activity (PRA), mediated, e.g., by an increase in adenosine concentration, calcium channel activity, or inhibition of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. The decrease in PRA results in a decrease in angiotensin II (AngII) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC). This study investigates whether these hypoxia-induced mechanisms can be inhibited by the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonist nifedipine. Eight conscious, chronically tracheotomized dogs received a low sodium diet (0.5 mmol Na x kg body wt(-1) x day(-1)). The dogs were studied twice in randomized order, either with nifedipine infusion (1.5 microg x kg body wt(-1) x min(-1), Nifedipine) or without (Control). The dogs were breathing spontaneously: first hour, normoxia [inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2)=0.21]; second and third hour hypoxia (FiO2=0.1). In Controls, PRA (6.8+/-0.8 vs. 3.0+/-0.5 ngAngI x ml(-1) x min(-1)), AngII (13.3+/-1.9 vs. 7.3+/-1.9 pg/ml), and PAC (316+/-50 vs. 69+/-12 pg/ml) decreased during hypoxia (P<0.05). In Nifedipine experiments, PRA (6.5+/-0.9 vs. 10.5+/-2.4 ngAngI x ml(-1) x min(-1)) and AngII (14+/-1.1 vs. 18+/-3.9 pg/ml) increased during hypoxia, whereas the decrease in PAC (292+/-81 vs. 153+/-41 pg/ml) was blunted (P<0.05). These results foster the idea that the hypoxia-induced decrease in PRA involves L-type calcium channel activity.
Age estimation in the Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu 1821) by bone density of the thoracic limb

The determination of age is an important step in defining the life history traits of individuals and populations. Age determination of odontocetes is mainly based on counting annual growth layer groups in the teeth. However, this useful method is always invasive, requiring the cutting of at least one tooth, and sometimes the results are difficult to interpret. Based on the concept that bone matrix is constantly deposited throughout life, we analysed the bone mineral density of the arm and forearm of a series of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu 1821) stranded along the Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea or maintained in confined waters. The bone mineral density values we obtained were evaluated as possible age predictors of the Mediterranean population of this species, considering age as determined by counting growth layer groups in sections of the teeth and the total body length of the animal as references. Comparisons between left and right flipper showed no difference. Our results show that bone mineral density values of the thoracic limb are indeed reliable age predictors in Tursiops truncatus. Further investigations in additional odontocete species are necessary to provide strong evidence of the reliability of bone mineral density as an indicator of growth and chronological wear and tear in toothed‐whales.
ROLE OF ALLELIC VARIANTS OF FK506‐BINDING PROTEIN 51 (FKBP5) GENE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety disorders exhibit remarkably high rates of comorbidity with major depressive disorder (MDD). Mood and anxiety disorders are considered stress‐related diseases. Genetic variations in the co‐chaperone FK506‐binding protein 51, FKBP5, which modulates the function of glucocorticoid receptors, have been associated with an increased risk for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder, but data regarding its role in MDD are controversial. The aims of this study were to clarify the role of the FKBP5 gene in depression and anxiety disorders through a case–control study and an association study with personality traits using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in healthy subjects.
Spatial effects of shifting prisms on properties of posterior parietal cortex neurons

The posterior parietal cortex contains multiple spatial representations and is involved in online monitoring of visually guided hand movements. Single unit recordings were performed in two areas of macaque monkey posterior parietal cortex during a visually guided reaching task with variable eye position. To test the adaptability of neural responses, shifting prisms were introduced to create a discrepancy between perceived and actual reach location. The majority of neurons changed average firing rate and/or eye position tuning during the prism exposure. The direction of tuning change did not correlate with the direction of prism shift, suggesting more generalized network effects due to the perturbation. Population analysis using Euler angles and translations demonstrated systematic transformations between conditions supporting the notion of network behaviour.
RADIATION DOSE OPTIMIZATION TECHNOLOGIES IN MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY : A REVIEW

Computed tomography (CT) is a well stablished imaging technique that is used worldwide for diagnosis and treatment planning. The purpose of this review is to describe the most notable technological advances in the last decade, with a special focus on their impact in CT dose optimization, that is, achieving the same diagnostic image quality at a reduced radiation dose. The review describes main components of a CT system such as x-ray tubes, detectors, shape filters and collimators; as well as the control of key variables such as the tube current and tube potential. In addition, technological advances in iterative reconstruction and specific applications such as cardiac CT, ultra-fast scanning with dual-source CT, and dual-energy CT, are also presented. While the some topics discussed in this review could be generalized to all modern CT scanners, many features are specific for CT systems manufactured by Siemens Healthcare and thus might not be available through other manufacturers. Keywords— Computed Tomography, radiation dose reduction, image quality, radiation dose optimization.
Reduced antioxidant level and increased oxidative damage in intact liver lobes during ischaemia-reperfusion.

AIM To determine whether increased blood flow of the liver can cause oxidative stress and hepatocyte damage, and to elaborate methods suitable for measuring the antioxidant defence during hepatic surgery on rat model. METHODS In nembutal narcosis, the left lateral and the medial lobes of the liver were clipped for 45 min to make the total blood supply flow through the other lobes. Total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dysmutase activity, as well as the concentrations of diene conjugates and free sulphydril groups, H-donating ability and reducing power of the liver samples were determined. Chemiluminescent intensity of the liver was also measured. Metal ions (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn) and P and S concentrations of the liver were determined with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer and Se content was measured by cathodic stripping voltammetry. RESULTS Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dysmutase activities of the liver decreased significantly in the hyperemia group compared to those observed in the sham operated group. The level of total antioxidant status was also significantly lower in the hyperemia group. H-donating ability, reducing power and free sulphydril group concentration showed the same tendency. A significant correlation (P<0.05) was found between the changes in non-specific antioxidant activities. This pointed to simultaneous activity of the antioxidant defence system. Al, Cu, Mn, Zn, and S were lower in the hyperemia group than in the sham operated group when the levels of Ca, Fe, Mg, Se and P ions were higher during hyperemia. CONCLUSION Oxidative stress is one of the main factors for the injury of intact liver lobes during ischaemia-reperfusion.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Patients with the Main Etiological Types of Mild Neurocognitive Disorders: A Hospital-Based Case–Control Study

Background The diagnostic construct of mild neurocognitive disorders (MNCDs) is substantially congruent with previously proposed criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MNCD/MCI is associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Previous studies have examined the prevalence of NPS in amnestic and non-amnestic MCI subtypes; however, no studies exist for etiological types of MNCD. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of NPS in patients with MNCD due to Alzheimer’s disease (MNCD-AD) and subcortical vascular MNCD (ScVMNCD) and to determine whether NPS would expand these MNCD phenotypes. Methods The sample comprised 70 patients with MNCD-AD, 70 patients with ScVMNCD, and 55 cognitively normal elderly persons (CNEP). The diagnosis of MNCD-AD was made according to DSM-5 criteria for possible MNCD-AD. ScVMNCD patients fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria of the probable vascular MNCD and the diagnostic criteria for subcortical vascular MCI according to Frisoni et al. (1). The prevalence of NPS was based on the neuropsychiatric inventory. The statistical analyses included parametric and non-parametric tests, multivariate regression, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results About 69.1% of CNEP, 97.1% of MNCD-AD, and 100% of ScVMNCD patients had one or more NPS. The prevalence of NPS in both MNCD groups was significantly higher than that in CNEP. The most prevalent NPS that had significant differential diagnostic value in separating MNCD-AD from ScVMNCD, as well as MNCD from CNEP, were anxiety (81.43%) and irritability (67.14%) in MNCD-AD and depression (81.43%) in ScVMNCD. In both MNCD groups, we observed significant (p < 0.05) correlations between all distinguishing NPS and the differential cognitive disturbances: the amnestic syndrome in MNCD-AD and executive dysfunction in ScVMNCD. Conclusion NPS occur in the majority of persons with MNCD-AD and ScVMNCD. Anxiety and irritability are the most prevalent NPS in MNCD-AD, as well as depression in ScVMNCD. The amnestic–anxious–irritable syndrome can be the main phenotype in MNCD-AD, on the other hand, the dysexecutive–depressive syndrome can be considered as the most prevalent clinical manifestation in ScVMNCD. Obtained data may be used for clinical differentiation of MNCD-AD and ScVMNCD patients.
Can Resistive-Type Fault Current Limiter Operate in Cryogen-Free Environment?

Superconducting fault current limiters are unique devices that offer fast response to fault without need of an external triggering system. Therefore, they are interesting for industrial use, although their price is high. The principle of the resistive fault current limiter is based on the steep current-voltage characteristic of superconductors. When the current rises over the critical one, voltage on the superconductor rises steeply, and this mechanism blocks the increase of the current. Simultaneous appearance of voltage and current during this limiting period of operation generates a substantial amount of heat that is dissipated in the superconducting wire causing a rapid increase of its temperature. In this contribution, we further develop the idea that, during a limiting period, there is only a small difference between cooling by liquid nitrogen and adiabatic conditions. Using this approach, one can think about a current limiter free from a liquid coolant using a cryocooler. In this contribution, we discuss main differences in cooling conditions and test the idea on a short sample of the high-temperature superconductor REBCO conductor. We compare the behavior of identical samples cooled to the same temperature by liquid nitrogen and conduction cooled. If the realization can be achieved, the huge benefit would be an FCL with a tunable triggering current via its operating temperature.
Effect of prolonged physical exercise on urinary proANP1-30 and proANP31-67

Abstract Dynamic exercise strongly affects atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP), in particular the mature bioactive αANP and the proANP fragments, namely proANP1–98, proANP1–30 and proANP31–67. The proANPs influence kidney functions and their plasma levels increase after physical exercise. We measured urinary proANP1–30 and proANP31–67 levels before and at the end of physical exercise in 28 well-trained male cyclists. For the first time, the proANP1–30 and proANP31–67 urinary levels in athletes before and at the end of a prolonged agonistic bicycle race were measured. Urinary creatinine and total proteins were also measured. The urinary proANP31–67, creatinine and total protein levels were significantly higher at the end of exercise than before. In contrast, proANP1–30/protein and proANP31–67/protein ratios decreased after exercise. Even proANP1–30/creatinine and proANP31–67/creatinine ratios were lower after exercise. A significant correlation between proANP1–30 and proANP31–67 urinary levels at the end of exercise was found. The proANP31–67/creatinine ratio before and after exercise also showed a significant correlation. The variation of urinary proANP fragments confirmed their possible role in physical exercise. In particular, it could be interpreted as a response of the body or kidney to renal impairment occurring during exercise.
Human Genetic Diversity and the Nonexistence of Biological Races

Sewall Wright's population structure statistic, FST, measured among samples of world populations is often 15% or less. This would indicate that 85% of genetic variation occurs within groups while only 15% can be attributed to allele frequency differences among groups. In this paper, we show that this low value reflects strong biases that result from violating hidden assumptions that define FST. These limitations on FST are demonstrated algebraically and in the context of analyzing dinucleotide repeat allele frequencies for a set of eight loci genotyped in eight human groups and in chimpanzees. In our analyses, estimates of FST fail to identify important variation. For example, when the analysis includes only humans, FST = 0.119, but adding the chimpanzees increases it only a little, FST = 0.183. By relaxing the underlying statistical assumptions, the results for chimpanzees become consistent with common knowledge, and we see a richer pattern of human genetic diversity. Some human groups are far more diverged than would be implied by standard computations of FST, while other groups are much less diverged. We discuss the relevance of these findings to the application of biological race concepts to humans. Four different race concepts are considered: typological, population, taxonomic, and lineage. Surprisingly, a great deal of genetic variation within groups is consistent with each of these concepts. However, none of the race concepts is compatible with the patterns of variation revealed by our analyses.
Les conséquences de l'actionnariat salarié en droit des sociétés par actions

Comment traduire juridiquement l’association de l’actionnaire et du salarie sur une meme tete, ces deux realites etant opposees par nature ? L’actionnaire salarie n’est pas un actionnaire ordinaire, son existence est le fruit de mecanismes financierement incitatifs visant a faire acquerir par les salaries des titres de leur entreprise On compte parmi ces mecanismes des rabais sur le prix des titres mais egalement la possibilite d’acquerir ces titres au moyen des sommes versees dans le cadre des mecanismes de l’epargne salariale. Ces derniers supposent de nombreux avantages fiscaux en contrepartie d’une conservation de longue duree des titres de l’entreprise. Le systeme mis en œuvre a t-il des lors des consequences sur les principes constitutifs du droit des societes, en particulier sur la notion d’associe et le principe d’egalite ? Les consequences de l’apparition de ce nouvel actionnaire semble en realite de faible ampleur puisque ces principes ne semblent pas fondamentalement modifies et apparaissent tout au plus amenages. L’etude du phenomene met en revanche en evidence l’idee selon laquelle les actionnaires salaries participent activement au financement de leur entreprise, en lui evitant le recours a l’emprunt, et favorisent une stabilite de leur capital. Par ailleurs, il est patent que l’attribution d’actions aux salaries permet de compenser le ralentissement de la croissance de leur salaire, ce qui est loin d’etre negligeable au moment ou le pouvoir d’achat semble en berne. Cependant, exercer son emploi dans l’entreprise dont on detient des titres peut sembler dangereux en l’absence de controle sur la gestion de la societe ; L’apparition de l’actionnariat salarie permet-il le controle de la gestion de la societe par ses salaries ? Bien que l’on puisse etre porte a le croire, une reponse negative s’impose puisque l’imprecision de nombreux textes permet la confiscation de leur pouvoir en pratique. Des ameliorations semblent donc souhaitables dans la mesure ou les actionnaires salaries sont des elements clefs de leur societe, ils permettent le developpement d’une veritable culture d’entreprise qui participe au gain de productivite
Decrease in somatostatin‐positive cell density in the amygdala of females with major depression

Somatostatin (SST) is a neuropeptide expressed in a subtype of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons that target the dendrites of pyramidal neurons. We previously reported reduced levels of SST gene and protein expression in the postmortem amygdala of subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD). This reduction was specific to female subjects with MDD.
Duration Time of a One-dimensional Random Walk as a Function of the Energies of the Intermediate States: Application for Dissociation and Relaxation Processes in DNA Hybrids

Abstract Kinetic parameters of macromolecular systems are important for their function in vitro and in vivo. These parameters describe how fast the system dissociates (the characteristic dissociation time), and how fast the system reaches equilibrium (characteristic relaxation time). For many macromolecular systems, the transitions within the systems are described as a random walk through a number of states with various free energies. The rate of transition between two given states within the system is characterized by the average time which passes between starting the movement from one state, and reaching the other state. This time is referred to as the mean first-passage time between two given states. The characteristic dissociation and relaxation times of the system depend on the first-passages times between the states within the system. Here, for a one-dimensional random walk we derived an equation, which connects the mean first-passage time between two states with the free energies of the states within the system. We also derived the general equation, which is not restricted to one-dimensional systems, connecting the relaxation time of the system with the first-passage times between states. The application of these equations to DNA branch migration, DNA structural transitions and other processes is discussed.
Comparison of the concentration‐dependent effect of sevoflurane on the spinal H‐reflex and the EEG in humans

Background: It has been shown that spinal reflexes such as the H‐reflex predict motor responses to painful stimuli better than cortical parameters derived from the EEG. The precise concentration‐dependence of H‐reflex suppression by anaesthetics, however, is not known. Here we investigated this concentration‐response relationship and the equilibration between the alveolar and the effect compartment for sevoflurane.