Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interaction of Protein S with the Phospholipid Surface Is Essential for the Activated Protein C-independent Activity of Protein S

Summary Protein S is a vitamin-K dependent glycoprotein involved in the regulation of the anticoagulant activity of activated protein C (APC). Recent data showed a direct anticoagulant role of protein S independent of APC, as demonstrated by the inhibition of prothrombinase and tenase activity both in plasma and in purified systems. This anticoagulant effect of protein S can be explained either by a direct interaction of protein S with one of the components of the complexes and/or by the interference with the binding of these components to phospholipid surfaces. During our investigation we noted that protein S preparations purified in different ways and derived from different sources, expressed discrepant APC cofactor and direct anticoagulant activity. In order to elucidate these differences and to study the mechanism of the APC-inde-pendent activity of protein S, we compared the protein S preparations in phospholipid-binding properties and anticoagulant activity. The dissociation constant for the binding of protein S to immobilized phospholipids ranged from 7 to 74 nM for the different protein S preparations. APC-independent inhibition of both prothrombinase and tenase activity performed on phospholipid vesicles and in plasma showed a strong correlation with the affinity for phospholipids. The APC-independent activity could be abolished by monoclonal antibodies that were either calcium-dependent and/or directed against epitopes in the Gla-region of protein S, suggesting that the protein S-phospholipid interaction is crucial for the APC-independent anticoagulant function of protein S. Protein S preparations with a low APC-independent activity expressed a high APC-cofactor activity suggesting that the affinity of protein S for phospholipids is of less importance in the expression of APC-cofactor activity of protein S. We conclude that high affinity interactions of protein S with the membrane surface are essential for the direct anticoagulant activity of protein S and we suggest that inhibition of the prothrombinase and the tenase complex by protein S is a consequence of the occupation of the phospholipid surface by protein S molecules.
The Identification of a Nonclassical Cadherin Expressed during B Cell Development and Its Interaction with Surrogate Light Chain*

A 130-kDa glycoprotein (p130) has been found to be associated with surrogate light chain on pro- and pre-B I cells. Using peptide sequences obtained from purified p130 we have cloned its gene. The gene encodes a typical cadherin type 1 membrane protein with six extracellular cadherin domains (one pseudo domain) but lacking the catenin-binding site in its cytoplasmic part. Even without this catenin-binding site, p130 mediates Ca2+-dependent homotypic adhesion of cells. The interaction of p130 with surrogate light chain is confirmed by co-transfection and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. The expression of p130 is biphasic during the B cell development. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometric analyses revealed that it is expressed on B220+c-Kit+ pro-B and pre-B-I cells as well as on B220+CD25−IgM+ immature and mature B cells but not on B220+CD25+pre-B-II cells. It is also expressed in fetal liver, at low levels in myeloid cells, and strongly in intestinal epithelial cells. In the spleen, p130-expressing cells are mainly localized in the marginal zone. We call this B lineage-, intestine-, liver- and leukocyte-expressed gene BILL-cadherin. The possible functions of BILL-cadherin in B cell development are discussed.
Visual evoked potentials in the investigation of “blindsight”

We recorded long-latency visual evoked potentials in four patients with homonymous hemianopias, one of whom had clinical evidence of “blindsight. ” Stimuli consisted of different words that appeared randomly and at a constant angle to either side of the center of a TV screen, and subjects responded to one previously specified word (the “target”) by finger extension. Target stimuli in the intact hemifield elicited a well-formed P3 response in all subjects, whereas stimuli in the blind field produced no such response except in the subject with blindsight. In addition, the earlier potentials in this subject were larger with stimulation of the blind hemifield than the intact field. By contrast, a P100 response was present only with stimulation of the intact field in this subject. These results indicate that cognitive processing of visual stimuli can occur even when subjective awareness of such stimuli is absent, and suggest that such processing occurs independently of the geniculostriate pathway.
Technique of micro-lens/microsphere imaging for simple easy and rapid real time in-situ biosensing

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com microspheres in the same field of view. In the other hand, when the RI of a micro-lens/microsphere is known, the micro-lenses/ microspheres can be used as sensors to measure the local refractive index anywhere in spatially inhomogeneous media or in living specimens. As the refractive index of a solution is a function of the solute concentration and temperature [5], microlenses/microspheres therefore can be used as sensors of local concentration or temperature measurement.
[Initial reactions of patients after a stroke: more than half undertake no action].

OBJECTIVE To gain insight into patient awareness of symptoms associated with a TIA or stroke and the speed at which medical help is sought. DESIGN Observational study. METHODS The study was conducted with patients admitted to our Stroke Care Unit after having experienced a TIA or stroke. A questionnaire was used to collect information on external factors such as the initial reaction of the patient, the presence of a bystander and knowledge about stroke. This questionnaire consisted of 18 closed questions and 2 open questions. RESULTS We included 105 patients who had experienced a TIA or an ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke. Mean age was 71.6 years. Overall, 54% of these patients had undertaken no action within an hour of their first symptoms. The main reasons for this were a lack of insight into the symptoms associated with stroke or the expectation that the symptoms would disappear (73%). It appeared that 35% of these patients were not able to name one or more symptoms associated with a stroke. CONCLUSION Patient knowledge of stroke and the awareness of the importance of urgent medical help are insufficient. These are important factors causing delay in rapid treatment with thrombolytics. National research is needed to explore whether our results are comparable to those in other regions of the Netherlands.
Methylmalonate impairs mitochondrial respiration supported by NADH‐linked substrates: Involvement of mitochondrial glutamate metabolism

The neurodegeneration that occurs in methylmalonic acidemia is proposed to be associated with impairment of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism resulting from methylmalonate (MMA) accumulation. The present study evaluated the effects of MMA on oxygen consumption by isolated rat brain mitochondria in the presence of NADH‐linked substrates (α‐ketoglutarate, citrate, isocitrate, glutamate, malate, and pyruvate). Respiration supported either by glutamate or glutamate plus malate was significantly inhibited by MMA (1–10 mM), whereas no inhibition was observed when a cocktail of NADH‐linked substrates was used. Measurements of glutamate transport revealed that the inhibitory effect of MMA on respiration maintained by this substrate is not due to inhibition of its mitochondrial uptake. In light of this result, the effect of MMA on the activity of relevant enzymes involved in mitochondrial glutamate metabolism was investigated. MMA had minor inhibitory effects on glutamate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase, whereas α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase was significantly inhibited by this metabolite (Ki = 3.65 mM). Moreover, measurements of α‐ketoglutarate transport and mitochondrial MMA accumulation indicated that MMA/α‐ketoglutarate exchange depletes mitochondria from this substrate, which may further contribute to the inhibition of glutamate‐sustained respiration. To study the effect of chronic in vivo MMA treatment on mitochondrial function, young rats were intraperitoneally injected with MMA. No significant difference was observed in respiration between isolated brain mitochondria from control and MMA‐treated rats, indicating that in vivo MMA treatment did not lead to permanent mitochondrial respiratory defects. Taken together, these findings indicate that the inhibitory effect of MMA on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism can be ascribed to concurrent inhibition of specific enzymes and lower availability of respiratory substrates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quasi-cyclic Regenerating Codes

In a distributed storage environment, where the data is placed in nodes connected through a network, it is likely that one of these nodes fails. It is known that the use of erasure coding improves the fault tolerance and minimize s the redundancy added in distributed storage environments.The use of regenerating codes [1] not only make the most of the erasure coding improvements, but also minimizes the amount of data needed to regenerate a failed node. In this paper, a new family of regenerating codes based on quasi-cyclic codes is presented. Quasi-cyclic minimum sto rage regenerating (quasi-cyclic MSR) codes are presented and th eir existence with high probability is proved. Regenerating co des with optimal bandwidth constructed from a base MSR code by using graphs are also provided. These codes not only achieve optimal MBR parameters in terms of stored data and bandwidth, but also for a specific choice of the parameters involved, the y can be decreased under the optimal MBR point. Quasi-cyclic regenerating codes are also very interestingbecause of their simplicity and low complexity. They allow a repairby-transfer in the optimal bandwidth case (no operations ar e needed) and a pseudo repair-by-transfer in the MSR case, whe r operations are needed only when the new node enters into the system replacing a lost one.
Deploying network management solutions in enterprises

Network managers today have major challenges in managing the complex enterprise network. Though there are several network management tools out there to ease the task of a network manager, these products have their own limitations in terms of user friendliness and knowledge required to use these tools and also deploying at the enterprise network level. This article analyzes the practical experience of deploying a network management tool in an enterprise and its alignment with business goals. It also examines the network managers' challenges in making use of this tool to meet their requirements as well as encouraging its operators to use this tool to manage the everyday tasks and to develop a solution framework. This framework has been validated by applying in a case study. The benefits obtained from this case study have been found to be encouraging and they can be used in other similar enterprise network management deployments.
Patterns of Medicine Use in a General Population (0–80 years). The Influence of Age, Gender, Diseases and Place of Residence on Drug Use in Norway

Data from the Norwegian Health Survey, a national cross‐sectional study, were collected through interviews with a randomly drawn sample of members of private households, including 5454 women and 5122 men (0–80+ years) in 1985. The response rate was 78.7%. They were interviewed at home and asked questions regarding health conditions and drug use in the preceding 14 days due to diseases, illnesses or injuries. Drug use decreased with age in childhood, but the overall age trend showed an increase with age. The gender differences were observed through the childbearing years (15–49 years) and above 70 years of age. Higher medicine use in women compared with men was due to a higher frequency of diagnoses of diseases/illnesses/injuries and a higher medicine use among those women with a diagnosis. Higher medicine use among women due to women's reproductory role can only be a part of the explanation. The gender difference in medicine use was also distinct after the menopause. Use of both prescribed and non‐prescribed medicines was sporadic, and self‐medication decreased in both sexes when obtaining medicines from the doctor. The regional variations in self‐reported medicine use were mainly due to variation in the frequency of self‐reported diseases/illnesses/injuries. © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel Low-Profile Hepta-Band Handset Antenna Using Modes Controlling Method

It is a challenging and tough task to achieve and tune multiple frequencies for handset antennas in a small area. In this communication, we have proposed a novel modes controlling method to build and tune the handset antenna. By combining different modes of an open slot and different monopole branches, a hepta-band, covering GSM850, GSM900, DCS, PCS, UMTS, LTE2300, and LTE2500, handset antenna is achieved in a small area of 8 × 60 mm 2. The most essential merit of the proposed antenna is that the related modes can be added step by step, according to the operating bands. The modes for the lower and upper bands can be easily tuned and optimized. We have also built a prototype of the proposed antenna to validate the design strategy. The tested results include reflection coefficient, radiation patterns, efficiency and gain.
How does heat shock affect the life history traits of adults and progeny of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius avenae (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae)?

Abstract Because insects are ectotherms, their physiology, behaviour and fitness are influenced by the ambient temperature. Any changes in environmental temperatures may impact the fitness and life history traits of insects and, thus, affect population dynamics. Here, we experimentally tested the impact of heat shock on the fitness and life history traits of adults of the aphid parasitoid Aphidius avenae and on the later repercussions for their progeny. Our results show that short exposure (1 h) to an elevated temperature (36°C), which is frequently experienced by parasitoids during the summer, resulted in high mortality rates in a parasitoid population and strongly affected the fitness of survivors by drastically reducing reproductive output and triggering a sex-dependent effect on lifespan. Heat stress resulted in greater longevity in surviving females and in shorter longevity in surviving males in comparison with untreated individuals. Viability and the developmental rates of progeny were also affected in a sex-dependent manner. These results underline the ecological importance of the thermal stress response of parasitoid species, not only for survival, but also for maintaining reproductive activities.
Unequal PWM control for a current-fed dc-dc converter for battery application

An unequal pulse-width modulation (PWM) is proposed for the current-fed dual-active bridge (DAB) bidirectional DC-DC converter for battery charging/discharging applications when the battery voltage is wide. The difference of the effective duty cycles between the two sides is constant in spite of the battery voltage and the transferred power. With the proposed control, zero-voltage switching (ZVS) can be achieved for all switches within wide load range with low circulation loss. The converter with the proposed control has lower current ripples, circulation loss and peak current. The typical working mode is given. The system parameter optimal design including the fixed time delta and dead time is illustrated taking account into the magnetizing current of the high frequency transformer. The effectiveness of the proposed control is verified by the experimental results of a 1kW prototype.
African‐American Mothers' Perception of Their Residential Environment, Stressful Life Events, and Very Low Birthweight

We performed a hospital-based case-control study of African-American mothers to explore the relation between a mother's perception of her own residential environment and very low birthweight. We administered a structured questionnaire to mothers of very-low-birthweight (< 1,500 gm; N = 28) and critically ill non-low-birthweight (>2,500 gm; N = 52) in fants. The groups had similar sociodemographic characteristics. The vast majority of participants were unmarried and had no private medical insurance. The odds ratios of very low birth-weight fluctuated between 1.7 and 3.2 for African-American mothers who rated their neighborhoods (in terms of police protection, protection of property, personal safety, friendliness, delivery of municipal services, cleanliness, quietness, and schools) unfavorably. Additionally, the odds ratio of very low birthweight for mothers exposed to three or more stressful life events during pregnancy was 3.1 (95% confidence interval = 1.2–8.2). We conclude that African-American mothers' perception of their residential environment and frequency of stressful life events are associated with very low birthweight in their infants. (Epidemiology 1998;9:286–289)
An Alternative Surgical Procedure for the Management of Keratoglobus

Purpose: To describe an alternative surgical technique in stabilizing peripheral corneal thinning in keratoglobus corneas with severe ectasia. Methods: A 27-year-old man with keratoglobus and severe corneal ectasia in his remaining functional eye was managed by surgically placing an allograft corneoscleral ring around the limbus to support the mid-peripheral thinned cornea. Nylon 10-0 interrupted sutures were used only at the limbus. The allograft corneoscleral ring had an outer diameter of 14.5 mm and an inner opening of 7.0 mm. Conjunctiva was draped over and sutured to the donor corneoscleral ring graft. Results: Cornea and vision are stable at 18 months' follow-up. Conclusions: The peripheral suturing of a corneoscleral ring graft over the periphery of the cornea maybe an acceptable technique for providing tectonic tissue support and stabilizing eyes with keratoglobus.
AFM-based nano-telemanipulation for indenting on a human chromosome using sliding mode impedance-based controller for the slave

In this article, the goal is to design an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) based nano-telemanipulation system for indenting on a human chromosome. The existence of unmodeled/uncertain parameters in robot dynamics weakens the stability robustness and performance of the system, therefore by designing an impedance-based sliding mode controller on the slave side, the master-slave position coordination despite the presence of uncertainties is made possible and with the design of an impedance controller on the master side, the reflection of environment force on the operator is accomplished. The stability of the system is analyzed by deriving the teleoperator hybrid matrix. The simulations carried out in the Matlab/Simulink environment confirm that the desired objectives are fulfilled.
The effects of oxidative DNA damage and mutations in the p53 protein on cells of the colonic mucosa with and without the fecal stream: an experimental study in rats

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of oxidative DNA damage and p53 mutations in an experimental model of diversion colitis. Material and methods. Sixty rats were divided into three groups with 20 animals in accordance with the sacrifice was carried out 6, 12 and 18 weeks. For each group, 15 animals were subjected to diversion of the fecal stream through colostomy in the left proximal colon and distal mucous fistula (experimental group), and five to a laparotomy without deviation of the fecal stream (control group). The presence of colitis was evaluated by inflammatory grading scale. Mutations in the p53 protein were evaluated by immunohistochemistry with primary antibody with cross-reactivity for rats. The oxidative DNA damage was measured using the comet assay. To statistical analysis were used the Student's t, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test adopting a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Results. Colon segments without fecal stream showed greater degree of inflammation when compared to animals with preserved fecal stream (p = 0.01). The levels of oxidative stress were significantly higher in segments without fecal stream (p < 0.0001) and increased with the time of fecal diversion (p = 0.007). The levels of oxidative DNA damage are directly related to tissue degree of inflammation. There were no mutations in the p53 protein in the segments without fecal stream regardless of time of exclusion considered. Conclusion. Despite higher levels of oxidative damage to nuclear DNA on segments without fecal stream that developed colitis mutations in the p53 protein were not detected.
Metabolic pathways of WR-2721 (ethyol, amifostine) in the BALB/c mouse.

This study investigated the metabolism of the radio- and chemoprotector compound, WR-2721 [amifostine; s-2-(3- aminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioate], in the Balb/c mouse. The latter was selected for these studies because considerable radiation protection data have been published for this mouse strain using the WR-2721 dose, route of administration, and optimal time for protection following intraperitoneal injection used herein. It is known that protection requires conversion of the parent drug to its free thiol metabolite, WR-1065, in cultured cells. Because it is possible that metabolites of WR-1065 could be involved in protection and because thiols are metabolically very reactive molecules, we investigated the metabolism of WR-2721 using electrochemical detection-HPLC methods. The following are the major findings in this study: 1) WR-2721 drug was rapidly cleared from the bloodstream. Blood concentration of the parent drug decreased 10-fold 30 min after administration from the maximal observed value at 5 min 2) WR-1065 rapidly appeared in the perchloric acid (PCA)-soluble fraction of normal solid tissues. The highest WR-1065 concentrations in liver and kidney were 965 and 2195 mumol/kg, respectively, 10 min after parent drug administration, whereas for heart and small intestine the highest values were 739 and 410 mumol/kg at 30 min. 3) WR-1065 accumulated in the PCA-soluble fraction of two experimental tumors at a lower rate than for the other tissues. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)