Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MELATONIN CIRCADIAN RHYTHM IN THE RETINA OF MAMMALS

Melatonin has been traditionally considered to be derived principally from the pineal gland. However, several investigations have now demonstrated that melatonin synthesis occurs also in the retina (and in other organs as well) of several vertebrate classes, including mammals. As in the pineal, melatonin synthesis in the retina is elevated at night and reduced during the day. Since melatonin receptors are present in the retina and retinal melatonin does not contribute to the circulating levels, retinal melatonin probably acts locally as a neuromodulator. Melatonin synthesis in the retinas of mammals is under control of a circadian oscillator located within the retina itself, and circadian rhythms in melatonin synthesis and/or release have been described for several species of rodents. These rhythms are present in vivo, persist in vitro, are entrained by light, and are temperature compensated. The recent cloning of the gene responsible for the synthesis of the enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (the only enzyme unique to the melatonin synthetic pathway) will facilitate localizing the cellular site of melatonin synthesis in the retina and investigating the molecular mechanism responsible for the generation of retinal melatonin rhythmicity. Melatonin has been implicated in many retinal functions, and the levels of melatonin and dopamine appear to regulate several aspects of retinal physiology that relate to light and dark adaptation. In conclusion, it seems that retinal melatonin is involved in several functions, but its precise role is yet to be understood. (Chronobiology International, 17(5), 599–612, 2000)
MDM2-Dependent Inhibition of p53 Is Required for Epstein-Barr Virus B-Cell Growth Transformation and Infected-Cell Survival

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) growth transformation of primary B lymphocytes into indefinitely proliferating lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) depends on the concerted activities of a subset of viral proteins expressed during latency. EBV drives quiescent B cells into S phase, and consequently, a host response is activated that includes expression of p53 and its target genes. Since LCLs retain wild-type p53, it was of interest to determine what contribution the p53 pathway may have in controlling established LCL growth and EBV-mediated transformation of primary B cells. We found that liberation of p53 through chemical antagonism of one of its major ubiquitin ligases, MDM2, using the small-molecule Nutlin-3 led to apoptosis of established LCLs and suppressed EBV-mediated transformation of primary B cells. The activation of latent p53 induced target genes associated with apoptosis. Furthermore, MDM2 antagonism synergized with NF-κB inhibition in killing LCLs. NF-κB was important to increase steady-state MDM2 protein levels rather than in affecting p53-dependent transcription, suggesting a unique mechanism by which LCLs survive in the presence of a primed p53 pathway. Nutlin sensitivity of EBV-infected cells provides a novel system for studying the pathways that dictate LCL survival and regulate EBV transformation. Finally, MDM2 antagonists may be considered for therapeutic intervention in EBV-associated malignancies expressing wild-type p53.
(VVOF)velocity vector-based opportunistic forwarding in vehicular sensor network

The further evaluation will be continued in ns-2.31. The simulation environment is set on a 1500*1500 meters area with car-following model is set to 25km/h. The radio model is 2.4 GHz for IEEE 802.11b. The simulation is compared with the Packet-Oriented Routing protocol (POR). In our novel opportunistic routing scheme using DTN technique, data is stored and forwarded to all the neighbors if between velocity vector and current-to-dest location vector is positive. The previous mathematical analysis indicates its better performance. The performance is expected like Fig. 3,[5]. Then more evaluation and analysis will be implemented.
Case control study of neuroblastoma in west-Germany after the Chernobyl accident.

BACKGROUND To explore possible causes of a 1988 incidence peak of infant neuroblastoma in west German regions which were contaminated with more than 6000 Bq/m2 Cs137 from the Chernobyl accident. The primary working hypothesis was that parents of the diseased children had been contaminated by an excessive intake of locally produced food, especially mushrooms or deer. DESIGN Case control study with 1:2 (cases:controls) matching. Data were collected from the children's parents by questionnaires and telephone interviews. SETTING Nation-wide study (former FRG) based on the German Childhood Cancer Registry. SUBJECTS Cases born in 1988 and reported with a neuroblastoma to the registry until March 1992. Population-based healthy controls, matched for age, sex and residence at time of diagnosis. RESULTS The working hypothesis could not be confirmed by the study, because the parents of cases tended to eat less locally grown food than the parents of controls (RR = 0.63, 95% CI:0.20-1.97). Possible influence factors which previously have been described to be associated with neuroblastoma incidence could not be confirmed by the study. Parental exposure to herbicides and pesticides was associated with the occurrence of neuroblastoma (RR = 4.2, 95% CI:1.4-12.9). Neuroblastoma stage distribution in the contaminated regions was shifted towards lower stages as compared to the less contaminated regions and previous age cohorts. CONCLUSIONS The study does not show additional evidence that the observed increase in neuroblastoma incidence might have been caused by exposure to fallout from the Chernobyl accident. The observed shift towards lower clinical stages may rather indicate increased diagnostic awareness. The association between neuroblastoma and parental exposure with herbicides and pesticides resulted from an extensive exploratory data analysis and needs to be confirmed in further studies.
Fine structure of the ventral lateral nucleus (VL) of the Macaca mulatta thalamus: Cell types and synaptology

Ultrastructure of the major cerebellar territory of the monkey thalamus, or VL as delineated in sagittal maps by Ilinsky and Kultas‐Ilinsky (J. Comp. Neurol.262:331–364, ′87), was analyzed by using neuroanatomical tracing, immunocytochemical, and quantitative morphometric techniques. The VL nucleus contains nerve cells of two types. Multipolar neurons (PN) retrogradely labeled with wheat germ agglutinin‐horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP) from the precentral gyrus display a tufted branching pattern of the proximal dendrites and have a range of soma areas from 200 to 1,000 μm2 (mean 535.2 μm2, SD = 159.5). Small glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) immunoreactive cells (LCN) exhibit sizes from 65 to 210 μm2 (mean 122.5 μm2, SD = 32.8) and remain unlabeled after cortical injections. The two cell types can be further distinguished by ultrastructural features. Unlike PN, LCN display little perikaryal cytoplasm, a small irregularly shaped nucleolus, and synaptic vesicles in proximal dendrites. The ratio of PN to LCN is 3:1. The LCN dendrites establish synaptic contacts on PN somata and all levels of dendritic arbor either singly or as a part of complex synaptic arrangements. They are also presynaptic to other LCN dendrites.
Theoretical Background on External Sustainability Assessments

This paper explains in detail the external sustainability assessment approach given by the stock-flow relationship between the net external positions, non-income current account plus net capital transfers, and real exchange rate. This approach consists of determining the non-income current account over GDP that would stabilize a benchmark net foreign asset (NFA) position over the medium term, and a "gap" by comparing the NFA-stabilizing non-income current account over GDP with the nonincome current account expected to prevail over the medium term. Additionally, the paper addresses the role of the returns differential in explaining the channels through which the external sustainability adjustment may occur (i. e., trade and financial channels).
A Squire Index Update

The measure of legislative professionalization I developed was first published a quarter century ago. Since then, updates have appeared periodically. In this note, I briefly document the measure’s usefulness in academic research and then calculate it for 2015. For reasons I detail, the updated measure is corrected for a misestimate of days in session for some states.
Analysis of a Series of Autologous Fat Tissue Transfer for Lower Limb Atrophies

Localized and circumferential atrophies of the lower extremities have been difficult to treat with few simple autologous solutions available. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of fat grafting in lower limb atrophies. There were 20 patients (17 females and 3 males) at an average age of 33 years. Twelve patients had localized and 8 patients circumferential atrophies of various etiologies: traumatic (60%), congenital (25%), and iatrogenic (15%). The average number of fat injections was 1.1 per patient (range 1–2) for localized atrophies and 2.2 per patient (range 1–3) for circumferential atrophies. The average follow-up period was 2 years. The average volume injected at each stage was 79 mL for localized atrophies and 137 mL for circumferential atrophies. In the cases of circumferential atrophies, an average augmentation of 1.9 cm (range 1–6 cm) of the limb perimeter per injection was achieved. The overall satisfaction of the patients was high. Autologous fat grafting is a reliable technique for lower limb atrophies.
The MLC1v gene provides a transgenic marker of myocardium formation within developing chambers of the Xenopus heart

Many details of cardiac chamber morphogenesis could be revealed if muscle fiber development could be visualized directly within the hearts of living vertebrate embryos. To achieve this end, we have used the active promoter of the MLC1v gene to drive expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the developing tadpole heart. By using a line of Xenopus laevis frogs transgenic for the MLC1v‐EGFP reporter, we have observed regionalized patterns of muscle formation within the ventricular chamber and maturation of the atrial chambers, from the onset of chamber formation through to the adult frog. In f1 generation MLC1v‐EGFP animals, promoter activity is first detected within the looping heart tube and delineates the forming ventricular chamber and proximal outflow tract throughout their development. The 8‐kb MLC1v promoter faithfully reproduces the embryonic expression of the endogenous MLC1v mRNA. At later larval stages, weak patches of EGFP fluorescence are found on the atrial side of the atrioventricular boundary. Subsequently, an extensive lattice of MLC1v‐expressing fibers extend across the mature atrial chambers of adult frog hearts and the transgene reveals the differing arrangement of muscle fibers in chamber versus outflow myocardium. The complete activity of the promoter resides within the proximal 4.5 kb of the MLC1v DNA fragment, whereas key elements regulating chamber‐specific expression are present in the proximal‐most 1.5 kb. Finally, we demonstrate how cardiac and craniofacial muscle expression of the MLC1v promoter can be used to diagnose mutant phenotypes in living embryos, using the injection of RNA encoding a Tbx1‐engrailed repressor–fusion protein as an example. Development Dynamics 232:1003–1012, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functional interplay between interleukin-1 receptor and elastin binding protein regulates fibronectin production in coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

We have previously shown that free galactosugars and N-acetylgalactosamine glycosaminoglycans, e.g., chondroitin sulfate (CS), release the 67-kDa elastin binding protein (EBP) from arterial smooth muscle cell (SMC) surfaces. This disrupts cell contact with elastin, impairs assembly of new elastic fibers, and increases fibronectin production, all of which promote SMC migration and intimal thickening. The present study uncovered a mechanism regulating fibronectin production in vascular myocytes related to a functional interplay between EBP and the interleukin-1 receptor type I. We showed that CS-induced shedding of the EBP or internalization of this receptor after saturation with elastin-derived peptides (kappa-elastin, kappa-El) stimulated fibronectin production in cultures of coronary artery SMC to a level observed with recombinant interleukin (IL)-1beta. Upregulation of fibronectin by CS or kappa-El was abolished by a soluble IL-1 receptor antagonist, and synergistic stimulation of fibronectin production occurred when CS or kappa-El was added with IL-1beta. Immunohistochemistry showed that EBP and IL-1 receptor type I codistributed on surfaces of unstimulated coronary artery SMC, while CS- and kappa-El-dependent removal of EBP from the cell surface increased binding of radiolabeled IL-1beta to CA SMC. We propose a unique interaction between both receptors in which unoccupied EBP interferes with IL-1beta binding. Conversely, increased accumulation of N-acetylgalactosamine glycosaminoglycans or elastin-derived peptides in the vascular wall may unmask IL-1 receptor type I and increase binding of the cytokine and consequent upregulation of fibronectin production.
Strigolactone signaling in root development and phosphate starvation

Strigolactones (SLs), have recently been recognized as phytohormone involve in orchestrating shoot and root architecture. In, roots SLs positively regulate root hair length and density, suppress lateral root formation and promote primary root meristem cell number. The biosynthesis and exudation of SLs increases under low phosphate level to regulate root responses. This hormonal response suggests an adaptation strategy of plant to optimize growth and development under nutrient limitations. However, little is known on signal-transduction pathways associated with SL activities. In this review, we outline the current knowledge on SL biology by describing their role in the regulation of root development. Also, we discuss the recent findings on the non-cell autonomous signaling of SLs, that involve PIN polarization, vesicle trafficking, changes in actin architecture and dynamic in response to phosphate starvation.
Expanding Options for Developing Outcome Measures From Momentary Assessment Data

Objective We propose several different patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from momentary, real-time collection of symptom data. In addition to the mean of momentary reports of symptoms, other types of summaries can reflect different aspects of the symptom experience. Methods With secondary analyses of two studies of patients with chronic pain assessed with real-time methods, we demonstrate principles for developing outcomes that summarize symptom experience during a 1-week period. These studies focused on pain intensity, which is used to demonstrate methods for creating summary momentary measures. Results Analyses from the first study (Pain 2008;139:146–57) yielded outcome measures based on the mean, median, 90th percentile, maximum, standard deviation, proportion of reports with no pain, proportion of reports with pain more than 50 (on a 0- to 100-point scale), and time-contingent measures. The second study examined the performance of these measures (and the mean) in a longitudinal study, in which some patients changed treatment (n = 78), making pain reduction likely, whereas others had no treatment change (n = 27). The measure that best discriminated the groups was the proportion of momentary reports without pain (effect size = 0.50), closely followed by the mean of all reports (effect size = 0.45). Most measures also correlated with patients’ global impression of their change (between 0.39 and 0.55, except for standard deviation [0.13]). Conclusions These analyses suggest that momentary symptom data can be useful for developing new PROs that reflect symptom experience other than the mean. They highlight knowledge gleaned from real-time studies, which deepens our understanding of symptoms by demonstrating which changes in symptoms are associated with overall perceived change. Abbreviations PROs = patient-reported outcomes GIC = Global Impression of Change
Production of keto-disaccharides from aldo-disaccharides in subcritical aqueous ethanol

Isomerization of disaccharides (maltose, isomaltose, cellobiose, lactose, melibiose, palatinose, sucrose, and trehalose) was investigated in subcritical aqueous ethanol. A marked increase in the isomerization of aldo-disaccharides to keto-disaccharides was noted and their hydrolytic reactions were suppressed with increasing ethanol concentration. Under any study condition, the maximum yield of keto-disaccharides produced from aldo-disaccharides linked by β-glycosidic bond was higher than that produced from aldo-disaccharides linked by α-glycosidic bond. Palatinose, a keto-disaccharide, mainly underwent decomposition rather than isomerization in subcritical water and subcritical aqueous ethanol. No isomerization was noted for the non-reducing disaccharides trehalose and sucrose. The rate constant of maltose to maltulose isomerization almost doubled by changing solvent from subcritical water to 80 wt% aqueous ethanol at 220 °C. Increased maltose monohydrate concentration in feed decreased the conversion of maltose and the maximum yield of maltulose, but increased the productivity of maltulose. The maximum productivity of maltulose was ca. 41 g/(h kg-solution). Graphical abstract Promoted production of keto-disaccharides from aldo-disaccharides in subcritical aqueous ethanol.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Particles Pseudotyped with Envelope Proteins That Fuse at Low pH No Longer Require Nef for Optimal Infectivity

ABSTRACT We have investigated the effects of Nef on infectivity in the context of various viral envelope proteins. These experiments were performed with a minimal vector system where Nef is the only accessory protein present. Our results support the hypothesis that the route of entry influences the ability of Nef to enhance human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectivity. We show that HIV particles pseudotyped with Ebola virus glycoprotein or vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G), which fuse at low pH, do not require Nef for optimal infectivity. In contrast, Nef significantly enhances the infectivity of virus particles that contain envelope proteins that fuse at neutral pH (CCR5-dependent HIV Env, CXCR4-dependent HIV Env, or amphotropic murine leukemia virus Env). In addition, our results demonstrate that virus particles containing mixed CXCR4-dependent HIV and VSV-G envelope proteins show a conditional requirement for Nef for optimal infectivity, depending on which protein is allowed to facilitate entry.
Fast error detection through efficient use of hardwired resources in FPGAs

Providing high reliability for FPGAs is a demanding task, as such devices may be subject to faults in the configuration bitstream, altering the specified function. Traditional modular redundancy remains the most used technique, due to its high fault coverage and low performance overhead. When high availability and strict real-time deadlines must be considered, however, a short mean time to repair also becomes crucial. The use of fine-grained modules can accelerate error detection, fault diagnosis and bitstream correction, but with increased area costs. In this work, we propose the use of hardwired resources found in state-of-the-art FPGAs to provide fast and area efficient fine-grained error detection. Experimental results show an average speed up in error detection of 7.68 times with only 3.2% more area overhead, when compared to coarse-grained modular redundancy.
Financial Sector and Economic Growth in Malaysia:Sectoral Shock Analysis

Findings from the generalized impulse response functions (IRFs) reveal that innovations in the stock market, real estate market and banking sector have significant impacts on economic growth. Further analysis on the variance decompositions (VDC) confirms that variance in economic growth is explained most by innovation in the stock market and the real estate market. This finding suggests that the banking sector is not the major source of output variability.
[Multivariate study of risk factors for arterial hypotension in pregnant patients at term undergoing Caesarean section under subarachnoid anesthesia].

OBJECTIVES The most common and potentially dangerous complication of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is arterial hypotension. The aim of this study was to analyze maternal and gestational factors that might affect risk of arterial hypotension in full-term parturients undergoing cesarean section. MATERIAL AND METHOD We enrolled full-term parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Spinal puncture was performed at L2-L3 using an atraumatic Sprotte-type needle. We administered 12.5 mg of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine and 12.5 micrograms of fentanyl. Arterial hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic pressure of at least 20% or a decrease to a pressure below 100 mmHg. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors related to the presentation of hypotension appearing in the interval between spinal puncture and birth. RESULTS The incidence of arterial hypotension was 33.3%. Statistical analysis revealed that integrity of the amniotic sac, parity and elective cesarean were significantly associated with a higher incidence of arterial hypotension (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Identifying risk for multiparous parturients with intact amniotic sacs scheduled for elective cesarean can be worthwhile if greater preventive measures are taken in such patients to reduce the incidence and intensity of arterial hypotension.
Comparison of high-efficiency and standard haemodialysis providing equal urea clearances by partial and total dialysate quantification.

BACKGROUND Short-duration high-efficiency haemodialysis has been utilized increasingly in recent years to deliver adequate blood urea clearances per dialysis session. However, high-efficiency and standard-duration haemodialysis schedules, which achieve equal patient urea clearances, may not represent equivalent dialytic therapy due to solute differences in intercompartmental dysequilibrium during dialysis and differences in dialysis mechanics. METHODS To circumvent the effects of intercompartmental dysequilibrium and postdialysis rebound solute clearances were measured by direct dialysis quantification (total and partial dialysate collections) rather than blood clearances. High-efficiency haemodialysis (dialyser blood flow rate = 400 ml/min; dialysis time = 170.67 min) was compared with standard haemodialysis (dialyser blood flow rate = 200 ml/min; dialysis time = 240 min) performed in random order in six anuric patients using Fresenius F8 dialysers and the same haemodialysis machine. Such haemodialysis schedules were prescribed to provide equivalent urea clearances. RESULTS Patient plasma water urea clearances measured by direct dialysis quantification were equivalent, whereas high efficiency haemodialysis achieved significantly lower phosphate clearances (P = 0.01), less net bicarbonate absorption (P = 0.01), and lower beta 2 microglobulin removal (P < 0.001) than standard haemodialysis. Estimated total dialysate effluent volumes with partial dialysate collection and total dialysate collection correlated closely (r = 0.95) and there were no differences between patient urea, creatinine and phosphate clearances measured by partial and total dialysate quantification. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that even if high-efficiency and standard haemodialysis provide equal whole-body urea clearances, delivered dialysis therapy is not equivalent. The partial dialysate collection method is as accurate as the cumbersome total dialysate collection approach and may be applied to assess delivered dialysis dose by minor modification of current haemodialysis machines.